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Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)



United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
 ______________________________________  
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-37822
______________________________________  
Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________________   
Delaware
 
27-5472457
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
640 Plaza Drive, Suite 270, Highlands Ranch, CO
 
80129
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(720) 598-3500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
______________________________________ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x   No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
o
  
Accelerated filer
 
x
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
o
  
Smaller reporting company
 
x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  ¨    No  x
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Class
 
Trading Symbol
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share
 
ADES
 
NASDAQ Global Market

As of May 1, 2019, there were 18,649,297 outstanding shares of Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. common stock, par value $0.001 per share.





INDEX
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Part I. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
 
As of
(in thousands, except share data)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
20,670

 
$
18,577

Receivables, net
 
7,772

 
9,554

Receivables, related parties
 
4,220

 
4,284

Inventories
 
18,053

 
21,791

Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
5,504

 
5,570

Total current assets
 
56,219

 
59,776

Restricted cash, long-term
 
5,195

 
5,195

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,830 and $1,499, respectively
 
42,423

 
42,697

Intangible assets, net
 
4,608

 
4,830

Equity method investments
 
46,068

 
6,634

Deferred tax assets
 
24,802

 
32,539

Other long-term assets
 
14,496

 
7,993

Total Assets
 
$
193,811

 
$
159,664

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
4,785

 
$
6,235

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
 
3,779

 
8,279

Current portion of long-term debt
 
24,166

 
24,067

Other current liabilities
 
7,095

 
2,138

Total current liabilities
 
39,825

 
40,719

Long-term debt
 
43,999

 
50,058

Other long-term liabilities
 
4,071

 
940

Total Liabilities
 
87,895

 
91,717

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
 

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock: par value of $.001 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
 

 

Common stock: par value of $.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 22,836,435 and 22,640,677 shares issued, and 18,708,371 and 18,576,489 shares outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
 
23

 
23

Treasury stock, at cost: 4,128,064 and 4,064,188 shares as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively
 
(42,433
)
 
(41,740
)
Additional paid-in capital
 
96,822

 
96,750

Retained earnings
 
51,504

 
12,914

Total stockholders’ equity
 
105,916

 
67,947

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
193,811

 
$
159,664


See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1



Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited) 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2019

2018
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Consumables
 
$
15,109

 
$
621

License royalties, related party
 
4,220

 
3,230

Other
 

 
48

Total revenues
 
19,329


3,899

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Consumables cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
 
14,108

 
711

Other sales cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
 

 
(148
)
Payroll and benefits
 
2,556


2,214

Legal and professional fees
 
1,976


1,548

General and administrative
 
2,142


1,170

Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion
 
2,102


116

Total operating expenses

22,884


5,611

Operating loss

(3,555
)

(1,712
)
Other income (expense):

 
 
 
Earnings from equity method investments

21,690


12,253

Interest income
 
70

 

Interest expense

(2,104
)

(336
)
Other



26

Total other income

19,656


11,943

Income before income tax expense

16,101


10,231

Income tax expense

1,699


2,569

Net income

$
14,402


$
7,662

Earnings per common share (Note 1):

 
 
 
Basic

$
0.79


$
0.37

Diluted

$
0.78


$
0.37

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:

 
 
 
Basic

18,268


20,502

Diluted

18,433


20,584


See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



2



Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)

 
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total Stockholders’
Equity
Balances, January 1, 2019
 
22,640,677

 
$
23

 
(4,064,188
)
 
$
(41,740
)
 
$
96,750

 
$
12,914

 
$
67,947

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (Note 1)
 

 

 

 

 

 
28,817

 
28,817

Stock-based compensation
 
218,465

 

 
 
 
 
 
317

 

 
317

Repurchase of common shares to satisfy minimum tax withholdings
 
(22,707
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
(245
)
 

 
(245
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.25 per share
 

 

 

 

 

 
(4,629
)
 
(4,629
)
Repurchase of common shares
 

 

 
(63,876
)
 
(693
)
 

 

 
(693
)
Net income
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
14,402

 
14,402

Balances, March 31, 2019
 
22,836,435

 
$
23

 
(4,128,064
)
 
$
(42,433
)
 
$
96,822

 
$
51,504

 
$
105,916



 
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Total Stockholders’
Equity
Balances, January 1, 2018
 
22,465,821

 
$
22

 
(1,713,766
)
 
$
(16,397
)
 
$
105,308

 
$
(15,478
)
 
$
73,455

Cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 606
 

 

 

 

 

 
2,950

 
2,950

Stock-based compensation
 
193,583

 
1

 

 

 
335

 

 
336

Repurchase of shares to satisfy minimum tax withholdings
 
(22,375
)
 

 

 

 
(267
)
 

 
(267
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.25 per share
 

 

 

 

 
(5,189
)
 

 
(5,189
)
Repurchase of common shares
 

 

 
(149,217
)
 
(1,642
)
 

 

 
(1,642
)
Net income
 

 

 

 

 

 
7,662

 
7,662

Balances, March 31, 2018
 
22,637,029

 
$
23

 
(1,862,983
)
 
$
(18,039
)
 
$
100,187

 
$
(4,866
)
 
$
77,305



3



Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income

$
14,402


$
7,662

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 
 
 
Decrease in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

(4,020
)


Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion

2,102


116

Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs

381



Stock-based compensation expense

317


335

Earnings from equity method investments

(21,690
)

(12,253
)
Other non-cash items, net

75


163

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 



Receivables

1,782


(223
)
Related party receivables

63


17

Prepaid expenses and other assets

80


185

Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts



15,945

Inventories

3,262



Deferred tax assets, net

3,343


1,587

Other long-term assets

773



Accounts payable

(789
)

297

Accrued payroll and related liabilities

(4,500
)

(741
)
Other current liabilities

2,154


638

Billings on uncompleted contracts



(15,945
)
Operating lease liabilities

(804
)


Other long-term liabilities

(401
)

(44
)
Distributions from equity method investees, return on investment

19,488


2,400

Net cash provided by operating activities

16,018


139

Cash flows from investing activities

 
 
 
Distributions from equity method investees in excess of cumulative earnings
 

 
11,050

Acquisition of business

(661
)


Acquisition of property, plant, equipment, and intangible assets

(1,087
)

(74
)
Mine development costs

(324
)


Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(2,072
)

10,976

Cash flows from financing activities

 
 
 
Principal payments on term loan
 
(6,000
)
 

Principal payments on finance lease obligations
 
(344
)
 

Dividends paid
 
(4,571
)
 
(5,142
)
Repurchase of common shares

(693
)

(1,642
)
Repurchase of shares to satisfy tax withholdings

(245
)

(267
)
Net cash used in financing activities

(11,853
)

(7,051
)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

2,093


4,064

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, beginning of period

23,772


30,693

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, end of period

$
25,865


$
34,757

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

 
 
 
Dividends declared, not paid
 
$
58

 
$
46


See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
Nature of Operations
Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. ("ADES" or the "Company") is a Delaware corporation with its principal office located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and operations located in Louisiana. The Company is principally engaged in consumable mercury control options including powdered activated carbon (“PAC”) and chemical technologies. The Company's proprietary environmental technologies in the power generation and industrial ("PGI") market enable customers to reduce emissions of mercury and other pollutants, maximize utilization levels and improve operating efficiencies to meet the challenges of existing and pending emission control regulations. The Company generates substantial earnings and tax credits under Section 45 ("Section 45 tax credits") of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") from its equity investments in certain entities and earns royalties for technologies that are licensed to Tinuum Group, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company ("Tinuum Group"). Such technologies allow Tinuum Group to provide their customers with various solutions to enhance combustion and reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide ("NOx") and mercury from coal burned to generate electrical power. The Company’s sales occur principally throughout the United States. See Note 13 for additional information regarding the Company's operating segments.
On December 7, 2018 (the "Acquisition Date"), the Company acquired (the "Carbon Solutions Acquisition") 100% of the equity interests of ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC (“Carbon Solutions”). Carbon Solutions is a manufacturer and seller of activated carbon ("AC") used in mercury capture for the coal-fired power plant, industrial and water treatment markets. Carbon Solutions also owns an associated lignite mine that supplies the primary raw material for manufacturing powdered activated carbon. Carbon Solutions was formed in 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture by the Company and Energy Capital Partners LLC. The Company relinquished its ownership in 2011 as part of a legal settlement agreement as described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The Company acquired Carbon Solutions primarily to expand the Company's product offerings within the mercury control industry and other complementary AC markets.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of ADES are unaudited and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and with Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In compliance with those instructions, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted.
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of ADES in this quarterly report ("Quarterly Report") are presented on a consolidated basis and include ADES and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"). Also included within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are the Company's unconsolidated equity investments, Tinuum Group, Tinuum Services, LLC ("Tinuum Services"), and GWN Manager, LLC ("GWN Manager"), which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, and Highview Enterprises Limited (the "Highview Investment"), which is accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP applicable to equity investments that do not qualify for the equity method of accounting.
Results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts were eliminated for all periods presented in this Quarterly Report.
In the opinion of management, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of ADES should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the "2018 Form 10-K"). Significant accounting policies disclosed therein have not changed, except as described later in Note 1.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividend and participating rights in undistributed earnings. The Company's restricted stock awards ("RSA's") granted prior to December 31, 2016 contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents and are deemed to be participating securities. RSA's granted subsequent to December 31, 2016 do not contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are not deemed to be participating securities.
Under the two-class method, net income for the period is allocated between common stockholders and the holders of the participating securities based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding

5



participating, unvested RSA's ("common shares"), and the weighted-average number of participating unvested RSA's outstanding during the period, respectively. The allocated, undistributed income for the period is then divided by the weighted-average number of common shares and participating, unvested RSA's outstanding during the period to arrive at basic earnings per common share and participating security for the period, respectively. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the Company has elected not to separately present basic or diluted earnings per share attributable to participating securities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Diluted earnings per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic earnings per share, while considering other potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities consist of both unvested, participating and non-participating RSA's, as well as outstanding options to purchase common stock ("Stock Options") and contingent performance stock units ("PSU's") (collectively, "Potential dilutive shares"). The dilutive effect, if any, for non-participating RSA's, Stock Options and PSU's is determined using the greater of dilution as calculated under the treasury stock method or the two-class method. Potential dilutive shares are excluded from diluted earnings per share when their effect is anti-dilutive. When there is a net loss for a period, all Potential dilutive shares are anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for that period.
The following table sets forth the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2019
 
2018
Net income
 
$
14,402

 
$
7,662

Less: Dividends and undistributed income allocated to participating securities
 
20

 
25

Income attributable to common stockholders
 
$
14,382

 
$
7,637

 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
18,268

 
20,502

Add: dilutive effect of equity instruments
 
165

 
82

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
 
18,433

 
20,584

Earnings per share - basic
 
$
0.79

 
$
0.37

Earnings per share - diluted
 
$
0.78

 
$
0.37

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, RSA's and Stock Options convertible to 0.3 million and 0.2 million shares, respectively, of common stock for each of the periods presented were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, Stock Options to purchase 0.2 million of common stock, which vest based on the Company achieving specified performance targets, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because they were determined not to be contingently issuable.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. There have been no changes in the Company’s critical accounting estimates from those that were disclosed in the 2018 Form 10-K. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company’s earnings are significantly affected by equity earnings it receives from Tinuum Group. As of March 31, 2019, Tinuum Group has 20 invested RC facilities of which 11 are leased to a single customer. A majority of these leases are periodically renewed and the loss of this customer by Tinuum Group would have a significant adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, which in turn would have material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Reclassifications
Certain balances have been reclassified from the prior year to conform to the current year presentation. No reclassifications have any impact to income before income taxes or net income.

6



New Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-2"), which created ASC Topic 842 - Leases ("ASC 842"), requiring lessees to recognize a right of use asset and related lease liability for those leases classified as operating leases at the commencement date and have lease terms of more than 12 months. ASC 842 retains the distinction between finance leases (formerly defined as capital leases) and operating leases. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 retrospectively beginning with the date of adoption. Under this adoption method, the application date is the beginning of the reporting period in which the Company first applies the provisions of ASC 842. Accordingly, the Company’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements and related disclosures continues in accordance with legacy U.S. GAAP under ASC Topic 840 - Leases ("ASC 840"). The adoption of ASC 842 had no impact to the opening balance of retained earnings.
As of the adoption date, the Company recorded $7.0 million and $7.0 million of "right of use" assets and incremental lease liabilities, respectively. The cumulative effect of the change from the adoption of ASC 842 to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2019 is shown in the table that follows:
 
 
Balance as of
 
Impact of
 
Balance as of
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
Adoption
 
January 1, 2019
Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other long-term assets
 
$
7,993

 
$
6,956

 
$
14,949

Other liabilities
 
$
50,058

 
$
3,085

 
$
53,143

Other long-term liabilities
 
$
940

 
$
3,871

 
$
4,811

See Note 6 for additional disclosures required under ASC 842 in the year of adoption.
Additionally, Tinuum Group adopted ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") and ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019. As a result of Tinuum Group’s adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative effect increase of $28.8 million to Retained earnings as of January 1, 2019 related to the Company's percentage of Tinuum Group's cumulative effect adjustment. As a result of this adjustment, the Company increased its investment balance in Tinuum Group in the amount of $37.2 million and established a deferred tax liability of $8.4 million. The Company no longer has cumulative cash distributions in excess of our cumulative pro-rata share of Tinuum Group's net income. Therefore, the Company recognized equity earnings by recording its pro-rata share of Tinuum Group’s net income rather than based upon cash distributions for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07-Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to align accounting for non-employee share-based payment transactions with the guidance for share-based payments to employees. Under the new standard, the measurement of equity-classified non-employee awards will be fixed at the grant date. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.
Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). The main objective of ASU 2016-13 is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in ASU 2016-13 replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years, and must be adopted under a modified retrospective method approach. Entities may adopt ASU 2016-13 earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing its impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures. The Company does not believe this standard will have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"). The amendments in ASU 2018-13 improve the effectiveness of fair value measurement disclosures and modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement ("Topic 820"), based on the concepts in FASB Concepts Statement, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting - Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements, including the consideration of costs and benefits. ASU

7



2018-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted-average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this Update and assessing its impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures. The Company does not believe this standard will have a material impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures.
Note 2 - Acquisition
As described in Note 1, on the Acquisition Date, the Company completed the Carbon Solutions Acquisition for a total purchase price of $75.0 million (the "Purchase Price"). The results of Carbon Solutions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the Acquisition Date. The fair value of the purchase consideration totaled $66.5 million and consisted of cash of $65.8 million and an additional purchase adjustment amount payable to Carbon Solutions' secured lender of $0.7 million, which was paid in March 2019. The Purchase Price was adjusted by assumed debt and contractual commitments of $11.8 million, and less cash acquired of $3.3 million. The Company also paid $4.5 million in acquisition-related costs (or transaction costs) during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company funded the cash consideration from cash on hand and the proceeds from the Term Loan and Security Agreement (the "Senior Term Loan") in the principal amount of $70.0 million, as more fully described in Note 5.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no material adjustments to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date:
Fair value of assets acquired:
 
Purchase Price Allocation
Cash
 
$
3,284

Receivables
 
6,409

Inventories
 
22,100

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
2,992

Spare parts
 
3,359

Property, plant and equipment
 
43,033

Mine leases and development
 
2,500

Intangible assets
 
4,000

Other assets
 
168

Amount attributable to assets acquired
 
87,845

 
 
 
Fair value of liabilities assumed:
 
 
Accounts payable
 
4,771

Accrued liabilities
 
7,354

Equipment leases payable
 
8,211

Mine reclamation liability
 
626

Other liabilities
 
437

Amount attributable to liabilities assumed
 
21,399

 
 
 
Net assets acquired
 
$
66,446


8



The following table represents the intangible assets identified as part of the Carbon Solutions Acquisition:
(in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Weighted Average Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships
 
$
2,100

 
5
Developed technology
 
1,600

 
5
Trade name
 
300

 
2
Total intangibles acquired
 
$
4,000

 
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following represents the pro forma effects of the Carbon Solutions Acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2017. The pro forma pre-tax income for the period presented has been calculated after applying the Company’s accounting policies in effect for 2017 and 2018. In addition, pro forma net income for the period presented includes: (1) the impact on Carbon Solutions of the adoption of ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018, which resulted in a reclassification of $2.0 million from Revenues to Cost of Revenue for freight costs billed to customers, with no impact to income from operations; (2) the reduction in depletion, depreciation and amortization resulting from the purchase price adjustments to Property, plant and equipment and Mine development costs; (3) the adjustment to interest expense from the combination of the Senior Term Loan that was used to fund the Carbon Solutions Acquisition and the elimination of certain debt of Carbon Solutions as a result of pay-offs by the Company as of the Acquisition Date; and (4) the removal of $1.0 million in transaction costs incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2018 together with the income tax effect on (1) through (4). The pro forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other expected benefits of the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information below is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the Carbon Solutions Acquisition been consummated as of January 1, 2017.
 
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2018
Revenues
 
$
18,495

Net income
 
$
3,727


Note 3 - Inventories
The following table summarizes the Company's inventories recorded at the lower of average cost or net realizable value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Product inventory (1)
 
$
16,721

 
$
19,523

Raw material inventory
 
1,558

 
2,388

Allowance
 
(226
)
 
(120
)
 
 
$
18,053

 
$
21,791

(1) As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, this amount includes $1.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, attributed to the increase in fair value of inventory acquired from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition.
Note 4 - Equity Method Investments
Tinuum Group, LLC
The Company's ownership interest in Tinuum Group was 42.5% as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Tinuum Group supplies technology equipment and technical services at select coal-fired generators, but its primary purpose is to put into operation facilities that produce and sell RC that lower emissions and therefore qualify for Section 45 tax credits. Tinuum Group has been determined to be a variable interest entity ("VIE"); however, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Tinuum Group's economic performance and has therefore accounted for the investment under the equity method of accounting. The Company determined that the voting partners of Tinuum Group have identical voting rights, equity control interests and board control interests, and therefore, concluded that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Tinuum Group's economic performance was shared.

9



The following table summarizes the results of operations of Tinuum Group:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Gross profit
 
$
41,200

 
$
26,413

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses
 
6,582

 
6,007

Income from operations
 
34,618

 
20,406

Other income (expenses)
 
51

 
(1,869
)
Class B preferred return
 

 
(12
)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
15,776

 
10,775

Net income available to members
 
$
50,445

 
$
29,300

ADES equity earnings from Tinuum Group
 
$
19,767

 
$
11,050

The difference between the Company's proportionate share of Tinuum Group's net income available to members (at its equity interest of 42.5%) during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as presented in the table below, and the Company's earnings from its Tinuum Group equity method investment as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations relates to the Company receiving distributions in excess of the carrying value of the equity investment, and therefore recognizing such excess distributions as equity method earnings in the period the distributions occur, as discussed below.
For periods during which the ending balance of the Company's investment in Tinuum Group is zero, the Company only recognizes equity earnings from Tinuum Group to the extent that cash distributions are received from Tinuum Group during the period. For periods during which the ending balance of the Company's investment is greater than zero (e.g., when the cumulative earnings in Tinuum Group exceeds cumulative cash distributions received), the Company recognizes its pro-rata share of Tinuum Group's net income available to its members for the period, less any amount necessary to recover the cumulative earnings short-fall balance as of the end of the immediately preceding period. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized equity earnings from Tinuum Group of $19.8 million and $11.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company's carrying value in Tinuum Group was $40.2 million and zero, respectively.
Thus, the amount of equity earnings or loss reported on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations may differ from a mathematical calculation of net income or loss attributable to the equity interest based upon the factor of the equity interest and the net income or loss attributable to members as shown on Tinuum Group’s statement of operations. Additionally, for periods during which the carrying value of the Company's investment in Tinuum Group is greater than zero, distributions from Tinuum Group are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as "Distributions from equity method investees, return on investment" within Operating cash flows. For periods during which the carrying value of the Company's investment in Tinuum Group is zero, such cash distributions are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as "Distributions from equity method investees in excess of investment basis" within Investing cash flows.
The following tables present the Company's investment balance, equity earnings and cash distributions in excess of the investment balance for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Description
 
Date(s)
 
Investment balance
 
ADES equity earnings (loss)
 
Cash distributions
 
Memorandum Account: Cash distributions and equity earnings in (excess) of investment balance
Beginning balance
 
12/31/2018
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1,672
)
Impact of adoption of accounting standards (1)
 
First Quarter
 
37,232

 

 

 

ADES proportionate share of income from Tinuum Group
 
First Quarter
 
21,439

 
21,439

 

 

Recovery of prior cash distributions in excess of investment balance (prior to cash distributions)
 
First Quarter
 
(1,672
)
 
(1,672
)
 

 
1,672

Cash distributions from Tinuum Group
 
First Quarter
 
(16,788
)
 

 
16,788

 

Total investment balance, equity earnings (loss) and cash distributions
 
03/31/19
 
$
40,211

 
$
19,767

 
$
16,788

 
$


10



Description
 
Date(s)
 
Investment balance
 
ADES equity earnings (loss)
 
Cash distributions
 
Memorandum Account: Cash distributions and equity earnings in (excess) of investment balance
Beginning balance
 
12/31/2017
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(12,218
)
ADES proportionate share of income from Tinuum Group (2)
 
First Quarter
 
12,458

 
12,458

 

 

Recovery of prior cash distributions in excess of investment balance (prior to cash distributions)
 
First Quarter
 
(12,218
)
 
(12,218
)
 

 
12,218

Cash distributions from Tinuum Group
 
First Quarter
 
(11,050
)
 

 
11,050

 

Adjustment for current year cash distributions in excess of investment balance
 
First Quarter
 
10,810

 
10,810

 

 
(10,810
)
Total investment balance, equity earnings (loss) and cash distributions
 
3/31/2018
 
$

 
$
11,050

 
$
11,050

 
$
(10,810
)
(1) As discussed in Note 1, Tinuum Group adopted ASC 606 and ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019. As a result of Tinuum Group’s adoption of these standards, the Company recorded a cumulative adjustment of $28.8 million, net of the impact of taxes, related to the Company's percentage of Tinuum Group's cumulative effect adjustment that increased the Company's Retained earnings as of January 1, 2019.
(2) For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the amount of the Company's 42.5% proportionate share of net income available to members as shown in the table above may differ from mathematical calculations of the Company’s 42.5% equity interest in Tinuum Group multiplied by the amounts of net income available to members as shown in the table above of Tinuum Group results of operations due to adjustments related to the Class B preferred return.
Tinuum Services, LLC
The Company has a 50% voting and economic interest in Tinuum Services, which is equivalent to the voting and economic interest of NexGen Refined Coal, LLC ("NexGen"). The Company has determined that Tinuum Services is not a VIE and has evaluated its consolidation analysis under the voting interest model. Because the Company does not own greater than 50% of the outstanding voting shares, either directly or indirectly, it has accounted for its investment in Tinuum Services under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in Tinuum Services as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $5.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the results of operations of Tinuum Services:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Gross loss
 
$
(24,735
)
 
$
(21,006
)
Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses
 
49,450

 
40,704

Loss from operations
 
(74,185
)
 
(61,710
)
Other expenses
 
(242
)
 
(58
)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
78,270

 
64,176

Net income
 
$
3,843

 
$
2,408

ADES equity earnings from Tinuum Services
 
$
1,922

 
$
1,204

Included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations of Tinuum Services for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were losses related to VIE's of Tinuum Services. These losses do not impact the Company's equity earnings from Tinuum Services as 100% of those losses are attributable to a noncontrolling interest and eliminated in the calculations of Tinuum Services' net income attributable to the Company's interest.

11



The following table details the components of the Company's respective equity method investments included within the Earnings from equity method investments line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Earnings from Tinuum Group
 
$
19,767


$
11,050

Earnings from Tinuum Services
 
1,922


1,204

Earnings from other
 
1


(1
)
Earnings from equity method investments
 
$
21,690

 
$
12,253

The following table details the components of the cash distributions from the Company's respective equity method investments included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Distributions from equity method investees are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as "Distributions from equity method investees, return on investment" within Operating cash flows until such time as the carrying value in an equity method investee company is reduced to zero; thereafter, such distributions are reported as "Distributions from equity method investees in excess of cumulative earnings" within Investing cash flows.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Distributions from equity method investees, return on investment
 
 
 
 
Tinuum Group
 
$
16,788

 
$

Tinuum Services
 
2,700

 
2,400

 
 
$
19,488

 
$
2,400

Distributions from equity method investees in excess of investment basis
 
 
 
 
Tinuum Group
 
$

 
$
11,050

 
 
$

 
$
11,050

Note 5 - Debt Obligations
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Senior Term Loan due December 2021, related party
 
$
64,000

 
$
70,000

Less net unamortized debt issuance costs
 
(1,803
)
 
(1,990
)
Less net unamortized debt discount
 
(1,859
)
 
(2,052
)
Senior Term Loan due December 2021, net
 
60,338

 
65,958

Finance lease obligations (1)
 
7,827

 
8,167

 
 
68,165

 
74,125

Less: Current maturities
 
(24,166
)
 
(24,067
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
43,999

 
$
50,058

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2018, amounts relate to capital lease obligations.
Senior Term Loan
On December 7, 2018, the Company, and ADA-ES, Inc. ("ADA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, and certain other subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon as administrative agent, and Apollo Credit Strategies Master Fund Ltd and Apollo A-N Credit Fund (Delaware) L.P. (collectively "Apollo”), affiliates of a beneficial owner of greater than five percent of the Company's common stock and a related party, entered into the Senior Term Loan in the amount of $70.0 million less original issue discount of $2.1 million. Proceeds from the Senior Term Loan were used to fund the Carbon Solutions Acquisition as disclosed in Note 2. The Company also paid debt issuance costs of $2.0 million related to the Senior Term Loan. The Senior Term Loan has a term of 36 months and bears interest at a rate equal to 3-month LIBOR (subject to a 1.5% floor) + 4.75% per annum, which is adjusted quarterly to the current 3-month LIBOR rate, and interest is payable quarterly in arrears. Quarterly principal payments of $6.0 million were required beginning in March 2019, and the Company may prepay the Senior Term Loan at any time without penalty. The Senior Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company,

12



including the cash flows from Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services (collectively, the "Tinuum Entities"), but excluding the Company's equity interests in the Tinuum entities.
The Senior Term Loan includes, among others, the following covenants: (1) Beginning December 31, 2018 and as of the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter, the Company must maintain a minimum cash balance of $5.0 million and shall not permit "expected future net cash flows from the refined coal business" (as defined in the Senior Term Loan) to be less than 1.75 times the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Term Loan; (2) Beginning in January 2019, annual collective dividends and buybacks of Company shares in an aggregate amount, not to exceed $30.0 million, is permitted so long as (a) no default or event of default exists under the Senior Term Loan and (b) expected future net cash flows from the refined coal business as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter exceed $100.0 million.
Line of Credit
On September 30, 2018, ADA, as borrower, the Company, as guarantor, and a bank (the "Lender") entered into an amendment (the "Twelfth Amendment") to the 2013 Loan and Security Agreement (the "Line of Credit"). The Twelfth Amendment decreased the borrowing availability of the Line of Credit to $5.0 million due to decreased collateral requirements, extended the maturity date of the Line of Credit to September 30, 2020 and permitted the Line of Credit to be used as collateral (in place of restricted cash) for letters of credit ("LC's") up to $5.0 million related to equipment projects and certain other agreements. Under the Twelfth Amendment, there was no minimum balance requirement based on the Company meeting certain conditions and maintaining minimum trailing twelve-month EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), as previously defined in the "Eleventh Amendment" to the Line of Credit, of $24.0 million.
On December 7, 2018, ADA, as borrower, the Company, as guarantor, and the Lender entered into an amendment to the Line of
Credit, which provided, among other things, for ADA to be able to enter into the Senior Term Loan as a guarantor so long as
the principal amount of the Senior Term Loan does not exceed $70.0 million. Additionally, the financial covenants in the Line
of Credit were amended and restated to be consistent with the aforementioned Senior Term Loan covenants, including
maintaining a minimum cash balance of $5.0 million.
As of March 31, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit.
Note 6 - Leases
The financial statement impact from the adoption of ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019 is due to recording the ROU assets and related lease liabilities for operating lease commitments that were outstanding as of December 31, 2018. The Company has elected the transitional practical expedients allowed under ASC 842, which include among other things that the Company need not reassess: (1) whether any existing contracts are or contain leases, inclusive of land easements; (2) the lease classification or lease term for existing leases; and (3) initial direct costs for any existing leases.
ASC 842 defines a lease as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of an identified asset means that an entity has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset and the right to direct the use of that identified asset. The determination of whether a contract contains a lease may require significant assumptions and judgments.
Historically, Carbon Solutions has used leasing to fund the majority of its capital needs for mining and manufacturing equipment. As of March 31, 2019, the Company has obligations under finance and operating leases in the amounts of $7.8 million and $6.3 million, respectively. ROU assets under finance leases are primarily mining equipment used at the Company’s lignite mine, which provides the key raw materials for manufacturing the Company’s products. ROU assets under operating leases are primarily plant equipment used at the Company’s manufacturing facility, but also include other office equipment, vehicles and office facilities. As of March 31, 2019, the Company has ROU assets, net of accumulated amortization under finance leases and operating leases of $7.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively.
Certain of the finance and operating leases have options permitting renewals for additional periods and buy-out options. Renewal and buy-out options for applicable leases have not been included in the measurement of the respective lease liabilities as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise the respective option or the lessor does not have an exclusive right to exercise the option.
Variable lease payments represent payments made by a lessee for the right to use an underlying asset that vary because of changes in facts or circumstances occurring after the commence date of a lease other than the passage of time. Variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate, calculated by using the index or rate that exists on the lease commencement date are included in the measurement of a lease liability. Certain of the Company’s operating leases for office facilities contain variable lease components that are not based on an index or rate and the Company recognizes these payments as lease expense in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.

13



The Company calculates lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments discounted by the rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.
The Company records lease liabilities and related ROU assets for all leases that have a term of greater than one year. For short-term leases (leases with terms of less than one year), the Company expenses lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Finance leases
Leases classified as capital leases under ASC 840 and the related assets and liabilities were carried forward at their carrying values of $8.1 million and $8.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018, and were classified as finance leases as of January 1, 2019. ROU assets under finance leases and finance lease liabilities are included in Property, plant and equipment and Current portion and Long-term portion of borrowings, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2019.
Finance lease liabilities are subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest expense on the finance lease liability and reducing the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect lease payments made during the period. Interest on finance lease liabilities is determined in each period during the lease term as the amount that produces a constant periodic discount rate on the remaining balance of the lease liability. ROU assets under finance leases are amortized over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis. Interest expense related to finance lease liabilities and amortization of ROU assets under finance leases are included in Interest expense and Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Operating leases
Operating lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019 were calculated at the present value, using a discount rate of the lease, of the remaining minimum rental payments (as defined under ASC 840). As the rate implicit in all of the operating leases was not readily determinable, the Company determined its discount rate as of January 1, 2019 based on an estimate of its incremental borrowing rate. This rate was based on the Company’s effective borrowing rate on the Senior Term Loan, considering the collateral requirements contained therein, in effect as of January 1, 2019. ROU assets under operating leases as of January 1, 2019 were determined as the calculated value of the operating lease liabilities less accrued lease payments and accrued lease incentives. As of December 31, 2018, the total amount of accrued lease payments and accrued lease incentives was approximately $0.1 million. ROU assets under operating leases and operating lease liabilities are included in Other long-term assets and Other liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2019.
Operating lease liabilities are subsequently measured at the present value of the lease payments not yet paid discounted using the discount rate for the lease established at the inception date of the lease (or January 1, 2019 for operating leases in effect as of December 31, 2018). ROU assets under operating leases are subsequently measured at the amounts of the related operating lease liability, adjusted for, as applicable, prepaid or accrued lease payments, the remaining balance of any lease incentives received, unamortized initial direct costs and impairment. Lease expense from operating leases is recognized as a single lease cost over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis. Variable lease payments not included in operating lease liabilities are recognized as expense in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Lease expense for operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $1.2 million, of which $1.1 million is included in Consumables - cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization and $0.1 million is included in General and administrative in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

14



Lease financial information as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is provided in the following table:
(in thousands)
 
Lease Cost
Finance lease cost:
 
 
Amortization of right-of-use assets
 
$
536

Interest on lease liabilities
 
131

Operating lease cost
 
929

Short-term lease cost
 
171

Variable lease cost (1)
 
82

Total lease cost
 
$
1,849

 
 
 
Other Information:
 
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
 
Operating cash flows from operating leases
 
$
949

Finance cash flows from finance leases
 
$
344

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
 
$
49

Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases
 
4.9 years

Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases
 
2.5 years

Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases
 
6.1
%
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases
 
8.6
%
(1) Primarily includes common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance payable to lessors.
The following table summarizes the Company’s future lease payments under finance and operating leases as of March 31, 2019:
(in thousands)
 
Operating
Lease
Commitments
 
Finance
Lease
Commitments
2019 (remaining nine months)
 
$
2,823

 
$
1,307

2020
 
2,328

 
1,707

2021
 
1,632

 
1,802

2022
 
310

 
951

2023
 
221

 
951

Thereafter
 

 
2,482

Total lease payments
 
7,314

 
9,200

Less: Imputed interest
 
(1,007
)
 
(1,374
)
Present value of lease payments
 
$
6,307

 
$
7,826

Disclosures under ASC 840
Rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $0.1 million and was included in General and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
As of December 31, 2018, mining equipment financed under capital leases in the amount of $8.1 million, net of accumulated amortization of $0.1 million, was included in Property, plant and equipment in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

15



The following table summarizes the Company’s future minimum non-cancellable lease payments due under capital and operating leases as of December 31, 2018:
(in thousands)
 
Operating
Lease
Commitments
 
Capital
Lease
Commitments
2019
 
$
3,619

 
$
1,749

2020
 
2,273

 
1,707

2021
 
1,632

 
1,802

2022
 
310

 
951

2023
 
221

 
951

Thereafter
 

 
2,482

Total minimum lease payments
 
$
8,055

 
9,642

Less: Imputed interest
 

 
(1,475
)
Present value of minimum lease payments
 

 
$
8,167

Note 7 - Revenues
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Contract assets are comprised of unbilled receivables and are included in Receivables, net in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unbilled receivables represent a conditional right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to a customer.
Trade receivables represent an unconditional right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to a customer. The Company invoices its customers in accordance with the terms of the contract. Credit terms are generally net 30 from the date of invoice. The timing between the satisfaction of performance obligations and when payment is due from the customer is generally not significant. The Company records allowances for doubtful trade receivables when it is probable that the balances will not be collected.
Contract liabilities are comprised of deferred revenue, which represents an obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration from the customer and, if deliverable within one year or less, is included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and, if deliverable outside of one year, is included in Other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Trade receivables, net
The following table shows the components of Trade receivables, net:
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Trade receivables
 
$
8,339

 
$
10,121

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(567
)
 
(567
)
Trade receivables, net
 
$
7,772

 
$
9,554

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized zero and $0.2 million, respectively, related to specific accounts whose ultimate collection was in doubt. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company settled a previously recorded commitment for additional work related to a contract with a customer, which resulted in a reduction to Equipment sales cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization of $0.3 million and bad debt expense of $0.2 million. Bad debt expense is included within the General and administrative line item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Disaggregation of Revenue
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, all performance obligations related to revenues recognized were satisfied at a point in time. The Company disaggregates its revenues by its major components as well as between its two operating segments, which are further discussed in Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The following

16



tables disaggregate revenues by major source for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
 
Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
PGI
 
RC
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue component
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumables
 
$
14,553

 
$

 
$
556

 
$
15,109

License royalties, related party
 

 
4,220

 

 
4,220

Revenues from customers
 
14,553

 
4,220

 
556

 
19,329

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from equity method investments
 

 
21,690

 

 
21,690

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues and earnings from equity method investments
 
$
14,553

 
$
25,910

 
$
556

 
$
41,019

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
PGI
 
RC
 
Other
 
Total
Revenue component
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumables
 
$
621

 
$

 
$

 
$
621

License royalties, related party
 

 
3,230

 

 
3,230

Other
 
48

 

 

 
48

Revenues from customers
 
669

 
3,230

 

 
3,899

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from equity method investments
 

 
12,253

 

 
12,253

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues and earnings from equity method investments
 
$
669

 
$
15,483

 
$

 
$
16,152


Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
The Company is from time to time subject to, and is presently involved in, various pending or threatened legal actions and proceedings, including those that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and to outcomes, the financial impacts of which are not predictable with assurance and that may not be known for extended periods of time. The Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for costs related to claims, settlements, and judgments where management has assessed that a loss is probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated. There were no significant legal proceedings as of March 31, 2019.

17



Restricted Cash
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had long-term restricted cash of $5.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively, which primarily consisted of minimum cash balance requirements under the Senior Term Loan. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had short-term restricted cash of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to other commitments.
Tinuum Group
The Company also has certain limited obligations contingent upon future events in connection with the activities of Tinuum Group. The Company, NexGen and two entities affiliated with NexGen have provided an affiliate of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. with limited guaranties (the "Tinuum Group Party Guaranties") related to certain losses it may suffer as a result of inaccuracies or breach of representations and covenants. The Company also is a party to a contribution agreement with NexGen under which any party called upon to pay on a Tinuum Group Party Guaranty is entitled to receive contributions from the other party equal to 50% of the amount paid. No liability or expense provision has been recorded by the Company related to this contingent obligation as the Company believes that it is not probable that a loss will occur with respect to Tinuum Group Party Guaranties.
Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity
Stock Repurchase Programs
In November 2018, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the Company to purchase up to $20.0 million of its outstanding common stock. This stock repurchase program will remain in effect until December 31, 2019 unless otherwise modified by the Board. Previously, the Board had authorized the Company to purchase up to $20.0 million of its outstanding common stock under a separate repurchase program that was in effect until July 31, 2018.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 under the collective stock repurchase programs authorized by the Board,
the Company purchased 63,876 and 149,217 shares of its common stock for cash of $0.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, inclusive of commissions and fees.
Quarterly Cash Dividend
Dividends declared by the Board, and paid quarterly per share on all outstanding shares of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
Per share
 
Date paid
 
Per share
 
Date paid
Dividends declared during quarter ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31
 
$
0.25

 
March 7, 2019
 
$
0.25

 
March 8, 2018
A portion of the dividends declared remains accrued subsequent to the payment dates and represents dividends accumulated on nonvested shares of common stock held by employees and directors of the Company that contain forfeitable dividend rights that are not payable until the underlying shares of common stock vest. These amounts are included in both Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2019.
Tax Asset Protection Plan
U.S. federal income tax rules, and Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code in particular, could substantially limit the use of net operating losses and other tax assets if the Company experiences an "ownership change" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code). In general, an ownership change occurs if there is a cumulative change in the ownership of the Company by "5 percent stockholders" that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period.
On May 5, 2017, the Board approved the declaration of a dividend of rights to purchase Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock for each outstanding share of common stock as part of a tax asset protection plan (the "Tax Asset Protection Plan") designed to protect the Company’s ability to utilize its net operating losses and tax credits. The Tax Asset Protection Plan is intended to act as a deterrent to any person acquiring beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
On April 6, 2018, the Board approved the First Amendment to the Tax Asset Protection Plan (the "First Amendment") that amends the Tax Asset Protection Plan dated May 5, 2017. The Amendment amends the definition of "Final Expiration Date" under the Tax Asset Protection Plan to extend the duration of the TAPP and makes associated changes in connection therewith.

18



At the Company's 2018 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company's stockholders approved the Amendment, thus the Final Expiration Date will be the close of business on December 31, 2019.
On April 5, 2019, the Board approved the Second Amendment to the Tax Asset Protection Plan (the "Second Amendment") that amends the Tax Asset Protection Plan dated May 5, 2017, as amended by the First Amendment to Tax Asset Protection Plan, dated April 6, 2018 (the “TAPP”) between the Company and the Rights Agent. The Second Amendment amends the definition of “Final Expiration Date” under the TAPP to extend the duration of the TAPP and makes associated changes in connection therewith. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Final Expiration Date shall be the close of business on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2020 or (ii) December 31, 2019 if stockholder approval for the Second Amendment has not been obtained prior to such date.
Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation
The Company grants equity-based awards to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants that may include, but are not limited to RSA's, restricted stock units ("RSU's") and stock options. Stock-based compensation expense related to employees is included within the Payroll and benefits line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Stock-based compensation expense related to non-employee directors and consultants is included within the General and administrative line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Total stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
RSA expense
 
$
317

 
$
277

Stock option expense
 

 
58

Total stock-based compensation expense
 
$
317

 
$
335

The amount of unrecognized compensation cost as of March 31, 2019, and the expected weighted-average period over which the cost will be recognized is as follows:
 
 
As of March 31, 2019
(in thousands)
 
Unrecognized Compensation Cost
 
Expected Weighted-
Average Period of
Recognition (in years)
RSA expense
 
$
3,818

 
2.13

Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
 
$
3,818

 
2.13

Restricted Stock
Restricted stock is typically granted with vesting terms of three years. The fair value of RSA's and RSU's is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the authorization date of the grant multiplied by the number of shares subject to the stock award. Compensation expense for RSA's is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the entire vesting period. Compensation expense for RSU's is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award. A summary of RSA and RSU activity under the Company's various stock compensation plans for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is presented below:
 
 
Restricted Stock
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
 
Awards
 
Units
 
RSA's
 
RSU's
Non-vested at January 1, 2019
 
280,852

 
20,000

 
$
9.92

 
$
10.52

Granted
 
218,465

 

 
$
10.84

 
$

Vested
 
(69,345
)
 

 
$
9.33

 
$

Forfeited
 

 

 
$

 
$

Non-vested at March 31, 2019
 
429,972

 
20,000

 
$
10.48

 
$
10.52


19



Stock Options
Stock options generally vest over three years or upon satisfaction of performance-based conditions and have a contractual limit of five years from the date of grant to exercise. The fair value of stock options granted is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the related expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the entire vesting period.
A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is presented below:
 
 
Number of Options
Outstanding and
Exercisable
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
Options outstanding, January 1, 2019
 
529,780

 
$
12.23

 
 
 
 
Options granted
 

 

 
 
 
 
Options exercised
 

 

 
 
 
 
Options expired / forfeited
 

 

 
 
 
 
Options outstanding, March 31, 2019
 
529,780

 
$
12.23

 
$
508

 
1.21
Options exercisable, March 31, 2019
 
529,780

 
$
12.23

 
$
508

 
1.21
Note 11 - Supplemental Financial Information
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
The following table summarizes the components of Prepaid expenses and other assets and Other long-term assets as presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Prepaid expenses and other assets:
 
 
 
 
   Prepaid expenses
 
$
1,400

 
$
1,233

Prepaid income taxes
 
2,597

 
2,940

Other
 
1,507

 
1,397

 
 
$
5,504

 
$
5,570

Other long-term assets:
 
 
 
 
   Spare parts
 
$
3,255

 
$
3,278

   Mine development costs, net
 
2,802

 
2,531

   Prepaid royalty expense, long-term
 
955

 
955

Highview Investment
 
552

 
552

Right of use assets, operating leases, net
 
6,230

 

Other long-term assets
 
702

 
677

 
 
$
14,496

 
$
7,993

Spare parts include critical spares required to support plant operations. Parts and supply costs are determined using the lower of cost or estimated replacement cost. Parts are recorded as maintenance expenses in the period in which they are consumed.
Mine development costs include acquisition costs, the cost of other development work and mitigation costs related to the Company's mining operations. Costs are amortized over the estimated life of the related mine reserves, which is 18 years. The Company performs an evaluation of the recoverability of the carrying value of mine development costs to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired and if any adjustment is warranted. There were no indicators of impairment as of March 31, 2019.
Included within Highview Investment is the Company's investment ("Highview Investment") in Highview Enterprises Limited ("Highview"), a London, England based developmental stage company specializing in power storage. In November 2014, the Company acquired an 8% ownership interest in the common stock of Highview for $2.8 million in cash. The Company accounts for the Highview Investment as an investment recorded at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable changes in price for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

20



The Highview Investment is evaluated for indicators of impairment such as an event or change in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. There were no changes to the carrying value of the Highview Investment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as there were no indicators of impairment or observable price changes for equity issued by Highview.
The following table details the components of Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities as presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Other current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest
 
$
727

 
$
407

Income and other taxes payable
 
2,602

 
479

Current portion of operating lease obligations
 
3,004

 

Other
 
762

 
1,252

 
 
$
7,095

 
$
2,138

Other long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Operating lease obligations, long-term
 
$
3,302

 
$

Deferred rent
 

 
106

Mine reclamation liability
 
684

 
624

Other long-term liabilities
 
85

 
210

 
 
$
4,071

 
$
940

Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Information
The following table details the components of Interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
453A interest
 
$
322

 
$
336

Interest on Senior Term Loan
 
1,270

 

Debt discount and debt issuance costs
 
381

 

Other
 
131

 

 
 
$
2,104

 
$
336

Note 12 - Income Taxes
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company's income tax expense and effective tax rates based on forecasted pre-tax income were:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except for rate)
 
2019
 
2018
Income tax expense
 
$
1,699

 
$
2,569

Effective tax rate
 
11
%
 
25
%
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was different from the federal statutory rate primarily due to a net reduction in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. Additionally, the effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were different from the federal statutory rates as a result of state income tax expense, net of federal benefit. As of March 31, 2019, we reduced the valuation allowance by $4.0 million primarily from changes in forecasts of future taxable income, which included the impact of an additional RC invested facility that was closed during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
The income tax expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was comprised of estimated federal income tax expense of $0.8 million and estimated state income tax expense of $0.9 million. The income tax expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was comprised of estimated federal income tax expense of $2.1 million and estimated state income tax expense of $0.5 million.

21



The Company assesses the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets at each reporting date. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate requires the evaluation of positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified. Consideration must be given to all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including, as applicable, the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income forecasts exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax planning strategies. In estimating income taxes, the Company assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate income tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance.
Note 13 - Business Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by a company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), or a decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing financial performance. As of March 31, 2019, the Company's CODM was the Company's CEO. The Company's operating and reportable segments are identified by products and services provided.
As of March 31, 2019, the Company has two reportable segments: (1) Refined Coal ("RC"); and (2) Power Generation and Industrials ("PGI").
The business segment measurements provided to and evaluated by the CODM are computed in accordance with the principles listed below:
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the 2018 Form 10-K.
Segment revenues include equity method earnings and losses from the Company's equity method investments.
Segment operating income (loss) includes segment revenues and allocation of certain "Corporate general and administrative expenses," which include Payroll and benefits, Rent and occupancy, Legal and professional fees and General and administrative.
RC segment operating income includes interest expense directly attributable to the RC segment.

22



As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, substantially all of the Company's material assets are located in the U.S. and all significant customers are U.S. companies. The following table presents the Company's operating segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Refined Coal:
 
 
 
 
Earnings in equity method investments
 
$
21,690

 
$
12,253

Royalties, related party
 
4,220

 
3,230

 
 
25,910

 
15,483

Power Generation and Industrials:
 
 
 
 
Consumables
 
14,553


621

Other
 


48

 
 
14,553

 
669

Total segment reporting revenues
 
40,463

 
16,152

 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile to reported revenues:
 
 
 
 
Earnings in equity method investments
 
(21,690
)
 
(12,253
)
Corporate and other
 
556

 

Total reported revenues
 
$
19,329

 
$
3,899

 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
Refined Coal (1)
 
$
25,383

 
$
14,702

Power Generation and Industrials (2)
 
(3,462
)
 
(938
)
Total segment operating income
 
$
21,921

 
$
13,764

(1) Included within the RC segment operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is 453A interest expense of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
(2) Included within the PGI segment operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $3.4 million of costs recognized as a result of the step-up in inventory fair value recorded from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. Also included within the PGI segment operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $2.0 million of depreciation, amortization, and depletion expense on mine and plant long-lived assets.

23



A reconciliation of reportable segment operating income to the Company's consolidated net income is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Total reported segment operating income
 
$
21,921

 
$
13,764

Other operating loss
 
(398
)
 


 
21,523

 
13,764

Adjustments to reconcile to net income attributable to the Company:
 
 
 
 
Corporate payroll and benefits
 
(432
)
 
(1,147
)
Corporate legal and professional fees
 
(1,961
)
 
(1,448
)
Corporate general and administrative
 
(1,434
)
 
(941
)
Corporate depreciation and amortization
 
(13
)
 
(52
)
Corporate interest (expense) income, net
 
(1,651
)
 

Other income (expense), net
 
69

 
55

Income tax expense
 
(1,699
)
 
(2,569
)
Net income
 
$
14,402

 
$
7,662

Corporate general and administrative expenses include certain costs that benefit the business as a whole but are not directly related to one of the Company's segments. Such costs include, but are not limited to, accounting and human resources staff, information systems costs, legal fees, facility costs, audit fees and corporate governance expenses. 
A reconciliation of reportable segment assets to the Company's consolidated assets is as follows:
 
 
As of
(in thousands)
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Refined Coal (1)
 
$
50,802

 
$
11,468

Power Generation and Industrials
 
82,818

 
85,786

Total segment assets
 
133,620

 
97,254

All Other and Corporate (2)
 
60,191

 
62,410

Consolidated
 
$
193,811

 
$
159,664

(1) Includes $46.1 million and $6.6 million of investments in equity method investees, respectively.
(2) Includes the Company's deferred tax assets.
Note 14 - Fair Value Measurements
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Accordingly, these instruments are not presented in the table below. The following table provides the estimated fair values of the remaining financial instruments:
 
 
As of March 31, 2019
 
As of December 31, 2018
(in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Financial Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highview Investment
 
$
552

 
$
552

 
$
552

 
$
552

Highview Obligation
 
$
219

 
$
219

 
$
213

 
$
213

Concentration of credit risk
The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company holds cash and cash equivalents at five financial institutions as of March 31, 2019. If that institution

24



was unable to perform its obligations, the Company would be at risk regarding the amount of cash and investments in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits (currently $250 thousand) that would be returned to the Company.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had no financial instruments carried and measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company completed the Carbon Solutions Acquisition, in which the fair value of the purchase consideration totaled $66.5 million. The Company's estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are disclosed in Note 2.
The fair value measurements represent Level 3 measurements as they are based on significant inputs not observable in the market.
Note 15 - Restructuring
In December 2018, the Company recorded restructuring charges in connection with the departures of certain executives of
Carbon Solutions in conjunction with the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. As part of the Carbon Solutions Acquisition, the
Company also assumed a salary severance liability for an additional executive of Carbon Solutions in the amount of $0.6 million. Additionally, the Company recorded restructuring charges in 2018 in connection with a reduction in force that
commenced in May 2018 as part of the Company's further alignment of the business with strategic objectives, which included
the departure of certain executive officers. These charges related to cash severance arrangements with departing employees and
executives, as well as stock-based compensation charges related to the acceleration of vesting of certain stock awards.
Restructuring charges, net of change in estimates, were $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. There were no material restructuring charges during the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The following table summarizes the Company's change in restructuring accruals for the three months ended March 31, 2019:
(in thousands)
 
Employee Severance
Remaining accrual as of December 31, 2018
 
$
2,208

Expense provision
 
172

Cash payments and other
 
(740
)
Change in estimates
 
(104
)
Remaining accrual as of March 31, 2019
 
$
1,536


Restructuring accruals are included within the Accrued payroll and related liabilities line item in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restructuring expenses are included within the Payroll and benefits line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 16 - Subsequent Events
Unless disclosed elsewhere within the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the following are the significant matters that occurred subsequent to March 31, 2019.
Dividends
On May 6, 2019, the Company's Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock, which is payable on June 7, 2019 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 20, 2019


25




Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of our operations should be read together with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes of Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. ("ADES" or the "Company") included elsewhere in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report and with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes of ADES included in the 2018 Form 10-K.
Overview
We provide environmental solutions to customers in coal-fired power generation, municipal water and other industries primarily through emissions and water purification control technologies of our subsidiaries and joint ventures. Our proprietary technologies and associated product offerings provide pollutant control solutions to enable coal-fired power generators, industrials and municipal water to reduce emissions of mercury and other air pollutants and to assist in the purification of water.
We operate two segments: Refined Coal (“RC”) and Power Generation and Industrials (“PGI”) (f/k/a "Emissions Control" or "EC"). Our RC segment is comprised of our equity ownership in Tinuum Group, LLC ("Tinuum Group"), an unconsolidated entity that provides reduction of mercury and nitrogen oxide ("NOX") emissions at select coal-fired power generators through the production and sale of RC that qualifies for tax credits under the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 45 - Production Tax Credit ("Section 45 tax credits"). We benefit from Tinuum Group's production and sale of RC, which generates tax credits, as well as the revenue from selling or leasing RC facilities to tax equity investors.
Our PGI segment includes the sale of products that provide mercury control and other air and water contaminants control to coal-fired power generators and other industrial companies. Our primary products are produced from lignite coal, which creates activated carbon ("AC"). From AC, we manufacture various forms of AC that include powdered activated carbon ("PAC") and granular activated carbon ("GAC"). There are three primary consumable products that work in conjunction with the installed equipment at coal-fired utilities to control mercury: PAC, coal additives and scrubber additives. In many cases these three consumable products can be used together or in many circumstances substituted for each other. However, activated carbon is typically the most efficient and effective way to capture mercury and currently accounts for over 50% of the mercury control consumables North American market.
On December 7, 2018 (the "Acquisition Date"), we acquired (the "Carbon Solutions Acquisition") 100% of the equity interests of ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC (“Carbon Solutions”). Carbon Solutions is a manufacturer and seller of AC and a leader in mercury capture using PAC for the coal-fired power plant, industrial and water treatment markets. Carbon Solutions also owns an associated lignite mine that supplies the primary raw material for manufacturing powdered activated carbon plant. Carbon Solutions was formed in 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture by the Company and Energy Capital Partners LLC. The Company relinquished its ownership in 2011 as part of a legal settlement agreement as described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The Company acquired Carbon Solutions primarily to expand the Company's product offerings within the mercury control industry and other complimentary AC markets.
Results of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized net income of $14.4 million compared to net income of $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are primarily attributable to a combination of factors, including:
Continued performance in our RC business segment, principally related to distributions, equity earnings and royalties from our Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services, LLC ("Tinuum Services") equity investments;
Performance in our PGI business segment, principally related to the Carbon Solutions Acquisition, which we completed on December 7, 2018.
The following sections provide additional information regarding these comparative periods. For comparability purposes, the following tables set forth our results of operations for the periods presented in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report. The period-to-period comparison of financial results may not be indicative of financial results to be achieved in future periods.

26



Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
Total Revenue and Cost of Revenue
A summary of the components of our revenues and cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2019
 
2018
 
($)
 
(%)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumables
 
$
15,109

 
$
621

 
$
14,488

 
2,333
 %
License royalties, related party
 
4,220

 
3,230

 
990

 
31
 %
Other
 

 
48

 
(48
)
 
(100
)%
Total revenues
 
$
19,329

 
$
3,899

 
$
15,430

 
396
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumables cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
 
$
14,108

 
$
711

 
$
13,397

 
1,884
 %
Other sales cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
 
$

 
$
(148
)
 
$
148

 
(100
)%
Consumables and consumables cost of revenue
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, consumables revenues increased quarter over quarter primarily due to Carbon Solutions' operations. These operations also increased the total pounds of our consumables sold, and gross margins increased quarter over quarter.
Consumables cost of revenue was negatively impacted during the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to $3.6 million of costs recognized as a result of the step-up in inventory fair value recorded from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. Consumables gross margins will continue to be negatively impacted during 2019 by the remaining step-up in inventory, which was $1.4 million as of March 31, 2019.
Consumables revenue is impacted based on electricity demand driven by seasonal weather and related power generation needs as well as competitor prices related to alternative power generation sources.
License royalties, related party
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 10.9 million tons and 7.7 million tons, respectively, of RC produced using M-45TM and M-45-PCTM technologies ("M-45 Technology"), which Tinuum Group licenses from us ("M-45 License"). The increase in license royalties was primarily due to Tinuum Group obtaining additional third-party investors for two new RC facilities, one each during the second and fourth quarters of 2018, as well as an additional RC facility during the first quarter of 2019, all of which use our M-45 License. The addition of these new invested RC facilities resulted in an increase in both payments to Tinuum Group and the related tons subject to the M-45 License.
Additional information related to revenue concentrations and contributions by class and reportable segment can be found within the Business Segments discussion and in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Operating Expenses
A summary of the components of our operating expenses, exclusive of cost of revenue items (presented above), for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2019
 
2018
 
($)
 
(%)
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payroll and benefits
 
$
2,556

 
$
2,214

 
$
342

 
15
%
Legal and professional fees
 
1,976

 
1,548

 
428

 
28
%
General and administrative
 
2,142

 
1,170

 
972

 
83
%
Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion
 
2,102

 
116

 
1,986

 
1,712
%
 
 
$
8,776

 
$
5,048

 
$
3,728

 
74
%


27



Payroll and benefits
Payroll and benefits expenses, which represent costs related to selling, general and administrative personnel, increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018 due an increase in headcount of personnel from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition.
Legal and professional fees
Legal and professional fees increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018 due to legal and professional services costs associated with the integration of the Carbon Solutions as well as expenses incurred related to on-going legal matters.
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018 due to an increase in general operating expenses, including an increase in outsourced IT costs, travel, insurance and recruiting expenses. Further increases were for rent and occupancy expense due to additional square feet of leased office and warehouse space from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition.
Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion
Depreciation and amortization expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018 due to the addition of long-lived assets and intangible assets acquired as part of the Carbon Solutions Acquisition, which contributed approximately $1.7 million and $0.2 million of depreciation and amortization expense, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Other Income (Expense), net
A summary of the components of our other income (expense), net for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
2019
 
2018
 
($)
 
(%)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from equity method investments
 
$
21,690

 
$
12,253

 
$
9,437

 
77
 %
Interest income
 
70

 

 
70

 
*

Interest expense
 
(2,104
)
 
(336
)
 
(1,768
)
 
526
 %
Other
 

 
26

 
(26
)
 
(100
)%
Total other income
 
$
19,656

 
$
11,943

 
$
7,713

 
65
 %
* Calculation not meaningful
Earnings from equity method investments
The following table details the components of our respective equity method investments included within the Earnings from equity method investments line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Earnings from Tinuum Group
 
$
19,767

 
$
11,050

Earnings from Tinuum Services
 
1,922

 
1,204

Earnings from other
 
1

 
(1
)
Earnings from equity method investments
 
$
21,690

 
$
12,253

Earnings from equity method investments, and changes related thereto, are impacted by our most significant equity method investees: Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services. Earnings from equity method investments increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018 primarily due to Tinuum Group completing a sale of an RC facility to a third-party investor during the three months ended March 31, 2019. Under Tinuum Group's revenue recognition policy pursuant to its adoption of ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) and ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019, this sale was recognized at a point in time as opposed to over time under Tinuum's legacy revenue recognition policy.

28



During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized $19.8 million in equity earnings from Tinuum Group, which was equal to our proportionate share of Tinuum Group's net income of $21.4 million for the quarter less the recovery of the cash distributions in excess of cumulative earnings as of December 31, 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized $11.1 million in equity earnings from Tinuum Group compared to our proportionate share of Tinuum Group's net income of $12.5 million for the quarter. The difference between our pro-rata share of Tinuum Group's net income and our earnings from our Tinuum Group equity method investment as reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is the result of cumulative distributions received from Tinuum Group being in excess of the carrying value of the investment, and therefore we recognize such excess distributions as equity method earnings in the period the distributions occur, as discussed in more detail below.
The carrying value of our investment in Tinuum Group was $40.2 million as of March 31, 2019, as our cumulative share of pro-rata Tinuum Group's income exceeded the amount of its cumulative cash distributions as a result of Tinuum Group's adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019, in which we recorded a cumulative adjustment of $28.8 million related to the Company's percentage of Tinuum Group's cumulative effect adjustment that increased the Company's retained earnings as of January 1, 2019. As part of this adjustment, we increased the carrying value of our investment in Tinuum Group by $37.2 million. Throughout 2018, the Company's carrying value had been reduced to zero, as cumulative cash distributions received from Tinuum Group exceeded the Company's pro-rata share of cumulative earnings in Tinuum Group. For quarterly periods during which the ending balance of our investment is greater than zero (e.g., when the cumulative earnings in Tinuum Group exceeds cumulative cash distributions received), we recognize our pro-rata share of Tinuum Group's net income for the period, less any amount necessary to recover the cumulative earnings short-fall balance as of the end of the immediately preceding quarter. For quarterly periods during which the ending balance of our investment in Tinuum Group is zero, we only recognize equity earnings from Tinuum Group to the extent that cash distributions are received from Tinuum Group during the period. The carrying value of our investment in Tinuum Group will be zero when the cumulative amount of distributions received from Tinuum Group exceeds our cumulative pro-rata share of Tinuum Group's net income. See additional information related to our investment balance, equity earnings (losses) and cash distributions in Note 4 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, Tinuum Group had 20 and 17 invested RC facilities, respectively, that were generating revenues. There were no 100% retained RC facilities as of March 31, 2019 or March 31, 2018, except for temporary operations of a retained RC facility prior to its lease or sale or our ownership in GWN Manager, LLC.
Equity earnings from our interest in Tinuum Services increased by $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, and for those quarters, Tinuum Services provided operating and maintenance services to 19 and 16 operating RC facilities, respectively. Tinuum Services derives earnings both from fixed-fee arrangements as well as fees that are based on actual RC production, depending upon the specific RC facility operating and maintenance agreement.
We earned the following Section 45 tax credits related to the production of RC that may be available for future benefit:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Section 45 tax credits earned
 
$
988

 
$
1,730

The decrease in Section 45 tax credits earned during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018 was due to a decrease in production of RC related to our membership interest in GWN Manager, LLC ("GWN Manager") and Tinuum Group's partial ownership in a single RC facility that is generating tax credits.
Interest expense
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, interest expense increased $1.8 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily due to interest expense related to the Senior Term Loan entered into on December 7, 2018 to fund the Carbon Solutions Acquisition in the amount of $1.3 million and related amortization expense of debt discount and debt issuance costs of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Income tax expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded income tax expense of $1.7 million compared to income tax expense of $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The income tax expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was comprised of estimated federal income tax expense of $0.8 million and estimated state income tax expense of $0.9 million. The income tax expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was comprised of estimated federal income tax expense of $2.1 million and estimated state income tax expense of $0.5 million. The net decrease in income tax expense quarter over quarter was primarily due to a $4.0 million decrease in the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets during the three months ended March 31, 2019, offset by an increase in income tax expense for 2019 based on higher

29



forecasted pretax accounting income for 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease in the valuation allowance was primarily due to changes in forecasts of future taxable income, which included the impact of an additional RC invested facility that was closed during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the Company's financial information presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, we are providing non-GAAP measures of certain financial performance. These non-GAAP measures include Consolidated EBITDA and Segment EBITDA. The Company included non-GAAP measures because management believes that they help to facilitate comparison of operating results between periods. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and users of the financial statements by excluding certain expenses, gains and losses that may not be indicative of core operating results and business outlook. These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. These measures should only be used to evaluate the Company's results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures.
The Company has defined Consolidated EBITDA as net income, adjusted for the impact of the following items that are either non-cash or that the Company does not consider representative of its ongoing operating performance: depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion, interest expense, net and income tax expense. Because Consolidated EBITDA omits certain non-cash items, the Company believes that the measure is less susceptible to variances that affect the Company's operating performance.
Segment EBITDA is calculated as Segment operating income (loss) adjusted for the impact of the following items that are either non-cash or that the Company does not consider representative of its ongoing operating performance: depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion and interest expense, net. When used in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, Segment EBITDA is a supplemental measure of operating performance that management believes is a useful measure related the Company's PGI segment performance relative to the performance of its competitors as well as performance period over period. Additionally, the Company believes the measure is less susceptible to variances that affect its operating performance results.
The Company presents Consolidated EBITDA and Segment EBITDA because the Company believes they are useful as supplemental measures in evaluating the performance of the Company's operating performance and provide greater transparency into the results of operations. The Company's management uses Consolidated EBITDA and Segment EBITDA as factors in evaluating the performance of its business.
The adjustments to Consolidated EBITDA and Segment EBITDA in future periods are generally expected to be similar. Consolidated EBITDA and Segment EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analyzing the Company's results as reported under GAAP.
Consolidated EBITDA
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Net income
 
$
14,402

 
$
7,662

Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion
 
2,102

 
116

Interest expense, net
 
2,034

 
336

Income tax expense
 
1,699

 
2,569

Consolidated EBITDA
 
$
20,237

 
$
10,683

Consolidated EBITDA was $20.2 million, an increase of $9.6 million over the first quarter of 2018, driven by higher net income, as well as higher expenses related to interest and depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion, offset by lower income tax expense.



30



Business Segments
As of March 31, 2019, we have two reportable segments: (1) RC and (2) PGI. The business segment measurements provided to and evaluated by our chief operating decision maker are computed in accordance with the principles listed below:
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the 2018 Form 10-K.
Segment revenues include equity method earnings and losses from our equity method investments.
Segment operating income (loss) includes segment revenues and allocation of certain "Corporate general and administrative expenses," which include Payroll and benefits, Rent and occupancy, Legal and professional fees, and General and administrative.
RC segment operating income includes interest expense directly attributable to the RC segment.
The principal products and services of our segments are:
1.
RC - Our RC segment derives its earnings from equity method investments as well as royalty payment streams and other revenues related to enhanced combustion of and reduced emissions of both NOX and mercury from the burning of coal. Our equity method investments related to the RC segment include Tinuum Group, Tinuum Services and other immaterial equity method investments. Segment revenues include our equity method earnings (losses) from our equity method investments and royalty earnings from Tinuum Group. These earnings are included within the Earnings from equity method investments and License royalties, related party line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Key drivers to the RC segment performance are the produced and sold RC from both operating and retained RC facilities, royalty-bearing tonnage, and the number of operating (leased or sold) and retained RC facilities. These key drivers impact our earnings and cash distributions from equity method investments.
2.
PGI - Our PGI segment primarily includes revenues and related expenses from the sale of consumable products that utilize PAC chemical technologies. These options provide coal-powered utilities and industrial boilers with mercury control solutions working in conjunction with activated carbon injection ("ACI") and dry sorbent injection ("DSI") systems and other pollution control equipment, generally without the requirement for significant ongoing capital outlays. These amounts are included within the respective revenues and cost of revenue line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Management uses segment operating income (loss) to measure profitability and performance at the segment level. Management believes segment operating income (loss) provides investors with a useful measure of our operating performance and underlying trends of the businesses. Segment operating income (loss) may not be indicative of our overall consolidated performance and therefore, should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

31



The following table presents our operating segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Refined Coal:
 
 
 
 
Earnings in equity method investments
 
$
21,690

 
$
12,253

Royalties, related party
 
4,220

 
3,230

 
 
25,910

 
15,483

Power Generation and Industrials:
 
 
 
 
Consumables
 
14,553

 
621

Other
 

 
48

 
 
14,553

 
669

Total segment reporting revenues
 
40,463

 
16,152

 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile to reported revenues:
 
 
 
 
Earnings in equity method investments
 
(21,690
)
 
(12,253
)
Corporate and other
 
556

 

Total reported revenues
 
$
19,329

 
$
3,899

 
 
 
 
 
Segment operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
Refined Coal (1)
 
$
25,383

 
$
14,702

Power Generation and Industrials (2)
 
(3,462
)
 
(938
)
Total segment operating income
 
$
21,921

 
$
13,764

(1) Included within the RC segment operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 is 453A interest expense of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
(2) Included within the PGI segment operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was approximately $3.4 million of costs recognized as a result of the step-up in inventory fair value recorded from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. Also included within the PGI segment operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $2.0 million of depreciation, amortization, and depletion expense on mine- and plant-related long-lived assets.

RC
The following table details the segment revenues of our respective equity method investments:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Earnings from Tinuum Group
 
$
19,767

 
$
11,050

Earnings from Tinuum Services
 
1,922

 
1,204

Earnings from other
 
1

 
(1
)
Earnings from equity method investments
 
$
21,690

 
$
12,253


For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018
RC earnings increased primarily due to an increase in equity earnings in Tinuum Group during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018, as presented above. Our equity earnings increased primarily due to completing a sale of an RC facility to a third-party investor during three months ended March 31, 2019, which was recognized in Tinuum earnings during the period. As a result of accounting standards adopted by Tinuum Group on January 1, 2019, which resulted in an increase in our investment in Tinuum Group, we recognized our proportionate share of earnings as reported by Tinuum Group beginning on January 1, 2019, as we had earnings in excess of cumulative distributions.

Earnings from Tinuum Services for the three months ended March 31, 2019 increased compared to the same quarter in 2018 primarily due to an increase in the number of operating RC facilities from 16 to 19 for which Tinuum Services provides operating and maintenance services.

32



RC earnings were positively impacted during the three months ended March 31, 2019 by an increase in royalties related to Tinuum Group's use of our M-45 License. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 10.9 million tons and 7.7 million tons, respectively, of RC produced using the M-45 Technology. The increase in Royalty revenue was driven by an increase in rent payments to Tinuum Group and the related tons subject to the M-45 License.
Additional discussion of our equity method investments is included above within our consolidated results and in Note 4 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
PGI
Discussion of revenues derived from our PGI segment and costs related thereto are included above within our consolidated results.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018
PGI segment operating income decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily due to an additional $3.4 million of cost of revenue sold expense related to the step up in basis of acquired finished goods inventory related to the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. This decrease was offset by an increase in operating income due to the operations of Carbon Solutions.

PGI Segment EBITDA
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Segment operating loss
 
$
(3,462
)
 
$
(938
)
Depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion
 
1,959

 
43

Interest expense, net
 
131

 

Segment EBITDA
 
$
(1,372
)
 
$
(895
)
PGI Segment EBITDA loss was $1.4 million, inclusive of a $3.4 million adjustment to cost of revenue due to the step-up in basis of inventory acquired related to the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. PGI Segment EBITDA loss increased by $0.5 million over the first quarter of 2018, mostly driven by an increase in segment operating loss of $2.5 million, which was offset by additional depreciation, amortization, depletion and accretion expense of $1.9 million related to assets acquired from the Carbon Solutions Acquisition.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview of Factors Affecting Our Liquidity
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our liquidity position was positively affected primarily due to distributions from Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services, royalty payments from Tinuum Group and borrowing availability under our bank ("Lender") line of credit ("Line of Credit").
Our principal sources of cash include:
cash on hand;
distributions from Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services;
royalty payments from Tinuum Group; and
operations of the PGI segment.
Our principal uses of cash during the three months ended March 31, 2019 included:
repurchases of shares of common stock;
payment of dividends;
payment of debt principal and interest;
our business operating expenses, including federal and state tax payments and cash severance payments; and
delivering on our existing contracts and customer commitments.
Our ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flow required to meet ongoing operational needs and obligations, as well as
future expected dividend payments and potential future share repurchases, depends upon several factors, including executing on
our contracts and initiatives, receiving royalty payments from Tinuum Group and distributions from Tinuum Group and Tinuum
Services, and increasing our share of the market for PGI consumables, as well as expansion of our overall PAC business into
additional adjacent markets. Increased distributions from Tinuum Group will likely be dependent upon both preserving existing

33



contractual relationships and the securing of additional tax equity investors for those Tinuum Group facilities that are currently not operating.
Due to the Carbon Solutions Acquisition, we expect that use of liquidity for capital expenditures will increase in future periods. Carbon Solutions has historically incurred costs for capital expenditures related to its PAC manufacturing facility under normal operations and planned outages and for mine development at its lignite mine. Going forward, we anticipate additional material capital resources will be needed to maintain or improve capital assets. We have planned maintenance to our manufacturing facility during the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services Distributions

The following table summarizes the cash distributions from our equity method investments that most significantly affected
our consolidated cash flow results, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Tinuum Group
 
$
16,788

 
$
11,050

Tinuum Services
 
2,700

 
2,400

Distributions from equity method investees
 
$
19,488

 
$
13,450

Future cash flows from Tinuum through 2021 are expected to range from $200 to $225 million, and key drivers in achieving
these future cash flows are based on the following:

20 invested facilities as of March 31, 2019 and inclusive of all net Tinuum cash flows (distributions and license
royalties), offset by estimated federal and state income tax payments and 453A interest payments.

Expected future cash flows from Tinuum Group are based on the following key assumptions:

Tinuum Group continues to not operate retained facilities;
Tinuum Group does not have material unexpected capital expenditures or unusual operating expenses;
Tax equity lease renewals on invested facilities are not terminated or repriced; and
Coal-fired power generation remains constant.
Future incremental invested RC facilities would positively impact our expectation of future cash flows.
Senior Term Loan
On December 7, 2018, we and ADA-ES, Inc. ("ADA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, and certain other subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon as administrative agent, and Apollo Credit Strategies Master Fund Ltd and Apollo A-N Credit Fund (Delaware) L.P. (collectively "Apollo”), affiliates of a beneficial owner of greater than five percent of our common stock and a related party, entered into the Term Loan and Security Agreement (the "Senior Term Loan") in the amount of $70.0 million, less original issue discount of $2.1 million. Proceeds from the Senior Term Loan were used to fund the Carbon Solutions Acquisition as disclosed in Note 2. We also paid debt issuance costs of $2.0 million related to the Senior Term Loan. The Senior Term Loan has a term of 36 months and bears interest at a rate equal to 3-month LIBOR (subject to a 1.5% floor) + 4.75% per annum, which is adjusted quarterly to the current 3-month LIBOR rate, and interest is payable quarterly in arrears. Quarterly principal payments of $6.0 million are required and commenced in March 2019, and we may prepay the Senior Term Loan at any time without penalty. The Senior Term Loan is secured by substantially all of our assets, including the cash flows from Tinuum Group and Tinuum Services (collectively, the "Tinuum Entities"), but excluding our equity interests in those Tinuum entities.
The Senior Term Loan includes, among others, the following covenants: (1) Beginning December 31, 2018 and as of the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter, we must maintain a minimum cash balance of $5.0 million and shall not permit "expected future net cash flows from the refined coal business" (as defined in the Senior Term Loan) to be less than 1.75 times the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Term Loan; (2) Beginning in January 2019, annual collective dividends and buybacks of shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount, not to exceed $30.0 million, is permitted so long as (a) no default or event of default exists under the Senior Term Loan and (b) expected future net cash flows from the refined coal business as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter exceed $100.0 million.

34



Stock Repurchases and Dividends
In November 2018, the Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized us to purchase up to $20.0 million of our outstanding common stock. This stock repurchase program will remain in effect until December 31, 2019 unless otherwise modified by the Board. Previously, in December 2017, the Board had authorized us to purchase up to $20.0 million of our outstanding common stock under a separate repurchase program that was in effect until July 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2018, under these two stock repurchase programs, we purchased 2,350,422 shares of our common stock for cash of $25.3 million, inclusive of commissions and fees.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we declared and paid quarterly cash dividends to stockholders of $4.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, which were paid on March 7, 2019 and March 8, 2018, respectively.
Line of Credit
As of March 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit.
On September 30, 2018, ADA, as borrower, we, as guarantor, and the Lender entered into an amendment (the "Twelfth Amendment") to the Line of Credit. The Twelfth Amendment decreased the borrowing availability of the Line of Credit to $5.0 million due to decreased collateral requirements, extended the maturity date of the Line of Credit to September 30, 2020 and permitted the Line of Credit to be used as collateral (in place of restricted cash) for letters of credit ("LC's") up to $5.0 million related to equipment projects and certain other agreements. Under the Twelfth Amendment, there was no minimum balance requirement based on us meeting certain conditions and maintaining minimum trailing twelve-month EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), as previously defined in the "Eleventh Amendment" to the Line of Credit, of $24.0 million.
On December 7, 2018, ADA, as borrower, we, as guarantor, and the Lender entered into an amendment to the Line of
Credit, which provided, among other things, for ADA to be able to enter into the Senior Term Loan as a guarantor so long as
the principal amount of the Senior Term Loan does not exceed $70.0 million. Additionally, the financial covenants in the Line
of Credit were amended and restated to be consistent with the aforementioned Senior Term Loan covenants, including
maintaining a minimum cash balance of $5.0 million.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 vs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased from $23.8 million as of December 31, 2018 to $25.9 million as of March 31, 2019. The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
16,018

 
$
139

 
$
15,879

Investing activities
 
(2,072
)
 
10,976

 
(13,048
)
Financing activities
 
(11,853
)
 
(7,051
)
 
(4,802
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
2,093

 
$
4,064

 
$
(1,971
)
Additionally, the following table summarizes the cash flows of Tinuum Group, whose cash distributions most significantly impact our consolidated cash flow results, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2019
 
2018
Tinuum Group cash, beginning of year
 
$
26,211

 
$
13,309

Cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
30,478

 
10,323

Investing activities (1)
 
(3,814
)
 
(1,719
)
Financing activities
 
(24,247
)
 
(13,375
)
Net change in cash
 
2,417

 
(4,771
)
Tinuum Group cash, end of period
 
$
28,628

 
$
8,538


35



(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, Tinuum Group's use of cash related to RC facilities in the engineering and installation phase.
Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $16.0 million and changed by $15.9 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. Cash flows from operating activities were positively impacted primarily by the following: (1) net income of $14.4 million, which was primarily due to earnings from equity method investees of $21.7 million and license royalties earned from Tinuum Group of $4.2 million; (2) distributions from equity method investees, return on investment of $19.5 million; (3) a decrease in deferred tax assets, exclusive of valuation allowance changes, of $3.3 million; (4) depreciation, amortization, depletion, and accretion of $2.1 million; and a net decrease in working capital of $2.1 million. Included in distributions from equity method investees, return on investment is $16.8 million of distributions received from Tinuum Group. During three months ended March 31, 2018, the carrying value of our investment in Tinuum Group was zero and all cash distributions were reported as distributions in excess of cumulative earnings, which is reported as cash flows from investing activities. Due to the increase in the balance of our investment in Tinuum Group during the three months ended March 31, 2019, all distributions during the period were reported as return on investment. Offsetting these increases to operating cash flows were earnings from equity method investees of $21.7 million and a decrease in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of $4.0 million.

Cash flows used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $0.1 million and were positively impacted primarily by the following: (1) net income of $7.7 million, which was primarily due to earnings from equity method investees of $12.3 million and license royalties earned from Tinuum Group of $3.2 million; (2) distributions from equity method investees, return on investment of $2.4 million; (3) a decrease in deferred tax assets of $1.6 million, primarily from the recognition of deferred income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2018; and (4) a net increase in working capital of $0.2 million, primarily from insurance recoveries received on various legal matters. Offsetting these increases to operating cash flows were primarily earnings from equity method investees of $12.3 million.
Cash flow from investing activities
Distributions from equity method investees
Distributions received from our equity method investees reported as return in excess of investment basis within investing cash flows decreased by $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was driven primarily by the effect of an increase in our equity investment in Tinuum Group, which resulted in all cash distributions reported as return on investment during the three months ended March 31, 2019. In total, cash distributions increased quarter over quarter due to additional invested RC facilities in the second half of 2018 and first half of 2019.
Acquisition of business
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we funded the remaining consideration payable of $0.7 million for the Carbon Solutions Acquisition.
Acquisition of property, equipment, and intangible assets
Current period expenditures for property, equipment, and intangible assets primarily relates to capital expenditures at our AC manufacturing facility in anticipation of the planned outages that had been delayed prior to the Carbon Solutions Acquisition. These expenditures approximated $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
Mine development costs
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we incurred costs related to development work and mitigation costs for our mining operations.
Cash flow from financing activities
Principal payments on term loan
During three months ended March 31, 2019, we made a required principal payment of $6.0 million related to the Senior Term Loan.
Cash dividends paid
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we made payments of $4.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, related to dividends declared on our common stock.
Repurchase of common stock

36



As described in Note 9 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and under a stock repurchase program authorized by the Board, we purchased 63,876 shares of our common stock for cash of $0.7 million, inclusive of commissions and fees. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we repurchased 149,217 shares of our common stock for cash of $1.6 million.
Equity award activity
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we used $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the repurchase of shares to satisfy tax withholdings upon the vesting of equity-based awards.
Contractual Obligations
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations outside of the ordinary course of business from those reported as of December 31, 2018.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements except those discussed in Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 2018 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Except for the adoption of ASC 842 related to leases, our significant accounting policies and estimates have not changed from those reported in Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 2018 10-K.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for new accounting standards applicable to us that were issued during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and subsequent thereto through the date of this Quarterly Report.
Forward-Looking Statements Found in this Report
This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, such forward-looking statements are found in this Part I, Item 2 above. Words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "predicts," the negative expressions of such words, or similar expressions are used in this Quarterly Report to identify forward-looking statements, and such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements or expectations regarding:
(a)
the scope and impact of mercury and other regulations or pollution control requirements, including the impact of the final MATS;
(b)
the production and sale of RC that the RC facilities will qualify for Section 45 tax credits;
(c)
expected growth or contraction in and potential size of our target markets;
(d)
expected supply and demand for our products and services;
(e)
increasing competition in the PGI market;
(f)
future level of research and development activities;
(g)
the effectiveness of our technologies and the benefits they provide;
(h)
Tinuum Group’s ability to profitably sell and/or lease additional RC facilities and/or RC facilities that may be returned to Tinuum Group, or to recognize the tax benefits from production and sale of RC on retained RC facilities;
(i)
probability of any loss occurring with respect to certain guarantees made by Tinuum Group ("Party Guarantees");
(j)
the timing of awards of, and work and related testing under, our contracts and agreements and their value;
(k)
the timing and amounts of or changes in future revenues, royalties earned, backlog, funding for our business and projects, margins, expenses, earnings, tax rates, cash flows, royalty payment obligations, working capital, liquidity and other financial and accounting measures;
(l)
the outcome of current and pending legal proceedings;
(m)
awards of patents designed to protect our proprietary technologies both in the U.S. and other countries; and
(n)
whether any legal challenges or EPA actions will have a material impact on the implementation of the MATS or other regulations and on our ongoing business.

The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, timing of new and pending regulations and any legal challenges to or extensions of compliance dates of them; the U.S.

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government’s failure to promulgate regulations or appropriate funds that benefit our business; changes in laws and regulations, accounting rules, prices, economic conditions and market demand; impact of competition; availability, cost of and demand for alternative energy sources and other technologies; technical, start up and operational difficulties; failure of the RC facilities to produce RC; termination of or amendments to the contracts for sale or lease of RC facilities or such facilities to qualify for Section 45 tax credits; decreases in the production of RC; our inability to commercialize our technologies on favorable terms; our inability to ramp up our operations to effectively address recent and expected growth in our business; loss of key personnel; potential claims from any terminated employees, customers or vendors; availability of materials and equipment for our businesses; intellectual property infringement claims from third parties; pending litigation; as well as other factors relating to our business, as described in our filings with the SEC, with particular emphasis on the risk factor disclosures contained in those filings. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report and to consult filings we have made and will make with the SEC for additional discussion concerning risks and uncertainties that may apply to our business and the ownership of our securities. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report are presented as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements unless required by law to do so.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The information under this Item is not required to be provided by smaller reporting companies.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a‑15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), we have evaluated, under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a‑15(e) and 15d‑15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Based upon this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

On December 7, 2018, we acquired Carbon Solutions and excluded their business from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, as allowed under general guidance issued by the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except for the acquisition of Carbon Solutions, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a‑15(f) and 15d‑15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in litigation, claims and other proceedings related to the conduct of our business. Litigation and other disputes are inherently unpredictable and subject to substantial uncertainties and unfavorable resolutions could occur. None of these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, currently is material to us.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are no material updates to our risk factors as disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 
(a) Total number of shares purchased
 
(b) Average price paid per share
 
(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs
 
(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in thousands)
January 1 to January 31, 2019
 
54,053

 
$
10.83

 
54,053

 
$

February 1 to February 28, 2019
 
801

 
11.26

 
801

 

March 1 to March 31, 2019
 
9,022

 
10.97

 
9,022

 
5,132

Total
 
63,876

 
$
10.86

 
63,876

 
$
5,132

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
The statement concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Report.
Item 5. Other Information
None.

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Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
4.1
 
 
8-K
 
001-37822
 
4.3
 
April 11, 2019
31.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101. INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Notes:
*
– Filed herewith.





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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 6, 2019
By:
/s/ L. Heath Sampson
 
 
L. Heath Sampson
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 6, 2019
By:
/s/ Greg P. Marken
 
 
Greg P. Marken
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 


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