NGS-2011.9.30-10Q


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(X)  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from               to
Commission File Number 1-31398
 
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Colorado
 
75-2811855
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
508 W. Wall St., Ste 550
Midland, Texas 79701
(Address of principal executive offices)
(432) 262-2700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   x
 
No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Date File to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   x
 
No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
 (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o
 
No x
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at November 8, 2011
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
 
12,226,499



Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Part II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Page




PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
16,461

 
$
19,137

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $247 and $171, respectively
3,953

 
5,279

Inventory, net of allowance for obsolescence of $833 and $250, respectively
23,869

 
21,489

Prepaid income taxes
261

 
2,103

Prepaid expenses and other
429

 
330

Total current assets
44,973

 
48,338

Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $53,312 and $44,245, respectively
137,919

 
120,755

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,265 and $7,899, respectively
7,395

 
7,149

Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $325, both periods
10,039

 
10,039

Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $1,891 and $1,757, respectively
2,327

 
2,461

Other assets
27

 
27

Total assets
$
202,680

 
$
188,769

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Line of credit
$
1,917

 
$
2,000

Accounts payable
3,188

 
3,364

Accrued liabilities
2,610

 
2,151

Current income tax liability
74

 

Deferred income
2,317

 
389

Total current liabilities
10,106

 
7,904

Deferred income tax liability
33,710

 
29,746

Other long-term liabilities
528

 
528

Total liabilities
44,344

 
38,178

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding

 

Common stock 30,000 shares authorized, par value $0.01; 12,179 and 12,148 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
122

 
122

Additional paid-in capital
87,043

 
86,034

Retained earnings
71,171

 
64,435

Total stockholders' equity
158,336

 
150,591

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
202,680

 
$
188,769


See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed financial statements.


1



NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except earnings per share)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales, net
$
4,807

 
$
3,695

 
$
10,586

 
$
6,936

Rental income
12,672

 
10,326

 
35,153

 
30,103

Service and maintenance income
222

 
224

 
774

 
656

Total revenue
17,701

 
14,245

 
46,513

 
37,695

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation stated separately below
3,231

 
2,201

 
6,417

 
4,329

Cost of rentals, exclusive of depreciation stated separately below
5,622

 
4,188

 
14,893

 
11,784

Cost of service and maintenance, exclusive of depreciation stated separately below
92

 
144

 
323

 
450

Selling, general, and administrative expense
1,568

 
1,359

 
4,417

 
4,379

Depreciation and amortization
3,545

 
2,990

 
10,270

 
8,770

Total operating costs and expenses
14,058

 
10,882

 
36,320

 
29,712

Operating income
3,643

 
3,363

 
10,193

 
7,983

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(11
)
 
(40
)
 
(48
)
 
(168
)
Other income (expense)
(34
)
 
53

 
719

 
96

Total other income (expense)
(45
)
 
13

 
671

 
(72
)
Income before provision for income taxes
3,598

 
3,376

 
10,864

 
7,911

Provision for income taxes
1,367

 
1,223

 
4,128

 
2,852

Net income
$
2,231

 
$
2,153

 
$
6,736

 
$
5,059

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.42

Diluted
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.41

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Basic
12,179

 
12,108

 
12,151

 
12,105

Diluted
12,277

 
12,196

 
12,256

 
12,204


See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed financial statements.


2



NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
6,736

 
$
5,059

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
10,270

 
8,770

Deferred taxes
3,964

 
2,085

Stock options and restricted stock expense
812

 
874

Gain on disposal of assets
(702
)
 
(47
)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivables, net
1,326

 
2,175

Inventory, net
(2,370
)
 
1,437

Prepaid income taxes and prepaid expenses
1,743

 
(463
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
283

 
1,958

Current income tax liability
74

 
(1,162
)
Deferred income
1,928

 
1,560

Other

 
(5
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
24,064

 
22,241

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Purchase of property and equipment
(27,835
)
 
(12,985
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
980

 
47

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(26,855
)
 
(12,938
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from other long-term liabilities, net

 
(22
)
Repayments of long-term debt

 
(2,534
)
Repayments of line of credit
(83
)
 
(7,000
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
198

 
99

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
115

 
(9,457
)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(2,676
)
 
(154
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
19,137

 
23,017

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
16,461

 
$
22,863

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
53

 
$
202

Income taxes paid
$
130

 
$
2,137

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS
 
 
 
Transfer of rental equipment to inventory
$

 
$
225


See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed financial statements.


3



Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(unaudited)

(1) Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

These notes apply to the unaudited condensed financial statements of Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.  (the "Company", “NGSG”, "Natural Gas Services Group", "we" or "our") (a Colorado corporation).  We were formed on December 17, 1998 for the purposes of combining the operations of certain manufacturing, service and leasing entities.

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements present the condensed results of our Company taken from our books and records. In our opinion, such information includes all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to make our financial position at September 30, 2011 and the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 not misleading.  As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the accompanying condensed financial statements do not include all disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 on file with the SEC.  In our opinion, the condensed financial statements are a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

Revenue recognition

Revenue from the sales of custom and fabricated compressors, and flare systems is recognized upon shipment of the equipment to customers or when all conditions have been met or title is transferred to the customer. Exchange and rebuild compressor revenue is recognized when both the replacement compressor has been delivered and the rebuild assessment has been completed. Revenue from compressor services is recognized upon providing services to the customer. Maintenance agreement revenue is recognized as services are rendered. Rental revenue is recognized over the terms of the respective rental agreements based upon the classification of the rental agreement. Deferred income represents payments received before a product is shipped.  Revenue from the sale of rental units is included in sales revenue when equipment is shipped or title is transferred to the customer.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and our line of credit. Pursuant to ASC 820 (Accounting Standards Codification), the fair value of our cash equivalents is determined based on “Level 1” inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. We believe that the recorded values of all of our other financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature and respective relatively short maturity dates or durations.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASC 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which specifies that an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU No. 2011-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.


4




In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” This ASU establishes a global standard for measuring amounts at fair value. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permissible, and this ASU must be applied prospectively.  We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 will have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations, and we are currently assessing the impact that this may have on our disclosures related to fair value measurements.

(2) Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Options:

A summary of option activity under our 1998 Stock Option plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is presented below.

 
Number
 of
Stock Options
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
 Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
423,206

 
$
14.76

 
 7.33

 
$
1,858

Granted
30,000

 
17.60

 
 8.00

 

Exercised
(18,571
)
 
10.66

 

 
127

Canceled/Forfeited
(3,333
)
 
17.51

 

 
4

Outstanding, September 30, 2011
431,302

 
$
15.12

 
6.76

 
$
541

Exercisable, September 30, 2011
333,968

 
$
14.47

 
6.26

 
$
512


We granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares to our Vice President of Technical Services and 17,000 shares to our non-executive employees on January 24, 2011 at an exercise price of $17.81 with a three year vesting period. We also granted additional options to purchase 3,000 shares to non-executive employees on June 14, 2011 at an exercise price of $15.70 with a three year vesting period.
 
 
The following table summarizes information about our stock options outstanding at September 30, 2011:

 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
0.01 - 5.58
 
7,500

 
1.92

 
$
4.99

 
7,500

 
$
4.99

5.59 – 9.43
 
94,239

 
5.23

 
8.63

 
94,239

 
8.63

9.44 – 15.60
 
65,000

 
6.24

 
12.34

 
55,000

 
12.77

15.61 – 20.48
 
264,563

 
7.56

 
18.40

 
177,229

 
18.50

0.01 – 20.48
 
431,302

 
6.76

 
$
15.12

 
333,968

 
$
14.47


5




The summary of the status of our unvested stock options as of December 31, 2010 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is presented below.

 
 
 
Unvested stock options:
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2010 
116,333

 
$
8.18

Granted
30,000

 
10.01

Vested
(48,999
)
 
7.99

Unvested at September 30, 2011
97,334

 
$
8.84


As of September 30, 2011, there was $494,992 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options.  Such cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.64 years.  Total compensation expense for stock options was $676,000 and $359,126 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Restricted Stock:

On January 24, 2011, we awarded and issued 5,985 shares of restricted stock to two executive officers. The restricted stock awarded vests one year from the date of grant. On January 27, 2011, we awarded and issued 20,000 shares of restricted stock to our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. The restricted stock vests one year from the date of the grant. On June 15, 2011, we awarded and issued 10,000 shares of restricted stock to two executive officers. The restricted stock vests in annual one-third installments beginning on the first anniversary date of the award. On April 11, 2011, we awarded and issued 12,500 shares of restricted stock to our Board of Directors as part payment for 2011 Director fees. The restricted stock vests in quarterly installments beginning in 2012. On July 29, 2011, 625 shares of restricted stock were awarded and issued to a retiring director. These shares vested immediately. Total compensation expense related to restricted stock awards was $198,000 and $452,392 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2011, there was a total of $369,377 of unrecognized compensation expenses related to these shares of restricted stock.

(3) Inventory

Our inventory, net of allowance for obsolescence of $883,000 at September 30, 2011 and $250,000 at December 31, 2010, consisted of the following amounts:
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Raw materials
$
20,597

 
$
17,770

Work in process
3,272

 
3,719

 
$
23,869

 
$
21,489


During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there was no write off of obsolete inventory against the allowance for obsolescence.

6




(4) Credit Facility

On December 10, 2010, we paid off our existing term loan and line of credit and established a new $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility (subject to a right, on an uncommitted basis, to increase the commitments thereunder up to $40 million) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”).
 
The Credit Agreement provides us with an aggregate initial commitment amount of $20 million, subject to collateral availability. The terms of the Credit Agreement also include:
 
Borrowing Base. At any time before the maturity of the facility, we may draw, repay and re-borrow amounts available under the borrowing base up to the maximum aggregate availability discussed above. Generally, the borrowing base equals the sum of (a) 80% of our eligible accounts receivable plus (b) 50% of the book value of our eligible general inventory (not to exceed 50% of the commitment amount at the time) plus (c) 75% of the book value of our eligible equipment inventory.  JPMorgan Chase Bank (the “Lender”) may adjust the borrowing base components if material deviations in the collateral are discovered in future audits of the collateral.  The net borrowing base was $19.9 million at September 30, 2011.
 
Interest and Fees.  Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, we have the option of selecting the applicable variable rate for each revolving loan, or portion thereof, of either (a) LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to which the Lender is subject, with respect to this rate, for Eurocurrency funding, plus the Applicable Margin (“LIBOR-based”), or (b) CB Floating Rate, which is the Lender’s Prime Rate less the Applicable Margin; provided, however, that no more than three LIBOR-based borrowings under the facility may be outstanding at any one time.  The “Applicable Margin” is based on our leverage ratio (debt-to-EBITDA).  For purposes of the LIBOR-based interest rate, the Applicable Margin ranges from 2.25% if our leverage ratio exceeds 2.00x to 1.75% if our leverage ratio is less than 1.00x.  For purposes of the CB Floating Rate, the Applicable Margin ranges from 0.50% if our leverage ratio exceeds 2.00x to 1.00% if our leverage ratio is less than 1.00x.  The interest rate was 1.98% at September 30, 2011.

Accrued interest is payable monthly on outstanding principal amounts, provided that accrued interest on LIBOR-based loans is payable at the end of each interest period, but in no event less frequently than quarterly. In addition, fees and expenses are payable in connection with our requests for letters of credit (generally equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR-related borrowings multiplied by the face amount of the requested letter of credit) and administrative and legal costs.
 
Maturity. The maturity date of the secured revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is December 31, 2011, at which time all amounts borrowed under the facility will be due and outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized. The facility may be terminated early upon our request or the occurrence of an event of default. We are currently reviewing the terms of a new agreement and expect to have a replacement credit facility in place prior to the expiration of our current facility.
 
Security. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien equal to approximately two times the loan commitment as represented by our rental fleet equipment.
 
Covenants. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; make acquisitions in excess of certain amounts; pay dividends; redeem or repurchase capital stock or senior notes; make investments or loans; make negative pledges; consolidate, merge or effect asset sales; or change the nature of our business.

In addition, we have certain financial covenants that require us to maintain on a consolidated basis a leverage ratio less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.
 

7





Events of Default and Acceleration. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default for credit facilities of this size and type, and includes, without limitation, payment defaults; defaults in performance of covenants or other agreements contained in the loan documents; inaccuracies in representations and warranties; certain defaults, termination events or similar events; certain defaults with respect to any other Company indebtedness in excess of $50,000; certain bankruptcy or insolvency events; the rendering of certain judgments in excess of $150,000; certain ERISA events; certain change in control events and the defectiveness of any liens under the secured revolving credit facility. Obligations under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
 
In connection with establishing the credit facility, we paid $2,816,106 to our former lender which represented payment in full of the principal and interest owed under our term loan with it.  In making this payment, we drew $2,000,000 on the line of credit under the Credit Agreement described above. At September 30, 2011 our balance on the line of credit was $1,916,667.

As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants in our Credit Agreement.  A default under our Credit Agreement could trigger the acceleration of our bank debt so that it is immediately due and payable.  Such default would likely limit our ability to access other credit.

(5) Other Long-term Liabilities

As of September 30, 2011, we had a long-term liability of $275,000 to Midland Development Corporation.  This amount is to be recognized as income contingent upon certain staffing requirements in the future.  In addition, we entered into a purchase agreement with a vendor on July 30, 2008 pursuant to which we agreed to purchase up to $4.8 million of our paint and coating requirements exclusively from the vendor.  In connection with the execution of the agreement, the vendor paid us a $300,000 fee which is considered to be a discount toward future purchases from the vendor.  The $300,000 payment we received is recorded as a long-term liability and will decrease as the purchase commitment is fulfilled.  The long-term liability remaining as of September 30, 2011 was $253,000.


(6) Earnings per Share

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation.

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
(in thousands,
except per share data)
 
(in thousands,
except per share data)
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
2,231

 
$
2,153

 
$
6,736

 
$
5,059

Denominator for basic net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
12,179

 
12,108

 
12,151

 
12,105

Denominator for diluted net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
12,179

 
12,108

 
12,151

 
12,105

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock
98

 
88

 
105

 
99

Diluted weighted average shares
12,277

 
12,196

 
12,256

 
12,204

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.42

Diluted
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.41


A total of 75,942 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and a total of 106,909 stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were excluded from the diluted weighted average shares as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

8




(7) Segment Information
 
FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for public companies relating to the reporting of financial and descriptive information about their operating segments in financial statements.  Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by chief operating decision makers in the allocation of resources and the assessment of performance.  Our management identifies segments based upon major revenue sources as shown in the tables below.  However, management does not track assets by segment.

For the three months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
 
Sales
 
Rental
 
Service & Maintenance
 
Corporate
 
Total
Revenue
$
4,807

 
$
12,672

 
$
222

 
$

 
$
17,701

Operating costs and expenses
3,231

 
5,622

 
92

 
5,113

 
14,058

Other income/(expense)

 

 

 
(45
)
 
(45
)
Income before provision for income taxes
$
1,576

 
$
7,050

 
$
130

 
$
(5,158
)
 
$
3,598


For the three months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
 
Sales
 
Rental
 
Service & Maintenance
 
Corporate
 
Total
Revenue
$
3,695

 
$
10,326

 
$
224

 
$

 
$
14,245

Operating costs and expenses
2,201

 
4,188

 
144

 
4,349

 
10,882

Other income/(expense)

 

 

 
13

 
13

Income before provision for  income taxes
$
1,494

 
$
6,138

 
$
80

 
$
(4,336
)
 
$
3,376


For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (in thousands):
 
Sales
 
Rental
 
Service & Maintenance
 
Corporate
 
Total
Revenue
$
10,586

 
$
35,153

 
$
774

 
$

 
$
46,513

Operating costs and expenses
6,417

 
14,893

 
323

 
14,687

 
36,320

Other income/(expense)

 

 

 
671

 
671

Income before provision for  income taxes
$
4,169

 
$
20,260

 
$
451

 
$
(14,016
)
 
$
10,864


For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
 
Sales
 
Rental
 
Service & Maintenance
 
Corporate
 
Total
Revenue
$
6,936

 
$
30,103

 
$
656

 
$

 
$
37,695

Operating costs and expenses
4,329

 
11,784

 
450

 
13,149

 
29,712

Other income/(expense)

 

 

 
(72
)
 
(72
)
Income before provision for  income taxes
$
2,607

 
$
18,319

 
$
206

 
$
(13,221
)
 
$
7,911


9




(8)  Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business.  While management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, it believes that any ultimate liability arising from these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.  We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings and we are not aware of any other threatened litigation.

Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on, and should be read in conjunction with, our condensed financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report and  in our  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC.

Overview

We fabricate, manufacture, rent and sell natural gas compressors and related equipment. Our primary focus is on the rental of natural gas compressors. Our rental contracts generally provide for initial terms of six to 24 months. After the initial term of our rental contracts, most of our customers have continued to rent our compressors on a month-to-month basis. Rental amounts are paid monthly in advance and include maintenance of the rented compressors. As of September 30, 2011, we had 1,545 natural gas compressors totaling 215,704 horsepower rented to 99 third parties compared to 1,266 natural gas compressors totaling 167,869 horsepower rented to 101 third parties at September 30, 2010.

We also fabricate natural gas compressors for sale to our customers, designing compressors to meet unique specifications dictated by well pressures, production characteristics and particular applications for which compression is sought. Fabrication of compressors involves the purchase by us of engines, compressors, coolers and other components, and then assembling these components on skids for delivery to customer locations. The major components of our compressors are acquired through periodic purchase orders placed with third-party suppliers on an “as needed” basis, which presently requires a two to three month lead time with delivery dates scheduled to coincide with our estimated production schedules. Although we do not have formal continuing supply contracts with any major supplier, we believe we have adequate alternative sources available. In the past, we have not experienced any sudden and dramatic increases in the prices of the major components for our compressors. However, the occurrence of such an event could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition, particularly if we were unable to increase our rental rates and sales prices proportionate to any such component price increases.

We also manufacture a proprietary line of compressor frames, cylinders and parts, known as our CiP (Cylinder-in-Plane) product line. We use finished CiP component products in the fabrication of compressor units for sale or rental by us or sell the finished component products to other compressor fabricators. We also design, fabricate, sell, install and service flare stacks and related ignition and control devices for onshore and offshore incineration of gas compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases. To provide customer support for our compressor and flare sales businesses, we stock varying levels of replacement parts at our Midland, Texas facility and at field service locations. We also provide an exchange and rebuild program for screw compressors and maintain an inventory of new and used compressors to facilitate this business.

We provide service and maintenance to our customers under written maintenance contracts or on an as required basis in the absence of a service contract. Maintenance agreements typically have terms of six months to one year and require payment of a monthly fee.

The oil and natural gas equipment rental and services industry is cyclical in nature. The most critical factor in assessing the outlook for the industry is the worldwide supply and demand for natural gas and the corresponding changes in commodity prices. As demand and prices increase, oil and natural gas producers increase their capital expenditures for drilling, development and production activities. Generally, the increased capital expenditures ultimately result in greater revenues and profits for services and equipment companies.


10




In general, we expect our overall business activity and revenues to track the level of activity in the natural gas industry, with changes in domestic natural gas production and consumption levels and prices more significantly affecting our business than changes in crude oil and condensate production and consumption levels and prices. We also believe that demand for compression services and products is driven by declining reservoir pressure in maturing natural gas producing fields and, more recently, by increased focus by producers on non-conventional natural gas production, such as coalbed methane, gas shales and tight gas, which typically requires more compression than production from conventional natural gas reservoirs.
 
Demand for our products and services was strong throughout most of 2008, but in 2009 and early 2010 the demand declined due to lower natural gas prices, decreased demand for natural gas and the economic recession.  This began to show signs of easing during the later part of 2010 and into the first quarter of 2011. However, over the last six months natural gas prices have stalled, leaving demand for compression uncertain.
 
For the remainder of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, our forecasted capital expenditures will be directly dependent upon our customers’ compression requirements and are not anticipated to exceed our internally generated cash flows.  Any required capital will be for additions to our compressor rental fleet and/or addition or replacement of service vehicles.  We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our capital and liquidity requirements through 2011 and beginning of 2012.  We may require additional capital to fund any unanticipated expenditures, including any acquisitions of other businesses, although that capital may not be available to us when we need it or on acceptable terms.

Natural gas prices continue at levels that do not encourage energy companies to invest capital in natural gas projects. In addition, the domestic economy has not recovered. Notwithstanding the continuing weak economy and financial uncertainty, we believe the long-term trend in our market is favorable.  This outlook is supported by the first nine months 2011 growth in our revenue compared to the same period in 2010.


Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2010.

The table below shows our revenues and percentage of total revenues of each of our segments for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

 
Revenue
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
Sales
$
4,807


27
%

$
3,695


26
%
Rental
12,672


72
%

10,326


72
%
Service and Maintenance
222


1
%

224


2
%
Total
$
17,701


 


$
14,245


 


Total revenue increased from $14.2 million to $17.7 million, or 24.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010. This was mainly the result of increased compressor unit and flare sales and compressor rental revenue.  Comparing the three months ended September 30, 2011 to the same period in 2010, sales revenue increased 30.1% and rental revenue increased 22.7%. Service and maintenance revenue decreased slightly at less than 1%.

Sales revenue increased from $3.7 million to $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is mainly the result of higher purchase demand for our products due to greater energy industry activity from higher levels of capital authorizations. This activity was due to greater attention to unconventional plays in which the project economics depend on oil prices. This activity increase resulted in more compressor units sold to third parties from our Tulsa and Midland operations. There was also an increase in demand for flares.


11




Rental revenue increased from $10.3 million to $12.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is the result of higher oil and natural gas industry drilling and demand for low to mid horsepower compression.  We ended the quarter with 2,076 compressor packages in our rental fleet, up from 1,849 units at September 30, 2010.  The rental fleet had a utilization of 74.4% as of September 30, 2011 compared to 68.5% utilization as of September 30, 2010. This utilization increase is mainly the result of more compressor rental units in our inventory being matched to customer requirements and being returned to service as well as fewer units being returned.  In the event that natural gas prices increase we should be able to rent more of the available units. 

Our overall operating margin percentage decreased to 20.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2011, from 23.6% for the same period ended September 30, 2010. The lower margin is mainly the result of an increase in costs related to compressor sales and strategically competitive bids. We incurred higher costs on several custom projects due to design complexity. We also saw increases in depreciation and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Selling, general, and administrative expense increased to $1.6 million, a 15% increase for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is mainly due to higher commissions and salaries and increase staffing levels. Our staffing increase is mainly in operations in order to meet operational demands. Overall staffing increased from 222 to 259 between the periods.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $3.0 million for the same period ended September 30, 2010.  This was the result of new gas compressor rental units being added to the rental fleet from September 30, 2010 to September 30, 2011. We added a net of 227 compressors to our rental fleet during the twelve month period.

Other income and expense increased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010.

Interest expense decreased 71.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010, mainly due to the payoff of our former line of credit in December 2010 and replacing it with a line of credit with a lower outstanding balance and a lower interest rate.

Provision for income tax increased from $1.2 million to $1.4 million, or 11.8%, and is the result of the increase in taxable income and an increase in effective tax rate. We had an effective tax rate of 38% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 36% for same period in 2010.


Nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

The table below shows our revenues and percentage of total revenues of each of our segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

 
Revenue
(in thousands)
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
Sales
$
10,586

 
23
%
 
$
6,936

 
18
%
Rental
35,153

 
75
%
 
30,103

 
80
%
Service and Maintenance
774

 
2
%
 
656

 
2
%
Total
$
46,513

 
 

 
$
37,695

 
 


Total revenue increased from $37.7 million to $46.5 million, or 23.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010. This was mainly the result of increased compressor unit and flare sales and compressor rental revenue.  Sales revenue increased 52.6%, rental revenue increased 16.8%, and service and maintenance revenue increased 18.0%.


12




Sales revenue increased from $6.9 million to $10.6 million, or 53.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010.  This increase is mainly the result of higher purchase demand for our products due to greater energy industry activity from higher levels of capital authorizations. This activity increase resulted in more compressor units sold to third parties from our Tulsa and Midland operations. In addition, there was an increase in demand for flares.

Rental revenue increased from $30.1 million to $35.2 million, or 16.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010. This increase is the result of higher oil and natural gas industry drilling and demand for compression.  We ended the quarter with 2,076 compressor packages in our rental fleet, up from 1,849 units at September 30, 2010.  The rental fleet had a utilization of 74.4% as of September 30, 2011 compared to 68.5% utilization as of September 30, 2010. This utilization increase is mainly the result of more compressor rental units in our inventory being matched to customer requirements and being returned to service as well as fewer units being returned.  In the event that natural gas prices increase we should be able to rent more of the available units. 

Our overall operating margin percentage increased to 21.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, from 21.2% for the same period ended September 30, 2010. The slight increase is mainly the result of increased margins on flare sales from 57% to 68%, with flare sales comprising a greater percent of total revenue. Flare sales are 8% of revenue for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011, compared to 5% for the same period ended September 30, 2010.

Selling, general, and administrative expense was essentially flat for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010. There was a minor increase of $40,000.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $8.8 million, to $10.3 million, or 17.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010. This was the result of new gas compressor rental units being added to the rental fleet from September 30, 2010 to September 30, 2011. We added a net of 227 compressors to our rental fleet during the twelve month period.

Other income and expense increased to $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $0.1 million for the same period ended September 30, 2010. This is primarily due to a gain from the sale of our former headquarters during the first quarter of 2011.

Interest expense decreased 71.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period ended September 30, 2010, mainly due to the payoff of our former line of credit in December 2010 and replacing it with a line of credit with a lower outstanding balance and a lower interest rate.

Provision for income tax increased from $2.9 million to $4.1 million, or 41.4%, and is the result of the increase in taxable income and an increase in effective tax rate. We had an effective tax rate of 38% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 36% for same period in 2010.



13




Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our working capital positions as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are set forth below:

 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
16,461

 
$
19,137

Trade accounts receivable, net
3,953

 
5,279

Inventory, net
23,869

 
21,489

Prepaid income taxes
261

 
2,103

Prepaid expenses and other
429

 
330

Total current assets
44,973

 
48,338

Current Liabilities:
 

 
 
Line of credit
1,917

 
2,000

Accounts payable
3,188

 
3,364

Accrued liabilities
2,610

 
2,151

Current portion of tax liability
74

 

Deferred income
2,317

 
389

Total current liabilities
10,106

 
7,904

Total working capital
$
34,867

 
$
40,434



Historically, we have funded our operations through public and private offerings of our equity securities, subordinated debt, bank borrowings and cash flow from operations. Proceeds from these sources were primarily used to pay debt and to fund the manufacture and fabrication of additional units for our rental fleet of natural gas compressors.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we invested $27.8 million in equipment for our rental fleet and service vehicles. Even though we have idle rental equipment we often do not have the specific type of equipment that our customers require, therefore we have to build new equipment to satisfy their needs.  We financed this activity with cash flow from operations and cash on hand. During this period we made $83,000 in principal payments on our credit line.

Cash flows

At September 30, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $16.5 million compared to $19.1 million at December 31, 2010.  Our cash flow from operations of $24.1 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options and sales of property, plant, and equipment of $1.2 million were offset by capital expenditures of $27.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  We had working capital of $34.9 million at September 30, 2011 compared to $40.4 million at December 31, 2010. At September 30, 2011 our total debt was $1.9 million compared to $2.0 million at December 31, 2010, all related to our line of credit and classified as current.  We had positive net cash flow from operating activities of $24.1 million during the first nine months of 2011 compared to $22.2 million for the first nine months of 2010.  The cash flow from operations of $24.1 million was primarily the result of the net income of $6.7 million and the non cash items of depreciation and deferred taxes of $14.2 million, a reduction in accounts receivable of $1.3 million, an increase in deferred income of $1.9 million and an decrease in accounts payable of $0.2 million.  We did not have any long-term debt at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010.


14




Recession strategy

For the remainder of the fiscal year 2011 and the beginning of 2012, our overall plan during the uncertain economy, is to continue monitoring expenses in line with the anticipated level of activity, fabricate rental fleet equipment only in direct response to market requirements, emphasize marketing of our idle gas compressor units and limit bank borrowing.  Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2011 are not anticipated to exceed our internal cash generating capacity.  We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our capital and liquidity requirements through 2011 and beginning of 2012.  We may require additional capital to fund any unanticipated expenditures, including any acquisitions of other businesses. 

Bank Borrowings

On December 10, 2010, we paid off our existing term loan with our former bank and established a new $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility (subject to a right, on an uncommitted basis, to increase the commitments there under to up to $40 million) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Credit Agreement”).
 
The Credit Agreement provides us with an aggregate initial commitment amount of $20 million, subject to collateral availability. The terms of the Credit Agreement also include:
 
Borrowing Base. At any time before the maturity of the facility, we may draw, repay and re-borrow amounts available under the borrowing base up to the maximum aggregate availability discussed above. Generally, the borrowing base equals the sum of (a) 80% of our eligible accounts receivable plus (b) 50% of the book value of our eligible general inventory (not to exceed 50% of the commitment amount at the time) plus (c) 75% of the book value of our eligible equipment inventory.  JPMorgan Chase Bank (the “Lender”) may adjust the borrowing base components if material deviations in the collateral are discovered in future audits of the collateral.
 
Interest and Fees.  Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, we have the option of selecting the applicable variable rate for each revolving loan, or portion thereof, of either (a) LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to which the Lender is subject, with respect to this rate, for Eurocurrency funding, plus the Applicable Margin (“LIBOR-based”), or (b) CB Floating Rate, which is the Lender’s Prime Rate less the Applicable Margin; provided, however, that no more than three LIBOR-based borrowings under the facility may be outstanding at any one time.  The “Applicable Margin” is based on our leverage ratio (debt-to-EBITDA).  For purposes of the LIBOR-based interest rate, the Applicable Margin ranges from 2.25% if our leverage ratio exceeds 2.00x to 1.75% if our leverage ratio is less than 1.00x.  For purposes of the CB Floating Rate, the Applicable Margin ranges from 0.50% if our leverage ratio exceeds 2.00x to 1.00% if our leverage ratio is less than 1.00x. The interest rate was 1.98% at September 30, 2011.

Accrued interest is payable monthly on outstanding principal amounts, provided that accrued interest on LIBOR-based loans is payable at the end of each interest period, but in no event less frequently than quarterly. In addition, fees and expenses are payable in connection with our requests for letters of credit (generally equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR-related borrowings multiplied by the face amount of the requested letter of credit) and administrative and legal costs.

 Maturity. The maturity date of the secured revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is December 31, 2011, at which time all amounts borrowed under the facility will be due and outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized. The facility may be terminated early upon our request or the occurrence of an event of default. We are currently reviewing the terms of a new agreement and expect to have a replacement credit facility in place prior to the expiration of our current facility.

Security. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien equal to approximately two times the loan commitment as represented by our rental fleet equipment.
 
Covenants. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; make acquisitions in excess of certain amounts; pay dividends; redeem or repurchase capital stock or senior notes; make investments or loans; make negative pledges; consolidate, merge or effect asset sales; or change the nature of our business.
 
In addition, we have certain financial covenants that require us to maintain on a consolidated basis a Leverage Ratio less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.


15




Events of Default and Acceleration. The secured revolving credit facility contains customary events of default for credit facilities of this size and type, and includes, without limitation, payment defaults; defaults in performance of covenants or other agreements contained in the transaction documents; inaccuracies in representations and warranties; certain defaults, termination events or similar events; certain defaults with respect to any other Company indebtedness in excess of $50,000; certain bankruptcy or insolvency events; the rendering of certain judgments in excess of $150,000; certain ERISA events; certain change in control events and the defectiveness of any liens under the secured revolving credit facility. Obligations under the secured revolving credit facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
 
In connection with establishing the credit facility, we paid $2,816,106 to WNB which represented payment in full of the principal and interest owed under our term loan with WNB.  In making this payment, we drew $2,000,000 on the line of credit under the Credit Agreement described above. At September 30, 2011, the balance on the line of credit was $1,916,667.
 
As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants in our respective loan agreements.  A default under our bank credit facility could trigger the acceleration of our bank debt so that it is immediately due and payable.  Such default would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position and operations.

Other

As of September 30, 2011, we had a long-term liability of $275,000 to Midland Development Corporation.  This amount is to be recognized as income contingent upon certain staffing requirements in the future. The staffing requirements related to our agreement will remain in effect until April 9, 2016. Failure to comply with the terms of the agreement could result in the repayment of the entire $275,000 economic stimulus incentive payment.  In addition, we entered into a purchase agreement with a vendor on July 30, 2008 pursuant to which we agreed to purchase up to $4.8 million of our paint and coating requirements exclusively from the vendor.  In connection with the execution of the agreement, the vendor paid us a $300,000 fee which is considered to be a discount toward future purchases from the vendor.  The $300,000 payment we received is recorded as a long-term liability and will decrease as the purchase commitment is fulfilled.  This long-term liability remaining as of September 30, 2011 was $253,000.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We have contractual obligations and commitments that affect the results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  The following table is a summary of our significant cash contractual obligations:

 
 
Obligation Due in Period
(in thousands of dollars)
Cash Contractual Obligations
 
2011(1)
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Line of credit (secured)
 
$
1,917

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,917

Interest on line of credit(2)
 
6

 

 

 

 

 

 
6

Purchase obligations
 
49

 
250

 
250

 
250

 
250

 
3,011

 
4,060

Other long-term liabilities
 

 

 

 
528

 

 

 
528

Facilities and office leases
 
69

 
244

 
167

 
17

 

 

 
497

Total
 
$
2,041

 
$
494

 
$
417

 
$
795

 
$
250

 
$
3,011

 
$
7,008


(1)
For the three months remaining in 2011.
(2)
Assumes an interest rate of 4.0%.


16




Critical Accounting Policies and Practices

There have been no changes in the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (ASC 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which specifies that an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU No. 2011-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” This ASU establishes a global standard for measuring amounts at fair value. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permissible, and this ASU must be applied prospectively.  We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 will have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations, and we are currently assessing the impact that this may have on our disclosures related to fair value measurements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

From time-to-time, we enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to off-balance sheet obligations.  As of September 30, 2011, the off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that we have entered into include operating lease agreements and purchase agreements.  We do not believe that these arrangements are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity, availability of, or requirements for, capital resources.

We entered into a purchase agreement with a vendor on July 30, 2008 pursuant to which we agreed to purchase up to $4.8 million of our paint and coating requirements exclusively from the vendor.  In connection with the execution of the agreement, the vendor paid us a $300,000 fee which is considered to be a discount toward future purchases from the vendor.  The $300,000 payment received by the Company is recorded as a long-term liability and will decrease as the purchase commitment is fulfilled.  This long-term liability remaining as of September 30, 2011 was $253,000.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this report are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results.  Those risks include, among other things, the loss of market share through competition or otherwise; the introduction of competing technologies by other companies; a prolonged, substantial reduction in oil and natural gas prices which could cause a decline in the demand for our products and services; and new governmental safety, health and environmental regulations which could require us to make significant capital expenditures. The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are only made as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. A discussion of these risk factors is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


17




Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Commodity Risk

Our commodity risk exposure is primarily the pricing applicable to natural gas production, and oil to a lesser extent. Realized commodity prices received for such production are primarily driven by the spot prices applicable to natural gas and the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil.  Depending on the market prices of oil and natural gas, companies exploring for oil and natural gas may cancel or curtail their drilling programs, thereby reducing demand for our equipment and services.

Financial Instruments and Debt Maturities

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank borrowings, and notes. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the highly liquid nature of these short-term instruments. The fair value of the bank borrowings approximate the carrying amounts as of September 30, 2011 and were determined based upon interest rates currently available to us.

Customer Credit Risk

We are exposed to the risk of financial non-performance by customers. Our ability to collect on sales to our customers is dependent on the liquidity of our customer base. To manage customer credit risk, we monitor credit ratings of customers.  Unless we are able to retain our existing customers, or secure new customers if we lose one or more of our significant customers, our revenue and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Interest Rate Risk

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, we have the option of selecting the applicable variable rate for each revolving loan, or portion thereof, of either (a) LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to which the Lender is subject, with respect to this rate, for Eurocurrency funding, plus the Applicable Margin (“LIBOR-based”), or (b) CB Floating Rate, which is the Lender’s Prime Rate less the Applicable Margin; provided, however, that no more than three LIBOR-based borrowings under the facility may be outstanding at any one time.  The “Applicable Margin” is based on our leverage ratio (debt-to-EBITDA).  For purposes of the LIBOR-based interest rate, the Applicable Margin ranges from 2.25% if our leverage ratio exceeds 2.00x to 1.75% if our leverage ratio is less than 1.00x.  For purposes of the CB Floating Rate, the Applicable Margin ranges from 0.50% if our leverage ratio exceeds 2.00x to 1.00% if our leverage ratio is less than 1.00x.Consequently, our exposure to interest rates relate primarily to interest earned on short-term investments and paying above market rates, if such rates are below the fixed rate, on our bank borrowings.  As of September 30, 2011, we were not using any derivatives to manage interest rate risk.


18




Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness of the design and of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or, the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based upon that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  These include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.  Due the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected.  Those inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes.  Additionally, controls could be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people.  Our controls and procedures can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the above objectives have been met.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business.  While management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, it believes that any ultimate liability arising from these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.  We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings and we are not aware of any other threatened litigation.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Please refer to and read “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 for a discussion of the risk associated with our Company and industry.


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Item 6.                      Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference, as indicated:

Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
3.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the 10-QSB filed and dated November 10, 2004)
 
 
3.2
Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, No.  333-88314)
 
 
4.1
Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 30, 2005)
 
 
4.2
Form of Senior Indenture (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.3
Form of Senior Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.4
Form of Subordinated Indenture (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.5
Form of Subordinated Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.6
Form of Deposit Agreement, including Form of Depositary Share (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.7
Form of Warrant Agreement, including Form of Warrant Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.8
Form of Unit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.9
Form of Preferred Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.10
Form of Certificate of Designation with respect to Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.11
Form of Rights Agreement, including Form of Rights Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)

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10.1
Employment Agreement between Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and Stephen C. Taylor dated October 25, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2008)
 
 
10.2
Lease Agreement, dated March 26, 2008, between WNB Tower, LTD and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Registrant’s  Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2009)
 
 
10.3
2009 Restricted Stock/Unit Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2009 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2009.)
 
 
10.4
1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2009 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2009.)
 
 
10.5
Lease Agreement, dated December 11, 2008, between Klement-Wes Partnership, LTD and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and commencing on January 1, 2009
 
 
10.6
Credit Agreement between Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated December 10, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2010.)
 
 
10.7
Security Agreement between Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated December 10, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2010.)
 
 
10.8
Promissory Note in the aggregate amount of $20,000,000 issued to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated December 10, 2010, in connection with the revolving credit line under the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2010.)
 
 
*31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*31.2
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*32.2
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
* Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES

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

NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.


/s/ Stephen C. Taylor
 
/s/ G. Larry Lawrence
 
Stephen C. Taylor
 
G. Larry Lawrence
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 

November 9, 2011

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference, as indicated:
Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
3.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the 10-QSB filed and dated November 10, 2004)
 
 
3.2
Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, No.  333-88314)
 
 
4.1
Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 30, 2005)
 
 
4.2
Form of Senior Indenture (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.3
Form of Senior Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.4
Form of Subordinated Indenture (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.5
Form of Subordinated Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.6
Form of Deposit Agreement, including Form of Depositary Share (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.7
Form of Warrant Agreement, including Form of Warrant Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.8
Form of Unit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.9
Form of Preferred Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.10
Form of Certificate of Designation with respect to Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)
 
 
4.11
Form of Rights Agreement, including Form of Rights Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-161346) and filed on August 14, 2009)

23




10.1
Employment Agreement between Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and Stephen C. Taylor dated October 25, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2008)
 
 
10.2
Lease Agreement, dated March 26, 2008, between WNB Tower, LTD and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Registrant’s  Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2009)
 
 
10.3
2009 Restricted Stock/Unit Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2009 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2009.)
 
 
10.4
1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2009 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2009.)
 
 
10.5
Lease Agreement, dated December 11, 2008, between Klement-Wes Partnership, LTD and Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and commencing on January 1, 2009
 
 
10.6
Credit Agreement between Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated December 10, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2010.)
 
 
10.7
Security Agreement between Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated December 10, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2010.)
 
 
10.8
Promissory Note in the aggregate amount of $20,000,000 issued to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated December 10, 2010, in connection with the revolving credit line under the Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2010.)
 
 
*31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*31.2
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*32.2
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
* Filed herewith.

24