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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. - Annual Report: 2004 (Form 10-K)

Adams Resources 10-K 12-31-2004

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
X
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2004
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 1-7908 

ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
74-1753147
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or organization)
 
   
4400 Post Oak Parkway Ste. 2700
 
Houston, Texas
77027
(Address of Principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 881-3600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.10 Par Value
American Stock Exchange

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 the filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO _____ 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer as defined in Rule 126-b of the Act. YES____NO X

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates as of June 30, 2004 was $30,630,932. A total of 4,217,596 shares of Common Stock were outstanding at March 10, 2005.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 18, 2005 are incorporated by reference in Part III.




PART I
 
Items 1 and 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") are engaged in the business of marketing crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products; tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals; and oil and gas exploration and production. Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized in 1973. The Company’s website is www.adamsresources.com. The Company makes its reports, including Forms 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and all amendments thereto, available on its website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The revenues, operating results and identifiable assets of each industry segment for the three years ended December 31, 2004 are set forth in Note (10) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Refined Products Marketing

The Company’s subsidiary, Gulfmark Energy, Inc. (“Gulfmark”), purchases crude oil and arranges sales and deliveries to refiners and other customers. Activity is concentrated primarily onshore in Texas and Louisiana with additional operations in Michigan. During 2004, Gulfmark purchased approximately 76,000 barrels per day of crude oil at the wellhead or lease level. Gulfmark also operates 74 tractor-trailer rigs and maintains over 50 pipeline inventory locations or injection stations. Gulfmark has the ability to barge oil from nine oil storage facilities along the intercoastal waterway of Texas and Louisiana and maintains 200,000 barrels of storage capacity at certain of the dock facilities in order to access waterborne markets for its products. Gulfmark arranges transportation for sales to customers or enters into exchange transactions with third parties when the cost of the exchange is less than the alternate cost incurred in transporting or storing the crude oil. In addition, the Company owns and operates a 7.5-mile long, six-inch diameter crude oil gathering pipeline in the Louisiana offshore, Ship Shoal area.

The Company’s subsidiary, Adams Resources Marketing, Ltd. (“ARM”), operates as a wholesale purchaser, distributor and marketer of natural gas. ARM’s focus is on the purchase of natural gas at the producer level. ARM purchases approximately 294,000 mmbtu of natural gas per day at the wellhead and pipeline pooling points. Business is concentrated among approximately 60 independent producers with the primary production areas being the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast and the offshore Gulf of Mexico region. ARM provides value added services to its customers by providing access to common carrier pipelines and handling daily volume balancing requirements as well as risk management services.

Generally, as the Company purchases crude oil and natural gas, it establishes a margin by selling the product for physical delivery to third party users, such as independent refiners, utilities and or major energy companies and other industrial concerns. Through these transactions, the Company seeks to maintain a position that is substantially balanced between commodity purchase volumes versus sales or future delivery obligations. Crude oil and natural gas are generally purchased at indexed prices that fluctuate with market conditions. The product is transported and either sold outright at the field level, or buy-sell arrangements (trades) are made in order to minimize transportation costs or maximize the sales price. Except where matching fixed price arrangements are in place, the contracted sales price is also tied to an index that fluctuates with market conditions. This reduces the Company's loss exposure from sudden changes in commodity prices. A key element of profitability is the differential between market prices at the field level and at the various sales points. Such price differentials vary with local supply and demand conditions. Unforeseen fluctuations can impact financial results either favorably or unfavorably. While the Company's policies are designed to minimize market risk, some degree of exposure to unforeseen fluctuations in market conditions remains.

Operating results are sensitive to a number of factors. Such factors include commodity location, grades of product, individual customer demand for grades or location of product, localized market price structures, availability of transportation facilities, actual delivery volumes that vary from expected quantities and timing and costs to deliver the commodity to the customer. The term “basis risk” is used to describe the inherent market price risk created when a commodity of a certain location or grade is purchased, sold or exchanged versus a purchase, sale or exchange of a like commodity of varying location or grade. The Company attempts to reduce its exposure to basis risk by grouping its purchase and sale activities by geographical region in order to stay balanced within such designated region. However, there can be no assurance that all basis risk is or will be eliminated.
 
The Company’s subsidiary, Ada Resources, Inc. (“Ada”), markets branded and unbranded refined petroleum products, such as motor fuels and lubricants. Ada makes purchases based on the supplier’s established distributor prices, with such prices generally being lower than the Company’s sales price to its customers. Motor fuel sales include automotive gasoline, aviation gasoline, distillates and jet fuel. Lubricants consist of passenger car motor oils as well as a full complement of industrial oils and greases. Ada is also involved in the railroad servicing industry, including fueling and lubricating locomotives as well as performing routine maintenance on the power units. Further, the United States Coast Guard has certified Ada as a direct-to-vessel approved marine fuel and lube vendor. Ada’s marketing area primarily includes the Texas Gulf Coast and southern Louisiana. The primary product distribution and warehousing facility is located on 5.5 Company-owned acres in Houston, Texas. The property includes a 60,000 square foot warehouse, 11,000 square feet of office space and bulk storage for 280,000 gallons of lubricating oil.

Tank Truck Transportation

The Company’s subsidiary, Service Transport Company (“STC”), transports liquid chemicals on a "for hire" basis throughout the continental United States and Canada. Transportation service is provided to over 400 customers under contracts and on a call and demand basis. Pursuant to regulatory requirements, STC holds a Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Presently, STC operates 275 truck tractors and 360 tank trailers and maintains truck terminals in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Nederland, Texas as well as Baton Rouge (St. Gabriel), Louisiana, Mobile (Saraland), Alabama and Atlanta (Winder), Georgia. Transportation operations are headquartered at a Houston terminal facility situated on 22 owned acres and includes maintenance facilities, an office building, tank wash rack facilities and a water treatment system. The St. Gabriel, Louisiana terminal is situated on 11.5 owned acres and includes an office building, maintenance bays and tank cleaning facilities.

STC has maintained its registration to the ISO 9001:2000 Standard. The scope of this Quality System Certificate, registered in both the United States and Europe, covers the carriage of bulk liquids throughout the Company’s area of operations as well as the tank trailer cleaning facilities and equipment maintenance. STC’s quality management process is one of its major assets. The practice of using statistical process control covering safety, on-time performance and customer satisfaction aids continuous improvement in all areas of quality service. In addition to its ISO 9001:2000 certification, the American Chemistry Council recognizes STC as a Responsible CareÓ Partner. Responsible CareÓ Partners are those companies that serve the chemical industry and implement and monitor the seven Codes of Management Practices. The seven codes address compliance and continuing improvement in (1) Community Awareness and Emergency Response, (2) Pollution Prevention, (3) Process Safety, (4) Distribution, (5) Employee Health and Safety, (6) Product Stewardship and (7) Security.
 
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

The Company’s subsidiary, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation, is actively engaged in the exploration and development of domestic oil and gas properties primarily along the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast. Exploration offices are maintained at the Company's headquarters in Houston and the Company holds an interest in 344 wells, of which 44 are Company-operated.

Producing Wells--The following table sets forth the Company's gross and net productive wells at December 31, 2004. Gross wells are the total number of wells in which the Company has an interest, while net wells are the sum of the fractional interests owned.
 
   
Oil Wells
 
Gas Wells
 
Total Wells
 
   
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Texas
   
66
   
14.25
   
72
   
7.91
   
138
   
22.16
 
Louisiana
   
44
   
1.52
   
31
   
3.64
   
75
   
5.16
 
Other
   
89
   
1.81
   
42
   
6.46
   
131
   
8.27
 
     
199
   
17.58
   
145
   
18.01
   
344
   
35.59
 


1


Acreage--The following table sets forth the Company's gross and net developed and undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2004. Gross acreage represents the Company’s direct ownership and net acreage represents the sum of the fractional interests owned.

   
Developed Acreage
 
Undeveloped Acreage
 
   
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Texas
   
62,489
   
11,316
   
74,640
   
8,624
 
Louisiana
   
6,633
   
652
   
7,923
   
356
 
Other
   
3,862
   
707
   
3,703
   
1,749
 
     
72,984
   
12,675
   
86,266
   
10,729
 

Drilling Activity--The following table sets forth the Company's drilling activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004. All drilling activity was onshore in Texas and Louisiana.

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Exploratory wells drilled
                                     
- Productive
   
12
   
.59
   
7
   
.49
   
1
   
.10
 
- Dry
   
6
   
.44
   
11
   
1.03
   
4
   
1.08
 
                 
 
         
 
       
Development wells drilled
                                     
- Productive
   
8
   
.42
   
16
   
1.42
   
12
   
.99
 
- Dry
   
1
   
.01
   
1
   
.20
   
4
   
.22
 

In addition to the above wells drilled and completed, at year-end 2004, the Company had six wells in process, which were successfully completed in 2005.
 
Production and Reserve Information--The Company's estimated net quantities of proved oil and gas reserves, the estimated future net cash flows and present value of future net cash flows from oil and gas reserves before income taxes, calculated at a 10% discount rate for the three years ended December 31, 2004, are presented in the table below (in thousands).


   
December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Crude oil (barrels)
   
436
   
438
   
579
 
Natural gas (mcf)
   
10,950
   
8,971
   
7,480
 
Future net cash flows before income taxes
 
$
62,312
 
$
46,186
 
$
31,385
 
Present value of future net cash flows before
                   
income taxes
 
$
34,541
 
$
27,835
 
$
16,728
 

 

Approximately ninety-five percent of the value of estimated oil and gas reserves and future net revenues from oil and gas reserves were made by the Company's independent petroleum engineers. The remaining reserve values were determined by the Company’s in-house licensed engineers. The reserve value estimates provided at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are based on year-end market prices of $40.50, $30.15 and $27.94 per barrel for crude oil and $6.06, $5.71 and $4.20 per mcf for natural gas, respectively.

Reserve estimates are based on many subjective factors. The accuracy of reserve estimates depends on the quantity and quality of geological data, production performance data, the current prices being received and reservoir engineering data, as well as the skill and judgment of petroleum engineers in interpreting such data. The process of estimating reserves requires frequent revision of estimates (usually on an annual basis) as additional information is made available through drilling, testing, reservoir studies and acquiring historical pressure and production data. In addition, the discounted present value of estimated future net revenues should not be construed as the fair market value of oil and gas producing properties. Such estimates do not necessarily portray a realistic assessment of current value or future performance of such properties. Such revenue calculations are based on estimates as to the timing of oil and gas production, and there is no assurance that the actual timing of production will conform to or approximate such estimates. Also, certain assumptions have been made with respect to pricing. The estimates assume prices will remain constant from the date of the engineer's estimates, except for changes reflected under natural gas sales contracts. There can be no assurance that actual future prices will not vary as industry conditions, governmental regulation and other factors impact the market price for oil and gas.

The Company's oil and gas production for the three years ended December 31, 2004 was as follows:

Years Ended
 
Crude Oil
 
Natural
 
December 31,
 
(barrels)
 
Gas (mcf)
 
2004
   
71,300
   
1,309,000
 
2003
   
61,900
   
1,239,000
 
2002
   
55,000
   
1,047,000
 

Certain financial information relating to the Company's oil and gas activities is summarized as follows:


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Average oil and condensate
                   
Sales price per barrel
 
$
39.48
 
$
30.67
 
$
26.10
 
Average natural gas
                   
Sales price per mcf
 
$
6.09
 
$
5.23
 
$
3.17
 
Average production cost, per equivalent
                   
Barrel, charged to expense
 
$
10.30
 
$
8.48
 
$
9.10
 

For comparative purposes, prices received by the Company’s oil and gas division at varying points in time during 2004 were as follows:

   
Crude Oil
 
Natural Gas
 
Average Annual Price for 2004
 
$
39.48
 
$
6.09
 
Average Price for December 2004
 
$
41.65
 
$
6.80
 
Price at December 31, 2004
 
$
40.50
 
$
6.06
 

  The Company has had no reports to federal authorities or agencies of estimated oil and gas reserves except for a required report on the Department of Energy’s “Annual Survey of Domestic Oil and Gas Reserves.” The Company is not obligated to provide any fixed and determinable quantities of oil or gas in the future under existing contracts or agreements associated with its oil and gas exploration and production segment.

North Sea Exploration Licenses—In the Central UK and Southern UK sectors of the North Sea, the Company holds an undivided 25% working interest in Block 21-1b and a 33-1/3% working interest in Block 48/16c, respectively. Together with its joint interest partners, the Company obtained its interests through the United Kingdom’s “Promote License” program. The Block 21-1b license was awarded in October 2003 while the Block 48/16c license was officially awarded in February 2005. A Promote License affords the opportunity to analyze and assess the licensed acreage for an initial two-year period without the stringent financial requirements of the more traditional Exploration License. The two-year licensing period also provides sufficient time to promote the actual drilling of a well to potential third party investors. For each block, the Company and its joint interest partners expect to confirm the existence of an exploration prospect that will be promoted to other investors prior to drilling. The 21-1b Block is located approximately 200 miles east of Aberdeen, Scotland not far from the Forties and Buchan Fields. The 48/16c Block covers in excess of 20,000 acres and is located approximately 40 miles east of Theddlethorpe, England in approximately 80 feet of water. None of the Company’s joint interest partners are affiliates of the Company.

Reference is made to Note (13) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures relating to oil and gas exploration and production activities.
 
2

Environmental Compliance and Regulation

 
The Company is subject to an extensive variety of evolving United States federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing the storage, transportation, manufacture, use, discharge, release and disposal of product and contaminants into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Presented below is a non-exclusive listing of the environmental laws that potentially impact the Company’s activities. Also presented is additional discussion about the regulatory environment of the Company.

-  
The Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended.
-  
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"), as amended.
-  
The Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended.
-  
Federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended.
-  
The Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended.
-  
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended.
-  
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
-  
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended.
-  
Texas Clean Air Act.
-  
Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.
-  
Texas Water Code.
-  
Texas Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1991, as amended.

Railroad Commission of Texas (“RRC”)--The RRC regulates, among other things, the drilling and operation of oil and gas wells, the operation of oil and gas pipelines, the disposal of oil and gas production wastes and certain storage of unrefined oil and gas. RRC regulations govern the generation, management and disposal of waste from such oil and gas operations and provide for the clean up of contamination from oil and gas operations. The RRC has promulgated regulations that provide for civil and/or criminal penalties and/or injunctive relief for violations of the RRC regulations.

Louisiana Office of Conservation (“LOC”)--has primary statutory responsibility for regulation and conservation of oil, gas, and other natural resources. The Conservation’s objectives are to regulate the exploration and production of oil, gas and other hydrocarbons; to control and allocate energy supplies and distribution; and to protect public safety and the State’s environment from oilfield waste, including regulation of underground injection and disposal practices.
 
State and Local Government Regulation--Many states are authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) to enforce regulations promulgated under various federal statutes. In addition, there are numerous other state and local authorities that regulate the environment, some of which impose more stringent environmental standards than federal laws and regulations. The penalties for violations of state law vary, but typically include injunctive relief, recovery of damages for injury to air, water or property and fines for non-compliance.

Oil and Gas Operations--The Company's oil and gas drilling and production activities are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental quality and pollution control. One aspect of the Company's oil and gas operation is the disposal of used drilling fluids, saltwater, and crude oil sediments. In addition, low-level naturally occurring radiation may, at times, occur with the production of crude oil and natural gas. The Company's policy is to comply with environmental regulations and industry standards. Environmental compliance has become more stringent and the Company, from time to time, may be required to remediate past practices. Management believes that such required remediations in the future, if any, will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

All states in which the Company owns producing oil and gas properties have statutory provisions regulating the production and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Regulations typically require permits for the drilling of wells and regulate the spacing of wells, the prevention of waste, protection of correlative rights, the rate of production, prevention and clean-up of pollution and other matters.

Marketing Operations--The Company's marketing facilities are subject to a number of state and federal environmental statutes and regulations, including the regulation of underground fuel storage tanks. While as of December 31, 2004, the Company does not own or operate underground tanks, historically, the Company has been an owner and operator of underground full storage tanks. The EPA's Office of Underground Tanks and applicable state laws establish regulations requiring owners or operators of underground fuel tanks to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for the costs of corrective action and the compensation of third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by sudden and non-sudden accidental releases arising from operating underground tanks. In addition, the EPA requires the installation of leak detection devices and stringent monitoring of the ongoing condition of underground tanks. Should leakage develop in an underground tank, the operator is obligated for clean up costs. During the period when the Company was an operator of underground tanks, it secured insurance covering both third party liability and clean up costs.

Transportation Operations--The Company's tank truck operations are conducted pursuant to authority of the United States Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and various state regulatory authorities. The Company's transportation operations must also be conducted in accordance with various laws relating to pollution and environmental control. Interstate motor carrier operations are subject to safety requirements prescribed by the DOT. Such matters as weight and dimension of equipment are also subject to federal and state regulations. DOT regulations also require mandatory drug testing of drivers and require certain tests for alcohol levels in drivers and other safety personnel. The trucking industry is subject to possible regulatory and legislative changes such as increasingly stringent environmental regulations or limits on vehicle weight and size. Regulatory change may affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices or by changing the demand for common or contract carrier services or the cost of providing truckload services. In addition, the Company’s tank wash facilities are subject to increasingly more stringent local, state and federal environmental regulations.

The Company has implemented security procedures for drivers and terminal facilities. Satellite tracking transponders installed in the power units are used to communicate “all is well” messages back to the driver’s home terminal. The dispatcher notifies local law enforcement agencies. The “Track and Trace” feature of the Company’s website is able to advise a customer of the status and location of their loads, and show that customer a picture of the driver that is delivering the load. Remote cameras and better lighting coverage in the staging and parking areas have augmented terminal security.

Regulatory Status and Potential Environmental Liability--The operations and facilities of the Company are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations including those described above, as well as associated permitting and licensing requirements. The Company regards compliance with applicable environmental regulations as a critical component of its overall operation, and devotes significant attention to providing quality service and products to its customers, protecting the health and safety of its employees, and protecting the Company’s facilities from damage. Management believes the Company has obtained or applied for all permits and approvals required under existing environmental laws and regulations to operate its current business. Management has reported that the Company is not subject to any pending or threatened environmental litigation or enforcement action(s), which could materially and adversely affect the Company's business. While the Company has, where appropriate, implemented operating procedures at each of its facilities designed to assure compliance with environmental laws and regulation, the Company, given the nature of its business, is subject to environmental risks and the possibility remains that the Company's ownership of its facilities and its operations and activities could result in civil or criminal enforcement and public as well as private action(s) against the Company, which may necessitate or generate mandatory clean up activities, revocation of required permits or licenses, denial of application for future permits, or significant fines, penalties or damages, any and all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. At December 31, 2004, the Company is unaware of any unresolved environmental issues for which additional accounting accruals are necessary.

Employees

At December 31, 2004 the Company employed 672 persons, 14 of whom were employed in the exploration and production of oil and gas, 233 in the marketing of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products, 414 in transportation operations, and 11 in administrative capacities. None of the Company's employees are represented by a union. Management believes its employee relations are satisfactory.
 
Federal and State Taxation

The Company is subject to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In accordance with the Code, the Company computes its income tax provision based on a 34 percent tax rate. The Company's operations are, in large part, conducted within the State of Texas. As such, the Company is subject to a 4.5 percent state tax on corporate net taxable income as computed for federal income tax purposes. Oil and gas activities are also subject to state and local income, severance, property and other taxes. Management believes the Company is currently in compliance with all federal and state tax regulations.
 
Forward-Looking Statements—Safe Harbor Provisions

This annual report for the year ended December 31, 2004 contains certain forward-looking statements covered by the safe harbors provided under Federal securities law and regulation. To the extent such statements are not recitations of historical fact, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements under the captions (a) Production and Reserve Information, (b) Regulatory Status and Potential Environmental Liability, (c) Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (d) Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates, (e) Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, (f) Income Taxes, (g) Concentration of Credit Risk, (h) Price Risk Management Activities, and (i) Commitments and Contingencies, among others, contain forward-looking statements. Where the Company expresses an expectation or belief regarding future results or events, such expression is made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis in fact. However, there can be no assurance that such expectation or belief will actually result or be achieved.

With the uncertainties of forward looking statements in mind, the reader should consider the risks discussed elsewhere in this report and other documents filed with the Commission from time to time and the following important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of the Company.

Fluctuations in oil and gas prices could have an effect on the Company.

The company’s future financial condition, revenues, results of operations and future rate of growth are materially affected by oil and gas prices. Oil and gas prices historically have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Moreover, oil and gas prices depend on factors outside the control of the Company. These factors include

·  
supply and demand for oil and gas and expectations regarding supply and demand;
·  
political conditions in other oil-producing countries, including the possibility of insurgency or war in such areas;
·  
economic conditions in the United States and worldwide;
·  
governmental regulations;
·  
the price and availability of alternative fuel sources;
·  
weather conditions;
·  
market uncertainty; and
·  
worldwide economic conditions.

Revenues are generated under contracts that must be periodically renegotiated.

Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are generated under contracts which expire periodically or which must be frequently renegotiated, extended or replaced. Whether these contracts are renegotiated, extended or replaced is often times subject to factors beyond the Company’s control. Such factors include sudden fluctuations in oil and gas prices, counterparty ability to pay for or accept the contracted volumes and most importantly, an extremely competitive marketplace for the services offered by the Company. There is no assurance that the costs and pricing of the Company’s services can remain competitive in the marketplace.

      Anticipated or scheduled volumes will differ from actual or delivered volumes.

The Company’s crude oil and natural gas marketing operation purchases initial production of crude oil and natural gas at the wellhead under contracts requiring the Company to accept the actual volume produced. The resale of such production is generally under contracts requiring a fixed volume to be delivered. The Company estimates anticipated supply and matches such supply estimate for both volume and pricing formulas with committed sales volumes. Since actual wellhead volumes produced will never equal anticipated supply, the Company’s marketing margins may be adversely impacted. In many instances, any losses resulting from the difference between actual supply volumes compared to committed sales volumes must be absorbed by the Company.

Environmental liabilities and environmental regulations may have an effect on the Company.

The Company’s business is subject to environmental hazards such as spills, leaks or any discharges of petroleum products and hazardous substances. These environmental hazards could expose the Company to material liabilities for property damage, personal injuries and/or environmental harms, including the costs of investigating and rectifying contaminated properties.

Environmental laws and regulations govern several aspects of the Company’s business, such as drilling and exploration, production, transportation and waste management. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations can require significant costs or may require a decrease in production. Moreover, noncompliance with these laws and regulations could subject the Company to significant administrative, civil or criminal fines or penalties.

Counterparty credit default could have an effect on the Company.

The Company’s revenues are generated under contracts with various counterparties. Results of operations would be adversely affected as a result of non-performance by any of these counterparties of their contractual obligations under the various contracts. A counterparty’s default or non-performance could be caused by factors beyond our control. A default could occur as a result of circumstances relating directly to the counterparty, or due to circumstances caused by other market participants which have a direct or indirect relationship with such counterparty. We seek to mitigate the risk of default by evaluating the financial strength of potential counterparties, however, despite our mitigation efforts, defaults by counterparties may occur from time to time.
 
The Company’s business is dependent on the ability to obtain credit.

The Company’s future development and growth depends in part on its ability to successfully enter into credit arrangements with banks, suppliers and other parties. Credit agreements are relied upon as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flow. If the Company is unable to obtain credit on reasonable and competitive terms, its ability to continue exploration, pursue improvements, make acquisitions and continue future growth will be limited.
 
Operations could result in liabilities that may not be fully covered by insurance.

The oil and gas business involves certain operating hazards such as well blowouts, explosions, fires and pollution. Any of these operating hazards could cause serious injuries, fatalities or property damage, which could expose the Company to liability. The payment of any of these liabilities could reduce, or even eliminate, the funds available for exploration, development, and acquisition, or could result in a loss of our properties and may even threaten survival of the enterprise.

Consistent with the industry standard, the Company’s insurance policies provide limited coverage for losses or liabilities relating to pollution, with broader coverage for sudden and accidental occurrences. Insurance might be inadequate to cover all liabilities. Moreover, obtaining insurance for the Company’s line of business has become increasingly difficult and costly over the past several years. The cost of insurance has increased substantially. Insurance costs are expected to continue increasing over the next few years and as a result coverage may decrease and more risk may be retained to offset future cost increases. If substantial liability is incurred and the damages are not covered by insurance or exceed policy limits, then the Company’s operation could be materially adversely affected.

Changes in tax laws or regulations could adversely effect the Company.

The Internal Revenue Service, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review federal income tax legislation. The Company cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any such legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect taxation of the Company.

The Company’s business is subject to changing government regulations.

Federal, state or local government agencies may impose environmental, tax, labor or other regulations that increase costs and/or terminate or suspend operations. The Company’s business is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations. These regulations relate to, among other things, the exploration, development, production and transportation of oil and gas. Existing laws and regulations could be changed, and any changes could increase costs of compliance and costs of operations.
 
Estimating reserves, production and future net cash flow is difficult.

Estimating oil and gas reserves is a complex process that involves significant interpretations and assumptions. It requires interpretation of technical data and assumptions relating to economic factors, such as future commodity prices, production costs, severance and excise taxes, capital expenditures and remedial costs, and the assumed effect of governmental regulation. As a result, actual results may differ from our estimates. Also, the use of a 10 percent discount factor for reporting purposes, as prescribed by the SEC, may not necessarily represent the most appropriate discount factor, given actual interest rates and risks to which our business is subject. Any significant variations from our estimates could cause the estimated quantities and net present value of our reserves to differ materially.

The reserve data included in this report is only an estimate. The reader should not assume that the present values referred to in this report represent the current market value of our estimated oil and gas reserves. The timing of the production and the expenses from development and production of oil and gas properties will affect both the timing of actual future net cash flows from our proved reserves and their present value.

The Company’s business is dependent on the ability to replace reserves.

Future success depends in part on the Company’s ability to find, develop and acquire additional oil and gas reserves. Without successful acquisition or exploration activities, reserves and revenues will decline as a result of current reserves being depleted by production. The successful acquisition, development or exploration of oil and gas properties requires an assessment of recoverable reserves, future oil and gas prices and operating costs, potential environmental and other liabilities, and other factors. These assessments are necessarily inexact. As a result, the Company may not recover the purchase price of a property from the sale of production from the property, or may not recognize an acceptable return from properties acquired. In addition, exploration and development operations may not result in any increases in reserves. Exploration or development may be delayed or canceled as a result of inadequate capital, compliance with governmental regulations or price controls or mechanical difficulties. In the future, the cost to find or acquire additional reserves may become unacceptable.

Fluctuations in commodity prices could have an effect on the Company.

Revenues depend on volumes and rates, both of which can be affected by the prices of oil and gas. Decreased prices could result in a reduction of the volumes purchased or transported by our customers. The success of our operations is subject to continued development of additional oil and gas reserves. A decline in energy prices could precipitate a decrease in these development activities and could cause a decrease in the volume of reserves available for processing and transmission. Fluctuations in energy prices are caused by a number of factors, including:

·  
regional, domestic and international supply and demand;
·  
availability and adequacy of transportation facilities;
·  
energy legislation;
·  
federal and state taxes, if any, on the sale or transportation of natural gas;
·  
abundance of supplies of alternative energy sources;
·  
political unrest among oil producing countries;
·  
and opposition to energy development in environmentally sensitive areas.

Revenues are dependent on the ability to successfully complete drilling activity.

Drilling and exploration are one of the main methods of replacing reserves. However, drilling and exploration operations may not result in any increases in reserves for various reasons. Drilling and exploration may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of:

·  
lack of acceptable prospective acreage;
·  
inadequate capital resources;
·  
weather;
·  
title problems;
·  
compliance with governmental regulations; and
·  
mechanical difficulties.

Moreover, the costs of drilling and exploration may greatly exceed initial estimates. In such a case, the Company would be required to make additional expenditures to develop our drilling projects. Such additional and unanticipated expenditures could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current and future litigation could have an effect on the Company.

The Company is currently involved in several administrative and civil legal proceedings. Moreover, as incident to operations, the Company sometimes becomes involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Lawsuits and other legal proceedings can involve substantial costs, including the cost associated with investigation, litigation and possible settlement, judgment, penalty or fine. Although insurance is maintained to mitigate these costs, there can be no assurance that costs associated with lawsuits or other legal proceedings will not exceed the limits of insurance policies. The Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected if a judgment, penalty or fine is not fully covered by insurance.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In April 2003, Gulfmark Energy Marketing, Inc a wholly owned subsidiary of the company previously involved in a crude oil marketing joint venture, received a demand for arbitration seeking monetary damages of $11.6 million and a re-audit of the joint venture activity for the period of its existence from May 2000 through October 2001. This claim is further described in Note (11) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This matter was resolved in July 2004 by the Company assuming 100 percent of any future obligations of the joint venture plus a cash payment of $350,000 to the joint venture claimant in exchange for an assignment of all accounts receivable from the joint venture and relief from the Company’s cash obligations otherwise due to the joint venture.

In March 2004, a suit styled Le Petit Chateau De Luxe, et. al. vs Great Southern Oil & Gas Co., et. al. was filed in the Civil District Court for Orleans Parish, Louisiana against the Company and its subsidiary, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation, among other defendants. The suit alleges that certain property in Acadia Parish, Louisiana was environmentally contaminated by oil and gas exploration and production activities during the 1970s and 1980s. An alleged amount of damage has not been specified. Management believes the Company has consistently conducted its oil and gas exploration and production activities in accordance with all environmental rules and regulations in effect at the time of operation. Management notified its insurance carrier about this claim, and thus far the insurance carrier has declined to offer coverage. The Company is litigating this matter with its insurance carrier. In any event, management does not believe the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
From time to time as incident to its operations, the Company becomes involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily as an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, the Company is a party to motor vehicle accidents, worker compensation claims and other items of general liability as would be typical for the industry. Except as disclosed herein, management of the Company is presently unaware of any claims against the Company that are either outside the scope of insurance coverage, or that may exceed the level of insurance coverage, and could potentially represent a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  


Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTER TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following persons are currently serving as executive officers of the Company:


Name
Age
Positions with the Company
K. S. Adams, Jr.
82
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
F. T. Webster
56
President and Chief Operating Officer
Vincent H. Buckley
82
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Richard B. Abshire
52
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Each officer has served in his present position for at least five years except Mr. Webster and Mr. Buckley. Mr. Webster joined the Company in May 2004. For at least the two previous years, he was President and Chief Executive Officer and managing director of Duke Capital Partners, LLC. Prior to joining Duke Capital, Mr. Webster was a partner and managing director of Andersen, LLP. For the five years prior to joining the Company, in September 2002, Mr. Buckley was Of Counsel to the law firm of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP.

3



PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK, RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock as published in The Wall Street Journal for issues listed on the American Stock Exchange for each calendar quarter since January 1, 2003.
 


   
American Stock Exchange
 
Year
     
High
 
Low
 
2003
                   
First Quarter
       
$
6.50
 
$
5.35
 
Second Quarter
         
10.45
   
5.57
 
Third Quarter
         
10.82
   
8.65
 
Fourth Quarter
         
13.96
   
10.06
 
                     
2004
                   
First Quarter
       
$
13.95
 
$
11.90
 
Second Quarter
         
15.20
   
12.60
 
Third Quarter
         
15.74
   
12.50
 
Fourth Quarter
         
18.95
   
13.30
 

At March 1, 2005 there were 291 holders of record of the Company's common stock and the closing stock price was $23.00 per share. The Company has no securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans. The Company made no repurchases of its stock during 2003 and 2004.

On December 15, 2004 the Company paid an annual cash dividend of $.30 per common share to common stockholders of record on December 2, 2004. On December 15, 2003 the Company paid an annual cash dividend of $.23 per common share to common stock holders of record on December 3, 2003. On December 17, 2002 the Company paid an annual cash dividend of $.13 per common share to common stock holders of record on December 2, 2002. Such dividends totaled $1,265,278, $970,047 and $548,000 for each of 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The terms of the Company's bank loan agreement require the Company to maintain consolidated net worth in excess of $37,938,000. Should the Company’s net worth fall below this threshold, the Company may be restricted from payment of additional cash dividends on the Company's common stock.
 
4
 
 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

FIVE YEAR REVIEW OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                    
 
Years Ended December 31,
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
   
2001
   
2000
 
Revenues:
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Marketing
 
$
2,011,669
 
$
1,677,728
 
$
1,726,194
 
$
3,444,050
 
$
5,743,500
 
Transportation
   
47,323
   
35,806
   
36,406
   
33,149
   
35,824
 
Oil and gas
   
10,796
   
8,395
   
4,750
   
6,111
   
6,059
 
   
$
2,069,788
 
$
1,721,929
 
$
1,767,350
 
$
3,483,310
 
$
5,785,383
 
Operating Earnings:
                               
Marketing
 
$
13,783
 
$
12,244
 
$
10,872
 
$
(8,846
)
$
16,362
 
Transportation
   
5,687
   
973
   
2,142
   
1,053
   
2,311
 
Oil and gas
   
2,362
   
2,310
   
(633
)
 
693
   
1,624
 
General and administrative
   
(7,867
)
 
(6,299
)
 
(7,259
)
 
(7,165
)
 
(6,221
)
     
13,965
   
9,228
   
5,122
   
(14,265
)
 
14,076
 
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
   
62
   
362
   
115
   
456
   
1,233
 
Interest expense
   
(107
)
 
(108
)
 
(117
)
 
(128
)
 
(172
)
Earnings (loss) from continuing
                               
operations before income taxes
                               
and cumulative effect of
                               
accounting change
   
13,920
   
9,482
   
5,120
   
(13,937
)
 
15,137
 
                                 
Income tax provision (benefit)
   
5,059
   
3,056
   
1,751
   
(4,776
)
 
5,495
 
                                 
Earnings (loss) from continuing
                               
operations
   
8,861
   
6,426
   
3,369
   
(9,161
)
 
9,642
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
                               
operations, net of taxes
   
(253
)
 
(3,232
)
 
(1,917
)
 
4,537
   
(802
)
Earnings (loss) before cumulative
                               
effect of accounting change
   
8,608
   
3,194
   
1,452
   
(4,624
)
 
8,840
 
Cumulative effect of accounting
                               
Change, net of taxes
   
-
   
(92
)
 
-
   
55
   
-
 
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
8,608
 
$
3,102
 
$
1,452
 
$
(4,569
)
$
8,840
 
                                 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
                               
From continuing operations
 
$
2.10
 
$
1.53
 
$
.79
 
$
(2.17
)
$
2.29
 
From discontinued operations
   
(.06
)
 
(.77
)
 
(.45
)
 
1.08
   
(.19
)
Cumulative effect of
                               
accounting change
   
-
   
(.02
)
 
-
   
.01
   
-
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
2.04
 
$
.74
 
$
.34
 
$
(1.08
)
$
2.10
 
                                 
Dividends per common share
 
$
.30
 
$
.23
 
$
.13
 
$
.13
 
$
.13
 
                                 
Financial Position
                               
                                 
Working capital
 
$
35,789
 
$
32,758
 
$
30,628
 
$
29,651
 
$
18,641
 
Total assets
   
238,854
   
210,607
   
202,120
   
227,027
   
448,044
 
Long-term debt, net of
                               
current maturities
   
11,475
   
11,475
   
11,475
   
12,475
   
11,900
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
49,575
   
42,232
   
40,100
   
39,196
   
44,313
 
Dividends on common shares
   
1,265
   
970
   
548
   
548
   
548
 

________________________________
Notes:
-  
In 2002, oil and gas operating earnings sustained a loss of $633,000. This loss includes $1.7 million in dry hole costs and property valuation write-down.
-  
In 2001 marketing, operating earnings sustained a loss of $8,846,000. This loss includes $8 million in charges related to inventory price declines and a $1.5 million bad debt provision in connection with the Enron bankruptcy.

5


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Results of Operations

- Marketing

Marketing segment revenues and operating earnings were as follows (in thousands):

     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
                     
Revenues
 
$
2,011,669
 
$
1,677,728
 
$
1,726,194
 
                     
Operating Earnings
 
$
13,783
 
$
12,244
 
$
10,872
 
                     
Depreciation
 
$
1,498
 
$
1,397
 
$
1,611
 

Marketing segment operating statistics were as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                     
Wellhead Purchases per day (1)
                   
- Crude Oil
   
76,000 bbls
   
85,000 bbls
   
101,000 bbls
 
- Natural Gas
   
294,000 mmbtu
   
317,000 mmbtu
   
482,000 mmbtu
 
                     
Average Purchase Price
                   
- Crude Oil
 
$
39.88/bbl
 
$
29.80/bbl
 
$
24.18/bbl
 
- Natural Gas
 
$
5.75/mmbtu
 
$
5.28/mmbtu
 
$
3.10/mmbtu
 

___________________
(1) Reflects the volume purchased from third parties by the Company at the lease level and pipeline pooling points.

Commodity purchases and sales associated with the Company’s natural gas marketing activities qualify as derivative instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133. Therefore, natural gas purchases and sales are recorded on a net revenue basis in the accompanying financial statements. In contrast, substantially all purchases and sales of crude oil qualify, and have been designated as, normal purchases and sales. Therefore, crude oil purchases and sales are recorded on a gross revenue basis in the accompanying financial statements. As a result, variations in gross revenues are primarily a function of crude oil volumes and prices while operating earnings fluctuate with both crude oil and natural gas margins and volumes. Included in 2004, 2003 and 2002 crude oil revenues is $735,476,000, $534,464,000 and $610,601,000, respectively, of gross proceeds associated with certain crude oil buy/sell arrangements. Crude oil buy/sell arrangements result from a single contract or concurrent contracts with a single counterparty to provide for similar quantities of crude oil to be bought and sold at two different locations. Such contracts may be entered into for a variety of reasons including to affect the transportation of the commodity, to minimize credit exposure, and to meet the competitive demands of customers. Financial reporting standards continue to evolve in this area, and in the future, the reporting for such buy/sell arrangements may be required to be on a net basis similar to the Company’s practice for natural gas operations. See Note (1) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Marketing revenues increased by 20 percent to over $2 billion for 2004 compared to 2003, while operating earnings in the current year increased by 13 percent to $13,783,000. The revenue increase resulted from crude oil price increases partially offset by wellhead purchase volume declines. Escalating crude oil prices from the $32 range at the end of 2003 to the $43 range by year-end 2004 enhanced current operating results as the Company liquidated lower price inventory into a higher price market. This event contributed approximately $1,400,000 to 2004 operating earnings. As of December 31, 2004, the Company held 224,900 barrels of crude oil inventory at an average price of $42.97 per barrel. Partially offsetting the earnings effect of crude oil price increases was $950,000 of losses sustained within the Company’s gasoline and diesel fuel wholesale business. Such losses occurred when refined product supply and distribution costs increased faster than the price to the Company’s end market customers. Also included in 2004 results was $1,476,000 of income resulting from settlement of a dispute associated with the Company’s previous marketing joint venture. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, during 2004 the Company collected and recognized as income $1,068,000 of cash on previous disputed and fully reserved items. Further during 2004, the Company recognized a $470,000 gain from the sale of its claim against the bankrupt estate of Enron Corp. and a $310,000 charge to write-down certain slow moving refined product inventory items. These generally favorable 2004 events compare to the Company experiencing $1.6 million in reduced marketing expenses during 2003 caused by the reversal of certain previously recorded accrual items resulting from the final true-ups of the accounting for such items.

Gross revenues for the marketing operation were essentially flat for 2003 compared to 2002 as crude oil price increases were offset by reductions in crude oil purchase volumes. By comparison, operating earnings increased by $1.4 million or 13 percent for 2003 relative to 2002. The earnings improvement resulted, in part, from improved per unit margins for both crude oil and natural gas. Most notably in the first half of 2003, the war in Iraq caused elevated demand for near term or prompt month crude oil prices. This presented premium value opportunities for resale of the crude oil being acquired by the Company. In addition, per unit margins for natural gas also improved during 2003 as a result of reduced competition in this sector of the marketplace. Also during 2003, the Company reduced marketing operating expenses by $1.6 million from the reversal of previously recorded accrual items. However, such accrual reversal in 2003 was offset by fee income totaling $2,433,000 during the first six months of 2002. This fee originated pursuant to the terms of an agreement to dissolve the Company’s Williams-Gulfmark joint venture. Previously, the Company earned fees approximating $400,000 per month based on the quantity of crude oil being purchased by the former co-venture participant in the offshore Gulf of Mexico region. With July 2002 business, credit constraints caused the former venture participant to substantially curtail and ultimately cease its purchases of the crude oil in the region. As a result, the Company’s opportunity for fee income ceased during 2002.

 
-
Transportation

The transportation segment experienced a strong resurgence in demand beginning in the Spring of 2004 and continuing into 2005. Revenues and operating earnings were as follows (in thousands):
   
2004
2003
2002
   
 
Amount
   
Change(1
)
 
Amount
   
Change(1
)
 
Amount
   
Change(1
)
                                       
Revenues
 
$
47,323
   
32
%
$
35,806
   
(2)
%
$
36,406
   
10
%
                                       
Operating earnings
 
$
5,687
   
484
%
$
973
   
(55)
%
$
2,142
   
103
%
                                       
Depreciation
 
$
2,125
   
2
%
$
2,093
   
14
%
$
1,838
   
11
%

______________
 (1) Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.

Transportation segment results are closely tied to trends for the United States economy in general and more specifically, to the domestic petrochemical industry. As a common carrier transporter of bulk liquid chemicals, demand for the Company’s services is closely tied to the economic activity of domestic manufacturers of petrochemicals. The Company enjoyed strong demand for its trucking services during 2004, which caused a 32 percent increase in revenues to $47,323,000. The demand improvement was consistent with an improving U. S. economy and a weaker dollar exchange rate stimulating export demand for petrochemicals.
 
      Based on the current level of infrastructures, the Company’s transportation segment is designed to maximize efficiency at revenues approaching $42 million per year. Because of the fixed cost component of operating expenses, operating earnings when expressed as a percentage change will increase or decrease relatively faster than the rate of increase or decrease existing for revenues. With the market conditions that existed in 2004, the Company was able to both maximize efficiency and increase freight rates. In addition, during 2004 the Company sold certain used truck-tractors for a gain on sales of $801,000 as compared to a $351,000 gain on equipment sales in 2003. This combination of factors provided a 484 percent increase in operating earnings to $5,687,000.

Demand for the Company’s trucking service has remained strong and is spurred by an improving United States and world economy. Other important factors include reduced levels of competition as the industry experienced a general “shake-out” in recent years coupled with service delays by the railroad industry. Presently, the Company’s transportation business continues to run at or near full capacity.


- Oil and Gas
Oil and gas segment revenues and operating earnings are primarily derived from crude oil and natural gas production volumes and prices. Comparative amounts are as follows (in thousands):

     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
                     
Revenues
 
$
10,796
 
$
8,395
 
$
4,750
 
                     
Operating earnings (loss)
 
$
2,362
 
$
2,310
 
$
(633
)
                     
Depreciation and depletion
 
$
2,949
 
$
2,175
 
$
2,116
 


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                     
Production Volumes
                   
- Crude Oil
   
71,300 bbls
   
61,900 bbls
   
55,000 bbls
 
- Natural Gas
   
1,309,000 mcf
   
1,239,000 mcf
   
1,047,000 mcf
 
                     
Average Price
                   
- Crude Oil
 
$
39.48/bbl
 
$
30.67/bbl
 
$
26.10/bbl
 
- Natural Gas
 
$
6.09/mcf
 
$
5.23/mcf
 
$
3.17/mcf
 

As shown above, oil and gas division revenues and operating earnings improved in 2004 relative to 2003 and in 2003 relative to 2002 due to increased crude oil and natural gas production volumes as well as higher prices. Recent results from exploration efforts caused the production volume increases. During 2004, the Company participated in the drilling of thirty-three wells. Twenty wells were successfully completed with seven dry holes and six wells in process at year-end. In addition to the completions of wells spud in 2004, the Company also successfully brought on production one well that was drilling at year-end 2003. All of the wells in process at December 31, 2004 were subsequently determined in the first quarter of 2005 to be productive.

Although oil and gas revenues increased by 28 percent during 2004, operating earnings were relatively unchanged at $2,362,000 for the year. Improvement in operating earnings did not correlate with improved revenues because $2,504,000 of exploration expense was incurred during 2004 compared to $1,638,000 of exploration expenses occurring during 2003. Exploration expense in 2004 included a $616,000 impairment provision on non-producing properties plus $1,888,000 of dry hole and geological and geophysical costs. Comparative operating earnings for 2004 were also adversely affected by a 36 percent increase in the provision for depreciation and depletion. The depreciation and depletion provision in 2004 included a $309,000 impairment provision on certain producing properties where actual drilling costs incurred exceed the estimated fair value of the property.

The results of 2004 exploration efforts yielded estimated reserve additions totaling 121,000 barrels of oil and 3,166,000 mcf of gas. With the Company’s production for 2004 being 71,300 barrels of oil and 1,309,000 mcf of gas, the estimated reserve additions for 2004 represent a 224 percent replacement of current production on an oil equivalent barrel basis. Estimated future undiscounted net cash flow before income taxes from oil and gas properties was increased from $46,186,000 at year-end 2003 to $62,312,000 at year-end 2004.

Presently, the Company’s drilling and exploration efforts are primarily focused as follows:

Ft. Bend, Wharton and Colorado Counties, Texas

The Company initiated the drilling of nine wells in 2004 in this area of Texas, with seven proving to be productive and two dry holes. One of the dry holes was lost due to mechanical reasons and the replacement well was successful. The success in 2004 results from interpretation of work done on a 3-D seismic data acquisitions made in 1999. The Company and one of its joint interest partners expanded exploration in this area in 2004 by acquiring additional seismic data and applying the same seismic reprocessing techniques that led to the initial drilling successes in the area. The first two wells on this newly acquired seismic data were drilled in the first quarter 2005 and are productive. A number of additional prospects will be drilled in the area during 2005.

Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

During 2004, the Company drilled nine wells with one dry hole in the Calcasieu area. At the end of 2004, three of the successful wells were waiting on the installation of surface production facilities and are scheduled to be producing beginning in the first quarter 2005. Supported by a 3-D seismic survey conducted in 2003, the Company and its joint interest partners have a continuing drilling program with additional prospects identified for drilling in 2005.

Southern Alabama

In Southern Alabama, processing and evaluation of a large proprietary 3-D seismic survey was completed in 2004 and resulted in numerous prospects to be drilled in 2005. Two of these wells were drilled in the first quarter 2005 as dry holes. Additional drilling will proceed during 2005 taking into consideration the knowledge gained from these wells.

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana

Due to the relative risk associated with an available prospect in Lafayette Parish, the Company took less than one percent interest in the drilling of an initial well that proved to be successful in 2005. Significantly, the Company’s interest in the offset acreage is approximately five percent, and the offset well will be drilled in the second quarter of 2005.

U. K. North Sea

Seismic reprocessing and evaluation to confirm a drillable prospect has continued on the Company’s interest in Block 21-1b of the Central UK North Sea. Beginning in the second quarter of 2005 presentations will be made to prospective joint interest partners in an attempt to promote the drilling of an exploratory well, hopefully before year-end. Additionally, in the UK North Sea, the Company’s bid for a promote license in the 22nd licensing round held last summer was accepted. The Company will have a 33 1/3% equity interest in Block 48-16c, located in the Southern Sector of the North Sea. The license was officially granted in February 2005. The Company with its joint interest partners will have two years to acquire existing 3-D and 2-D seismic data and reprocess it to confirm an exploration prospect identified on the Block. The terms of the license do not include a well commitment. If a Block 48-16c prospect is confirmed by the seismic data, the Company and its joint interest partners will seek an additional partner to drill a well on a promoted basis, thus limiting capital exposure on the drilling of the initial exploratory well.


6



-  
General and administrative

General and administrative expenses increased $1,568,000, or 25 percent, in 2004 as a result of increased personnel related expenses as both the number and average wage of administrative personnel increased during the year. An additional minimum 15 percent or $1.2 million increase is expected for 2005 as the Company continues to expand its corporate governance and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts.


-  
Discontinued operations

During 2003, the Company’s management decided to withdraw from its New England region retail natural gas marketing business. Because of the losses sustained and the desire to reduce working capital requirements, management decided to exit this region and type of account. An early withdrawal from the region was instituted in 2003 and the exit from this business was completed in 2004. See Note (3) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
- Outlook

Looking ahead for the marketing operation, management does not foresee a substantial change in 2005 for this business. Overall, a sound profitable operation should continue. For transportation, the strengthened level of demand is expected to remain. For oil and gas exploration, a strong price environment continues and drilling activity is expected to increase. In addition, the Company is pursuing other exploration opportunities for development in 2006 and beyond.

The Company has the following major objectives for 2005:

-  
Maintain marketing operating earnings at the $13 million level.

-  
Increase transportation operating earnings by 5 percent to the $6 million level.

-  
Improve oil and gas operating earnings to $3 million while growing the oil and gas reserve base by 10 percent.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Management’s practice is to generally balance the cash flow requirements of the Company’s investment activities with available cash generated from operations. As a result, over time, cash utilized for property and equipment additions, tends to track with the non-cash provision for depreciation, depletion and amortization. However, during 2004, the Company diverged from its normal practice. A summary analysis of cash flows follows (in thousands):


 
 
Years Ended December 31,
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
   
Total
 
Depreciation, depletion and
                         
amortization
 
$
6,572
 
$
5,665
 
$
5,565
 
$
17,802
 
Property and equipment
                         
additions
   
(12,161
)
 
(7,761
)
 
(4,619
)
 
(24,541
)
                           
Other (sources) uses of cash
 
$
(5,589
)
$
(2,096
)
$
946
 
$
(6,739
)
 
Several factors led to increased property and equipment expenditures. One factor was the December 31, 2004 expiration of certain federal tax provisions that afforded accelerated depreciation rates on new equipment purchases. The Company availed itself of this opportunity through the cash purchase of $4.5 million of truck-tractors and trailers for its transportation fleet. Ordinarily, such equipment is obtained through operating lease financing. Additionally, 2004 was a growth year for the Company’s transportation and oil and gas segments and available cash balances were utilized for such expenditures. Presently, management intends to restrict investment decisions to available cash flow. Significant, if any, additions to debt are not anticipated.


 Banking Relationships

The Company’s primary bank loan agreement with Bank of America provides for two separate lines of credit with interest at the bank’s prime rate minus ¼ of one percent. The working capital loan provides for borrowings up to $10,000,000 based on 80 percent of eligible accounts receivable and 50 percent of eligible inventories. Available capacity under the line is calculated monthly and as of December 31, 2004 was established at $10,000,000. The oil and gas production loan provides for flexible borrowings subject to a borrowing base established semi-annually by the bank. The borrowing base was established at $10,000,000 as of March 15, 2005. The line of credit loans are scheduled to expire on October 31, 2006, with the then present balance outstanding converting to a term loan payable in eight equal quarterly installments. As of December 31, 2004, bank debt outstanding under the Company’s two revolving credit facilities totaled $11,475,000.

The Bank of America revolving loan agreement, among other things, places certain restrictions with respect to additional borrowings and the purchase or sale of assets, as well as requiring the Company to comply with certain financial covenants, including maintaining a 1.0 to 1.0 ratio of consolidated current assets to consolidated current liabilities, maintaining a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio of pre-tax net income to interest expense, and consolidated net worth in excess of $37,938,000. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2004.

The Company’s Gulfmark Energy, Inc. subsidiary maintains a separate banking relationship with BNP Paribas in order to support its crude oil purchasing activities. In addition to providing up to $40 million in letters of credit, the facility also finances up to $6 million of crude oil inventory and certain accounts receivable associated with crude oil sales. Such financing is provided on a demand note basis with interest at the bank’s prime rate plus one percent. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $5.8 million of eligible borrowing capacity under this facility. No working capital advances were outstanding as of December 31, 2004. Letters of credit outstanding under this facility totaled approximately $19.1 million as of December 31, 2004. The letter of credit and demand note facilities are secured by substantially all of Gulfmark’s and ARM’s assets. Under this facility, BNP Paribas has the right to discontinue the issuance of letters of credit without prior notification to the Company.

The Company’s Adams Resources Marketing subsidiary also maintains a separate banking relationship with BNP Paribas in order to support its natural gas purchasing activities. In addition to providing up to $25 million in letters of credit, the facility finances up to $4 million of general working capital needs. Such financing is provided on a demand note basis with interest at the bank’s prime rate plus 1 percent. No working capital advances were outstanding under this facility as of December 31, 2004. Letters of credit outstanding under this facility totaled approximately $4.8 million as of December 31, 2004. The letter of credit and demand note facilities are secured by substantially all of Gulfmark’s and ARM’s assets. Under this facility, BNP Paribas has the right to discontinue the issuance of letters of credit without prior notification to the Company.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company maintains certain operating lease arrangements to provide tractor and trailer equipment for the Company’s truck fleet. All such operating lease commitments qualify for off-balance sheet treatment as provided by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, “Accounting for Leases”. The Company has operating lease arrangements for tractors, trailers, office space, and other equipment and facilities. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 was $6,650,000, $5,831,000, and $5,944,000 respectively. At December 31, 2004, commitments under long-term noncancelable operating leases for the next five years and thereafter are payable as follows: 2005 - $4,604,000; 2006 - $3,841,000; 2007 - $3,530,000; 2008 - $3,329,000; 2009 - $1,199,000 and thereafter - $233,000.

Contractual Cash Obligations

In addition to its banking relationships and obligations, the Company enters into certain operating leasing arrangements for tractors, trailers, office space and other equipment and facilities. The Company has no capital lease obligations. A summary of the payment periods for contractual debt and lease obligations is as follows (in thousands):


     
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Long-term debt
 
$
-
 
$
1,434
 
$
5,738
 
$
4,303
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
11,475
 
Operating leases
   
4,604
   
3,841
   
3,530
   
3,329
   
1,199
   
233
   
16,736
 
Total
 
$
4,604
 
$
5,275
 
$
9,268
 
$
7,632
 
$
1,199
 
$
233
 
$
28,211
 

In addition to its bank debt and lease financing obligations, the Company is also committed to purchase certain quantities of crude oil and natural gas in connection with its marketing activities. Such commodity purchase obligations are the basis for commodity sales, which generate the cash flow necessary to meet such purchase obligations. See also Note (8) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Approximate commodity purchase obligations as of December 31, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
   
January
   
Remaining
                         
     
2005
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Crude Oil
 
$
80,995
 
$
1,692
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
82,687
 
Natural Gas
   
50,401
   
6,954
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
57,355
 
Refined Products
   
901
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
901
 
   
$
132,297
 
$
8,646
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
140,943
 


 Investment Activities

During 2004, the Company invested approximately $4,147,000 in oil and gas projects, $6,736,000 for replacement equipment for its petrochemical trucking fleet and $1,278,000 in equipment for the Company’s marketing operations. Oil and gas exploration and development efforts continue, and the Company plans to invest approximately $10 million toward such projects in 2005 including $1,500,000 of seismic costs to be expensed during the year. An additional approximate $1.6 million is projected in 2005 for the purchase of transportation equipment as present lease financing arrangements mature.

Insurance

The marketplace for all forms of insurance has entered a period of severe cost increases. In the past, during such cyclical periods, the Company has seen cost increases to the point where desired levels of insurance were either unavailable or unaffordable. The Company’s primary insurance needs are in the area of automobile and umbrella coverage for its trucking fleet and medical insurance for employees. During 2003, the Company’s insurance costs increased 27 percent to total $9.9 million. During 2004, insurance cost stabilized and totaled $9.6 million. Overall insurance cost may experience renewed rate increases during 2005. Since the Company is generally unable to pass on such cost increases, any increase will need to be absorbed by existing operations.

Competition

In all phases of its operations, the Company encounters strong competition from a number of entities. Many of these competitors possess financial resources substantially in excess of those of the Company. The Company faces competition principally in establishing trade credit, pricing of available materials and quality of service. In its oil and gas operation, the Company also competes for the acquisition of mineral properties. The Company's marketing division competes with major oil companies and other large industrial concerns that own or control significant refining and marketing facilities. These major oil companies may offer their products to others on more favorable terms than those available to the Company. From time to time in recent years, there have been supply imbalances for crude oil and natural gas in the marketplace. This in turn has led to significant fluctuations in prices for crude oil and natural gas. As a result, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding both the future market price for crude oil and natural gas and the available margin spread between wholesale acquisition costs and sales realization.


Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Fair Value Accounting 

As an integral part of its marketing operation, the Company enters into certain forward commodity contracts that are required to be recorded at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and related accounting pronouncements. Management believes this required accounting, commonly called mark-to-market accounting, creates variations in reported earnings and the reported earnings trend. Under mark-to-market accounting, significant levels of earnings are recognized in the period of contract initiation rather than the period when the service is provided and title passes from supplier to customer. As it affects the Company’s operation, management believes mark-to-market accounting impacts reported earnings and the presentation of financial condition in three important ways.

1.  
Gross margins, derived from certain aspects of the Company’s ongoing business, are front-ended into the period in which contracts are executed. Meanwhile, personnel and other costs associated with servicing accounts as well as the substantially all risks associated with the execution of contracts are incurred during the period of physical product flow and title passage.

2.  
Mark-to-market earnings are calculated based on stated contract volumes. A significant risk associated with the Company’s business is the conversion of stated contract or planned volumes into actual physical commodity movement volumes without a loss of margin. Again, any planned profit from such commodity contracts is bunched and front-ended into one period while the risk of loss associated with the difference between actual versus planned production or usage volumes falls in a subsequent period.

3.  
Cash flows, by their nature, match physical movements and passage of title. Mark-to-market accounting, on the other hand, creates a mismatch between reported earnings and cash flows. This complicates and confuses the picture of stated financial conditions and liquidity.

The Company attempts to mitigate the identified risks by only entering into contracts where current market quotes in actively traded, liquid markets are available to determine the fair value of contracts. In addition, substantially all of the Company’s forward contracts are less than 18 months in duration. However, the reader is cautioned to develop a full understanding of how fair value or mark-to-market accounting creates reported results that differ from those presented under conventional accrual accounting.


Trade Accounts

Accounts receivable and accounts payable typically represent the most significant assets and liabilities of the Company. Particularly within the Company’s energy marketing, oil and gas exploration, and production operations, there is a high degree of interdependence with and reliance upon third parties, (including transaction counterparties) to provide adequate information for the proper recording of amounts receivable or payable. Substantially all such third parties are larger firms providing the Company with the source documents for recording trade activity. It is commonplace for these entities to retroactively adjust or correct such documents. This typically requires the Company to either absorb, benefit from, or pass along such corrections to another third party.

Due to (a) the volume of transactions, (b) the complexity of transactions and (c) the high degree of interdependence with third parties, this is a difficult area to control and manage. The Company manages this process by participating in a monthly settlement process with each of its counterparties. Ongoing account balances are monitored monthly and the Company attempts to gain the cooperation of such counterparties to reconcile outstanding balances. The Company also places great emphasis on collecting cash balances due and paying only bonafide properly supported claims. In addition, the Company maintains and monitors its bad debt allowance. A degree of risk remains, however, due to the custom and practices of the industry.

Oil and Gas Reserve Estimate

The value of capitalized cost of oil and gas exploration and production related assets are dependent on underlying oil and gas reserve estimates. Reserve estimates are based on many subjective factors. The accuracy of reserve estimates depends on the quantity and quality of geological data, production performance data and reservoir engineering data, changed prices, as well as the skill and judgment of petroleum engineers in interpreting such data. The process of estimating reserves requires frequent revision of estimates (usually on an annual basis) as additional information becomes available. Estimated future oil and gas revenue calculations are also based on estimates by petroleum engineers as to the timing of oil and gas production, and there is no assurance that the actual timing of production will conform to or approximate such estimates. Also, certain assumptions must be made with respect to pricing. The Company’s estimates assume prices will remain constant from the date of the engineer’s estimates, except for changes reflected under natural gas sales contracts. There can be no assurance that actual future prices will not vary as industry conditions, governmental regulation and other factors impact the market price for oil and gas.

The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting, so only costs (including development dry hole costs) associated with producing oil and gas wells are capitalized. Estimated oil and gas reserve quantities are the basis for the rate of amortization under the Company’s units of production method for depreciating, depleting and amortizing of oil and gas properties. Estimated oil and gas reserve values also provide the standard for the Company’s periodic review of oil and gas properties for impairment.

Contingencies

From time to time as incident to its operations, the Company becomes involved in various accidents, lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily as an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, the Company is a party to motor vehicle accidents, worker compensation claims or other items of general liability as are typical for the industry. In addition, the Company has extensive operations that must comply with a wide variety of tax laws, environmental laws and labor laws, among others. Should an incident occur, management evaluates the claim based on its nature, the facts and circumstances and the applicability of insurance coverage. To the extent management believes that such event may impact the financial condition of the Company, management will estimate the monetary value of the claim and make appropriate accruals or disclosure as provided in the guidelines of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s natural gas and crude oil marketing customers are invoiced based on contractually agreed upon terms on a monthly basis. Revenue is recognized in the month in which the physical product is delivered to the customer. Where required, the Company also recognizes fair value or mark-to-market gains and losses related to its natural gas and crude oil trading activities. A detailed discussion of the Company’s risk management activities is included in Note (1) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Customers of the Company’s petroleum products marketing subsidiary are invoiced and revenue is recognized in the period when the customer physically takes possession and title to the product upon delivery at their facility. Transportation customers are invoiced, and the related revenue is recognized as the service is provided. Oil and gas revenue from the Company’s interests in producing wells is recognized as title and physical possession of the oil and gas passes to the purchaser.

7



New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which established accounting standards for all transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods and services. SFAS No. 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for such transactions with employees. As of December 31, 2004 the Company had no stock-based employee compensation plans, nor any other share-based payment arrangements.

On November 30, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” This statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This statement requires that these items be charged to expense regardless of whether they meet the “so abnormal” criterion outlined in Accounting Research Bulletin 43. This statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets an amendment of APB No. 29. This Statement amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This Statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after the date this Statement is issued. Retroactive application is not permitted. Management is analyzing the requirements of this new Statement and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s exposure to market risk includes potential adverse changes in interest rates and commodity prices.

Interest Rate Risk

Total long-term debt at December 31, 2004 included $11,475,000 of floating rate debt. As a result, the Company’s annual interest costs fluctuate based on interest rate changes. Because the interest rate on the Company’s long-term debt is a floating rate, the fair value approximates carrying value as of December 31, 2004. A hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in the floating rate would not have had a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company’s major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its marketing and production of crude oil and natural gas. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing spot prices applicable to oil and gas. Commodity price risk in the Company’s marketing operations represents the potential loss that may result from a change in the market value of an asset or a commitment. From time to time, the Company enters into forward contracts to minimize or hedge the impact of market fluctuations on its purchases of crude oil and natural gas. The Company may also enter into price support contracts with certain customers to secure a floor price on the purchase of certain supply. In each instance, the Company locks in a separate matching price support contract with a third party in order to minimize the risk of these financial instruments. Substantially all forward contracts fall within a six-month to one-year term with no contracts extending longer than two years in duration. The Company monitors all commitments and positions and endeavors to maintain a balanced portfolio.

8



Certain forward contracts are recorded at fair value, depending on management’s assessments of numerous accounting standards and positions that comply with generally accepted accounting principles. The undiscounted fair value of such contracts is reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as risk management assets and liabilities. The revaluation of such contracts is recognized on a net basis in the Company’s results of operations. Current market price quotes from actively traded liquid markets are used in all cases to determine the contracts’ undiscounted fair value. Regarding net risk management assets, 100 percent of presented values as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were based on readily available market quotations. Risk management assets and liabilities are classified as short-term or long-term depending on contract terms. The estimated future net cash inflow based on year-end market prices is $630,000 all to be received in 2005. The estimated future cash inflow approximates the net fair value recorded in the Company’s risk management assets and liabilities. The following table illustrates the factors impacting the change in the net value of the Company’s risk management assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2004 (in thousands).

     
2004
 
Net fair value on January 1,
 
$
692
 
Activity during 2004
       
- Cash received from settled contracts
   
(1,061
)
- Net realized gain from prior years’ contracts
   
369
 
- Net unrealized gain from current year contracts
   
630
 
Net fair value on December 31,
 
$
630
 

Historically, prices received for oil and gas production have been volatile and unpredictable. Price volatility is expected to continue. From January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004 natural gas price realizations ranged from a monthly low of $3.68 mmbtu to a monthly high of $17.00 per mmbtu. Oil prices ranged from a low of $28.61 per barrel to a high of $53.32 per barrel during the same period. A hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in average natural gas and crude oil prices, assuming no changes in volume levels, would have reduced earnings by approximately $2,045,000 and $1,250,000, respectively, for the comparative years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.


9



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
   
Page
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
   
11
 
         
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
       
         
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
   
12
 
         
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended
   
13
 
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
       
         
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity for the Years Ended
   
14
 
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
       
         
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
   
15
 
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
       
         
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
16
 


10




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Shareholders of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Adams Resources and Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidences supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
March 15, 2005

11


ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)

   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2004
 
2003
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
19,942
 
$
28,342
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
             
$384 and $1,935, respectively
   
161,885
   
135,306
 
Inventories
   
11,372
   
6,300
 
Risk management receivables
   
7,795
   
3,809
 
Income tax receivable
   
-
   
1,310
 
Prepayments
   
8,345
   
4,870
 
Current deferred taxes
   
-
   
346
 
Current assets of discontinued operation
   
-
   
5,140
 
Total current assets
   
209,339
   
185,423
 
               
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
             
Marketing
   
20,659
   
20,771
 
Transportation
   
22,533
   
18,652
 
Oil and gas (successful efforts method)
   
45,390
   
41,666
 
Other
   
99
   
99
 
     
88,681
   
81,188
 
               
Less - Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
(59,605
)
 
(56,342
)
     
29,076
   
24,846
 
OTHER ASSETS:
             
Other assets
   
439
   
338
 
   
$
238,854
 
$
210,607
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
160,387
 
$
145,047
 
Risk management payables
   
7,165
   
3,117
 
Accrued and other liabilities
   
5,904
   
3,364
 
Current deferred taxes
   
94
   
-
 
Current liabilities of discontinued operation
   
-
   
1,137
 
Total current liabilities
   
173,550
   
152,665
 
               
LONG-TERM DEBT
   
11,475
   
11,475
 
               
OTHER LIABILITIES:
             
Asset retirement obligations
   
723
   
706
 
Deferred taxes and other
   
3,531
   
3,529
 
     
189,279
   
168,375
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 8)
             
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
             
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 960,000 shares authorized,
             
none outstanding
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, $.10 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized,
             
4,217,596 issued and outstanding
   
422
   
422
 
Contributed capital
   
11,693
   
11,693
 
Retained earnings
   
37,460
   
30,117
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
49,575
   
42,232
 
   
$
238,854
 
$
210,607
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

12



ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)



 
Years Ended December 31,
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
REVENUES:
                   
Marketing (includes $735,476, $534,464 and $610,601,
respectively, of proceeds from buy/sell arrangements)
 
$
2,011,669
 
$
1,677,728
 
$
1,726,194
 
Transportation
   
47,323
   
35,806
   
36,406
 
Oil and gas
   
10,796
   
8,395
   
4,750
 
     
2,069,788
   
1,721,929
   
1,767,350
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
                   
Marketing (includes $736,126, $551,848 and $611,144,
respectively, of costs associated with buy/sell arrangements)
   
1,996,388
   
1,664,087
   
1,713,711
 
Transportation
   
39,511
   
32,740
   
32,426
 
Oil and gas
   
5,485
   
3,910
   
3,267
 
General and administrative
   
7,867
   
6,299
   
7,259
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
6,572
   
5,665
   
5,565
 
     
2,055,823
   
1,712,701
   
1,762,228
 
                     
Operating Earnings
   
13,965
   
9,228
   
5,122
 
                     
Other Income (Expense):
                   
Interest income
   
62
   
362
   
115
 
Interest expense
   
(107
)
 
(108
)
 
(117
)
                     
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax
                   
and cumulative effect of accounting change
   
13,920
   
9,482
   
5,120
 
                     
Income Tax Provision (Benefit):
                   
Current
   
4,666
   
2,346
   
4,084
 
Deferred
   
393
   
710
   
(2,333
)
     
5,059
   
3,056
   
1,751
 
Earnings from continuing operations
   
8,861
   
6,426
   
3,369
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
                   
benefit of $130, $1,664 and $987, respectively
   
(253
)
 
(3,232
)
 
(1,917
)
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change
   
8,608
   
3,194
   
1,452
 
                     
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax benefit
                   
of zero, $57 and zero, respectively
   
-
   
(92
)
 
-
 
                     
Net Earnings
 
$
8,608
 
$
3,102
 
$
1,452
 
                     
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                   
From continuing operations
 
$
2.10
 
$
1.53
 
$
.79
 
From discontinued operation
   
(.06
)
 
(.77
)
 
(.45
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
-
   
(.02
)
 
-
 
                     
Basic and diluted net earnings per share
 
$
2.04
 
$
.74
 
$
.34
 
                     
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
.30
 
$
.23
 
$
.13
 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

13





ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)

 
   
Total
                   
 
   
Common
   
Contributed
   
Retained
   
Shareholders’
 
 
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Equity
 
                           
BALANCE, January 1, 2002
 
$
422
 
$
11,693
 
$
27,081
 
$
39,196
 
Net earnings
   
-
   
-
   
1,452
   
1,452
 
Dividends paid on common stock
   
-
   
-
   
(548
)
 
(548
)
BALANCE, December 31, 2002
   
422
   
11,693
   
27,985
   
40,100
 
Net earnings
   
-
   
-
   
3,102
   
3,102
 
Dividends paid on common stock
   
-
   
-
   
(970
)
 
(970
)
BALANCE, December 31, 2003
   
422
   
11,693
   
30,117
   
42,232
 
Net earnings
   
-
   
-
   
8,608
   
8,608
 
Dividends paid on common stock
   
-
   
-
   
(1,265
)
 
(1,265
)
BALANCE, December 31, 2004
 
$
422
 
$
11,693
 
$
37,460
 
$
49,575
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


14


ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)


 
 
Years Ended December 31
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
                     
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS:
                   
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
8,861
 
$
6,426
 
$
3,369
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
                   
provided by (used in) operating activities-
                   
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
6,572
   
5,665
   
5,565
 
Gains on property sales
   
(1,438
)
 
(448
)
 
(447
)
Impairment of non-producing oil and gas properties
   
616
   
461
   
537
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
-
   
(149
)
 
-
 
Other, net
   
(188
)
 
330
   
(276
)
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
   
(26,579
)
 
(15,270
)
 
2,255
 
Decrease (increase) in inventories
   
(5,072
)
 
(1,319
)
 
3,515
 
Risk management activities
   
62
   
(762
)
 
2,687
 
Decrease (increase) in tax receivable
   
1,310
   
(928
)
 
3,548
 
Decrease (increase) in prepayments
   
(3,475
)
 
(1,723
)
 
4,492
 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
   
15,138
   
7,947
   
(14,356
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
   
2,540
   
(586
)
 
294
 
Deferred taxes
   
393
   
710
   
(3,075
)
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations
   
(1,260
)
 
354
   
8,108
 
Net cash provided by discontinued operation
   
3,750
   
8,729
   
11,533
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
2,490
   
9,083
   
19,641
 
                     
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                   
Property and equipment additions
   
(12,161
)
 
(7,761
)
 
(4,619
)
Proceeds from property sales
   
2,536
   
728
   
561
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(9,625
)
 
(7,033
)
 
(4,058
)
                     
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                   
Net borrowings under credit agreements
   
-
   
-
   
(1,000
)
Dividend payments
   
(1,265
)
 
(970
)
 
(548
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(1,265
)
 
(970
)
 
(1,548
)
                     
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(8,400
)
 
1,080
   
14,035
 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
28,342
   
27,262
   
13,227
 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
19,942
 
$
28,342
 
$
27,262
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
15

 
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Company") after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts in order to conform to current year presentation.

Nature of Operations

The Company is engaged in the business of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products marketing, as well as tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and oil and gas exploration and production. Its primary area of operation is within a 500-mile radius of Houston, Texas.

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include any treasury bill, commercial paper, money market fund or federal fund with a maturity of 30 days or less. Included in the cash balance at December 31, 2004 and 2003 is a deposit of $2 million to collateralize the Company's month-to-month crude oil letter of credit facility. See Note (2) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Inventories

Crude oil and petroleum product inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Petroleum products inventory includes gasoline, lubricating oils and other petroleum products purchased for resale and are valued at cost determined on the first-in, first-out basis, while crude oil inventory is valued at average cost. Components of inventory are as follows (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
               
Crude oil
 
$
9,663
 
$
4,108
 
Petroleum products
   
1,709
   
2,192
 
   
$
11,372
 
$
6,300
 


Property and Equipment

Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest costs incurred in connection with major capital expenditures are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related assets. When properties are retired or sold, the related cost and accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") is removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings.

Oil and gas exploration and development expenditures are accounted for in accordance with the successful efforts method of accounting. Direct costs of acquiring developed or undeveloped leasehold acreage, including lease bonus, brokerage and other fees, are capitalized. Exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized until the properties are evaluated and determined to be either productive or nonproductive. If an exploratory well is determined to be nonproductive, the capitalized costs of drilling the well are charged to expense. Costs incurred to drill and complete development wells, including dry holes, are capitalized.

Producing oil and gas leases, equipment and intangible drilling costs are depleted or amortized over the estimated recoverable reserves using the units-of-production method. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated average useful lives of three to twenty years for marketing, three to fifteen years for transportation and ten to twenty years for all others.

The Company is required to periodically review long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is evidence that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. This consists of comparing the carrying value of the asset with the asset’s expected future undiscounted cash flows without interest costs. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent management’s best estimate based on reasonable and supportable assumptions. Proved oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis. Any impairment recognized is permanent and may not be restored. In addition, management evaluates the carrying value of non-producing properties and may deem them impaired for lack of drilling activity. Accordingly, a $616,000 and a $461,000 impairment provision on non-producing properties was recorded in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Also for 2004, a $309,000 impairment provision on producing oil and gas properties was recorded and included in DD&A as a result of relatively high costs incurred on certain properties relative to their oil and gas reserve additions.

Revenue Recognition

Commodity purchases and sales associated with the Company’s natural gas marketing activities qualify as derivative instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133. Therefore, natural gas purchases and sales are recorded on a net revenue basis in the accompanying financial statements. In contrast, substantially all purchases and sales of crude oil qualify, and have been designated as, normal purchases and sales. Therefore, crude oil purchases and sales are recorded on a gross revenue basis in the accompanying financial statements. The Company’s natural gas and crude oil marketing customers are invoiced based on contractually agreed upon terms on a monthly basis. Revenue is recognized in the month in which the physical product is delivered to the customer. Where required, the Company also recognizes fair value or mark-to-market gains and losses related to its natural gas and crude oil trading activities. A detailed discussion of the Company’s risk management activities is included later in this footnote.

Customers of the Company’s petroleum products marketing subsidiary are invoiced and revenue is recognized in the period when the customer physically takes possession and title to the product upon delivery at their facility. Transportation customers are invoiced, and the related revenue is recognized as the service is provided. Oil and gas revenue from the Company’s interests in producing wells is recognized as title and physical possession of the oil and gas passes to the purchaser.

Included in marketing segment revenues and costs is the gross proceeds and costs associated with certain crude oil buy/sell arrangements. Crude oil buy/sell arrangements result from a single contract or concurrent contracts with a single counterparty to provide for similar quantities of crude oil to be bought and sold at two different locations. Such contracts may be entered into for a variety of reasons including to effect the transportation of the commodity, to minimize credit exposure, and to meet the competitive demands of the customer. The gross proceeds included in revenues and the gross costs included in marketing costs and expenses, typically constitute approximately 35 percent of marketing revenues and costs. The Company believes its accounting treatment is consistent with the normal purchase and sale presentation under SFAS No. 133 as amended by SFAS No. 137 and No. 138. See discussion under “Price Risk Management Activities” below. Presently, the EITF in Issue 04-13 is reviewing the accounting presentation for buy/sell arrangements and may require that such items be reported net on the Statement of Operations. In such circumstances, marketing segment revenues presented herein would be reduced by $735,476,000, $534,464,000 and $610,601,000 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Net earnings from operations would be unaffected by such change in presentation.

16


Statement of Cash Flows

Interest paid totaled $120,000, $96,000 and $121,000 during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Income taxes paid during these same periods totaled $2,957,000, $1,659,000 and $465,000, respectively. Federal tax refunds received totaled $306,000 and $2,779,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively. There were no significant non-cash investing or financing activities in any of the periods reported.

Earnings Per Share

The Company computes and presents earnings per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”, which requires the presentation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for potentially dilutive securities. Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding averaged 4,217,596 for 2004, 2003 and 2002. There were no potentially dilutive securities during 2004, 2003 and 2002.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Examples of significant estimates used in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounting for depreciation, depletion and amortization, income taxes, contingencies and price risk management activities.

Price Risk Management Activities

SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended by SFAS No. 137 and No. 138 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, unless the derivative qualifies and has been designated as a normal purchase or sale. Changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings unless the derivatives qualify for, and the Company elects, cash flow hedge accounting. For cash flow hedges, the effected portion of the change in fair value will be deferred in other comprehensive income until the related hedge item impacts earnings. The Company had no contracts designated for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133 during any current reporting periods.

The Company’s trading and non-trading transactions give rise to market risk, which represents the potential loss that may result from a change in the market value of a particular commitment. The Company closely monitors and manages its exposure to market risk to ensure compliance with the Company’s risk management policies. Such policies are regularly assessed to ensure their appropriateness given management’s objectives, strategies and current market conditions.

The Company’s forward crude oil contracts are designated as normal purchases and sales. Natural gas forward contracts and energy trading contracts on crude oil and natural gas are recorded at fair value, depending on management’s assessments of the numerous accounting standards and positions that comply with generally accepted accounting principles. The undiscounted fair value of such contracts is reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as risk management assets and liabilities. The revaluation of such contracts is recognized in the Company’s results of operations. Current market price quotes from actively traded liquid markets are used in all cases to determine the contracts’ undiscounted fair value. Risk management assets and liabilities are classified as short-term or long-term depending on contract terms. The estimated future net cash inflow based on market prices as of December 31, 2004 is $630,000, all of which will be received in 2005. The estimated future cash inflow approximates the net fair value recorded in the Company’s risk management assets and liabilities.

The following table illustrates the factors impacting the change in the net value of the Company’s risk management assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

     
2004
   
2003
 
Net fair value on January 1,
 
$
692
 
$
(70
)
Activity during 2004
             
- Cash received from settled contracts
   
(1,061
)
 
-
 
- Cash paid on settled contracts
   
-
   
21
 
- Net realized gain from prior years’ contracts
   
369
   
-
 
- Net realized (loss) from prior years’ contracts
   
-
   
(32
)
- Net unrealized gain from prior years’ contracts
   
-
   
340
 
- Net unrealized gain from current years’ contracts
   
630
   
433
 
Net fair value on December 31,
 
$
630
 
$
692
 

Asset Retirement Obligations

On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”. The objective of SFAS No. 143 is to establish an accounting model for accounting and reporting obligations associated with retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset's retirement obligation be recorded in the period in which it is incurred and the corresponding cost capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its then present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized. The Company estimated the present value of its future Asset Retirement Obligations at approximately $672,000 as of January 1, 2003. The cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS No. 143 and the change in accounting principle resulted in a charge to net income during the first quarter of 2003 of approximately $149,000 or $92,000 net of taxes. A summary of the recording of the estimated fair value of the Company’s asset retirement obligations is presented as follows (in thousands):

     
2004
   
2003
 
Balance on January 1,
 
$
706
 
$
-
 
Impact of accounting change
   
-
   
672
 
Liabilities incurred
   
14
   
63
 
Accretion of discount
   
18
   
-
 
Liabilities settled
   
(15
)
 
(29
)
Revisions to estimates
   
-
   
-
 
Balance on December 31,
 
$
723
 
$
706
 

In addition to an accrual for asset retirement obligations, the Company maintains $75,000 in escrow cash, which is legally restricted for the potential purpose of settling asset retirement costs in accordance with certain state regulations. Such cash deposits are included in other assets on the accompanying balance sheet.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which established accounting standards for all transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods and services. SFAS No. 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for such transactions with employees. As of December 31, 2004 the Company had no stock-based employee compensation plans, nor any other share-based payment arrangements.

On November 30, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” This statement clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This statement requires that these items be charged to expense regardless of whether they meet the “so abnormal” criterion outlined in Accounting Research Bulletin 43. This statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets an amendment of APB No. 29. This Statement amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This Statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after the date this Statement is issued. Retroactive application is not permitted. Management is analyzing the requirements of this new Statement and believes that its adoption will not have any significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


(2) Long-Term Debt

The Company's revolving bank loan agreement with Bank of America provides for two separate lines of credit with interest at the bank's prime rate minus ¼ of 1 percent. The first line of credit or working capital loan provides for borrowings up to $10,000,000 based on the total of 80 percent of eligible accounts receivable and 50 percent of eligible inventories. Available borrowing capacity under the working capital line is calculated monthly and as of December 31, 2004 was established at $10,000,000 with $7,500,000 of such amount outstanding at December 31, 2004. The second line of credit or oil and gas production loan provides for flexible borrowings, subject to a borrowing base established semi-annually by the bank. The borrowing base was established at $10,000,000 as of March 15, 2005 with the next scheduled borrowing base re-determination date of September 1, 2005. As of December 31, 2004, $3,975,000 was outstanding under the oil and gas production loan facility. The working capital loans also provide for the issuance of letters of credit. The amount of each letter of credit obligation is deducted from the borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 2004, letters of credit under this facility totaled $25,000. The revolving line of credit loans are scheduled to expire on October 31, 2006, with the then present balance outstanding converting to a term loan payable in eight equal quarterly installments.

17


Long-term debt is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
     
2004
   
2003
 
Bank lines of credit, secured by substantially all of
             
the Company’s assets (excluding Gulfmark and
             
ARM), due in eight quarterly installments
             
commencing on October 31, 2006
 
$
11,475
 
$
11,475
 
Less - current maturities
   
-
   
-
 
               
Long-term debt
 
$
11,475
 
$
11,475
 

The Bank of America revolving loan agreement, among other things, places certain restrictions with respect to additional borrowings and the purchase or sale of assets, as well as requiring the Company to comply with certain financial covenants, including maintaining a 1.0 to 1.0 ratio of consolidated current assets to consolidated current liabilities, maintaining a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio of pre-tax net income to interest expense, and consolidated net worth in excess of $37,938,000.
 
A subsidiary of the Company, Gulfmark Energy, Inc. (“Gulfmark”), maintains a separate banking relationship with BNP Paribas in order to provide up to $40 million in letters of credit and to provide financing for up to $6 million of crude oil inventories and certain accounts receivable associated with sales of crude oil. Such financing is provided on a demand note basis with interest at the bank's prime rate plus 1 percent. The letter of credit and demand note facilities are secured by substantially all of Gulfmark's and ARM’s assets. At year-end 2004 and 2003, Gulfmark had no amounts outstanding under the inventory-based line of credit. Gulfmark had approximately $19.1 million and $21 million in letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, in support of its crude oil purchasing activities. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $5.8 million of eligible borrowing capacity under the Gulfmark facility. Under this facility, BNP Paribas has the right to discontinue the issuance of letters of credit without prior notification to the Company.

The Company’s Adams Resources Marketing, Ltd. subsidiary (“ARM”) maintains a separate banking relationship with BNP Paribas in order to support its natural gas purchasing business. In addition to providing up to $25 million in letters of credit, the facility finances up to $4 million of general working capital needs. Such financing is provided on a demand note basis with interest at the bank’s prime rate plus 1 percent. The letter of credit and demand note facilities are secured by substantially all of ARM’s and Gulfmark’s assets. At year-end 2004 and 2003, ARM had no working capital advances outstanding. ARM had approximately $4.8 million and $9.2 million in letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Under this facility, BNP Paribas has the right to discontinue the issuance of letters of credit without prior notification to the Company.

The Company's weighted average effective interest rate for 2004, 2003 and 2002 was 4.8%, 3.1%, and 3.7%, respectively. No interest was capitalized during 2004, 2003 or 2002. At December 31, 2004, the scheduled aggregate principal maturities of the Company's long-term debt are: 2006 - $1,434,375; 2007 - $5,737,500; and 2008 - $4,303,125.

(3) Discontinued Operations

During 2003, Company management decided to withdraw from its New England region retail natural gas marketing business, which was included in the marketing segment. This business had negative operating margins of $279,000, $4,896,000 and $2,904,000 and after tax losses totaling $253,000, $3,232,000 and $1,817,000 during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Because of the losses sustained and the desire to reduce working capital requirements, management decided to exit this region and type of account. The New England operation had no fixed assets or capitalized costs associated with intangibles. Therefore, an impairment assessment of long-lived assets was not necessary. Further, all contracts associated with this operation were initially recorded at fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133. As a result, a separate fair value analysis was not needed in connection with the decision to discontinue New England business. The Company completed its exit from this business during 2004. At year-end 2003, the Company had current assets from this discontinued operation totaling $5,140,000, consisting primarily of accounts receivable and risk management assets, and current liabilities totaling $1,137,000, consisting primarily of accounts payable and risk management liabilities. Such assets and liabilities were liquidated in connection with the Company’s orderly exit from the business.

(4) Income Taxes

The following table shows the components of the Company's income tax provision (benefit) (in thousands):
 
 
Years ended December 31,
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
Current:
                   
Federal
 
$
4,076
 
$
515
 
$
2,796
 
State
   
460
   
110
   
301
 
     
4,536
   
625
   
3,097
 
Deferred:
                   
Federal
   
214
   
674
   
(2,087
)
State
   
179
   
36
   
(246
)
   
$
4,929
 
$
1,335
 
$
764
 

The following table summarizes the components of the income tax provision (benefit) (in thousands):

 
 
Years ended December 31,
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
From continuing operations
 
$
5,059
 
$
3,056
 
$
1,751
 
From discontinued operations
   
(130
)
 
(1,664
)
 
(987
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
-
   
(57
)
 
-
 
   
$
4,929
 
$
1,335
 
$
764
 

Taxes computed at the corporate federal income tax rate reconcile to the reported income tax provision as follows (in thousands):

   
Years ended December 31,
 
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
Statutory federal income tax
                   
provision at 34%
 
$
4,603
 
$
1,509
 
$
735
 
State income tax provision,
                   
(net of federal benefit)
   
321
   
96
   
55
 
Federal statutory depletion
   
(306
)
 
(304
)
 
(100
)
Book/tax basis adjustment
   
120
   
-
   
-
 
State net operating loss
                   
Valuated allowance
   
152
   
-
   
-
 
Other
   
39
   
34
   
74
 
   
$
4,929
 
$
1,335
 
$
764
 
 
Deferred income taxes primarily reflect the net difference between the financial statement carrying amount in excess of the underlying tax basis of property and equipment. The components of the federal deferred tax liability are as follows (in thousands):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2004
   
2003
 
Current deferred taxes
             
Bad debts
 
$
146
 
$
663
 
Mark-to-Market contracts
   
(240
)
 
(317
)
Net current deferred tax
   
       
asset (liability)
   
(94
)
 
346
 
     
       
Long-term deferred taxes
             
Goodwill
   
55
   
94
 
State net operating losses
   
229
   
236
 
--Less valuation allowance
   
(152
)
 
-
 
Basis difference in foreign investments
   
120
   
-
 
Property
   
(3,612
)
 
(3,552
)
Other
   
-
   
(184
)
               
Net long-term deferred tax (liability)
   
(3,360
)
 
(3,406
)
               
Net deferred tax (liability)
 
$
(3,454
)
$
(3,060
)

The Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events and transactions that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of the deferred income tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future years. Management believes that it is more likely than not that not all of the deferred income tax assts related to state net operating losses will be realized and thus, a valuation allowance was provided for as of December 31, 2004.

(5) Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amount of cash equivalents are believed to approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments. Substantially all of the Company’s long and short-term debt obligations bear interest at floating rates. As such, carrying amounts approximate fair values. For a discussion of the fair value of commodity financial instruments see “Price Risk Management Activities” in Note (1) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Credit risk represents the amount of loss the Company would absorb if its customers failed to perform pursuant to contractual terms. Management of credit risk involves a number of considerations, such as the financial profile of the customer, the value of collateral held, if any, specific terms and duration of the contractual agreement, and the customer's sensitivity to economic developments. The Company has established various procedures to manage credit exposure, including initial credit approval, credit limits, and rights of offset. Letters of credit and guarantees are also utilized to limit credit risk.

The Company's largest customers consist of large multinational integrated oil companies and utilities. In addition, the Company transacts business with independent oil producers, major chemical concerns, crude oil and natural gas trading companies and a variety of commercial energy users. Accounts receivable associated with crude oil and natural gas marketing activities comprise approximately 86 percent of the Company's total receivables as of December 31, 2004, and industry practice requires payment for purchases of crude oil to take place on the 20th of the month following a transaction, while natural gas transactions are settled on the 25th of the month following a transaction. The Company's credit policy and the relatively short duration of receivables mitigate the uncertainty typically associated with receivables management. The Company had accounts receivable from two customers that comprised 13.6 percent and 10.3 percent, respectively, of total receivables at December 31, 2003. One customer represented 11.6 percent of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2004.

There were no single significant bad debt write-offs in 2004, 2003 and 2002. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided where appropriate and accounts receivable presented herein are net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $384,000 and $1,935,000 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. An analysis of the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts is presented as follows (in thousands):

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                     
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
1,935
 
$
1,723
 
$
1,993
 
Provisions for bad debts
   
90
   
433
   
390
 
Less: Write-offs and recoveries
   
(1,641
)
 
(221
)
 
(660
)
                     
Balance, end of year
 
$
384
 
$
1,935
 
$
1,723
 

(6) Employee Benefits

The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan for the benefit of its employees. Company contributions to the plan were $454,000 in 2004, $384,000 in 2003 and $388,000 in 2002. There are no pension or retirement plans maintained by the Company.

(7) Transactions with Related Parties

Mr. K. S. Adams, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and certain of his family partnerships and affiliates have participated as working interest owners with the Company’s subsidiary, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation. Mr. Adams and such affiliates participate on terms no better than those afforded the non-affiliated working interest owners. In recent years, such related party transactions tend to result after the Company has first identified oil and gas prospects of interest. Due to capital budgeting constraints, typically the available dollar commitment to participate in such transactions is greater than the amount management is comfortable putting at risk. In such event, the Company first determines the percentage of the transaction it wants to obtain, which allows a related party to participate in the investment to the extent there is excess available. Such related party transactions are individually reviewed and approved by a committee of independent directors on the Company’s Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company owed a combined net total of $349,500 and $1,088,000, respectively, to these related parties. In connection with the operation of certain oil and gas properties, the Company also charges such related parties for administrative overhead primarily as prescribed by the Council of Petroleum Accountants Society (“COPAS”) Bulletin 5. Such overhead recoveries totaled $152,000 in 2004 and $138,000 in 2003.

18


David B. Hurst, Secretary of the Company, is a partner in the law firm of Chaffin & Hurst. The Company has been represented by Chaffin & Hurst since 1974 and plans to use the services of that firm in the future. Chaffin & Hurst currently leases office space from the Company. Transactions with Chaffin & Hurst are on the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated entities.

The Company also enters into certain transactions in the normal course of business with other affiliated entities. These transactions with affiliated companies are on the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated entities.
 

(8) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has operating lease arrangements for tractors, trailers, office space, and other equipment and facilities. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 was $6,650,000, $5,831,000 and $5,944,000, respectively. At December 31, 2004, commitments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases for the next five years and thereafter are payable as follows: 2005 - $4,604,000; 2006 - $3,841,000; 2007 - $3,530,000; 2008 - $3,329,000; 2009 - $1,199,000 and thereafter - $233,000.

In April 2003, Gulfmark Energy Marketing, Inc a wholly owned subsidiary of the company previously involved in a crude oil marketing joint venture, received a demand for arbitration seeking monetary damages of $11.6 million and a re-audit of the joint venture activity for the period of its existence from May 2000 through October 2001. This claim is further described in Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This matter was resolved in July 2004 by the Company assuming 100 percent of any future obligations of the joint venture plus a cash payment of $350,000 to the joint venture claimant in exchange for an assignment of all accounts receivable from the joint venture and relief from the Company’s cash obligations otherwise due to the joint venture.

In March 2004, a suit styled Le Petit Chateau Le Luxe, et. a. vs Great Southern Oil & Gas Co., et. al. was filed in the Civil District Court for Orleans Parish, Louisiana against the Company and its subsidiary, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation, among other defendants. The suit alleges that certain property in Acadia Parish, Louisiana was environmentally contaminated by oil and gas exploration and production activities during the 1970s and 1980s. An alleged amount of damage has not been specified. Management believes the Company has consistently conducted its oil and gas exploration and production activities in accordance with all environmental rules and regulations in effect at the time of operation. Management notified its insurance carrier about this claim, and thus far the insurance carrier has declined to offer coverage. The Company is litigating this matter with its insurance carrier. In any event, management does not believe the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.   
 
From time to time as incident to its operations, the Company becomes involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily as an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, the Company is a party to motor vehicle accidents, worker compensation claims and other items of general liability as would be typical for the industry. Except as disclosed herein, management of the Company is presently unaware of any claims against the Company that are either outside the scope of insurance coverage, or that may exceed the level of insurance coverage, and could potentially represent a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  

19


(9) Guarantees

Pursuant to arranging operating lease financing for truck tractors and tank trailers, individual subsidiaries of the Company, may guarantee the lessor a minimum residual sales value upon the expiration of a lease and sale of the underlying equipment. The Company believes performance under these guarantees to be remote. Aggregate guaranteed residual values for tractors and trailers under operating leases as of December 31, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):

   
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Lease residual values
 
$
762
 
$
150
 
$
-
 
$
304
 
$
2,180
 
$
3,396
 

Presently, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have any other types of guarantees outstanding that require liability recognition under the provisions of Interpretation No. 45.

This interpretation also sets forth disclosure requirements for guarantees including the guarantees by a parent company on behalf of its subsidiaries. Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. frequently issues parent guarantees of commitments resulting from the ongoing activities of its subsidiary companies. The guarantees generally result as incident to subsidiary commodity purchase obligations, subsidiary lease commitments and subsidiary bank debt. The nature of such guarantees is to guarantee the performance of the subsidiary companies in meeting their respective underlying obligations. Except for operating lease commitments, all such underlying obligations are recorded on the books of the subsidiary companies and are included in the consolidated financial statements included herein. Therefore, such obligations are not recorded again on the books of the parent. The parent would only be called upon to perform under the guarantee in the event of a payment default by the applicable subsidiary company. In satisfying such obligations, the parent would first look to the assets of the defaulting subsidiary company. As of December 31, 2004, the amount of parental guaranteed obligations are approximately as follows (in thousands):

   
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Bank Debt
 
$
-
 
$
1,434
 
$
5,738
 
$
4,303
 
$
-
 
$
11,475
 
Operating leases
   
4,604
   
3,841
   
3,530
   
3,329
   
1,432
   
16,736
 
Lease residual values
   
762
   
150
   
-
   
304
   
2,180
   
3,396
 
Commodity purchases
   
18,080
   
-
   
-
               
18,080
 
Letters of credit
   
23,900
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
23,900
 
   
$
47,346
 
$
5,425
 
$
9,268
 
$
7,936
 
$
3,612
 
$
73,587
 

(10) Segment Reporting

The Company is engaged in the business of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products marketing as well as tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, and oil and gas exploration and production. Information concerning the Company's various business activities is summarized as follows (in thousands):

20



       
Segment Operating
 
Depreciation Depletion and
 
Property and Equipment
 
 
   
Revenues
   
Earnings (Loss
)
 
Amortization
   
Additions
 
Year ended December 31, 2004 -
                         
Marketing
 
$
2,011,669
 
$
13,783
 
$
1,498
 
$
1,278
 
Transportation
   
47,323
   
5,687
   
2,125
   
6,736
 
Oil and gas
   
10,796
   
2,362
   
2,949
   
4,147
 
   
$
2,069,788
 
$
21,832
 
$
6,572
 
$
12,161
 
Year ended December 31, 2003 -
                         
Marketing
 
$
1,677,728
 
$
12,244
 
$
1,397
 
$
1,798
 
Transportation
   
35,806
   
973
   
2,093
   
1,377
 
Oil and gas
   
8,395
   
2,310
   
2,175
   
4,586
 
   
$
1,721,929
 
$
15,527
 
$
5,665
 
$
7,761
 
Year ended December 31, 2002 -
                         
Marketing
 
$
1,726,194
 
$
10,872
 
$
1,611
 
$
150
 
Transportation
   
36,406
   
2,142
   
1,838
   
1,908
 
Oil and gas
   
4,750
   
(633
)
 
2,116
   
2,561
 
   
$
1,767,350
 
$
12,381
 
$
5,565
 
$
4,619
 
____________
Note:
- In 2002, the oil and gas segment operating loss totaled $633,000. Such loss includes $1.7 million in dry hole costs and oil and gas property valuation write-downs.

Intersegment sales are insignificant. All sales by the Company occurred in the United States. In each of 2004 and 2003, the Company had sales to one customer that totaled $249,482,000 and $177,000,000, respectively. Such sales were attributable to the Company’s marketing segment. No other customers accounted for greater than 10 percent of sales in any of the three years presented herein. The loss of any of the Company’s 10 percent customers would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future operating results and all such customers could be readily replaced.

Segment operating earnings reflect revenues net of operating costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization and are reconciled to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, as follows (in thousands):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
Segment operating earnings
 
$
21,832
 
$
15,527
 
$
12,381
 
General and administrative expenses
   
(7,867
)
 
(6,299
)
 
(7,259
)
Operating earnings
   
13,965
   
9,228
   
5,122
 
Interest income
   
62
   
362
   
115
 
Interest expense
   
(107
)
 
(108
)
 
(117
)
Earnings from continuing operations
                   
before income taxes
 
$
13,920
 
$
9,482
 
$
5,120
 

21


Identifiable assets by industry segment are as follows (in thousands):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
Marketing
 
$
178,691
 
$
144,722
 
$
124,336
 
Transportation
   
22,308
   
14,564
   
15,931
 
Oil and gas
   
15,354
   
13,817
   
11,504
 
Discontinued operation
   
-
   
5,140
   
20,994
 
Other
   
22,501
   
32,364
   
29,355
 
   
$
238,854
 
$
210,607
 
$
202,120
 

Other identifiable assets are primarily corporate cash, accounts receivable, and properties not identified with any specific segment of the Company's business.

(11) Marketing Joint Venture

Commencing in May 2000, the Company entered into a joint venture arrangement with a third party for the purpose of purchasing, distributing and marketing crude oil in the offshore Gulf of Mexico region. The intent behind the joint venture was to combine the Company’s marketing expertise with stronger financial and credit support from the co-venture participant. The venture operated as Williams-Gulfmark Energy Company pursuant to the terms of a joint venture agreement. The Company held a 50 percent interest in the net earnings of the venture and accounted for its interest under the equity method of accounting. The Company included its net investment in the venture in the consolidated balance sheet and its equity in the venture’s pretax earnings was included in marketing segment revenues in the consolidated statement of earnings. Other than ordinary trade credit under standard industry terms, the joint venture had no third party debt or other obligations. The participants maintained management of cash flow and all cash flow requirements.

Effective November 1, 2001, the joint venture participants agreed to dissolve the venture pursuant to the terms of a joint venture dissolution agreement. As part of the consideration for terminating the joint venture, the Company was to receive a monthly per barrel fee to be paid by the former joint venture co-participant for a period of sixty months on certain barrels purchased by the participant in the offshore Gulf of Mexico region. Included in 2002 marketing segment revenues is $2,433,000 of pre-tax earnings derived from this fee. While the co-venture participant willingly paid this fee through January 31, 2002 activity, effective with February 2002 business, the participant notified the Company of its intent to withhold the fee until they audited the previous joint venture activity. Subsequently, due primarily to credit constraints, the co-participant substantially curtailed and ultimately ceased its purchase of crude oil in the affected region.
 
     In April 2003, the Company received a demand for arbitration seeking monetary damages of $11.6 million and a re-audit of the joint venture activity for the period of its existence from May 2000 through October 2001. In July 2004, the Company and the joint venture co-participant settled all matters arising from this dispute. This settlement was completed by the Company assuming 100 percent of any future obligations of the joint venture plus a cash payment of $350,000 to the joint venture claimant in exchange for an assignment of all accounts receivable from the joint venture. In addition, the Company was relieved from any cash obligations otherwise due to the joint venture. In connection with the resolution of this dispute, the Company recorded $1,476,000 as a reduction of cost of sales during 2004.

The Company continues to implement the final wind-down and settlement of open trade account items and the Company will receive or pay the entire balance of such cash proceeds or requirements.

22


(12) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) -

Selected quarterly financial data and earnings per share of the Company are presented below for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands, except per share data):

       
Earnings from
         
       
Continuing
         
       
Operations
 
Net Earnings
 
Dividends
 
           
Per
     
Per
     
Per
 
   
Revenues
 
Amount
 
Share
 
Amount
 
Share
 
Amount
 
Share
 
2004 -
                                           
March 31
 
$
461,315
 
$
1,191
 
$
.28
 
$
938
 
$
.22
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
June 30
   
495,616
   
1,118
   
.27
   
1,118
   
.27
   
-
   
-
 
September 30
   
550,563
   
4,352
   
1.03
   
4,352
   
1.03
   
-
   
-
 
December 31
   
562,294
   
2,200
   
.52
   
2,200
   
.52
   
1,265
   
.30
 
   
$
2,069,788
 
$
8,861
 
$
2.10
 
$
8,608
 
$
2.04
 
$
1,265
 
$
.30
 
                                             
2003 -
                                           
March 31
 
$
473,290
 
$
2,493
 
$
.59
 
$
348
 
$
.08
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
June 30
   
426,967
   
2,085
   
.50
   
1,430
   
.34
   
-
   
-
 
September 30
   
399,243
   
827
   
.20
   
673
   
.16
   
-
   
-
 
December 31
   
422,429
   
1,021
   
.24
   
651
   
.16
   
970
   
.23
 
   
$
1,721,929
 
$
6,426
 
$
1.53
 
$
3,102
 
$
.74
 
$
970
 
$
.23
 

The above unaudited interim financial data reflect all adjustments that are in the opinion of management necessary to a fair statement of the results for the period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

(13) Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)

The following information concerning the Company’s oil and gas segment has been provided pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69, “Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities.” The Company’s oil and gas exploration and production activities are conducted in the United States, primarily along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana.

Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited) -

Total costs incurred in oil and gas exploration and development activities, all incurred within the United States, were as follows (in thousands, except per barrel information):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Property acquisition costs
                   
Unproved
 
$
574
 
$
1,311
 
$
1,126
 
Proved
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Exploration costs
                   
Expensed
   
2,504
   
1,638
   
1,177
 
Capitalized
   
1,565
   
1,339
   
75
 
Development costs
   
2,210
   
1,936
   
1,248
 
Total costs incurred
 
$
6,853
 
$
6,224
 
$
3,626
 
 
The aggregate capitalized costs relative to oil and gas producing activities are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
               
Unproved oil and gas properties
 
$
3,293
 
$
2,713
 
Proved oil and gas properties
   
42,096
   
38,953
 
     
45,389
   
41,666
 
Accumulated depreciation, depletion
             
and amortization
   
(32,242
)
 
(29,292
)
               
Net capitalized cost
 
$
13,147
 
$
12,374
 
 
          Estimated Oil and Natural Gas Reserves (Unaudited) -

The following information regarding estimates of the Company's proved oil and gas reserves, all located in the United States, is based on reports prepared on behalf of the Company by its independent and in-house licensed petroleum engineers. Approximately ninety-five percent of the values presented herein were determined by the independent petroleum engineers. Because oil and gas reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and require extensive judgments of reservoir engineering data, they are generally less precise than estimates made in conjunction with financial disclosures. The revisions of previous estimates as reflected in the table below result from more precise engineering calculations based upon additional production histories and price changes. Proved developed and undeveloped reserves are presented as follows (in thousands):

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
Natural
     
Natural
     
Natural
     
   
Gas
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
Oil
 
   
(Mcf’s)
 
(Bbls.)
 
(Mcf’s)
 
(Bbls.)
 
(Mcf’s)
 
(Bbls.)
 
                                       
Total proved reserves-
                                     
Beginning of year
   
8,971
   
438
   
7,480
   
579
   
7,618
   
618
 
Revisions of previous estimates
   
122
   
(52
)
 
37
   
(223
)
 
206
   
(1
)
Oil and gas reserve purchases
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Extensions, discoveries and
                                     
other reserve additions
   
3,166
   
121
   
2,693
   
144
   
703
   
17
 
Production
   
(1,309
)
 
(71
)
 
(1,239
)
 
(62
)
 
(1,047
)
 
(55
)
End of year
   
10,950
   
436
   
8,971
   
438
   
7,480
   
579
 
                                       
Proved developed reserves-
                                     
End of year
   
10,220
   
410
   
8,971
   
438
   
7,480
   
579
 

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows from Oil and Gas Operations and Changes Therein (Unaudited) -

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows was determined based on the economic conditions in effect at the end of the years presented, except in those instances where fixed and determinable gas price escalations are included in contracts. The disclosures below do not purport to present the fair market value of the Company's oil and gas reserves. An estimate of the fair market value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves in excess of proved reserves, anticipated future changes in prices and costs, a discount factor more representative of the time value of money and risks inherent in reserve estimates. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is presented as follows (in thousands):
   
Y
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                     
Future gross revenues
 
$
83,668
 
$
64,442
 
$
47,887
 
Future costs -
                   
Lease operating expenses
   
(20,128
)
 
(18,035
)
 
(16,142
)
Development costs
   
(1,228
)
 
(221
)
 
(360
)
Future net cash flows before income taxes
   
62,312
   
46,186
   
31,385
 
Discount at 10% per annum
   
(27,771
)
 
(18,351
)
 
(14,657
)
Discounted future net cash flows
                   
before income taxes
   
34,541
   
27,835
   
16,728
 
Future income taxes, net of discount at
                   
10% per annum
   
(11,744
)
 
(9,464
)
 
(5,687
)
Standardized measure of discounted
                   
Future net cash flows
 
$
22,797
 
$
18,371
 
$
11,041
 

The reserve estimates provided at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are based on year-end market prices of $40.50, $30.15 and $27.94 per barrel for crude oil and $6.06, $5.71 and $4.20 per Mcf for natural gas, respectively. The year-end December 31, 2004 price used in the 2004 reserve estimate is comparable to average actual December 2004 price received for sales of crude oil ($41.65 per barrel) and sales of natural gas ($6.80 per mcf).

The following are the principal sources of changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (in thousands):
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Beginning of year
 
$
18,371
 
$
11,041
 
$
6,173
 
Revisions to reserves proved in prior years -
                   
Net change in prices and production costs
   
2,306
   
6,508
   
9,016
 
Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates
   
(534
)
 
(3,235
)
 
353
 
Accretion of discount
   
1,835
   
1,465
   
763
 
Production rate changes and other
   
(1,280
)
 
1,228
 
 
(2,375
)
Total revisions
   
2,327
   
5,966
   
7,757
 
Purchase of oil and gas reserves, net of future
                   
production costs
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
New field discoveries and extensions, net of future
                   
production costs
   
12,194
   
11,264
   
2,278
 
Sales of oil and gas produced, net of production costs
   
(7,815
)
 
(6,123
)
 
(2,660
)
Net change in income taxes
   
(2,280
)
 
(3,777
)
 
(2,507
)
Net change in standardized measure of
                   
discounted future net cash flows
   
4,426
   
7,330
   
4,868
 
End of year
 
$
22,797
 
$
18,371
 
$
11,041
 


23


 Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited) -

The results of oil and gas producing activities, excluding corporate overhead and interest costs, are as follows (in thousands):
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                     
Revenues
 
$
10,796
 
$
8,395
 
$
4,750
 
Costs and expenses -
                   
Production
   
2,981
   
2,272
   
2,090
 
Exploration
   
2,504
   
1,638
   
1,177
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
2,949
   
2,175
   
2,116
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
   
2,362
   
2,310
   
(633
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
   
(803
)
 
(788
)
 
215
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
1,559
 
$
1,522
 
$
(418
)

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) are communicated, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. At the end of the Company’s fourth quarter of 2004, as required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date. No changes in internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with its evaluation (as required by Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act) occurred during the fourth quarter of 2004 that affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Item 9B. OTHER

None 
 
24


PART III


Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The information concerning executive officers of the Company is included in Part I. The information concerning directors of the Company is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 18, 2005, under the heading “Election of Directors” to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 18, 2005, under the heading “Executive Compensation” to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 18, 2005, under the heading “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof” to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 18, 2005, under the heading “Transactions with Related Parties” to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.


Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 18, 2005, under the heading “Audit and Other Services” to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.



25


PART IV


Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 10-K

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:

1. Financial Statements
 
            Report of Independent Public Accountants
 
            Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
 
            Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended
                December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
 
            Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended    
                December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
            
            Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
    
                December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
2.  All financial schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
3. Exhibits required to be filed

3(a) - Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K (-File No. 1-7908) of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987)

3(b) - Bylaws of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.2 and 3.2.1 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 1973 - File No. 2-48144)

3(c) - Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company to add an Article VII, Section 8. Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K (-File No. 1-7908) of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986)

3(d) - Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K (-File No. 1-7908) of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002)

4(a) - Specimen common stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company (-File No. 1-7908) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991)

4(b)* - Twelfth Amendment to Loan Agreement between Service Transport Company et al and Bank of America, N.A. dated December 21, 2004.

21* - Subsidiaries of the Registrant

31.1* - Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. Certification Pursuant To 17 CFR 13a-14 (a)/15d-14(a), As Adopted Pursuant To Section 302 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2* - Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. Certification Pursuant To 17 CFR 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), As Adopted Pursuant To Section 302 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1* - Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2* - Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

______________________________
* - Filed herewith
Copies of all agreements defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, which agreements authorize amounts not in excess of 10% of the total consolidated assets of the Company, are not filed herewith but will be furnished to the Commission upon request.  

26


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 
ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
By /s/ RICHARD B. ABSHIRE
By /s/ K. S. ADAMS, JR.
(Richard B. Abshire,
(K. S. Adams, Jr.,
Vice President, Director
Chairman of the Board and
and Chief Financial Officer)
Chief Executive Officer)




Date: March 15, 2005

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


By /s/ FRANK T. WEBSTER
By /s/ VINCENT H. BUCKLEY
(Frank T. Webster, Director)
(Vincent H. Buckley, Director)
   
   
   
By /s/ EDWARD WIECK
By /s/ E. C. REINAUER, JR.
(Edward Wieck, Director)
(E. C. Reinauer, Jr., Director)
   
   
   
By /s/ E. JACK WEBSTER, JR.
By /s/ R. H. STEVENS
(E. Jack Webster, Jr., Director)
(R. H. Stevens, Director)
   
   
   
By /s/ WILLIAM B. WIENER III
 
(William B. Wiener III, Director)
 

27



EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number  Description 

3(a) - Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987)

3(b) - Bylaws of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.2 and 3.2.1 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 1973 - File No. 2-48144)

3(c) - Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company to add an Article VII, Section 8. Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986)

3(d) - Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002)

4(a) - Specimen common stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991)

4(b) - Loan Agreement between Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and NationsBank Texas N.A. dated October 27, 1993 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993)

4(c)* - Twelfth Amendment to Loan Agreement between Service Transport Company et al and Bank of America, N.A. dated December 21, 2004.

21* - Subsidiaries of the Registrant

31.1* - Certification Pursuant to 17 CFR 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbarnes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2* - Certification Pursuant to 17 CFR 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), As Adopted Pursuant to Section302 of the Sarbarnes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1* - Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2* - Certification Pursuant To 18 U..S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

______________________________
* - Filed herewith
 
28