Annual Statements Open main menu

Archrock, Inc. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(MARK ONE)

      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

or

        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to

Commission file no. 001-33666

Archrock, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

74-3204509

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

9807 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77024

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

(281836-8000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

AROC

New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes   No 

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   No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes   No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   No 

Aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2020: $832,567,735.

Number of shares of the common stock of the registrant outstanding as of February 16, 2021: 152,788,049 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Meeting of Stockholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2020, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    

Page

Glossary

Forward-Looking Statements

Part I

Item 1. Business

Item 1A. Risk Factors

18 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

31 

Item 2. Properties

31 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

32 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

32 

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

33 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

35 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

55 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

55 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

55 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

55 

Item 9B. Other Information

58 

Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

59 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

59 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

59 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

59 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

59 

Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

60 

Signatures

68 

2

Table of Contents

GLOSSARY

The following terms and abbreviations appearing in the text of this report have the meanings indicated below.

2007 Plan

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Stock Incentive Plan

2020 Plan

2020 Stock Incentive Plan

2020 Form 10-K

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020

2021 Notes

$350.0 million of 6% senior notes due April 2021, issued in March 2013

2022 Notes

$350.0 million of 6% senior notes due October 2022, issued in April 2014

2027 Notes

$500.0 million of 6.875% senior notes due April 2027, issued in March 2019

2028 Notes

$800.0 million of 6.25% senior notes due April 2028, $500.0 million of which was issued in December 2019, $300.0 million of which was issued in December 2020

Amendment No. 1

Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated February 23, 2018, which amended that Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2017, which governs the Credit Facility

Amendment No. 2

Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated November 8, 2019, which amended that Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2017, which governs the Credit Facility

Amendment No. 3

Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated February 22, 2021, which amended that Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2017, which governs the Credit Facility

AMNAX

Alerian Midstream Energy Index

Archrock, our, we, us

Archrock, Inc., individually and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries

ASC 606 Revenue

Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

ASC 842 Leases

Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 Leases

ASU 2016-13

Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13—Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

ASU 2017-12

Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12—Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

ASU 2018-02

Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02—Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

ASU 2018-13

Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13—Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

ASU 2019-12

Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-12—Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

ASU 2020-04

Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04—Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting

BBA

British Bankers’ Association

Bcf/d

Billion cubic feet per day

BoLM

U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management

CAA

Clean Air Act

CARES Act

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Public Law No. 116-136, a tax stimulus and economic stabilization bill signed into law on March 27, 2020

CERCLA

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

Code

Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended

Congress

U.S. Congress

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019

Credit Facility

$1.25 billion asset-based revolving credit facility, as amended by Amendment No. 2, with a maturity of November 8, 2024

CWA

Clean Water Act

Debt Agreements

Credit Facility, 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes, collectively

DSDP

Directors’ Stock and Deferral Plan

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

EIA

U.S. Energy Information Administration

3

Table of Contents

Elite Acquisition

Transaction completed on August 1, 2019 pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement entered into with Elite Compression on June 23, 2019

Elite Compression

Elite Compression Services, LLC

EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning

ESG

Environmental, Social and Governance

ESPP

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Exchange Act

Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FCA

United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority

Financial Statements

Consolidated financial statements included in Part IV Item 15 of this 2020 Form 10-K

Former Credit Facility

$350 million revolving credit facility terminated in April 2018 in connection with the Merger and Amendment No.1

GAAP

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles

Harvest

Harvest Four Corners, LLC

Harvest Sale

Transaction completed on August 1, 2019 pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement entered into with Harvest on June 23, 2019

Hilcorp

Hilcorp Energy Company

IRS

Internal Revenue Service

JDH Capital

JDH Capital Holdings, L.P.

July 2020 Disposition

Sale completed in July 2020 of the turbocharger business included within our aftermarket services segment

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

March 2020 Disposition

Sale completed in March 2020 of certain contract operations customer service agreements, compressors and other assets

Merger

Transaction completed on April 26, 2018 in which Archrock acquired all of the Partnership’s outstanding common units not already owned by Archrock pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 1, 2018, among Archrock and the Partnership, which was amended by Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger on January 11, 2018

MMb/d

Million barrels per day

NAAQS

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NOL

Net operating loss

NSPS

New Source Performance Standards

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Act

OTC

Over-the-counter, as related to aftermarket services parts and components

Paris Agreement

Resulting agreement of the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris, France

Partnership

Archrock Partners, L.P., together with its subsidiaries

PDVSA

PDVSA Gas, S.A.

ppb

Parts per billion

RCRA

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

ROU

Right-of-use, as related to the lease model under ASC Topic 842 Leases

S&P 500

S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index

SEC

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SG&A

Selling, general and administrative

Spin-off

Spin-off completed in November 2015 of our international contract operations, international aftermarket services and global fabrication businesses into a standalone public company operating as Exterran Corporation

TCEQ

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

U.S.

United States of America

VOC

Volatile organic compounds

Working Group

Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases

Williams Partners

Williams Partners, L.P.

4

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This 2020 Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this 2020 Form 10-K are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, statements regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, operations, customers and financial condition; our business growth strategy and projected costs; future financial position; the sufficiency of available cash flows to fund continuing operations and pay dividends; the expected amount of our capital expenditures; anticipated cost savings; future revenue, gross margin and other financial or operational measures related to our business; the future value of our equipment; and plans and objectives of our management for our future operations. You can identify many of these statements by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “will continue” or similar words or the negative thereof.

Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this 2020 Form 10-K. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements are described in Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Part II Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this 2020 Form 10-K.

All forward-looking statements included in this 2020 Form 10-K are based on information available to us on the date of this 2020 Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained throughout this 2020 Form 10-K.

5

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

We were incorporated in February 2007 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. In August 2007, Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. and Hanover Compressor Company merged into our wholly-owned subsidiaries and we became the parent entity of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. and Hanover Compressor Company, named “Exterran Holdings, Inc.” In November 2015, we completed the Spin-off of our international contract operations, international aftermarket services and global fabrication business into a standalone public company operating as Exterran Corporation, and we were renamed “Archrock, Inc.”

We are an energy infrastructure company with a pure-play focus on midstream natural gas compression. We are the leading provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry throughout the U.S. in terms of total compression fleet horsepower and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment in the U.S. Our business supports a must-run service that is essential to the production, processing, transportation and storage of natural gas. Our geographic diversity, technically experienced personnel and large fleet of natural gas compression equipment enable us to provide reliable contract operations services to our customers.

We operate in two business segments:

Contract Operations. Our contract operations business is comprised of our owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment that we use to provide operations services to our customers.
Aftermarket Services. Our aftermarket services business provides a full range of services to support the compression needs of our customers that own compression equipment including operations, maintenance, overhaul and reconfiguration services and sales of parts and components.

Natural Gas Compression Industry Overview

Natural gas compression is a mechanical process whereby the pressure of a given volume of natural gas is increased to a desired higher pressure for transportation from one point to another. It is essential to the production and transportation of natural gas. Compression is typically required several times during the natural gas production and transportation cycle including (i) at the wellhead, (ii) throughout gathering and distribution systems, (iii) into and out of processing and storage facilities and (iv) along intrastate and interstate pipelines. Our service offerings focus primarily on the following cycle stages.

Wellhead and Gathering Systems. Natural gas compression is used to transport natural gas from the wellhead through the gathering system. At some point during the life of natural gas wells, reservoir pressures typically fall below the line pressure of the natural gas gathering or pipeline system used to transport the natural gas to market. At that point, natural gas no longer naturally flows into the pipeline. Compression equipment is applied in both field and gathering systems to boost the pressure levels of the natural gas flowing from the well, allowing it to be transported to market. Changes in pressure levels in natural gas fields require periodic changes to the size and/or type of on-site compression equipment. Compression equipment is also used to increase the efficiency of a low-capacity natural gas field by providing a central compression point from which the natural gas can be produced and injected into a pipeline for transmission to facilities for further processing.

Processing Applications. Compressors may be used in combination with natural gas production and processing equipment to process natural gas into other marketable energy sources. In addition, compression services are used for compression applications in refineries and petrochemical plants. Processing applications typically utilize multiple large horsepower compressors.

Gas Lift Applications. Compression is used to reinject natural gas into producing oil wells to maintain reservoir pressure and help lift liquids to the surface, which is known as enhanced oil recovery or natural gas lift operations. These applications utilize low- to mid-range horsepower compression equipment located at or near the wellhead or large horsepower compression equipment of over 1,000 horsepower for a centralized gas lift system servicing multiple wells.

6

Table of Contents

Many natural gas and crude oil producers, transporters and processors outsource their compression services due to the benefits and flexibility of contract compression. Changing well and pipeline pressures and conditions over the life of a well often require producers to reconfigure or replace their compression packages to optimize the well production or gathering system efficiency.

We believe outsourcing compression operations to compression service providers such as us offers customers:

the ability to efficiently meet their changing compression needs over time while limiting the underutilization of their owned compression equipment;
access to the compression service provider’s specialized personnel and technical skills, including engineers and field service and maintenance employees, which we believe generally leads to improved production rates and/or increased throughput;
the ability to increase their profitability by transporting or producing a higher volume of natural gas and crude oil through decreased compression downtime and reduced operating, maintenance and equipment costs by allowing the compression service provider to efficiently manage their compression needs; and
the flexibility to deploy their capital on projects more directly related to their primary business by reducing their compression equipment and maintenance capital requirements.

We believe the U.S. natural gas compression services industry continues to have growth potential over time due to, among other things, increased natural gas production in the U.S. from unconventional sources, the aging of producing natural gas fields that will require more compression to continue producing the same volume of natural gas and expected increased demand for natural gas in the U.S. for power generation, industrial uses and exports, including liquified natural gas exports and exports of natural gas via pipeline to Mexico.

Contract Operations Overview

Compression Services

We provide comprehensive contract operations services including the personnel, equipment, tools, materials and supplies to meet our customers’ natural gas compression needs. Based on the operating specifications at the customer location and each customer’s unique needs, these services include designing, sourcing, owning, installing, operating, servicing, repairing and maintaining the equipment. We work closely with our customers’ field service personnel so that compression services can be adjusted to efficiently match changing characteristics of the reservoir and the natural gas produced and may repackage or reconfigure our existing fleet to adapt to our customers’ compression needs.

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we generated 84%, 80% and 74%, respectively, of our total revenue from contract operations.

Compression Fleet

Our fleet of compressors that we own and use to provide contract operations services consists primarily of reciprocating compressors driven by natural gas-powered engines. We continuously work to standardize our compression fleet around major components and key suppliers. The standardization of our fleet enables us to minimize our fleet operating costs and maintenance capital requirements, reduces inventory costs, facilitates low-cost compressor resizing and allows us to develop improved technical proficiency in our maintenance and overhaul operations, which enables us to achieve higher uptime while maintaining lower operating costs.

Our compressors are predominantly large horsepower, which we define as greater than 1,000 horsepower per unit. We are in the process of a multi-year project to install telematic devices on our compressors that will enable us to monitor our units remotely. All of our compressors are designed to automatically shut down if operating conditions deviate from a pre-determined range.

7

Table of Contents

We maintain field service locations from which we service and overhaul our compression fleet. Our equipment undergoes routine and preventive maintenance in accordance with our established maintenance schedules, standards and procedures. These maintenance practices are updated as technology changes and as our operations group develops new techniques and procedures to better service our equipment. Our field technicians are familiar with the condition of our equipment, perform the maintenance on the equipment and can readily identify potential problems. In our experience, these maintenance practices maximize equipment life and unit availability, minimize avoidable downtime and lower the overall maintenance expenditures over the equipment life. On average, our compression packages undergo a major overhaul once every nine years depending on the type, size and utilization of the compressor.

The following table summarizes the size of our natural gas compression fleet as of December 31, 2020:

    

    

Aggregate

    

 

Number

Horsepower 

% of

 of Units

(in thousands)

Horsepower

0 — 1,000 horsepower per unit

 

3,305

 

945

 

23

%

1,001 — 1,500 horsepower per unit

 

1,465

 

1,977

 

48

%

Over 1,500 horsepower per unit

 

599

 

1,198

 

29

%

Total

 

5,369

 

4,120

 

100

%

General Terms of our Contract Operations Service Agreements

We typically enter into a master service agreement with each customer that sets forth the general terms and conditions of our services, and then enter into a separate supplemental service agreement for each distinct site at which we will provide contract operations services. The following describes select material terms common to our standard contract operations service agreements.

Term and Termination. Our customers typically contract for our contract operations services on a site-by-site basis that is generally reduced if we fail to operate in accordance with the contract requirements. Following the initial minimum term, which generally ranges from 12 to 48 months, contract operations services generally continue on a month-to-month basis until terminated by either party with 30 days’ advance notice.

Fees and Expenses. Our customers pay a fixed monthly fee for our contract operations services, which generally is based on expected natural gas volumes and pressures associated with a specific application. Our customers generally are required to pay our monthly fee even during periods of limited or disrupted natural gas flows, which enhances the stability and predictability of our cash flows. We are typically responsible for the costs and expenses associated with our compression equipment used to provide the contract operations services except for fuel gas, which is provided by our customers.

Service Standards and Specifications. We provide contract operations services according to the particular specifications of each job, as set forth in the applicable contract. These are typically turn-key service contracts under which we supply all services and support and use our compression equipment to provide the contract operations services necessary for a particular application. In certain circumstances, if the availability of our services does not meet certain percentages specified in our contracts, our customers are generally entitled, upon request, to specified credits against our service fees.

Title and Risk of Loss. We own and retain title to or have an exclusive possessory interest in all compression equipment used to provide contract operations services and we generally bear risk of loss for such equipment to the extent the loss is not caused by gas conditions, our customers’ acts or omissions or the failure or collapse of the customer’s over-water job site upon which we provide the contract operations services.

8

Table of Contents

Insurance. Typically, both we and our customers are required to carry general liability, workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, automobile and excess liability insurance. Our insurance coverage includes property damage, general liability and commercial automobile liability and other coverage we believe is appropriate. Additionally, we are substantially self-insured for workers’ compensation and employee group health claims in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. We are also self-insured for property damage to our offshore assets.

Aftermarket Services Overview

Our aftermarket services business sells parts and components and provides operations, maintenance, overhaul and reconfiguration services to customers who own compression equipment. We believe that we are particularly well-qualified to provide these services because our highly experienced operating personnel have access to the full range of our compression services and facilities. In addition, our aftermarket services business provides opportunities to cross-sell our contract operations services. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we generated 16%, 20% and 26%, respectively, of our total revenue from aftermarket services.

Competitive Strengths

We believe we have the following key competitive strengths:

Large horsepower. We have the largest fleet of large horsepower equipment among all outsourced compression service providers in the U.S. As of December 31, 2020, 77% of our fleet, as measured by operating horsepower, was comprised of units that exceed 1,000 horsepower per unit. We believe the trends driving demand for large horsepower units will continue. These trends include (i) high levels of associated gas production from shale wells, which is generally produced at a lower initial pressure than dry gas wells, (ii) pad drilling, which brings multiple wells to a single well site with larger volumes of gas, (iii) increasing well lateral lengths, which increase natural gas flow through gas gathering systems and (iv) high probability drilling programs that allow for efficient infrastructure planning.

Excellent customer service. We operate in a relationship-driven, service-intensive industry and therefore need to provide superior customer service. We believe that our regionally-based network, local presence, experience and in-depth knowledge of our customers’ operating needs and growth plans enable us to respond to our customers’ needs and meet their evolving demands on a timely basis. In addition, we focus on achieving a high level of reliability for the services we provide in order to maximize uptime and our customers’ production levels. Our sales efforts concentrate on demonstrating our commitment to enhancing our customers’ cash flows through superior customer service and after-market support.

Superior safety performance. We believe our collective safety performance is pivotal to the success of our business and is of primary importance to our customers. We have a strong safety culture and a proven ability to safely manage our business in a variety of commodity and economic environments. Our safety-centric culture has consistently produced industry-leading safety performance for many years, including a 2020 total recordable incident rate of 0.25.

Large and stable customer base. We have strong relationships with a deep base of midstream companies and natural gas and crude oil producers. Our contract operations revenue base is sourced from approximately 525 customers operating throughout all major U.S. natural gas and crude oil producing regions.

Fee-based cash flows. We charge a fixed monthly fee for our contract operations services that our customers are generally required to pay regardless of the volume of natural gas we compress in any given month. Our compression packages, on average, operate at a customer location for approximately three years. We believe this fee structure and the longevity of our operations reduces volatility and enhances the stability and predictability of our cash flows.

Diversified geographic footprint. We operate in substantially all major natural gas and crude oil producing regions in the U.S. Our large fleet and numerous operating locations throughout the U.S., combined with our ability to efficiently move equipment among producing regions, mean that we are not dependent on production activity in any particular region. We believe our size, geographic scope and broad customer base provide us with improved operating expertise and business development opportunities.

9

Table of Contents

Long operating history. We have a long, sustained history of operating in the compression industry and a robust database of fleet financial and operating metrics that provides an advantage compared to our younger competitors. We have extensive experience working with our customers to meet their evolving needs.

Financial resilience and flexibility. We have historically shown and are committed to maintaining capital discipline and financial strength, which is critical in a cyclical business such as ours. Maintaining ample liquidity and a prudent balance sheet supports our ability to continue to deliver on our long-term strategies and positions us to take advantage of future growth opportunities as they arise.

Business Strategies

We intend to continue to capitalize on our competitive strengths to meet our customers’ needs through the following key strategies:

Capitalize on the long-term fundamentals for the U.S. natural gas compression industry. We believe our ability to efficiently meet our customers’ evolving compression needs, our long-standing customer relationships and our large compression fleet will enable us to capitalize on what we believe are favorable long-term fundamentals for the U.S. natural gas compression industry. These fundamentals include significant natural gas resources in the U.S., increased unconventional natural gas and crude oil production, decreasing natural reservoir pressures and expected increased natural gas demand in the U.S. from the growth of liquified natural gas exports, exports of natural gas via pipeline to Mexico, power generation and industrial uses.

Improve profitability. We are focused on increasing productivity and optimizing our processes. Late in 2018 we began a process and technology transformation project that will, among other things, upgrade or replace our existing ERP, supply chain and inventory management systems and expand the remote monitoring capabilities of our compression fleet. By using technology to make our systems and processes more efficient, we intend to lower our internal costs and improve our profitability over time. In addition, we continue to focus on increasing the percentage of large horsepower equipment within our fleet in order to capitalize on the trends that have been driving, and that we believe will continue to drive, demand for large horsepower units.

Optimize our business to generate attractive returns. We plan to continue to invest in strategically growing our business both organically and through third-party acquisitions. We see opportunities to grow our contract operations business over the long term by putting idle units back to work and adding new horsepower in key growth areas. In addition, because a large amount of compression equipment is owned by natural gas and crude oil producers, processors, gatherers, transporters and storage providers, we believe there will be additional opportunities for our aftermarket services business to provide services and parts to support the operation of this equipment.

Oil and Natural Gas Industry Cyclicality and Volatility

Demand for our products and services is correlated to natural gas and crude oil production. Fluctuations in energy prices can affect the levels of expenditures by our customers, production volumes and ultimately, demand for our products and services; however, we believe our contract operations business is typically less impacted by commodity prices for the following reasons:

fee-based contracts minimize our direct commodity price exposure;
the natural gas we use as fuel for our compression packages is supplied by our customers, further reducing our direct exposure to commodity price risk;
compression services are a necessary part of midstream energy infrastructure that facilitate the transportation of natural gas through gathering systems;
our contract operations business is tied primarily to natural gas and crude oil production, transportation and consumption, which are generally less cyclical in nature than exploration and new well drilling and completion activities;

10

Table of Contents

the need for compression services and equipment has grown over time due to the increased production of natural gas, the natural pressure decline of natural gas-producing basins and the increased percentage of natural gas production from unconventional sources; and
our compression packages operate at a customer location for an average of approximately three years during which time our customers are generally required to pay a fixed monthly fee regardless of the volume of natural gas we compress in any given month.

Seasonal Fluctuations

Our results of operations have not historically reflected any material seasonal tendencies and we do not believe that seasonal fluctuations will have a material impact on us in the foreseeable future.

Market, Suppliers and Customers

We conduct our contract operations activities in substantially all major natural gas and crude oil producing areas throughout the U.S. and have supply agreements with multiple suppliers to meet our compression equipment needs.

Our customer base consists primarily of companies engaged in all aspects of the oil and gas industry including large integrated and independent natural gas and crude oil producers, processors, gatherers and transporters.

We have entered into preferred vendor arrangements with some of our customers that give us preferential consideration for their compression needs. In exchange, we provide these customers with enhanced product availability, product support and favorable pricing.

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, our five most significant customers collectively accounted for 28%, 25% and 26%, respectively, of our contract operations and aftermarket services revenue. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Williams Partners accounted for 11% of our contract operations and aftermarket services revenue.

Sales and Marketing

Our marketing and client service functions are coordinated and performed by our sales and field service personnel. Sales and field service personnel regularly visit our customers to ensure customer satisfaction, determine customer needs as to services currently being provided and ascertain potential future compression services requirements. This ongoing communication allows us to respond swiftly to customer requests.

Competition

The natural gas compression services business is highly competitive. Overall, we experience considerable competition from companies that may be able to more quickly adapt to changing technology within our industry and changes in economic conditions as a whole, more readily take advantage of acquisitions and other opportunities and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. We believe we are competitive with respect to price, equipment availability, customer service, flexibility in meeting customer needs, technical expertise and quality and reliability of our compression packages and related services.

Increased size and geographic density offer compression services providers operating and cost advantages. As the number of compression locations and size of the compression fleet increases, the number of required sales, administrative and maintenance personnel increases at a lesser rate, resulting in operational efficiencies and potential cost advantages. Additionally, broad geographic scope allows compression service providers to more efficiently provide services to all customers, particularly those with compression applications in remote locations. We believe our large fleet of compression equipment and broad geographic base of operations and related operational personnel give us more flexibility in meeting our customers’ needs than many of our competitors.

11

Table of Contents

Governmental Regulation

Environmental Regulation

Our operations are subject to stringent and complex U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of the environment and to occupational safety and health. Compliance with these environmental laws and regulations may expose us to significant costs and liabilities and cause us to incur significant capital expenditures in our operations. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, imposition of investigatory and remedial obligations and the issuance of injunctions delaying or prohibiting operations. We believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and safety and health laws and regulations and that continued compliance with currently applicable requirements would not have a material adverse effect on us. However, the trend in environmental regulation has been to place more restrictions on activities that may affect the environment, and thus, any changes in these laws and regulations that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal, emission or remediation requirements could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.

The primary U.S. federal environmental laws to which our operations are subject include the CAA and regulations thereunder, which regulate air emissions; the CWA and regulations thereunder, which regulate the discharge of pollutants in industrial wastewater and storm water runoff; the RCRA and regulations thereunder, which regulate the management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes; and the CERCLA and regulations thereunder, known more commonly as “Superfund,” which impose liability for the remediation of releases of hazardous substances in the environment. We are also subject to regulation under the OSHA and regulations thereunder, which regulate the protection of the safety and health of workers. Analogous state and local laws and regulations may also apply.

Air Emissions

The CAA and analogous state laws and their implementing regulations regulate emissions of air pollutants from various sources, including natural gas compressors, and also impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. Such laws and regulations may require a facility to obtain pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce air emissions or result in the increase of existing air emissions, obtain and strictly comply with air permits containing various emissions and operational limitations, or utilize specific emission control technologies to limit emissions. Our standard contract operations agreement typically provides that the customer will assume permitting responsibilities and certain environmental risks related to site operations.

New Source Performance Standards. On June 3, 2016, the EPA issued final regulations amending the NSPS for the oil and natural gas source category and applying to sources of emissions of methane and VOC from certain processes, activities and equipment that is constructed, modified or reconstructed after September 18, 2015. Specifically, the regulation contains both methane and VOC standards for several emission sources not previously covered by the NSPS, such as fugitive emissions from compressor stations and pneumatic pumps and methane standards for certain emission sources that are already regulated for VOC, such as equipment leaks at natural gas processing plants. The amendments also establish methane standards for a subset of equipment that the current NSPS regulates, including reciprocating compressors and pneumatic controllers, and extend the current VOC standards to the remaining unregulated equipment. On August 13, 2020, the EPA adopted deregulatory amendments to the 2016 rule intended to streamline implementation, reduce duplicative EPA and state requirements and decrease the burden of compliance. In particular, the amendments removed the transmission and storage segments from the oil and natural gas source category and rescinded the methane-specific requirements for production and processing facilities. Several lawsuits were filed challenging these amendments, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered an administrative stay of these amendments shortly after they were finalized. Although the administrative stay was lifted in October 2020, which brought the amendments into effect, the amendments may still be subject to reversal under the new presidential administration. However, on January 20, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order calling on the EPA to, among other things, consider a proposed rule suspending, revising or rescinding those deregulatory amendments by September 2021. We do not believe that the current rules will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, but we cannot yet predict the impact, if any, of any such suspension, revision or rescinding of the current rules.

12

Table of Contents

Venting and Flaring on Federal Lands. On November 18, 2016, the BoLM published final rules to reduce venting and flaring on federal and tribal lands. The rules set forth some novel requirements regarding leak detection inspections at compressor stations and imposed requirements to reduce emissions from pneumatic controllers and pumps, among other things. While the BoLM adopted a rule in 2018 rescinding most of these requirements, that 2018 rule was challenged in court and vacated in July 2020. Following that ruling, another court, which had been hearing challenges to the original 2016 rule, acted on some pending litigation in October 2020 and vacated much of the 2016 rule.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards. On October 1, 2015, the EPA issued a new NAAQS ozone standard of 70 ppb, which is a tightening from the 75 ppb standard set in 2008. This new standard became effective on December 28, 2015, and the EPA completed designating attainment/non-attainment regions under the revised ozone standard in 2018. In November 2016, the EPA proposed an implementation rule for the 2015 NAAQS ozone standard, but the agency has yet to issue a final implementation rule. State implementation of the revised NAAQS could result in stricter permitting requirements, delay or prohibit our customers’ ability to obtain such permits and result in increased expenditures for pollution control equipment, the costs of which could be significant. By law, the EPA must review each NAAQS every five years. In December 2018 and again in December 2020, the EPA announced that it was retaining without revision the 2015 NAAQS ozone standard. However, on January 20, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order calling on the EPA to, among other things, propose a Federal Implementation Plan in response to the 2016 NAAQS for California, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas by January 2022. We do not believe continued implementation of the NAAQS ozone standard will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, but we cannot yet predict the impact, if any, of any new Federal Implementation Plan.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. In January 2011, the TCEQ finalized revisions to certain air permit programs that significantly increase air emissions-related requirements for new and certain existing oil and gas production and gathering sites in the Barnett Shale production area. The final rule established new emissions standards for engines, which could impact the operation of specific categories of engines by requiring the use of alternative engines, compressor packages or the installation of aftermarket emissions control equipment. The rule became effective for the Barnett Shale production area in April 2011, and the lower emissions standards will become applicable between 2020 and 2030 depending on the type of engine and the permitting requirements. A number of other states where our engines are operated have adopted or are considering adopting additional regulations that could impose new air permitting or pollution control requirements for engines, some of which could entail material costs to comply. At this time, however, we cannot predict whether any such rules would require us to incur material costs.

General. New environmental regulations and proposals similar to these, when finalized, and any other new regulations requiring the installation of more sophisticated pollution control equipment or the adoption of other environmental protection measures, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Climate Change Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives

Congress has previously considered legislation to restrict or regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Energy legislation and other initiatives continue to be proposed that may be relevant to greenhouse gas emissions issues. Almost half of the states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun to address greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs. Although most of the state-level initiatives have to date been focused on large sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as electric power plants, it is possible that smaller sources such as our gas-fired compressors could become subject to greenhouse gas-related regulation. Depending on the particular program, we could be required to control emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from our operations.

Independent of Congress, the EPA has promulgated regulations controlling greenhouse gas emissions under its existing CAA authority. The EPA has adopted rules requiring many facilities, including petroleum and natural gas systems, to inventory and report their greenhouse gas emissions. These reporting obligations were triggered for one site we operated in 2020.

13

Table of Contents

In addition, the EPA rules provide air permitting requirements for certain large sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The requirement for large sources of greenhouse gas emissions to obtain and comply with permits will affect some of our and our customers’ largest new or modified facilities going forward, but is not expected to cause us to incur material costs.

At the international level, the U.S. joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France, which resulted in an agreement intended to nationally determine their contributions and set greenhouse gas emission reduction goals every five years beginning in 2020. While the Agreement did not impose direct requirements on emitters, national plans to meet its pledge could have resulted in new regulatory requirements. In November 2019, however, plans were formally announced for the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement with an effective exit date in November 2020. On January 20, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order commencing the process to reenter the Paris Agreement, although the emissions pledges in connection with that effort have not yet been updated. We cannot predict whether re-entry into the Paris Agreement or pledges made in connection therewith will result in new regulatory requirements or whether such requirements will cause us to incur material costs.

In a separate executive order issued on January 20, 2021, the new administration asked the heads of all executive departments and agencies to review and take action to address any Federal regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies and any similar agency actions promulgated during the prior administration that may be inconsistent with or present obstacles to the administration’s stated goals of protecting public health and the environment, and conserving national monuments and refuges. A preliminary list must be provided to the OMB within 30 days of the order. Regulations specifically mentioned for review and possible suspension, revision or rescission include the NSPS, and the EPA was ordered to, among other things, propose new regulations to establish comprehensive standards for performance and emission guidelines for methane and VOCs from existing oil and gas operations by September 2021 and propose a Federal Implementation Plan in response to the 2016 NAAQS for California, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas by January 2022. The executive order also established an Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases, which is called on to, among other things, capture the full costs of greenhouse gas emissions, including the “social cost of carbon,” “social cost of nitrous oxide” and “social cost of methane,” which are “the monetized damages associated with incremental increases in greenhouse gas emissions,” including “changes in net agricultural productivity, human health, property damage from increased flood risk, and the value of ecosystem services.” Various recommendations from the Working Group are due beginning June 1, 2021 and final recommendations no later than January 2022. The executive order also revoked, among other things, the March 2019 permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, ten other environment-related executive orders and three Presidential Memoranda of the prior administration.

Although it is not currently possible to predict how these executive orders or any proposed or future greenhouse gas legislation or regulation promulgated by Congress, the states or multi-state regions will impact our business, any regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that may be imposed in areas in which we conduct business could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions or reduced demand for our services, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere can change the climate in a manner that results in significant weather-related effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods, and other such events. If any of those results occur, it could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations and cause us to incur costs in preparing for and responding to them.

14

Table of Contents

Water Discharges

The CWA and analogous state laws and their implementing regulations impose restrictions and strict controls with respect to the discharge of pollutants into state waters or waters of the U.S. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. In addition, the CWA regulates storm water discharges associated with industrial activities depending on a facility’s primary standard industrial classification. Four of our facilities have applied for and obtained industrial wastewater discharge permits and/or have sought coverage under local wastewater ordinances. U.S. federal laws also require development and implementation of spill prevention, controls and countermeasure plans, including appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters in the event of a petroleum hydrocarbon tank spill, rupture or leak at such facilities.

Waste Management and Disposal

RCRA and analogous state laws and their implementing regulations govern the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes. During the course of our operations, we generate wastes (including, but not limited to, used oil, antifreeze, used oil filters, sludges, paints, solvents and abrasive blasting materials) in quantities regulated under RCRA. The EPA and various state agencies have limited the approved methods of disposal for these types of wastes. CERCLA and analogous state laws and their implementing regulations impose strict, and under certain conditions, joint and several liability without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct on classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include current and past owners and operators of the facility or disposal site where the release occurred and any company that transported, disposed of, or arranged for the transport or disposal of the hazardous substances released at the site. Under CERCLA, such persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. In addition, where contamination may be present, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury, property damage and recovery of response costs allegedly caused by hazardous substances or other pollutants released into the environment.

We currently own or lease, and in the past have owned or leased, a number of properties that have been used in support of our operations for a number of years. Although we have utilized operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons, hazardous substances, or other regulated wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties owned or leased by us or on or under other locations where such materials have been taken for disposal by companies sub-contracted by us. In addition, many of these properties have been previously owned or operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or other regulated wastes was not under our control. These properties and the materials released or disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. Under such laws, we could be required to remove or remediate historical property contamination, or to perform certain operations to prevent future contamination. At certain of such sites, we are currently working with the prior owners who have undertaken to monitor and clean up contamination that occurred prior to our acquisition of these sites. We are not currently under any order requiring that we undertake or pay for any cleanup activities. However, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not receive any such order in the future.

Occupational Safety and Health

We are subject to the requirements of the OSHA and comparable state statutes. These laws and the implementing regulations strictly govern the protection of the safety and health of employees. The OSHA’s hazard communication standard, the EPA’s community right-to-know regulations under Title III of CERCLA and similar state statutes require that we organize and/or disclose information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations.

15

Table of Contents

On January 21, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order on protecting worker health and safety, the stated goal of which is to protect the health and safety of workers from COVID-19. In the executive order, Department of Labor leaders and, in some cases, the leaders of other Federal Departments are called on to, among other things, issue revised guidance to employers on workplace safety during the pandemic, consider whether emergency temporary standards (e.g., mask in the workplace) are necessary, review OSHA enforcement efforts related to COVID-19, focus those enforcement efforts on violations that put the largest number of workers at serious risk or are contrary to anti-retaliation principles and coordinate with State and local government entities responsible for public employee safety.

While we have robust measures in place that meet or exceed current and recently proposed applicable requirements, and while we believe that the executive order will not affect how we are currently managing our business during the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time we do not know exactly how, or even if, these initiatives will affect our operations.

Human Capital

As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 1,250 employees and had a presence in 39 states. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

We consider our employees to be our greatest asset and believe that our success depends on our ability to attract, develop and retain our employees. Diversity and inclusion are foundational to our leadership approach and our focus is on how our actions and the actions of our employees foster diversity and inclusion in our everyday activities at Archrock. We support diversity in hiring and gender pay equity, as is reflected in the diversity of our Board of Directors, of which two of nine directors are female, and of our executive leadership team, one third of which is female. In addition, Leonard Mallett joined our Board of Directors in January 2021, further enhancing the industry experience, leadership experience and diversity of our Board of Directors.

We believe we offer competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits packages that include annual bonuses, stock awards, an employee stock purchase plan, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts with employer contribution, paid time off, family leave, an employee assistance program and tuition assistance, among many others.

We believe in the ultimate goal of serving as the best corporate citizen possible and are dedicated to inspiring and empowering our employees to operate day in and day out according to our core values of safety, service, integrity, respect and pride. To that end, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Directors provides oversight of our policies, practices and programs regarding the promotion of diversity and inclusion within our company and the health and safety of our employees and communities.

Safety, Health and Wellness

The success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people and so we are committed to the safety, health and wellness of our employees.

Safety is a core value of our company, and safety performance is a key measure of success that has been included in our short-term incentive program for over 14 years. We actively promote the highest standards of safety behavior and environmental awareness and strive to meet or exceed all applicable local and national regulations. “Stop the Job” is an adopted edict that establishes the obligation of and provides the authority to all employees to stop any task or operation where they perceive that a risk to people, the environment or assets is not properly controlled. We believe that all incidents are preventable and that through proper training, planning and hazard recognition, we can achieve a workplace with zero incidents. To this end, we created the TARGET ZERO program that includes over 90 safety and environmental procedures, and their necessary tools, equipment and training, that are designed to foster a mindset that integrates safety into every work process. Through this program, we successfully lowered our total recordable incident rate from 0.54 in 2019 to 0.25 in 2020, and it will be our continuous goal that we achieve a rate of zero in all future periods.

16

Table of Contents

We also provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of flexible and convenient health and wellness programs that support the maintenance or improvement of our employees’ physical and mental health and encourage engagement in healthy behaviors, including our employee-led RockFIT program that develops and sponsors corporate health and fitness challenges throughout the year.

Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

We took swift action regarding employee well-being in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing a multidisciplinary team, with representation from human resources, health safety and environment, facilities and information technology, to develop a pandemic response plan. We implemented comprehensive protocols to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities, including contactless parts pickup for field employees and customers and mandated social distancing and additional personal protection equipment requirements in the field. We adopted remote work for office-based employees and all travel deemed non-essential was eliminated. Employees began returning to the office, capped at 50% capacity, in the latter part of 2020. We implemented daily temperature checks and provided increased signage, sanitizer, fresh air flow, personal protective equipment and frequent cleaning services at all office locations.

Talent Development

We invest significant resources to develop the talent needed to provide our industry-leading natural gas compression services. We work closely with suppliers to develop training programs for our field service technicians. Our field service technicians are supported by a dedicated training team and collectively completed over 18,000 hours of operational and technical training during 2020. Every new hire field employee enters a program whereby they are assigned an experienced mentor, for an average of six months, under whose direct supervision they apply their classroom learning in the real world setting.

In addition, we offer a number of non-technical, targeted skills-based and career-enhancing training programs, including technical orientation for non-technical employees, supervisor coaching, performance management and conflict resolution. Our talent development programs provide employees with the resources they need to help achieve their career goals, build management skills and lead their organizations.

Building Employee and Community Connections

We consider ourselves a member of every community in which we operate and believe that building connections between our employees, their families and our communities creates a more meaningful and enjoyable workplace. Our employees give generously and are passionate towards many causes, for which they receive annual paid time off to volunteer. Our employee-led Archrock Cares program brings together employees across functions and backgrounds to break down traditional corporate barriers and form strong bonds through the pursuit of shared interests and volunteering and giving opportunities across the country.

Available Information

Our website address is www.archrock.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available on our website, without charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the SEC. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this 2020 Form 10-K or any of our other securities filings. Paper copies of our filings are also available, without charge, from Archrock, Inc., 9807 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77024, Attention: Investor Relations. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers who file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is www.sec.gov.

Additionally, we make available free of charge on our website:

our Code of Business Conduct;
our Corporate Governance Principles; and

17

Table of Contents

the charters of our audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

As described in “Forward-Looking Statements,” this 2020 Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements regarding us, our business and our industry. The risk factors described below, among others, could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted.

Industry and General Economic Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue to significantly reduce demand for our services, and may continue to have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including actions taken by businesses and governments, have resulted in a significant and swift reduction in U.S. economic activity. These effects have materially adversely affected the demand for oil and, to a lesser extent, natural gas, and have had, and are expected to continue to have, a negative impact on demand for our services and products. The collapse in the demand for oil caused by this unprecedented global health and economic crisis, coupled with oil oversupply, is expected to continue to adversely impact the demand for our services, which in turn could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

While the magnitude and duration of potential social, economic and labor instability as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be estimated at this time, we are closely monitoring the effects of the pandemic on commodity demands and on our customers, as well as on our operations and employees. These effects may include adverse revenue and net income effects; disruptions to our operations and supply chain; customer shutdowns of oil and gas exploration and production; employee impacts from illness, school closures and other community response measures; and temporary inaccessibility or closures of our facilities or the facilities of our customers and suppliers.

The extent to which our operating and financial results continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend on various factors and consequences beyond our control, such as the duration and scope of the pandemic; additional actions by businesses and governments in response to the pandemic; and the speed and effectiveness of responses to combat the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic may materially adversely affect our operating and financial results in a manner that is not currently known to us or that we do not currently consider to present significant risks to our operations.

Business and Operational Risks

Our operations entail inherent risks that may result in substantial liability. We do not insure against all potential losses and could be seriously harmed by unexpected liabilities.

Our operations entail inherent risks, including equipment defects, malfunctions and failures and natural disasters, which could result in uncontrollable flows of natural gas or well fluids, fires and explosions. These risks may expose us, as an equipment operator, to liability for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, pollution and other environmental damage. The insurance we carry against many of these risks may not be adequate to cover our claims or losses. Our insurance coverage includes property damage, general liability and commercial automobile liability and other coverage we believe is appropriate. Additionally, we are substantially self-insured for workers’ compensation and employee group health claims in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. We are also self-insured for property damage to our offshore assets. Further, insurance covering the risks we expect to face or in the amounts we desire may not be available in the future or, if available, the premiums may not be commercially justifiable. If we were to incur substantial liability and such damages were not covered by insurance or were in excess of policy limits, or if we were to incur liability at a time when we are not able to obtain liability insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted.

18

Table of Contents

We face significant competitive pressures that may cause us to lose market share and harm our financial performance.

Our business is highly competitive and there are low barriers to entry. Our competitors may be able to more quickly adapt to technological changes within our industry and changes in economic and market conditions as a whole, more readily take advantage of acquisitions and other opportunities and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. Our ability to renew or replace existing contract operations service contracts with our customers at rates sufficient to maintain current revenue and cash flows could be adversely affected by the activities of our competitors. If our competitors substantially increase the resources they devote to the development and marketing of competitive products, equipment or services or substantially decrease the price at which they offer their products, equipment or services, we may not be able to compete effectively.

In addition, we could face significant competition from new entrants into the compression services business. Some of our existing competitors or new entrants may expand or fabricate new compressors that would create additional competition for the services we provide to our customers. In addition, our customers may purchase and operate their own compression fleets in lieu of using our natural gas compression services. We also may not be able to take advantage of certain opportunities or make certain investments because of our debt levels and our other obligations. Any of these competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we do not make acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, our future growth could be limited.

Our ability to grow depends, in part, on our ability to make accretive acquisitions. If we are unable to make accretive acquisitions either because we are (i) unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable purchase contracts with them, (ii) unable to obtain financing for these acquisitions on economically acceptable terms or (iii) outbid by competitors, then our future growth and ability to maintain dividends could be limited. Furthermore, even if we make acquisitions that we believe will be accretive, these acquisitions may nevertheless result in a decrease in the cash generated from operations per unit.

Any acquisition involves potential risks, including, among other things:

an inability to integrate successfully the businesses we acquire;
the assumption of unknown liabilities;
limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller;
mistaken assumptions about the cash generated or anticipated to be generated by the business acquired or the overall costs of equity or debt;
the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
unforeseen operating difficulties; and
customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses.

If we consummate any future acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly and we will not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we will consider in determining the application of our future funds and other resources. In addition, competition from other buyers could reduce our acquisition opportunities or cause us to pay a higher price than we might otherwise pay.

Following the closing of the Elite Acquisition, an affiliate of Hilcorp holds a significant portion of our common stock, and Hilcorp’s interest as an equity holder may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders or our noteholders.

In connection with the closing of the Elite Acquisition, JDH Capital, an affiliate of Hilcorp, received 21.7 million shares of our common stock, representing 14.2% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2020. As long as JDH Capital, together with affiliates of Hilcorp, owns at least 7.5% of our outstanding common stock, it will have the right to nominate one director to our Board of Directors. Given its ownership level and board representation, JDH Capital may have some influence over our operations and strategic direction and may have interests that conflict with the interests of other equity and debt holders.

19

Table of Contents

While we paid quarterly dividends of $0.145 per share of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020, there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends in the future.

We paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.145 per share of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020. We cannot provide assurance that we will, at any time in the future, again generate sufficient surplus cash that would be available for distribution to the holders of our common stock as a dividend or that our Board of Directors would determine to use any such surplus or our net profits to pay a dividend.

Future dividends may be affected by, among other factors:

the availability of surplus or net profits, which in turn depend on the performance of our business and operating subsidiaries;
our debt service requirements and other liabilities;
our ability to refinance our debt in the future or borrow funds and access capital markets;
restrictions contained in our debt agreements;
our future capital requirements, including to fund our operating expenses and other working capital needs;
the rates we charge for our services;
the level of demand for our services;
the creditworthiness of our customers;
our level of operating expenses; and
changes in U.S. federal, state and local income tax laws or corporate laws.

We cannot provide assurance that we will declare or pay dividends in any particular amount or at all in the future. A decision not to pay dividends or a reduction in our dividend payments in the future could have a negative effect on our stock price.

Financial Risks

We have a substantial amount of debt that could limit our ability to fund future growth and operations and increase our exposure to risk during adverse economic conditions.

At December 31, 2020, we had $1.7 billion in outstanding debt obligations, net of unamortized debt discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs. Many factors, including factors beyond our control, may affect our ability to make payments on our outstanding indebtedness. These factors include those discussed elsewhere in these Risk Factors.

Our substantial debt and associated commitments could have important adverse consequences to our liquidity, particularly to the extent our borrowing capacity becomes covenant restricted. For example, these commitments could:

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our contractual obligations;
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
limit our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other corporate requirements;
increase our vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations because the interest payments on a portion of our debt are based upon variable interest rates and a portion can adjust based on our credit statistics;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry;
place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt or less restrictive covenants in such debt; and
limit our ability to incur indebtedness in the future.

20

Table of Contents

Covenants in our Debt Agreements may impair our ability to operate our business.

Our Debt Agreements contain various covenants with which we or certain of our subsidiaries must comply, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the use of proceeds from borrowings, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, investments, acquisitions, making loans, liens on assets, repurchasing equity, making dividends or distributions, transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, dispositions of assets and other provisions customary in similar types of agreements. The Debt Agreements also contain various covenants requiring mandatory prepayments from the net cash proceeds of certain asset transfers.

The Credit Facility is also subject to financial covenants, including the following ratios after giving effect to Amendment No. 3, as defined in the corresponding agreement:

EBITDA to Interest Expense

    

2.5 to 1.0

Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA

 

3.0 to 1.0

Total Debt to EBITDA

 

  

Through fiscal year 2022

 

5.75 to 1.0

January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023

5.50 to 1.0

Thereafter (1)

 

5.25 to 1.0

(1)Subject to a temporary increase to 5.50 to 1.0 for any quarter during which an acquisition satisfying certain thresholds is completed and for the two quarters immediately following such quarter.

If we were to anticipate non-compliance with these financial ratios, we may take actions to maintain compliance with them. These actions include reductions in its general and administrative expenses, capital expenditures or the payment of cash distributions. Any of these measures may reduce the amount of cash available for payment of dividends and the funding of our business requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operations, cash flows or the price of our common stock.

The breach of any of the covenants under the Debt Agreements could result in a default under the Debt Agreements, which could cause indebtedness under the Debt Agreements to become due and payable. If the repayment obligations under the Debt Agreements were to be accelerated, we may not be able to repay the debt or refinance the debt on acceptable terms and our financial position would be materially adversely affected. A material adverse effect on our assets, liabilities, financial condition, business or operations that, taken as a whole, impacts our ability to perform the obligations under the Debt Agreements could lead to a default under those agreements. Further, a default under one or more of the Debt Agreements would trigger cross-default provisions under the other Debt Agreements, which would accelerate our obligation to repay the indebtedness under those agreements.

As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Debt Agreements.

We may be unable to access the capital and credit markets or borrow on affordable terms to obtain additional capital that we may require.

Historically, we have financed acquisitions, operating expenditures and capital expenditures with a combination of cash provided by operating and financing activities. However, to the extent we are unable to finance our operating expenditures, capital expenditures, scheduled interest and debt repayments and any future dividends with net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under the Credit Facility, we may require additional capital. Periods of instability in the capital and credit markets (both generally and in the oil and gas industry in particular) could limit our ability to access these markets to raise debt or equity capital on affordable terms or to obtain additional financing. Among other things, our lenders may seek to increase interest rates, enact tighter lending standards, refuse to refinance existing debt at maturity at favorable terms or at all and may reduce or cease to provide funding to us. If we are unable to access the capital and credit markets on favorable terms, or if we are not successful in raising capital within the time period required or at all, we may not be able to grow or maintain our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

21

Table of Contents

Our inability to fund purchases of additional compression equipment could adversely impact our financial results.

We may not be able to maintain or increase our asset and customer base unless we have access to sufficient capital to purchase additional compression equipment. Cash flow from our operations and availability under our Credit Facility may not provide us with sufficient cash to fund our capital expenditure requirements, including any funding requirements related to acquisitions. Our ability to grow our asset and customer base could be impacted by limits on our ability to access additional capital.

We may be vulnerable to interest rate increases due to our variable rate debt obligations.

As of December 31, 2020, after taking into consideration interest rate swaps, we had $93.0 million of outstanding indebtedness that was effectively subject to variable interest rates. Changes in economic conditions outside of our control could result in higher interest rates, thereby increasing our interest expense and reducing the funds available for capital investment, operations or other purposes. A 1% increase in the effective interest rate on our outstanding debt subject to variable interest rates at December 31, 2020 would result in an annual increase in our interest expense of $0.9 million. In addition, a substantial portion of our cash flow must be used to service our debt obligations. Any increase in our interest expense could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows, including our ability to pay dividends in the future.

Uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process and potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 may adversely affect the market value of our current or future debt obligations, including our Credit Facility.

On July 27, 2017, the FCA announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. As a result, LIBOR may be discontinued by 2022. Furthermore, in the U.S., efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates that could replace LIBOR include proposals by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In addition, any other legal or regulatory changes made by the FCA, ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the European Money Markets Institute (formerly Euribor-EBF), the European Commission or any other successor governance or oversight body, or future changes adopted by such body, in the method by which LIBOR is determined or the transition from LIBOR to a successor benchmark may result in, among other things, a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in LIBOR, a delay in the publication of LIBOR and changes in the rules or methodologies in LIBOR, which may discourage market participants from continuing to administer or to participate in LIBOR’s determination. This could result in LIBOR no longer being determined or published. If a published U.S. dollar LIBOR rate is unavailable after 2021, the interest rate paid on our current or future debt obligations, including the Credit Facility, will need to be determined using alternative methods, which may result in interest obligations which are more than or do not otherwise correlate over time with the payments that would have been made on any current of future debt obligations, including the Credit Facility, if U.S. dollar LIBOR was available in its current form.

At this time, it is not possible to predict whether any such changes will occur, whether LIBOR will be phased out or any such alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR will be enacted in the United Kingdom, the U.S. or elsewhere or the effect that any such changes, phase out, alternative reference rates or other reforms, if they occur, would have on the amount of interest paid on, or the market value of, our current or future debt obligations, including the Credit Facility. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes, phase out, alternative reference rates or other reforms may materially adversely affect the terms of the Credit Facility and any interest rate swaps or other derivative agreements to which we are a party. Reform of, or the replacement or phasing out of, LIBOR and proposed regulation of LIBOR and other “benchmarks” may materially adversely affect the market value of, the applicable interest rate on and the amount of interest paid on our current or future debt obligations, including the Credit Facility. In addition, even if we have entered into interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments for purposes of managing our interest rate exposure, our hedging strategies may not be effective as a result of the replacement or phasing out of LIBOR and other “benchmarks” and we may incur substantial losses as a result.

22

Table of Contents

Customer and Contract Risks

The erosion of the financial condition of our customers could adversely affect our business.

Many of our customers finance their exploration and production activities through cash flow from operations, the incurrence of debt or the issuance of equity. During times when the oil or natural gas markets weaken, our customers are more likely to experience a downturn in their financial condition. Additionally, some of our midstream customers may provide their gathering, transportation and related services to a limited number of companies in the oil and gas production business. A reduction in borrowing bases under reserve-based credit facilities, the lack of availability of debt or equity financing or other factors that negatively impact our customers’ financial condition could result in a reduction in our customers’ spending for our products and services, which may result in their cancellation of contracts, the cancellation or delay of scheduled maintenance of their existing natural gas compression equipment, their determination not to enter into new natural gas compression service contracts or their determination to cancel or delay orders for our services. Furthermore, the loss by our midstream customers of their key customers could reduce demand for their services and result in a deterioration of their financial condition, which would in turn decrease their demand for our services. Any such action by our customers would reduce demand for our services. Reduced demand for our services could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, in the event of the financial failure of a customer, we could experience a loss on all or a portion of our outstanding accounts receivable associated with that customer.

The loss of any of our most significant customers would result in a decline in our revenue and cash available to pay dividends to our common stockholders.

Our five most significant customers collectively accounted for 28%, 25% and 26% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our services are provided to these customers pursuant to contract compression services agreements, which typically have an initial term of 12 to 48 months and continue thereafter until terminated by either party with 30 days’ advance notice. The loss of all or even a portion of the services we provide to these customers, as a result of competition or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Many of our contract operations services contracts have short initial terms and are cancelable on short notice after the initial term, and we cannot be sure that such contracts will be extended or renewed after the end of the initial contractual term. Any such nonrenewals, or renewals at reduced rates or the loss of contracts with any significant customer could adversely impact our results of operations.

The length of our contract operations services contracts with customers varies based on operating conditions and customer needs. Our initial contract terms typically are not long enough to enable us to recoup the cost of the equipment we utilize to provide contract operations services and these contracts are typically cancelable on short notice after the initial term. We cannot be sure that a substantial number of these contracts will be extended or renewed by our customers or that any of our customers will continue to contract with us. The inability to negotiate extensions or renew a substantial portion of our contract operations services contracts, the renewal of such contracts at reduced rates, the inability to contract for additional services with our customers or the loss of all or a significant portion of our services contracts with any significant customer could lead to a reduction in revenue and net income and could require us to record asset impairments. This could have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Labor and Supply Chain Risks

Our ability to manage and grow our business effectively may be adversely affected if we lose management or operational personnel.

We believe that our ability to hire, train and retain qualified personnel will continue to be challenging and important. The supply of experienced operational and field personnel, in particular, decreases as other energy companies’ needs for the same personnel increase. Our ability to grow and to continue our current level of service to our customers will be adversely impacted if we are unable to successfully hire, train and retain these important personnel.

23

Table of Contents

We depend on particular suppliers and are vulnerable to product shortages and price increases. With respect to our suppliers of newly-fabricated compression equipment specifically, we occasionally experience long lead times, and therefore may at times make purchases in anticipation of future business. If we are unable to purchase compression equipment or other integral equipment, materials and services from third party suppliers, we may be unable to retain existing customers or compete for new customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Some equipment, materials and services used in our business are obtained from a limited group of suppliers. Our reliance on these suppliers involves several risks, including price increases, inferior quality and a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of such equipment, materials and services in a timely manner. Additionally, we occasionally experience long lead times from our suppliers of newly-fabricated compression equipment and may at times make purchases in anticipation of future business. We do not have long-term contracts with some of these suppliers, and the partial or complete loss of certain of these suppliers could have a negative impact on our results of operations and could damage our customer relationships. Further, a significant increase in the price of such equipment, materials and services could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

If we are unable to purchase compression equipment in particular on a timely basis to meet the demands of our customers, our existing customers may terminate their contractual relationships with us, or we may not be able to compete for business from new or existing customers, which, in each case, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Information Technology and Cybersecurity Risks

We may not realize the intended benefits of our technology transformation project, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, we began a process and technology transformation project that will, among other things, upgrade or replace our existing ERP, supply chain and inventory management systems and expand the remote monitoring capabilities of our compression fleet. By using technology to make our systems and processes more efficient, we intend to lower our internal costs and improve our profitability over time. However, the implementation of the technology transformation project requires capital and other resources, and we anticipate that the project will continue to require significant resources and result in increased SG&A expense and capital expenditures in 2021. Further, we may not realize the benefits we expect to realize from the technology transformation project. Any such difficulties could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Threats of cyber-attacks or terrorism could affect our business.

We may be threatened by problems such as cyber-attacks, computer viruses or terrorism that may disrupt our operations and harm our operating results. Our industry requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure. Despite our implementation of security measures, our technology systems are vulnerable to disability or failures due to hacking, viruses, acts of war or terrorism and other causes. If our information technology systems were to fail and we were unable to recover in a timely way, we might be unable to fulfill critical business functions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, our assets may be targets of terrorist activities that could disrupt our ability to service our customers. We may be required by our regulators or by the future terrorist threat environment to make investments in security that we cannot currently predict. The implementation of security guidelines and measures and maintenance of insurance, to the extent available, addressing such activities could increase costs. These types of events could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, these types of events could require significant management attention and resources and could adversely affect our reputation among customers and the public.

24

Table of Contents

Tax-related Risks

Tax legislation and administrative initiatives or challenges to our tax positions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We operate in locations throughout the U.S. and, as a result, we are subject to the tax laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state and local governments. From time to time, various legislative or administrative initiatives may be proposed that could adversely affect our tax positions. There can be no assurance that our tax provision or tax payments will not be adversely affected by these initiatives. In addition, U.S. federal, state and local tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. There can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge.

Our ability to use NOLs to offset future income may be limited.

Our ability to use any NOLs generated by us could be substantially limited if we were to experience an “ownership change” as defined under Section 382 of the Code. In general, an “ownership change” would occur if our “5-percent stockholders,” as defined under Section 382 of the Code, including certain groups of persons treated as “5-percent stockholders,” collectively increased their ownership in us by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. An ownership change can occur as a result of a public offering of our common stock, as well as through secondary market purchases of our common stock and certain types of reorganization transactions. We have experienced ownership changes, which may result in an annual limitation on the use of its pre-ownership change NOLs (and certain other losses and/or credits) equal to the equity value of our stock immediately before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate for the month in which the ownership change occurs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve has lowered the long-term tax-exempt rate. Market volatility due to reduced demand from the COVID-19 pandemic and oil oversupply and the related decrease in our equity value may cause increased interest in our common stock, which may result in an additional ownership change. Both of these changes could further limit our use of pre-ownership change NOLs if we experienced an additional ownership change. Furthermore, the IRS has recently proposed regulations that would prevent us from using unrealized built-in gains to increase this limitation. If these regulations were finalized and we experienced an ownership change our ability to use our NOLs may be limited. Such a limitation could, for any given year, have the effect of increasing the amount of our U.S. federal income tax liability, which would negatively impact the amount of after-tax cash available for distribution to our stockholders and our financial condition.

We are subject to continuing contingent tax liabilities following the Spin-off.

In connection with the Spin-off, we entered into a tax matters agreement with Exterran Corporation that allocates the responsibility for prior period taxes of the Exterran Holdings consolidated U.S. federal and state tax reporting group between us and Exterran Corporation. If Exterran Corporation is unable to pay any prior period taxes related to these consolidated U.S. federal and state tax filings for which it is responsible, we would be required to pay the entire amount of such taxes.

We might not be able to engage in desirable strategic transactions and equity issuances because of certain restrictions relating to requirements for tax-free distributions.

Our ability to engage in significant equity transactions could be limited or restricted in order to preserve, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax-free nature of the Spin-off. Even if the Spin-off otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code, it may result in corporate-level taxable gain to us under Section 355(e) of the Code if there is a 50% or greater change in ownership, by vote or value, of shares of our stock, Exterran Corporation’s stock or the stock of a successor either occurring as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Spin-off.

Under the tax matters agreement that we entered into with Exterran Corporation, we are prohibited from taking or failing to take any action that prevents the Spin-off from being tax-free.

25

Table of Contents

These restrictions may limit our ability to pursue strategic transactions or engage in new business or other transactions that may maximize the value of our business. Moreover, the tax matters agreement also may provide that we are responsible for any taxes imposed on us or any of our affiliates as a result of the failure of the Spin-off to qualify for favorable treatment under the Code if such failure is attributable to certain actions taken after the Spin-off by or in respect of us, any of our affiliates or our shareholders.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

From time to time, we are subject to various claims, tax audits, litigation and other proceedings that could ultimately be resolved against us and require material future cash payments or charges, which could impair our financial condition or results of operations.

The size, nature and complexity of our business make us susceptible to various claims, tax audits, litigation and binding arbitration proceedings. We are currently, and may in the future become, subject to various claims, which, if not resolved within amounts we have accrued, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to pay dividends. Similarly, any claims, even if fully indemnified or insured, could negatively impact our reputation among our customers and the public, and make it more difficult for us to compete effectively or obtain adequate insurance in the future. See Part I Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” and Note 26 (“Commitments and Contingencies”) to our Financial Statements for additional information regarding certain legal proceedings to which we are a party.

U.S. federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing as well as governmental reviews of such activities could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays in the completion of oil and natural gas wells and adversely affect demand for our contract operations services.

Hydraulic fracturing is an important and common practice that is used to stimulate production of natural gas and/or oil from dense subsurface rock formations. We do not perform hydraulic fracturing, but many of our customers do. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or alternative proppant and chemicals under pressure into target geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Hydraulic fracturing is typically regulated by state agencies, but recently, there has been increased public concern regarding an alleged potential for hydraulic fracturing to adversely affect drinking water supplies, and proposals have been made to enact separate U.S. federal, state and local legislation that would increase the regulatory burden imposed on hydraulic fracturing.

For example, at the U.S. federal level, the EPA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to collect data on chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations under Section 8 of the Toxic Substances Control Act and proposed regulations under the CWA governing wastewater discharges from hydraulic fracturing and certain other natural gas operations. On March 26, 2015, the BoLM released a final rule that updates existing regulation of hydraulic fracturing activities on U.S. federal lands, including requirements for chemical disclosure, wellbore integrity and handling of flowback water. The final rule never went into effect due to pending litigation and on December 28, 2017, the BoLM announced that it had rescinded the 2015 final rule, in part citing a review that found that 32 of the 32 states with federal oil and gas leases have regulations that already address hydraulic fracturing.

On January 27, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order directing the Secretary of the Interior to pause all new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices in light of potential climate and other impacts associated with oil and natural gas activities thereon. Legal challenges to the suspension have already been filed and are currently pending.

26

Table of Contents

At the state level, several states have adopted or are considering legal requirements that could impose more stringent permitting, disclosure and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing activities. For example, in May 2013, the Texas Railroad Commission adopted new rules governing well casing, cementing and other standards for ensuring that hydraulic fracturing operations do not contaminate nearby water resources. Local governments may also seek to adopt ordinances within their jurisdictions regulating the time, place and manner of drilling activities in general or hydraulic fracturing activities in particular or prohibit the performance of well drilling in general or hydraulic fracturing in particular. If new or more stringent U.S. federal, state or local legal restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where our natural gas exploration and production customers operate, those customers could incur potentially significant added costs to comply with such requirements, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development or production activities and perhaps even be precluded from drilling wells. Any such restrictions could reduce demand for our contract operations services, and as a result could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

New regulations, proposed regulations and proposed modifications to existing regulations under the CAA, if implemented, could result in increased compliance costs.

On June 3, 2016, the EPA issued final regulations amending the NSPS for the oil and natural gas source category and applying to sources of emissions of methane and VOC from certain processes, activities and equipment that is constructed, modified or reconstructed after September 18, 2015. Specifically, the regulation contains both methane and VOC standards for several emission sources not previously covered by the NSPS, such as fugitive emissions from compressor stations and pneumatic pumps and methane standards for certain emission sources that are already regulated for VOC, such as equipment leaks at natural gas processing plants. The amendments also establish methane standards for a subset of equipment that the current NSPS regulates, including reciprocating compressors and pneumatic controllers, and extend the current VOC standards to the remaining unregulated equipment. On August 13, 2020, the EPA adopted deregulatory amendments to the 2016 rule intended to streamline implementation, reduce duplicative EPA and state requirements and decrease the burden of compliance. In particular, the amendments removed the transmission and storage segments from the oil and natural gas source category and rescinded the methane-specific requirements for production and processing facilities. Several lawsuits were filed challenging these amendments, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered an administrative stay of these amendments shortly after they were finalized. Although the administrative stay was lifted in October 2020, which brought the amendments into effect, the amendments may still be subject to reversal under the new presidential administration. However, on January 20, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order calling on the EPA to, among other things, consider a proposed rule suspending, revising or rescinding those deregulatory amendments by September 2021. We do not believe that the current rules will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, but we cannot yet predict the impact, if any, of any such suspension, revision or rescinding of the current rules.

On November 18, 2016, the BoLM published final rules to reduce venting and flaring on federal and tribal lands. The rules set forth some novel requirements regarding leak detection inspections at compressor stations and imposed requirements to reduce emissions from pneumatic controllers and pumps, among other things. While the BoLM adopted a rule in 2018 rescinding most of these requirements, that 2018 rule was challenged in court and vacated in July 2020. Following that ruling, another court, which had been hearing challenges to the original 2016 rule, acted on some pending litigation in October 2020 and vacated much of the 2016 rule.

27

Table of Contents

On October 1, 2015, the EPA issued a new NAAQS ozone standard of 70 ppb, which is a tightening from the 75 ppb standard set in 2008. This new standard became effective on December 28, 2015, and the EPA completed designating attainment/non-attainment regions under the revised ozone standard in 2018. In November 2016, the EPA proposed an implementation rule for the 2015 NAAQS ozone standard, but the agency has yet to issue a final implementation rule. State implementation of the revised NAAQS could result in stricter permitting requirements, delay or prohibit our customers’ ability to obtain such permits and result in increased expenditures for pollution control equipment, the costs of which could be significant. By law, the EPA must review each NAAQS every five years. In December 2018 and again in December 2020, the EPA announced that it was retaining without revision the 2015 NAAQS ozone standard. However, on January 20, 2021, the new administration issued an executive order calling on the EPA to, among other things, propose a Federal Implementation Plan in response to the 2016 NAAQS for California, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas by January 2022. We do not believe continued implementation of the NAAQS ozone standard will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, but we cannot yet predict the impact, if any, of any new Federal Implementation Plan.

In January 2011, the TCEQ finalized revisions to certain air permit programs that significantly increase air emissions-related requirements for new and certain existing oil and gas production and gathering sites in the Barnett Shale production area. The final rule established new emissions standards for engines, which could impact the operation of specific categories of engines by requiring the use of alternative engines, compressor packages or the installation of aftermarket emissions control equipment. The rule became effective for the Barnett Shale production area in April 2011, and the lower emissions standards will become applicable between 2020 and 2030 depending on the type of engine and the permitting requirements. A number of other states where our engines are operated have adopted or are considering adopting additional regulations that could impose new air permitting or pollution control requirements for engines, some of which could entail material costs to comply. At this time, however, we cannot predict whether any such rules would require us to incur material costs.

New environmental regulations and proposals similar to these, when finalized, and any other new regulations requiring the installation of more sophisticated pollution control equipment or the adoption of other environmental protection measures, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to a variety of governmental regulations; failure to comply with these regulations may result in administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures and changes in these regulations could increase our costs or liabilities.

We are subject to a variety of U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations, including relating to the environment, health and safety, labor and employment and taxation. Many of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, are becoming increasingly stringent, and the cost of compliance with these requirements can be expected to increase over time. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including assessment of monetary penalties, imposition of remedial requirements and issuance of injunctions as to future compliance. From time to time, as part of our operations, including newly acquired operations, we may be subject to compliance audits by regulatory authorities in the various states in which we operate.

Environmental laws and regulations may, in certain circumstances, impose strict liability for environmental contamination, which may render us liable for remediation costs, natural resource damages and other damages as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior owners or operators or other third parties. In addition, where contamination may be present, it is not uncommon for neighboring land owners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury, property damage and recovery of response costs. Remediation costs and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws and regulations, and costs associated with new information, changes in existing environmental laws and regulations or the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations could be substantial and could negatively impact our financial condition, profitability and results of operations. Moreover, failure to comply with these environmental laws and regulations may result in the imposition of administrative, civil and criminal penalties and the issuance of injunctions delaying or prohibiting operations.

28

Table of Contents

We may need to apply for or amend facility permits or licenses from time to time with respect to storm water or wastewater discharges, waste handling, or air emissions relating to manufacturing activities or equipment operations, which subjects us to new or revised permitting conditions that may be onerous or costly to comply with. In addition, certain of our customer service arrangements may require us to operate, on behalf of a specific customer, petroleum storage units such as underground tanks or pipelines and other regulated units, all of which may impose additional compliance and permitting obligations.

We conduct operations at numerous facilities in a wide variety of locations across the continental U.S. The operations at many of these facilities require environmental permits or other authorizations. Additionally, natural gas compressors at many of our customers’ facilities require individual air permits or general authorizations to operate under various air regulatory programs established by rule or regulation. These permits and authorizations frequently contain numerous compliance requirements, including monitoring and reporting obligations and operational restrictions, such as emission limits. Given the large number of facilities in which we operate, and the numerous environmental permits and other authorizations that are applicable to our operations, we may occasionally identify or be notified of technical violations of certain requirements existing in various permits or other authorizations. Occasionally, we have been assessed penalties for our non-compliance, and we could be subject to such penalties in the future.

We routinely deal with natural gas, oil and other petroleum products. Hydrocarbons or other hazardous substances or wastes may have been disposed or released on, under or from properties used by us to provide contract operations services or inactive compression storage or on or under other locations where such substances or wastes have been taken for disposal. These properties may be subject to investigatory, remediation and monitoring requirements under environmental laws and regulations.

The modification or interpretation of existing environmental laws or regulations, the more vigorous enforcement of existing environmental laws or regulations, or the adoption of new environmental laws or regulations may also negatively impact oil and natural gas exploration and production, gathering and pipeline companies, including our customers, which in turn could have a negative impact on us.

Climate change legislation, regulatory initiatives and stakeholder pressures could result in increased compliance costs, financial risks and potential reduction in demand for our services.

Climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives may occur from a variety of sources, including international, national, regional and state levels of government and associated administrative bodies, seeking to restrict or regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. At the international level, the Paris Agreement, which went into effect in November 2016, seeks to combat climate change through the establishment of individually-determined greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. U.S. climate change strategy and implementation of that strategy through legislation and regulation may change from one administration to the next, as President Biden has recently recommitted the U.S. to the Paris Agreement after his predecessor withdrew the U.S. from the agreement. Given this uncertainty, U.S. companies may need to remain prepared to comply with requirements arising from participation in the Paris Agreement going forward. It has become increasingly likely that the U.S. will develop federal climate legislation in addition to existing energy legislation and other initiatives relevant to greenhouse gas emissions issues. Many U.S. states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun to address greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs. Although most of the state-level initiatives have to date been focused on large sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as electric power plants, it is possible that smaller sources such as our natural gas-powered compressors could become subject to greenhouse gas-related regulation. Depending on the particular program, we could be required to control emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for greenhouse gas emissions resulting from our operations.

29

Table of Contents

The legislative landscape continues to change and to be met with legal challenges with respect to climate-related laws and regulations, making it difficult to predict with certainty the ultimate impact they will have on the company in the aggregate. Although it is not currently possible to predict how any proposed or future greenhouse gas legislation or regulation promulgated at the international, national, state or local levels will impact our business, any regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that may be imposed in areas in which we conduct business could result in increased compliance costs, additional operating restrictions or reduced demand for our services, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Apart from governmental regulation, there are also increasing financial risks for companies in the energy sector as shareholders and bondholders currently invested in energy companies may elect in the future to shift some or all of their investments toward non-fossil fuel energy sources. In recent years there have been increased efforts to encourage the consideration of ESG practices of companies in making investment decisions and, as a result, investment banks and asset managers based both domestically and internationally have announced that they are adopting climate change guidelines for their banking and investing activities. Institutional lenders who provide financing to energy companies such as ourselves have become more attentive to sustainable lending practices, and some may elect not to provide traditional energy producers or companies that support such producers with funding. ESG considerations may also affect others in the investment community, including investment advisers, sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds and other groups, and may result in their divestment of energy-related equities. Limitation of investments in and financings for energy companies could result in the restriction, delay or cancellation of infrastructure projects and energy production activities. This potential for reduced access to the capital and financial markets, whether impacting our customers and/or our company, may further adversely affect the demand for and price of our securities.

Furthermore, at this time, there is significant uncertainty with respect to the extent to which climate change may lead to more extreme weather patterns, but it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere can change the climate in a manner that results in significant weather-related effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other such events. Energy needs could increase or decrease as a result of extreme weather conditions depending on the duration and magnitude of any such climate changes. Increased energy use due to weather changes may require us to invest in order to serve increased demand. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may affect our financial condition through decreased revenues. To the extent the frequency of extreme weather events increases, this could increase our cost of providing service. If any of these results occur, it could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations and cause us to incur costs in preparing for and responding to them.

In sum, any legislation, regulatory programs or social pressures related to climate change could increase our costs and require substantial capital, compliance, operating and maintenance costs, reduce demand for our services and reduce our access to financial markets. Current, as well as potential future, laws and regulations that limit emissions of greenhouse gases or that otherwise promote the use of renewable energy over fossil fuel energy sources could increase the cost of our midstream services and, thereby, further reduce demand and adversely affect the company’s sales volumes, revenues and margins.

Increased environmental, social and governance scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders may impose additional costs or additional risks.

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to corporate activities related to ESG matters. A number of advocacy groups, both domestically and internationally, have campaigned for governmental and private action to promote change at public companies related to ESG matters, including increasing attention and demands for action related to climate change, promoting the use of substitutes to fossil fuel products and encouraging the divestment of companies in the fossil fuel industry. Companies which do not adapt to or comply with expectations and standards on ESG matters, as they continue to evolve, or which are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition and/or stock price of such a company could be materially and adversely affected.

30

Table of Contents

Our operations, projects and growth opportunities require us to have strong relationships with various key stakeholders, including our shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, local communities and others. We may face pressures from stakeholders, many of whom are increasingly focused on climate change, to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability while at the same time remaining a successfully operating public company. If we do not successfully manage expectations across these varied stakeholder interests, it could erode our stakeholder trust and thereby affect our brand and reputation. Such erosion of confidence could negatively impact our business through decreased demand and growth opportunities, delays in projects, increased legal action and regulatory oversight, adverse press coverage and other adverse public statements, difficulty hiring and retaining top talent, difficulty obtaining necessary approvals and permits from governments and regulatory agencies on a timely basis and on acceptable terms, and difficulty securing investors and access to capital. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

The following table describes the material facilities we owned or leased at December 31, 2020:

Location

    

Status

    

Square Feet

    

Use by Segment

Houston, Texas

 

Leased

 

75,000

 

Corporate office - Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Brookwood, Alabama

Leased

14,000

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Bakersfield, California

Leased

18,000

Aftermarket Services

Greeley, Colorado

Leased

10,000

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Rifle, Colorado

 

Leased

 

10,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Broussard, Louisiana

 

Owned

 

89,000

 

Aftermarket Services

Houma, Louisiana

 

Owned

 

60,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Gaylord, Michigan

 

Leased

 

13,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Farmington, New Mexico

 

Owned

 

62,000

 

Aftermarket Services

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Leased

 

41,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Yukon, Oklahoma

 

Owned

 

85,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania

Leased

7,000

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Asherton, Texas

 

Leased

 

9,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Brenham, Texas

 

Owned

 

10,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Bridgeport, Texas

Leased

12,000

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Cotulla, Texas

 

Leased

 

10,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Fort Worth, Texas

 

Leased

 

49,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Kenedy, Texas

Leased

11,000

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Marshall, Texas

 

Leased

 

11,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Midland, Texas

 

Owned

 

51,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Pecos, Texas

 

Leased

 

10,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

San Angelo, Texas

Leased

12,000

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Victoria, Texas

 

Owned

 

23,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Victoria, Texas

 

Owned

 

66,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Bridgeport, West Virginia

 

Leased

 

17,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Evansville, Wyoming

 

Leased

 

15,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Rock Springs, Wyoming

 

Leased

 

9,000

 

Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services

Our executive office is located at 9807 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77024 and our telephone number is 281-836-8000.

31

Table of Contents

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various pending or threatened legal actions. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, we believe that any ultimate liability arising from any of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to pay dividends. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of litigation and arbitration proceedings, we cannot provide assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding to which we are a party will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to pay dividends.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

32

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AROC.”

The performance graph below shows the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock compared with the S&P 500 and AMNAX indices over the five-year period beginning on December 31, 2015. The results are based on an investment of $100 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 and the AMNAX. The graph assumes reinvestment of dividends and adjusts all closing prices and dividends for stock splits.

Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return

Graphic

The performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this 2020 Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under those Acts.

Holders

On February 16, 2021, the closing price of our common stock was $9.96 per share. As of February 16, 2021, there were approximately 1,826 holders of record of our common stock. The actual number of stockholders is greater than this number of record holders and includes stockholders who are beneficial owners but whose shares are held in street name by banks, brokers and other nominees.

33

Table of Contents

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

For disclosures regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, see Part III Item 12 (“Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters”) of this 2020 Form 10-K.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities by Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table summarizes our purchases of equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2020:

Maximum

Number of Shares

Total Number of

That May Yet be

Average

Shares Purchased

Purchased Under

Total Number

Price

as Part of Publicly

the Publicly

of Shares

Paid per

Announced Plans

Announced Plans

    

Purchased (1)

    

Share

    

or Programs

    

or Programs

October 1, 2020 — October 31, 2020

$

N/A

N/A

November 1, 2020 — November 30, 2020

 

1,673

 

5.93

 

N/A

 

N/A

December 1, 2020 — December 31, 2020

 

 

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total

 

1,673

5.93

 

N/A

 

N/A

(1)Represents shares withheld to satisfy employees’ tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards during the period.

34

Table of Contents

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements, the notes thereto, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this 2020 Form 10-K. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this 2020 Form 10-K.

Overview

We are an energy infrastructure company with a pure-play focus on midstream natural gas compression. We are the leading provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry throughout the U.S. and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment in the U.S. Our business supports a must-run service that is essential to the production, processing, transportation and storage of natural gas. Our geographic diversity, technically experienced personnel and large fleet of natural gas compression equipment enable us to provide reliable contract operations services to our customers.

We operate in two business segments:

Contract Operations. Our contract operations business is comprised of our owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment that we use to provide operations services to our customers.
Aftermarket Services. Our aftermarket services business provides a full range of services to support the compression needs of our customers that own compression equipment including operations, maintenance, overhaul and reconfiguration services and sales of parts and components.

Significant 2020 Transactions

December 2020 Notes Offering

On December 17, 2020, we completed a private offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due April 2028. The notes were issued at 104.875% of their face value and we received net proceeds of $309.9 million after deducting issuance costs, which were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility. See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for further details of this transaction.

July 2020 Disposition

On July 9, 2020, we completed the sale of the turbocharger business included within our aftermarket services segment. We recognized a gain on the sale of $9.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 4 (“Business Transactions”) to our Financial Statements for further details of this transaction.

2022 Notes Redemption

On April 1, 2020, we repaid the 2022 Notes with borrowings under our Credit Facility. See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for further details of this transaction.

March 2020 Disposition

On March 1, 2020, we completed the sale of certain contract operations customer service agreements and approximately 200 compressors, comprising approximately 35,000 horsepower, used to provide compression services under those agreements as well as other assets used to support the operations. We recognized a gain on the sale of $3.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 4 (“Business Transactions”) to our Financial Statements for further details of this transaction.

35

Table of Contents

Trends and Outlook

The key driver of our business is the production of U.S. natural gas and crude oil. Approximately 75% of our operating fleet is deployed for midstream natural gas gathering and wellhead applications, with the remaining fleet being used in gas lift applications to enhance crude oil production. Changes in natural gas and crude oil production spending therefore typically result in changes in demand for our services.

Spending on natural gas and crude oil exploration and production typically declines when there is a significant and prolonged reduction in natural gas and crude oil prices or significant instability in energy markets and increases during periods of rising prices and market stability. As our business is so closely aligned with production and is typically less directly impacted by commodity prices, we are not exposed to the volatility often faced in shorter-cycle oil field service businesses.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a deterioration in global macroeconomic conditions, including a collapse in the demand for natural gas and crude oil coupled with an oversupply of crude oil, which led to substantial spending cuts by our customers and a decline in natural gas and crude oil production. This global response to the pandemic has adversely impacted our market capitalization, revenue and cash flows. Though demand has shown modest improvement since the lows reached in the second quarter as economies started to reopen, additional surges of the disease are currently underway globally and much uncertainty still exists surrounding the magnitude and duration of the pandemic and resulting economic downturn. Similarly, the duration of the decreased spending and activity levels of our customers and the timing of their full impact on production remain difficult to predict.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our 2020 results is primarily visible in the $99.8 million non-cash impairment of our goodwill and the impairment’s resulting $22.6 million tax benefit. Horsepower, utilization and revenue experienced declines beginning in the second quarter as compared to 2019 and are expected to remain at lower levels into 2021 in both our contract operations and aftermarket services businesses. Long-lived and other asset impairment and restructuring charges have also been significantly impacted. See “Financial Results of Operations” below and Note 9 (“Goodwill”), Note 18 (“Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment”), Note 19 (“Restructuring Charges”) and Note 20 (“Income Taxes”) to our Financial Statements for further discussion.

In recent years, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased global demand for U.S. natural gas and crude oil production had contributed to increased production for both resources and record U.S. natural gas production in 2018 and 2019. Production fell sharply in the second quarter of 2020, however, as a result of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the EIA, average U.S. dry natural gas and crude oil production in 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Average dry natural gas production (Bcf/d)

 

91.3

 

92.0

 

83.8

Average crude oil production (MMb/d)

 

11.3

 

12.2

 

11.0

The increases in production in 2018 and 2019 resulted in strong demand for our compression services in those years and into the first quarter of 2020. Additionally, we increased our investment in new fleet units in 2019 and 2018 to take advantage of improved market conditions. As a result of this increased demand and investment, our contract operations revenue and average operating horsepower increased 15% and 10%, respectively, in 2019 compared to 2018. In 2020, however, the decrease in demand and production brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic drove revenue and average operating horsepower back down to below 2019 levels.

36

Table of Contents

Outlook

The EIA forecasts the following year-over-year changes in its February 2021 Short-Term Energy Outlook report:

    

Increase (Decrease)

2021

2022

U.S. dry natural gas production

 

(1)

%  

1

%

U.S. crude oil production

 

(3)

%  

5

%

U.S. natural gas domestic consumption

(2)

%

(1)

%

Liquefied natural gas exports

 

30

%  

9

%

Overall, U.S. natural gas and crude oil production is expected to show a modest decline in 2021 as producers limit drilling and completion activity to achieve maintenance levels of production and cash flows in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, we anticipate demand for our compression services to also decrease, though with a potential for improved conditions later in 2021 and into 2022.

Long term, the EIA expects dry natural gas production to increase 7% and 12% through 2025 and 2030, respectively. Natural gas provides an affordable and reliable solution that we believe will play a prominent role in a cleaner energy mix, even as energy generation from renewables increases. We believe that the U.S. natural gas compression services industry continues to have growth potential over time due to, among other things, increased natural gas production in the U.S. from unconventional sources, aging producing natural gas fields that will require more compression to continue producing the same volume of natural gas and expected increased demand for natural gas in the U.S. for power generation, industrial uses and exports, including liquefied natural gas exports and exports of natural gas via pipeline to Mexico. We expect that such an increase in demand for U.S. natural gas will in turn lead to continued strong demand for compression services.

In our aftermarket services business, though activity levels decreased in 2020 and 2019 as customers deferred maintenance activities, the base of owned compression in the U.S. has increased over the past several years, which we believe will help sustain our aftermarket services business over the long term.

Key Challenges and Uncertainties

In addition to general market conditions in the oil and gas industry and competition in the natural gas compression industry, we believe the following represent the key challenges and uncertainties we will face in the future.

Capital Requirements and the Availability of External Sources of Capital. We have funded a significant portion of our capital expenditures and acquisitions through borrowings under the Credit Facility and have issued additional debt such that we now have a substantial amount of debt, which could limit our ability to fund future planned capital expenditures. Current conditions could limit our ability to access the debt and equity markets to raise capital on affordable terms in 2021 and beyond. If we are not successful in raising capital within the time period required or at all, we may not be able to fund these capital expenditures, which could impair our ability to grow or maintain our business.

Cost Management. In anticipation of lower customer activity levels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a plan in the second quarter of 2020 to reduce our annual operating, corporate and capital costs by between $75 million and $85 million.

In addition, in order to improve our operations, in late 2018 we began a process and technology transformation project that will, among other things, upgrade or replace our existing ERP, supply chain and inventory management systems and expand the remote monitoring capabilities of our compression fleet. We believe these improvements will reduce our operating costs and increase our uptime, and we anticipate that the project will continue to require significant resources and result in increased SG&A expense and capital expenditures for the implementation of new technologies in 2021.

37

Table of Contents

Cost management continues to be challenging and there is no guarantee that our efforts will result in a reduction in our operating expenses. Natural gas production growth and resulting demand for our services, once resumed, could also cause us to experience increased operating expenses as we hire employees and incur additional expenses needed to support the rebound in market demand.

Labor. We believe that our ability to hire, train and retain qualified personnel will continue to be important. Although we have been able to historically satisfy our personnel needs, retaining employees in our industry continues to be a challenge. Our ability to grow and to continue our current level of service to our customers will depend in part on our success in hiring, training and retaining our employees, including those employees impacted by our headcount reduction and furloughs through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Later-Cycle Market Participant. Compression service providers have traditionally been a later-cycle participant as energy markets fluctuate. As such, we anticipate that any significant change in the demand for our contract operations services will generally lag a change in drilling activity. Increased natural gas and crude oil production in 2018 and 2019 contributed to increased new orders for our compression services during those years and into the first quarter of 2020, the revenue gains from which were realized in 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. In the second quarter of 2020, however, customer demand dropped sharply in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the associated decrease in our revenue occurred almost immediately.

Dry natural gas production, one of the key drivers of our business, increased 12% in 2018 and 10% in 2019 before falling 1% in 2020, and is expected to increase 7% in 2021 through 2025. We believe that, similar to the rapid drops in customer demand and associated revenue experienced this year, our revenue will increase concurrently with a pickup in customer demand as the COVID-19 pandemic runs its course. Long term, we expect to return to the more traditional cycle in which production growth increases demand for compression services, which results in increases in revenue and gross margin, though on a lag of several quarters or more.

Customer deferrals. Our aftermarket services revenue decreased in 2020 and 2019 as customers deferred near-term maintenance activities. We believe the large installed base of owned compression supports the long-term fundamentals of the aftermarket services business: however, the timing of a recovery is difficult to predict, particularly in light of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, we remain focused on cost management and the higher margin business within our aftermarket services operations.

Increasing customer focus on free cash flow. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our customers had begun transitioning their business model to focus on sustainable free cash flow generation rather than growth, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled this change in focus. We expect this transition to have a positive impact on the industry in the long term, as we anticipate the change will reduce volatility through cycles and improve the financial strength of our customers. In the near term, however, we can expect this transition, combined with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to result in a deceleration in the natural gas production growth rate, to which demand for our products and services is closely aligned.

38

Table of Contents

Operating Highlights

The following table summarizes our available and operating horsepower and horsepower utilization (in thousands, except percentages):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

2019

2018

Total available horsepower (at period end)(1)

4,120

    

4,395

3,963

Total operating horsepower (at period end)(2)

3,388

 

3,926

3,530

Average operating horsepower

3,657

 

3,708

3,386

Horsepower utilization:

  

 

  

  

Spot (at period end)

82

%  

89

%

89

%

Average

86

%  

88

%

87

%

(1)Defined as idle and operating horsepower. New compressors completed by a third party manufacturer that have been delivered to us are included in the fleet.
(2)Defined as horsepower that is operating under contract and horsepower that is idle but under contract and generating revenue such as standby revenue.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the non-GAAP financial measure of gross margin.

We define gross margin as total revenue less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization). Gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary measure used by our management to evaluate the results of revenue and cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), which are key components of our operations. We believe gross margin is important because it focuses on the current operating performance of our operations and excludes the impact of the prior historical costs of the assets acquired or constructed that are utilized in those operations, the indirect costs associated with our SG&A activities, our financing methods and income taxes. In addition, depreciation and amortization may not accurately reflect the costs required to maintain and replenish the operational usage of our assets and therefore may not portray the costs of current operating activity. As an indicator of our operating performance, gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our gross margin may not be comparable to a similarly-titled measure of other entities because other entities may not calculate gross margin in the same manner.

Gross margin has certain material limitations associated with its use as compared to net income (loss). These limitations are primarily due to the exclusion of SG&A, depreciation and amortization, impairments, restatement and other charges, restructuring charges, interest expense, debt extinguishment loss, transaction-related costs, (gain) loss on sale of assets, net, other (income) loss, net, provision for (benefit from) income taxes and loss from discontinued operations, net of tax. Because we intend to finance a portion of our operations through borrowings, interest expense is a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate revenue. Additionally, because we use capital assets, depreciation expense is a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate revenue and SG&A is necessary to support our operations and required corporate activities. To compensate for these limitations, management uses this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to other GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of our performance.

39

Table of Contents

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to gross margin (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Net income (loss)

$

(68,445)

$

97,330

$

29,160

Selling, general and administrative

 

105,100

 

117,727

 

101,563

Depreciation and amortization

 

193,138

 

188,084

 

174,946

Long-lived and other asset impairment

 

79,556

 

44,663

 

28,127

Goodwill impairment

99,830

Restatement and other charges

 

 

445

 

19

Restructuring charges

8,450

Interest expense

 

105,716

 

104,681

 

93,328

Debt extinguishment loss

 

3,971

 

3,653

 

2,450

Transaction-related costs

 

 

8,213

 

10,162

Gain on sale of assets, net

(10,643)

(16,016)

(5,674)

Other income, net

 

(1,359)

 

(661)

 

(157)

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

(17,537)

 

(39,145)

 

6,150

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

273

 

Gross margin

$

497,777

$

509,247

$

440,074

Financial Results of Operations: Summary of Results

Revenue. Revenue was $875.0 million, $965.5 million and $904.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The decrease in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was due to decreases in revenue from our contract operations and aftermarket services businesses. The increase in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was due to an increase in revenue from our contract operations business, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our aftermarket services business.

See “Contract Operations” and “Aftermarket Services” below for further details.

Net income (loss) attributable to Archrock stockholders. We had a net loss attributable to Archrock stockholders of $68.4 million and net income attributable to Archrock stockholders of $97.3 million and $21.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The change from net income to net loss attributable to Archrock stockholders during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily driven by goodwill impairment of $99.8 million, increases in long-lived and other asset impairment, restructuring charges and depreciation and amortization and decreases in benefit from income taxes, gain on sale of assets, net and gross margin from our aftermarket services business, partially offset by decreases in SG&A and transaction-related costs and an increase in gross margin from our contract operations business.

The increase in net income attributable to Archrock stockholders during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily driven by an increase in gross margin from our contract operations business, the change in provision for (benefit from) income taxes, an increase in gain on sale of assets, net and the decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, partially offset by increases in long-lived and other asset impairment, SG&A, depreciation and amortization and interest expense.

40

Table of Contents

Financial Results of Operations: Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019

Contract Operations

Year Ended December 31, 

Increase

(in thousands)

2020

    

2019

    

(Decrease)

Revenue

$

738,918

$

771,539

(4)

%

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

261,087

 

297,260

(12)

%

Gross margin

$

477,831

$

474,279

1

%

Gross margin percentage (1)

 

65

%  

 

61

%  

4

%

(1)Defined as gross margin divided by revenue.

Revenue decreased primarily due to returns of horsepower amidst the market downturn, the strategic disposition of horsepower in 2019 and 2020 and a decrease in revenues associated with reduced mobilization activity. These decreases in revenue were partially offset by a $43.5 million increase in revenue attributable to the horsepower acquired in the Elite Acquisition in August 2019.

Gross margin increased due to the decrease in cost of sales, which was partially offset by the decrease in revenue discussed above. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by decreases in costs to mobilize compression packages, maintenance expense and lube oil expense, all of which were chiefly driven by the decreases in operating horsepower mentioned above. In addition, there was a decrease in sales and use tax as the result of audit settlements in 2020. These decreases were partially offset by increases in maintenance expense and lube oil expense associated with the horsepower acquired in the Elite Acquisition.

Aftermarket Services

Year Ended December 31, 

Increase

(in thousands)

2020

    

2019

    

(Decrease)

Revenue

$

136,052

$

193,946

 

(30)

%

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

116,106

 

158,978

 

(27)

%

Gross margin

$

19,946

$

34,968

 

(43)

%

Gross margin percentage

 

15

%  

 

18

%  

(3)

%

The decrease in revenue was due to decreases in service activities and parts sales, which were primarily driven by reduced customer demand and customer deferral of maintenance activities. Gross margin decreased due to this decrease in revenue, but benefited from a decrease in cost of sales, which was driven by the same decrease in service activities and parts sales.

41

Table of Contents

Costs and Expenses

Year Ended December 31, 

(in thousands)

    

2020

    

2019

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

105,100

$

117,727

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

193,138

 

188,084

Long-lived and other asset impairment

 

 

79,556

 

44,663

Goodwill impairment

99,830

Restatement and other charges

 

 

 

445

Restructuring charges

8,450

Interest expense

 

 

105,716

 

104,681

Debt extinguishment loss

3,971

3,653

Transaction-related costs

 

 

 

8,213

Gain on sale of assets, net

(10,643)

(16,016)

Other income, net

 

 

(1,359)

 

(661)

Selling, general and administrative. The decrease in SG&A was primarily due to a $6.2 million decrease in sales and use tax that was mainly driven by audit settlements, a $2.1 million decrease in professional expenses, a $2.1 million decrease in compensation and benefits and a $1.9 million decrease in employee travel and meeting expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.0 million increase in bad debt expense.

Depreciation and amortization. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to an increase in depreciation expense associated with fixed asset additions during 2019, including the fixed assets acquired in the Elite Acquisition, and the first half of 2020, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense resulting from assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives as well as the impact of asset impairments in 2019 and the first half of 2020 and compression asset sales during 2019.

Long-lived and other asset impairment. Each quarter, we review the future deployment of our idle compressors for units that are not of the type, configuration, condition, make or model that are cost efficient to maintain and operate. In addition, we evaluate for impairment idle units that have been culled from our compression fleet in prior years and are available for sale. See Note 18 (“Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment”) to our Financial Statements for further details. The following table presents the results of our compression fleet impairment review, as recorded in our contract operations segment (dollars in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

Idle compressors retired from the active fleet

730

 

975

Horsepower of idle compressors retired from the active fleet

261,000

 

170,000

Impairment recorded on idle compressors retired from the active fleet

$

77,590

$

44,663

Also during the year ended December 31, 2020, $1.7 million of capitalized implementation and unamortized prepaid costs related to the mobile workforce component of our multi-year process and technology transformation project was impaired. See Note 12 (“Hosting Arrangements”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

Goodwill impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $99.8 million of goodwill impairment due to the decline in the fair value of our contract operations reporting unit. See Note 9 (“Goodwill”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

Restructuring charges. We recorded $8.5 million of severance and property disposal costs related to restructuring activities during the year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 19 (“Restructuring Charges”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

42

Table of Contents

Interest expense. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in the average outstanding balance of long-term debt, partially offset by a decrease in the weighted average effective interest rate.

Debt extinguishment loss. We recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $4.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of the redemption of the 2022 Notes. We recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 as a result of the redemption of the 2021 Notes. See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

Transaction-related costs. We incurred $8.2 million of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees during the year ended December 31, 2019 related primarily to the Elite Acquisition.

Gain on sale of assets, net. Our net gain on the sale of assets during the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to a $9.3 million gain on the July 2020 Disposition, a $3.2 million gain on the March 2020 Disposition, which included a $4.8 million gain on the compression assets sold, and gains of $3.7 million on sales of transportation and shop equipment. These gains were offset by a $5.1 million loss on other compression assets sold during 2020.

Our net gain on the sale of assets during the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to a $6.6 million gain on the Harvest Sale, gains of $7.9 million on other 2019 compression asset sales and gains of $1.6 million on sales of transportation and shop equipment.

Other income, net. The increase in other income, net was primarily due to a $0.7 million decrease in indemnification expense incurred pursuant to our tax matters agreement with Exterran Corporation.

Benefit from Income Taxes

Year Ended December 31, 

Increase

(in thousands)

2020

    

2019

    

(Decrease)

Benefit from income taxes

$

(17,537)

$

(39,145)

 

(55)

%

Effective tax rate

 

20

%  

 

(67)

%  

87

%

The decrease in benefit from income taxes was primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance and the release of an unrecognized tax benefit due to the settlement of a tax audit during the year ended December 31, 2019, partially offset by the tax effect of the decrease in book income during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 20 (“Income Taxes”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

Financial Results of Operations: Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

Contract Operations

Year Ended December 31, 

Increase

(in thousands)

2019

    

2018

    

(Decrease)

Revenue

$

771,539

$

672,536

15

%

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

297,260

 

273,013

9

%

Gross margin

$

474,279

$

399,523

19

%

Gross margin percentage

 

61

%  

 

59

%  

2

%

The increase in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in contract operations rates driven by an increase in customer demand, an increase in average operating horsepower (excluding the horsepower acquired in the Elite Acquisition) and $33.2 million of revenue associated with the compression assets acquired in the Elite Acquisition.

43

Table of Contents

Gross margin increased during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to the increase in revenue mentioned above partially offset by the increase in cost of sales. The increase in cost of sales was primarily driven by increases in maintenance, freight and lube oil expense associated with the increase in average operating horsepower and the horsepower acquired in the Elite Acquisition. These increases in cost of sales were partially offset by a decrease in cost associated with the start-up of compression packages, as the majority of the increase in average operating horsepower was comprised of newly-built compressors.

Gross margin percentage increased during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to the increase in contract operations rates mentioned above.

Aftermarket Services

Year Ended December 31, 

Increase

(in thousands)

2019

    

2018

    

(Decrease)

Revenue

$

193,946

$

231,905

 

(16)

%

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

158,978

 

191,354

 

(17)

%

Gross margin

$

34,968

$

40,551

 

(14)

%

Gross margin percentage

 

18

%  

 

17

%  

1

%

The decrease in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to decreases in parts sales and service activities as customers deferred maintenance activities.

Gross margin decreased during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 due to the decrease in revenue mentioned above, partially offset by a smaller decrease in cost of sales. The decrease in cost of sales was primarily driven by the decrease in parts sales and service activities.

Costs and Expenses

Year Ended December 31, 

(in thousands)

2019

    

2018

Selling, general and administrative

$

117,727

$

101,563

Depreciation and amortization

 

188,084

174,946

Long-lived and other asset impairment

 

44,663

28,127

Restatement and other charges

 

445

19

Interest expense

 

104,681

93,328

Debt extinguishment loss

 

3,653

2,450

Transaction-related costs

 

8,213

10,162

Gain on sale of assets, net

(16,016)

(5,674)

Other income, net

 

(661)

(157)

Selling, general and administrative. The increase in SG&A expense during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to a $9.2 million increase in sales and use tax expense primarily resulting from the settlement of audits in 2018, a $4.1 million increase in costs related to our process and technology transformation project and a $2.7 million increase in compensation and benefits.

Depreciation and amortization. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in depreciation expense associated with fixed asset additions, which was partially offset by a decrease in expense from assets reaching the end of their useful lives, asset retirements and the impact of asset impairments during 2018 and 2019. The increase in depreciation expense was partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense that primarily resulted from certain intangible assets reaching the end of their useful lives, partially offset by amortization expense related to the intangible assets acquired in the Elite Acquisition.

44

Table of Contents

Long-lived and other asset impairment. Each quarter, we review the future deployment of our idle compressors for units that are not of the type, configuration, condition, make or model that are cost efficient to maintain and operate. In addition, we evaluate for impairment idle units that have been culled from our compression fleet in prior years and are available for sale. See Note 18 (“Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment”) to our Financial Statements for further details. The following table presents the results of our compression fleet impairment review, as recorded in our contract operations segment (dollars in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2019

    

2018

Idle compressors retired from the active fleet

975

 

310

Horsepower of idle compressors retired from the active fleet

 

170,000

 

115,000

Impairment recorded on idle compressors retired from the active fleet

$

44,663

$

28,127

Restatement and other charges. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded expense of $0.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for our share of professional and legal fees related to the restatement of prior period financial statements and disclosures and related matters. We recorded $1.3 million for the expected recovery of shared fees incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest expense. The increase in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in the average outstanding balance of long-term debt, partially offset by a decrease in the weighted average effective interest rate.

Debt extinguishment loss. We recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 as a result of the redemption of the 2021 Notes. We recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of the termination of the Former Credit Facility. See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

Transaction-related costs. We incurred $8.2 million and $10.2 million of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The $8.2 million of fees incurred during the year ended December 31, 2019 related primarily to the Elite Acquisition. The $10.2 million of fees incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the Merger. See Note 4 (“Business Transactions”) and Note 16 (“Equity”) to our Financial Statements for further details of these transactions.

Gain on sale of assets, net. The increase in gain on sale of assets, net was primarily due to a $6.6 million gain related to the Harvest Sale during the year ended December 31, 2019 and a $3.2 million increase in gains recognized on other compression equipment sales during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 4 (“Business Transactions”) for further details of the Harvest Sale.

Other income, net. The increase in other income, net during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to a $0.9 million decrease in indemnification expense incurred pursuant to our tax matters agreement with Exterran Corporation and income of $0.3 million related to equipment damaged at a customer site during 2019, partially offset by $0.5 million in indemnification income earned pursuant to that same tax matters agreement during 2018 and a $0.3 million decrease in interest income earned related to tax refunds and settlements.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

Year Ended December 31, 

Increase

(in thousands)

2019

    

2018

    

(Decrease)

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

$

(39,145)

$

6,150

 

(737)

%

Effective tax rate

 

(67)

%  

 

17

%  

(84)

%

45

Table of Contents

The change in provision for (benefit from) income taxes was primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance in the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as a higher release of an unrecognized tax benefit due to the settlement of a tax audit in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 20 (“Income Taxes”) to our Financial Statements for further details.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Year Ended December 31,

Increase

(in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

(Decrease)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

$

$

(8,097)

 

(100)

%

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was the portion of the Partnership’s earnings that were applicable to the Partnership’s publicly-held common unitholder interest through the completion of the Merger. Immediately prior to the Merger, public unitholders held a 57% ownership interest in the Partnership. Subsequent to the Merger, the Partnership is a wholly-owned subsidiary. See Note 16 (“Equity”) to our Financial Statements for further details of the Merger.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Requirements

Our contract operations business is capital intensive, requiring significant investment to maintain and upgrade existing operations. Our capital spending is primarily dependent on the demand for our contract operations services and the availability of the type of compression equipment required for us to provide those contract operations services to our customers. Our capital requirements have consisted primarily of, and we anticipate will continue to consist of, the following:

growth capital expenditures, which are made to expand or to replace partially or fully depreciated assets or to expand the operating capacity or revenue generating capabilities of existing or new assets; and
maintenance capital expenditures, which are made to maintain the existing operating capacity of our assets and related cash flows further extending the useful lives of the assets.

Growth Capital Expenditures

The majority of our growth capital expenditures are related to the acquisition cost of new compressors when our idle equipment cannot be reconfigured to economically fulfill a project’s requirements and the new compressor is expected to generate economic returns over its expected useful life that exceed our cost of capital. In addition to newly-acquired compressors, growth capital expenditures include the upgrading of major components on an existing compression package where the current configuration of the compression package is no longer in demand and the compressor is not likely to return to an operating status without the capital expenditures. These expenditures substantially modify the operating parameters of the compression package such that it can be used in applications for which it previously was not suited.

Growth capital expenditures were $79.1 million, $300.5 million and $251.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in growth capital expenditures in 2020 compared to 2019 was the result of a previously-planned decrease in spending in 2020, which was based on an expected deceleration in the growth rate of natural gas production, and a further reduction in spend in response to the decreased customer demand that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in growth capital expenditures in 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily due to increased investment in new compression equipment as a result of increased customer demand to support higher U.S. natural gas production levels.

46

Table of Contents

Maintenance Capital Expenditures

Maintenance capital expenditures are related to major overhauls of significant components of a compression package, such as the engine, compressor and cooler, which return the components to a like-new condition, but do not modify the application for which the compression package was designed.

Maintenance capital expenditures were $32.0 million, $58.6 million and $49.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease in maintenance capital expenditures in 2020 compared to 2019 was the result of decreased customer demand amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and optimized engine overhaul practices. The increase in maintenance capital expenditures in 2019 compared to 2018 was due to an increase in scheduled maintenance activities in 2019 due to maintenance cycle requirements as well as the increase in horsepower as the result of the Elite Acquisition.

Projected Capital Spend

We currently plan to spend approximately $80 million to $106 million in capital expenditures during 2021, primarily consisting of approximately $30 million to $50 million for growth capital expenditures and approximately $40 million to $45 million for maintenance capital expenditures. We anticipate decreased 2021 capital expenditures, particularly growth capital expenditures, as compared to 2020 due to the impact that we expect the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have on customer demand.

Financial Resources

Overview

Our ability to fund operations, finance capital expenditures and pay dividends depends on the levels of our operating cash flows and access to the capital and credit markets. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from our operations and our borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. Our cash flow is affected by numerous factors including prices and demand for our services, oil and natural gas exploration and production spending, conditions in the financial markets and other factors. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a deterioration in global macroeconomic conditions, which has significantly impacted our estimates of future revenues and cash flows. However, we have no near-term maturities and believe that our operating cash flows and borrowings under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.

We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.

Revolving Credit Facilities

Credit Facility. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Credit Facility had an average daily balance of $704.5 million and $855.3 million, respectively. The weighted average annual interest rate on the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility, excluding the effect of interest rate swaps, was 2.7% and 4.3% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there were $12.4 million letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility and the applicable margin on borrowings outstanding was 2.4%.

In November 2019, we amended the Credit Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility from March 30, 2022 to November 8, 2024 and change the applicable margin for borrowings under the Credit Facility such that (i) the applicable margin for LIBOR loans ranges from 2.00% to 2.75% and (ii) the applicable margin for base rate loans ranges from 1.00% to 1.75%.

47

Table of Contents

In February 2018, we amended the Credit Facility to, among other things:

increase the maximum Total Debt to EBITDA ratios, as defined in the Credit Facility agreement (see below for the revised ratios);
increase the aggregate revolving commitment from $1.1 billion to $1.25 billion;
increase the amount available for the issuance of letters of credit from $25.0 million to $50.0 million; and
increase the basket sizes under certain covenants including covenants limiting our ability to make investments, incur debt, make restricted payments, incur liens and make asset dispositions.

See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to the Financial Statements for further details of these amendments.

Portions of the Credit Facility up to $50.0 million are available for the issuance of swing line loans. Subject to certain conditions, including the approval by the lenders, we are able to increase the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility by up to an additional $250.0 million. The Credit Facility borrowing base consists of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and compressors.

As of December 31, 2020, prior to Amendment No. 3, the following consolidated financial ratios, as defined in our Credit Facility agreement, were required:

EBITDA to Interest Expense

    

2.5 to 1.0

Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA

 

3.5 to 1.0

Total Debt to EBITDA

 

  

January 1 through June 30, 2020

 

5.50 to 1.0

Thereafter (1)

 

5.25 to 1.0

(1)Subject to a temporary increase to 5.50 to 1.0 for any quarter during which an acquisition satisfying certain thresholds is completed and for the two quarters immediately following such quarter.

As a result of the ratio requirements above, $444.1 million of the $844.6 million of undrawn capacity was available for additional borrowings as of December 31, 2020.

The Credit Facility agreement contains various additional covenants including, but not limited to, mandatory prepayments from the net cash proceeds of certain asset transfers, restrictions on the use of proceeds from borrowings and limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain investments and acquisitions, make loans, grant liens, repurchase equity and pay distributions. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility.

In February 2021, we further amended the Credit Facility to, among other things:

reduce the aggregate revolving commitment from $1.25 billion to $750.0 million, and
adjust the maximum Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA ratio and Total Debt to EBITDA ratios above to the following:

Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA

    

3.00 to 1.0

Total Debt to EBITDA

 

  

Through fiscal year 2022

 

5.75 to 1.0

January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023

 

5.50 to 1.0

Thereafter (1)

5.25 to 1.0

(1)Subject to a temporary increase to 5.5 to 1.0 for any quarter during which an acquisition satisfying certain thresholds is completed and for the two quarters immediately following such quarter.

48

Table of Contents

Former Credit Facility. In April 2018, in connection with the Merger, we terminated the Former Credit Facility and borrowed on the Credit Facility to repay $63.2 million in borrowings and accrued and unpaid interest and fees outstanding. All commitments under the Former Credit Facility were terminated and the $15.4 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Former Credit Facility were converted to letters of credit under the Credit Facility. Prior to its termination, the Former Credit Facility required us to maintain various financial ratios and other covenants, all of which we were in compliance with through its closing. The average daily debt balance under the Former Credit Facility in 2018, through its closing in April 2018, was $51.7 million.

Senior Notes Transactions

In December 2020, we completed a private offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due April 2028 and received net proceeds of $309.9 million after deducting issuance costs. The net proceeds were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility.

In April 2020, we repaid the 2022 Notes with borrowings under our Credit Facility.

In December 2019, we completed a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due April 2028 and received net proceeds of $491.8 million after deducting issuance costs. The net proceeds were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility.

In April 2019, we repaid the 2021 Notes with borrowings under our Credit Facility.

In March 2019, we completed a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due April 2027 and received net proceeds of $491.2 million after deducting issuance costs. The net proceeds were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility.

See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for further details of these transactions.

Cash Flows

Our cash flows as reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows, are summarized below (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Net cash provided by (used in):

  

 

  

 

  

Operating activities

$

335,278

$

290,147

$

225,947

Investing activities

 

(85,031)

 

(514,560)

 

(284,923)

Financing activities

 

(252,835)

 

222,488

 

54,050

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$

(2,588)

$

(1,925)

$

(4,926)

Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019

Operating Activities. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to decreased cash outflows for cost of sales, SG&A expenses, contract costs and transaction-related costs and increased cash inflows from accounts receivable, partially offset by reduced cash inflows from revenue and deferred revenue and cash outflows for restructuring charges in 2020.

Investing Activities. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a $244.9 million decrease in capital expenditures, $214.0 million cash paid in the Elite Acquisition in 2019 and proceeds of $33.7 million from the March 2020 and July 2020 dispositions, partially offset by a $62.1 million decrease in proceeds from other sales of property, plant and equipment, $30.0 million of which related to proceeds from the Harvest Sale in 2019.

49

Table of Contents

Financing Activities. The change in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was primarily due to $155.4 million of net repayments of long-term debt in 2020 compared to $323.5 million of net borrowings in 2019 and a $10.3 million increase in dividends paid to Archrock stockholders, partially offset by a $17.2 million decrease in payments for debt issuance costs.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018

Operating Activities. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to an increase in revenue from our contract operations business, the receipt of cash proceeds in 2019 pursuant to a settlement of certain sales and use tax audits and decreases in accounts receivable and cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization). These cash inflows were partially offset by increases in cash SG&A expenses and interest paid on our long-term debt and a decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities.

Investing Activities. The increase in net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to $214.0 million of cash paid in the Elite Acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2019 and a $66.1 million increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by a $47.0 million increase in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets, including $30.0 million in proceeds from the Harvest Sale.

Financing Activities. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to a $214.3 million net increase in borrowings of long-term debt and an $11.8 million decrease in distributions paid to noncontrolling partners in the Partnership. These cash flows were partially offset by a $20.2 million increase in dividends paid to Archrock shareholders, a $19.1 million increase in payments for debt issuance costs and an $18.7 million decrease in contributions from Exterran Corporation.

Dividends

On January 27, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.145 per share of common stock, or approximately $22.2 million, that was paid on February 16, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 8, 2021. Any future determinations to pay cash dividends to our stockholders will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, and credit and loan agreements in effect at that time and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our cash contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

    

2021

    

2022-2023

    

2024-2025

    

Thereafter

    

Total

Long-term debt: (1)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Credit Facility

$

$

$

393,000

$

$

393,000

Senior notes (2)

 

 

 

 

1,300,000

 

1,300,000

Total long-term debt

 

 

 

393,000

 

1,300,000

 

1,693,000

Interest on long-term debt (3)

 

102,948

 

197,218

 

180,387

 

155,469

 

636,022

Purchase commitments (4)

 

17,699

 

4,353

 

1,702

 

 

23,754

Operating leases

 

4,126

 

6,221

 

4,726

 

9,766

 

24,839

Total contractual obligations

$

124,773

$

207,792

$

579,815

$

1,465,235

$

2,377,615

(1)See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for further details on our long-term debt.
(2)Represents the full face value of our senior notes, not reduced by unamortized discount, premium and deferred financing costs.
(3)For 2021, calculated using interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2020, including the effect of interest rate swaps. Beginning in Q2 2022 through 2024, calculated using the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2020, excluding the effect of interest rate swaps due to the maturity of our interest rate swaps in March 2022. See Note 22 (“Derivatives”) for further details.
(4)Primarily includes commitments to purchase fleet and non-fleet assets and costs associated with the cloud migration of our ERP system and other information technology-related costs.

50

Table of Contents

At December 31, 2020, $18.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits (including discontinued operations) have been recorded as liabilities in accordance with the accounting standard for income taxes related to uncertain tax positions and we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to these unrecognized tax benefits, we have also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest (including discontinued operations) of $2.1 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

For information on our obligations with respect to letters of credit and performance bonds, see Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”) and Note 26 (“Commitments and Contingencies”), respectively, to our Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates and accounting policies on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of this process form the basis of our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and these differences can be material to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We describe our significant accounting policies more fully in Note 2 (“Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies”) to our Financial Statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Outstanding accounts receivable are reviewed regularly for non-payment indicators and allowances for credit losses are recorded based on management’s estimate of collectibility at each balance sheet date. We measure expected credit losses on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. If a customer does not share similar risk characteristics with other customers, we evaluate the customer’s outstanding trade receivables for expected credit losses on an individual basis. Each reporting period, we reassess our customers’ risk profiles and determine the appropriate asset pool classification, or perform individual assessments of expected credit losses, based on the customers’ risk characteristics at the reporting date. Judgment is used to determine the expected credit loss for customers that do not share similar risk characteristics with other customers, based on customer specific items such as legal proceedings, past experience with the customer and/or ongoing customer negotiations.

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded bad debt expense of $3.5 million, $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. A five percent change in bad debt expense would have impacted loss before income taxes by $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Inventory

Inventory is a significant component of current assets and is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the average cost method. This requires us to regularly review inventory quantities on hand and compare them to estimates of future product demand and market conditions. These estimates and forecasts inherently include uncertainties and require us to make judgments regarding potential outcomes. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded write-downs to inventory of $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for inventory considered to be excess, obsolete or carried at an amount in excess of net realizable value. Significant or unanticipated changes to our estimates and forecasts could require additional write-downs in a future period. Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific inventories, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these estimates and forecasts.

51

Table of Contents

Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis using useful lives and salvage values that are estimated based on assumptions and judgments that reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future use of our assets. The use of different assumptions and judgments in the calculation of depreciation, especially those involving useful lives, would likely result in significantly different net book values of our assets and results of operations.

Fair Value Estimates

Impairment Assessments of Property, Plant and Equipment and Identifiable Intangible Assets

We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangibles that are being amortized, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressors from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss may exist when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Determining whether the carrying amount of an asset is recoverable requires us to make judgments regarding long-term forecasts of future revenue and costs related to the asset subject to review. These forecasts are uncertain as they require significant assumptions about future market conditions. Significant and unanticipated changes to these assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific assets and specific times, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these assumptions.

Impairment Assessment of Goodwill

We review the carrying amount of our goodwill in the fourth quarter of every year, or whenever indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, including the applicable goodwill. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is impaired. If the fair value is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test to identify impairment and measure the amount of impairment loss to be recognized, if any.

Our qualitative assessment includes consideration of various events and circumstances and their potential impact to a reporting unit’s fair value, including macroeconomic and industry conditions such as a deterioration in our operating environment and limitations on access to capital and other developments in the equity and credit markets, cost factors that could have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, relevant entity-specific and reporting unit-specific events and overall financial performance such as declining earnings or cash flows or a sustained decrease in share price. If indicated, a quantitative impairment test would compare the carrying amount of our reporting units to their fair value, and any excess of carrying amount over fair value would be recorded as an impairment loss. The fair value calculation would require us to make significant estimates to determine future cash flows, including future revenues, costs and capital requirements and the appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate by which to discount the estimated future cash flows.

Our goodwill was allocated to our contract operations reporting unit. In the first quarter of 2020, the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted our market capitalization and estimates of future revenues and cash flows, which triggered the need to perform a quantitative test of the fair value of our contract operations reporting unit as of March 31, 2020. The quantitative test determined that the carrying amount of our contract operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded a full impairment loss on goodwill in the first quarter as a result.

Acquisitions

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method which requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their fair value on the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. Significant judgment is used in determining the individual fair values of acquired assets and liabilities. We use all available information to make these fair value determinations and, for certain acquisitions, engage third-party consultants for valuation assistance.

52

Table of Contents

For the Elite Acquisition, we used the cost approach to value the acquired property, plant and equipment, whereby we estimated the replacement cost of the assets by evaluating recent purchases of similar assets or published data, and then adjusted replacement cost for physical deterioration and functional and economic obsolescence, as applicable. We estimated the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets using the multi-period excess earnings method, which is a specific application of the discounted cash flow method, an income approach, whereby we estimated and then discounted the future cash flows of the intangible asset by adjusting overall business revenue for attrition, obsolescence, cost of sales, operating expenses, taxes and the required returns attributable to other contributory assets acquired. Significant estimates made in arriving at expected future cash flows included our expected customer attrition rate and the amount of earnings attributable to the assets. To discount the estimated future cash flows, we utilized a discount rate that was at a premium to our weighted average cost of capital to reflect the less liquid nature of the customer relationships relative to the tangible assets acquired.

The estimates used in determining the fair value of the asset and liabilities acquired in the Elite Acquisition are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from the projected results used to determine fair value. See Note 4 (“Business Transactions”) to our Financial Statements for further details of the Elite Acquisition.

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We operate in the U.S. only and, as a result, are subject to income taxes in the U.S. only. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining consolidated income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with historical results adjusted for the results of discontinued operations and changes in accounting policies and incorporate assumptions, including the amount of future U.S. federal and state pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax-planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we consider three years of cumulative income (loss) before income taxes.

Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in various state and local jurisdictions.

The accounting standard for income taxes provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, on the basis of the technical merits. We adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Because of the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the liabilities. Such differences are reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which the new information becomes available.

53

Table of Contents

Contingencies and Litigation

Insurance

Our insurance coverage includes property damage, general liability and commercial automobile liability and other coverage we believe is appropriate. Additionally, we are self-insured for property damage to our offshore assets and substantially self-insured for workers’ compensation and employee group health claims in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. Losses up to deductible amounts are estimated and accrued based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages. We review these estimates quarterly and believe such accruals to be adequate. However, insurance liabilities are difficult to estimate due to unknown factors, including the severity of an injury, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, the timeliness of reporting of occurrences, ongoing treatment or loss mitigation, general trends in litigation recovery outcomes and the effectiveness of safety and risk management programs. If our actual experience differs from the assumptions and estimates used for recording the liabilities, adjustments may be required and would be recorded in the period in which the difference becomes known. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $3.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in insurance claim reserves on our consolidated balance sheets.

Litigation and Claims

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various pending or threatened legal actions. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, the accounting standard for contingencies requires management to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. We are required to record a loss during any period in which we believe a contingency is probable and can be reasonably estimated. In making determinations of likely outcomes of pending or threatened legal matters, we consider the evaluation of counsel knowledgeable about each matter.

The impact of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return must be recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. We regularly assess and, if required, establish accruals for income and non-income based tax contingencies pursuant to the applicable accounting standards that could result from assessments of additional tax by taxing jurisdictions where we operate. Tax contingencies are subject to a significant amount of judgment and are reviewed and adjusted on a quarterly basis in light of changing facts and circumstances considering the outcome expected by management. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded $26.6 million and $23.1 million (including penalties and interest and discontinued operations), respectively, of accruals for tax contingencies. Of these amounts, $21.0 million and $20.6 million, respectively, were accrued for income taxes and $5.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, were accrued for non-income based taxes. If our actual experience differs from the assumptions and estimates used for recording the liabilities, adjustments may be required and would be recorded in the period in which the difference becomes known.

Subject to the provisions of our tax matters agreement with Exterran Corporation, both parties agreed to indemnify the primary obligor of any return for tax periods beginning before and ending before or after the Spin-off (including any ongoing or future amendments and audits for these returns) for the portion of the tax liability (including interest and penalties) that relates to their respective operations reported in the filing. The tax contingencies mentioned above relate to tax matters for which we are responsible in managing the tax audit. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had an offsetting indemnification asset (including penalties and interest) related to our income tax contingencies of $7.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively. Additionally, we had an indemnification liability of $1.6 million and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for our share of non-income based tax contingencies related to audits being managed by Exterran Corporation.

Recent Accounting Developments

See Note 3 (“Recent Accounting Developments”) to our Financial Statements.

54

Table of Contents

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in the variable interest rate of our Credit Facility. We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in this variable interest rate and thereby minimize the risks and costs associated with financial activities. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, after taking into consideration interest rate swaps, we had $93.0 million and $113.0 million, respectively, of outstanding indebtedness that was effectively subject to variable interest rates. A 1% increase in the effective interest rate on our outstanding debt subject to variable interest rates at December 31, 2020 and 2019 would have resulted in an annual increase in our interest expense of $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

See Note 22 (“Derivatives”) to our Financial Statements for further information regarding our use of interest rate swaps in managing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information specified by this Item is presented in Part IV Item 15 of this 2020 Form 10-K.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this 2020 Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act), which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that we are able to record, process, summarize and report the information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based on the evaluation, as of December 31, 2020, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, and made known to our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, on a timely basis to ensure that it is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(c) and 15d-15(c), our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness as to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Based on the results of management’s evaluation described above, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 was audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report found within this 2020 Form 10-K.

55

Table of Contents

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

56

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Archrock, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Archrock, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas

February 22, 2021

57

Table of Contents

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

58

Table of Contents

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required in Part III Item 10 of this 2020 Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Election of Directors,” “Governance” and “Stock Ownership” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required in Part III Item 11 of this 2020 Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Governance” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Portions of the information required in Part III Item 12 of this 2020 Form 10-K are incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Stock Ownership” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2020, with respect to the Archrock compensation plans under which our common stock is authorized for issuance, aggregated as follows:

Number of Securities

to be Issued Upon

Weighted Average

Number of Securities

Exercise of

Exercise Price of

Remaining Available for

Outstanding Options,

Outstanding Options,

Future Issuance Under

Warrants and Rights

Warrants and Rights

Equity Compensation Plans

  

(a)

  

(b)

  

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

325,728

(2)

$

25.18

(3)

9,056,628

(4)

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (5)

 

 

37,771

Total

325,728

 

25.18

 

9,094,399

(1)Comprised of the 2007 Plan, 2013 Plan, 2020 Plan and ESPP. No additional grants may be made under the 2007 Plan and 2013 Plan.
(2)Includes 63,891 outstanding stock options and 261,837 unvested performance-based restricted stock units payable in common stock upon vesting at target performance.
(3)Includes the weighted average exercise price for outstanding options only: performance-based restricted stock units do not have an exercise price.
(4)Includes 8,444,921 shares of common stock under the 2020 Plan and 611,707 shares of common stock under the ESPP. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, 1,730,599 restricted shares were outstanding, which are not included in column (c).
(5)Comprised of our DSDP. As of December 31, 2020, 10,251 restricted stock units are outstanding, which have been deducted in column (c). See Note 24 (“Stock-Based Compensation”) to our Financial Statements for further details of our DSDP.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

The information required in Part III Item 13 of this 2020 Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Governance” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required in Part III Item 14 of this 2020 Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year.

59

Table of Contents

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Documents filed as a part of this 2020 Form 10-K

1.    Financial Statements. The following financial statements are filed as a part of this 2020 Form 10-K.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    

F-1

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Equity

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-9

2.    Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

    

S-1

 

All other schedules have been omitted as they are not required under the relevant instructions.

3.    Exhibits

Exhibit No.

    

Description

2.1

Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2015, by and among Exterran Holdings, Inc., Exterran General Holdings LLC, Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P., Exterran Corporation, AROC Corp., EESLP LP LLC, AROC Services GP LLC, AROC Services LP LLC and Archrock Services, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

2.2

Amendment No. 1 to Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2015, by and among Archrock, Inc., formerly named Exterran Holdings, Inc., Exterran General Holdings LLC, Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P., Exterran Corporation, AROC Corp., EESLP LP LLC, AROC Services GP LLC, AROC Services LP LLC and Archrock Services, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015

2.3

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 1, 2018, by and among Archrock, Inc., Archrock GP LLC, Archrock General Partner, L.P. and Archrock Partners, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Archrock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2018

2.4

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 11, 2018, by and among Archrock, Inc., Archrock GP LLC, Archrock General Partner, L.P., Archrock Partners, L.P. and Amethyst Merger Sub LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Archrock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2018

2.5

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2019, by and among Archrock Services, L.P., Archrock, Inc. and Elite Compression Services, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2019

2.6

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2019, by and between Archrock Services, L.P. and Harvest Four Corners, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2019

3.1

Composite Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Archrock, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015

3.2

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2013

3.3

Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Archrock, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2020

60

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

4.1

Indenture, dated as of March 21, 2019, by and among Archrock Partners, L.P., Archrock Partners Finance Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2019

4.2

Indenture, dated as of December 20, 2019, by and among Archrock Partners, L.P., Archrock Partners Finance Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2019

4.3

Description of Common Stock

10.1

Credit Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2015, by and among Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.), Archrock Services, L.P., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 16, 2015

10.2

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2015, by and among Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.), Archrock Services, L.P., the lenders signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2015

10.3

Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2010, by and among EXLP Operating LLC, as Borrower, Exterran Partners, L.P., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, Barclays Bank plc and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the lenders signatory thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Exterran Partners L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2010

10.4

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated March 7, 2012, among EXLP Operating LLC, as Borrower, Exterran Partners, L.P., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Swingline Lender, and the other lenders signatory thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Exterran Partners, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13, 2012

10.5

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated March 27, 2013, among EXLP Operating LLC, as Borrower, Exterran Partners, L.P., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders signatory thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Exterran Partners, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 28, 2013

10.6

Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated February 4, 2015, among EXLP Operating LLC, as Borrower, Exterran Partners, L.P., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders signatory thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Exterran Partners, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2015

10.7

Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, dated May 2, 2016, among Archrock Partners Operating LLC, as Borrower, Archrock Partners, L.P., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Archrock Partners, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2016

10.8

Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2010, made by Exterran Partners, L.P. and EXLP Leasing LLC in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Archrock Partner’s L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2010

10.9

Amended and Restated Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2010, made by EXLP Operating LLC, Exterran Partners, L.P. and EXLP Leasing LLC in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Archrock Partner’s L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2010

61

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

10.10

Second Amendment, Consent and Waiver to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2016, among Archrock Services, L.P., as Borrower, Archrock, Inc., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2016

10.11

Third Amendment, Consent and Waiver to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 21, 2016, among Archrock Services, L.P., as Borrower, Archrock, Inc., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2016

10.12

Fourth Amendment, Consent and Waiver to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2016, among Archrock Services, L.P., as Borrower, Archrock, Inc., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2016

10.13

Fifth Amendment, Consent and Waiver to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2016, among Archrock Services, L.P., as Borrower, Archrock, Inc., as Guarantor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2016

10.14

Fourth Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated November 3, 2015, by and among Archrock, Inc. (formerly named Exterran Holdings, Inc.), Archrock Services, L.P. (formerly named Exterran US Services OpCo, L.P.), Archrock GP LLC (formerly named Exterran GP, LLC), Archrock General Partner, L.P. (formerly named Exterran General Partner, L.P.), Archrock Partners, L. P. (formerly named Exterran Partners, L.P.) and Archrock Partners Operating LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (portions of this exhibit have been omitted by redacting a portion of the text (indicated by asterisks in the text) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment)

10.15

First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated November 19, 2016, by and among Archrock, Inc., Archrock Services, L.P., Archrock GP LLC, Archrock General Partner, L.P., Archrock Partners, L.P., and Archrock Partners Operating LLC incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2016 (portions of this exhibit have been omitted by redacting a portion of the text (indicated by asterisks in the text) and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment)

10.16†

Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 19, 2013

10.17†

First Amendment to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.18†

Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex B to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 26, 2009

10.19†

Amendment No. 1 to Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 26, 2009

10.20†

Amendment No. 2 to Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009

10.21†

Amendment No. 3 to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 29, 2010

10.22†

Amendment No. 4 to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed March 29, 2011

62

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

10.23†

Amendment No. 5 to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.24†

Exterran Holdings, Inc. 2011 (now Archrock, Inc.) Employment Inducement Long-Term Equity Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed November 4, 2011

10.25†

Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Directors’ Stock and Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2007

10.26†

First Amendment to Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Directors’ Stock and Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008

10.27†

Second Amendment to Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Directors’ Stock and Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.28†

Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2007

10.29†

Amendment No. 1 to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex D to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 29, 2011

10.30†

Amendment No. 2 to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex C to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on March 29, 2011

10.31†

Amendment No. 3 to the Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.32†

Archrock Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.33†

Exterran (now Archrock, Inc.) Employees’ Supplemental Savings Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007

10.34†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice for Time-Vested Incentive Stock Option, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009

10.35†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice for Time-Vested Non-Qualified Stock Option, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009

10.36†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice for Time-Vested Stock Option for Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010

10.37†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice for Time-Vested Non-Qualified Stock Option, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010

10.38†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice for Time-Vested Stock Option for Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010

10.39†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice for Time-Vested Non-Qualified Stock Option, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.64 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010

10.40†

Form of Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2007

10.41†

Form of Amendment to Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016

63

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

10.42†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Incentive Stock Option for Officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.43†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Non-Qualified Stock Option, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.44†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Restricted Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.45†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.46†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.47†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.48†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Common Stock Award for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014

10.49†

Form of Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2015

10.50†

Summary of Donna A. Henderson Compensation Arrangement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015

10.51†

Summary of Jason Ingersoll Compensation Arrangement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015

10.52†

Form of Compensation Letter applicable to Messrs. Childers, Miller, Rice and Wayne, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2016.

10.53†

Form of Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.54†

Form of Employment Letter applicable to Messrs. Childers, Miller, Rice, Wayne and Ingersoll, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.55†

Form of Severance Benefit Agreement applicable to Messrs. Childers, Miller, Rice, Wayne and Ingersoll, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.56†

Form of Change of Control Agreement applicable to Messrs. Childers, Miller, Rice, Wayne and Ingersoll, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.57†

Form of Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock pursuant to the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.58†

Form of Award Notice and Agreement for Common Stock Award for Non-Employee Directors pursuant to the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.59†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2016

10.60†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Restricted Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2016

64

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

10.61†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Time-Vested Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2016

10.62†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Common Stock Award for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2016

10.63

Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2015, by and between Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) and Exterran Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.64

Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2015, by and between Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) and Exterran Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.65

Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2015, by and between Exterran Holdings, Inc. (now Archrock, Inc.) and Exterran Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.66

Supply Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2015, by and among Archrock Services, L.P., EXLP Operating LLC and Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2015

10.67†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2017

10.68†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2017

10.69†

Archrock, Inc. 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to Archrock’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 16, 2017

10.70

Sixth Amendment and Consent to Credit Agreement and Second Amendment to Guaranty and Collateral Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2017, by and among Archrock Services, L.P., Archrock, Inc., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017

10.71

Consulting Agreement between Archrock, Inc. and Donald C. Wayne dated May 11, 2017 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017

10.72†

Form of Amendment to Severance Benefit Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017

10.73†

Form of Second Amendment to Severance Benefit Agreement

10.74†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units (Cash-Settled), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2018

10.75†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units (Stock-Settled), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2018

10.76†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2018

10.77†

Form of Letter Agreement Amending the Award Notice and Agreement for 2017 Performance Units, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2018

10.78†

Form of Second Amendment to Severance Benefit Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017

10.79†

Form of Letter Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2018, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2018

65

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

10.80

Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2018, by and among Archrock Partners, L.P., the other Loan Parties thereto, the Lenders thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2018.

10.81

Omnibus Joinder Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2018, by and among Archrock, Inc., Archrock Services, L.P., AROC Corp., AROC Services GP LLC, AROC Services LP LLC, Archrock Services Leasing LLC, Archrock GP LP LLC, and Archrock MLP LP LLC and acknowledged and accepted by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2018

10.82

Amendment and Supplement to Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of April 26, 2018, by and among Archrock Partners Operating LLC, Archrock Partners, L.P., Archrock Partners Finance Corp., Archrock Partners Leasing LLC, Archrock, Inc., Archrock Services, L.P., AROC Corp., AROC Services GP LLC, AROC Services LP LLC, Archrock Services Leasing LLC, Archrock GP LP LLC, Archrock MLP LP LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2018

10.83†

Form of Employment Letter applicable to Mr. Douglas S. Aron, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2018

10.84†

Form of Change of Control Agreement applicable to Mr. Douglas S. Aron, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2018

10.85†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.85 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018

10.86†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.86 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018

10.87†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units (Cash-Settled), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.87 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018

10.88†

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units (Stock-Settled), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.88 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018

10.89

Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2019, by and among Archrock Partners, L.P., Archrock Partners Finance Corp., Archrock, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2019

10.90

Omnibus Joinder Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2019, by and among Archrock GP LLC, Archrock Partners Corp., Archrock General Partner, L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2019

10.91

Board Representation Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2019, by and between Archrock, Inc. and JDH Capital Holdings, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2019

10.92

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2019, by and between Archrock, Inc. and JDH Capital Holdings, L.P., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2019

10.93

Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2019, by and among Archrock, Inc., Archrock Partners Operating LLC, Archrock Services, L.P., the other Loan Parties thereto, the Lenders thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2019

66

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

    

Description

10.94

Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2019, by and among Archrock Partners, L.P., Archrock Partners Finance Corp., Archrock, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2019

10.95

Separation Agreement, dated effective as of January 31, 2020 between Archrock, Inc. and Sean K. Clawges, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2020

10.96†

Form of Compensation Letter applicable to Messrs. Childers, Aron, Ingersoll and Thode and Mme. Hildebrandt, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2020

10.97

Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2020, by and among Archrock Partners, L.P., Archrock Partners Finance Corp., Archrock, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2020

10.98

Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021, by and among Archrock Inc., Archrock Partners Operating LLC, Archrock Services, L.P., the other Loan Parties thereto, the Lenders thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2021

10.99†*

Form of Letter Agreement

10.100†*

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock

10.101†*

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock for Non-Employee Directors

10.102†*

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Restricted Stock Units for Non-Employee Directors

10.103†*

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units (Cash-Settled)

10.104†*

Form of Archrock, Inc. Award Notice and Agreement for Performance Units (Stock-Settled)

21.1*

List of Subsidiaries of Archrock, Inc.

23.1*

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

31.1*

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2*

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1**

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2**

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.1*

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T

104.1*

Cover page interactive data files pursuant to Rule 406 of Regulation S-T

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*

Filed herewith.

**

Furnished, not filed.

67

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Archrock, Inc.

/s/ D. BRADLEY CHILDERS

D. Bradley Childers

President and Chief Executive Officer

February 23, 2021

68

Table of Contents

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints D. Bradley Childers, Douglas S. Aron, Donna A. Henderson and Stephanie C. Hildebrandt, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 23, 2021.

Signature

Title

/s/ D. BRADLEY CHILDERS

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

D. Bradley Childers

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ DOUGLAS S. ARON

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Douglas S. Aron

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ DONNA A. HENDERSON

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Donna A. Henderson

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ ANNE-MARIE N. AINSWORTH

Director

Anne-Marie N. Ainsworth

/s/ GORDON T. HALL

Director

Gordon T. Hall

/s/ FRANCES POWELL HAWES

Director

Frances Powell Hawes

/s/ J.W.G. HONEYBOURNE

Director

J.W.G. Honeybourne

/s/ JAMES H. LYTAL

Director

James H. Lytal

/s/ LEONARD W. MALLETT

Director

Leonard W. Mallett

/s/ JASON C. REBROOK

Director

Jason C. Rebrook

/s/ EDMUND P. SEGNER, III

Director

Edmund P. Segner, III

69

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Archrock, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Archrock, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relate.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment - Refer to Note 18 to the financial statements.

Critical Audit Matter Description

Management’s evaluation of whether to retire compressor units from its active fleet takes into consideration the future deployment of the units that were not of the type, configuration, condition, make, or model that are cost efficient to maintain or operate. Once a compressor unit is retired from the active fleet, it is tested for impairment. As such, the timing of the identification of compressor units for removal could have a significant impact on the amount of any impairment charge. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company retired 730 units from the active fleet resulting in an

F-1

Table of Contents

asset impairment charge of $77.6 million. The determination of impairment requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the timing of the identification of compressor units for removal. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the amount of impairment charged.  

Auditing the decisions on when compressor units are retired from the active fleet required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s assumptions.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to management’s determination of whether to retire compressor unit from the Company’s active fleet included the following, among others:

We tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over long-lived asset impairment process, including those over the identification of units to be retired and assessed for impairment, which includes the type, configuration, condition, make, or model that are cost efficient to maintain or operate.
We tested the completeness and accuracy of the compressor units identified for retirement by performing the following procedures:
-Comparing the final listing of retired compressor units to the list evaluated and approved by management.
-For a sample of compressor units, determining whether those units were (1) properly segregated from the active fleet, (2) identified appropriately in the system, and (3) no longer operating.
We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s identification of the compressor units for removal, including assessments of type, configuration, condition, make, or model that are cost efficient to maintain or operate, by performing the following procedures:
-Comparing the rationale for compression units identified with historical rationales made for compression units of a similar type, configuration, make, or model.
-For a sample of compression units not retired, making inquiries of management and others within the Company with knowledge of the type, configuration, condition, make, or model and operating costs of the specific compressor units to identify if any units not retired exhibit characteristics indicating that they should be retired.
-Comparing the compression units identified to internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
-Reading available peer company data and other external sources for information supporting or contradicting management’s conclusions.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas

February 22, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.

F-2

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)

December 31, 

2020

    

2019

Assets

 

  

 

  

Current assets:

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,097

$

3,685

Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance of $3,370 and $2,210, respectively

 

104,425

 

144,865

Inventory

 

63,670

 

74,467

Other current assets

 

12,819

 

9,186

Total current assets

 

182,011

 

232,203

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

2,389,674

 

2,559,398

Operating lease ROU assets

 

19,236

 

17,901

Goodwill

 

 

100,598

Intangible assets, net

 

61,531

 

77,471

Contract costs, net

 

29,216

 

42,927

Deferred tax assets

 

56,934

 

36,642

Other assets

 

30,084

 

29,934

Noncurrent assets associated with discontinued operations

 

11,036

 

12,901

Total assets

$

2,779,722

$

3,109,975

Liabilities and Equity

 

  

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable, trade

$

30,819

$

60,215

Accrued liabilities

 

76,993

 

67,845

Deferred revenue

 

3,880

 

10,683

Total current liabilities

 

111,692

 

138,743

Long-term debt

 

1,688,867

 

1,842,549

Operating lease liabilities

 

16,925

 

16,094

Deferred tax liabilities

 

725

 

1,289

Other liabilities

 

18,088

 

16,829

Noncurrent liabilities associated with discontinued operations

 

7,868

 

8,508

Total liabilities

 

1,844,165

 

2,024,012

Commitments and contingencies (Note 26)

 

  

 

  

Equity:

 

  

 

  

Preferred stock: $0.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, zero issued

 

 

Common stock: $0.01 par value per share, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 160,014,960 and 158,636,918 shares issued, respectively

 

1,600

 

1,587

Additional paid-in capital

 

3,424,624

 

3,412,509

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(5,006)

 

(1,387)

Accumulated deficit

 

(2,401,988)

 

(2,244,877)

Treasury stock: 7,052,769 and 6,702,602 common shares, at cost, respectively

 

(83,673)

 

(81,869)

Total equity

 

935,557

 

1,085,963

Total liabilities and equity

$

2,779,722

$

3,109,975

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

F-3

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Revenue:

  

 

  

 

  

Contract operations

$

738,918

$

771,539

$

672,536

Aftermarket services

 

136,052

 

193,946

 

231,905

Total revenue

 

874,970

 

965,485

 

904,441

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization):

Contract operations

 

261,087

 

297,260

 

273,013

Aftermarket services

 

116,106

 

158,978

 

191,354

Total cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

377,193

 

456,238

 

464,367

Selling, general and administrative

 

105,100

 

117,727

 

101,563

Depreciation and amortization

 

193,138

 

188,084

 

174,946

Long-lived and other asset impairment

 

79,556

 

44,663

 

28,127

Goodwill impairment

99,830

Restatement and other charges

 

 

445

 

19

Restructuring charges

8,450

Interest expense

 

105,716

 

104,681

 

93,328

Debt extinguishment loss

 

3,971

 

3,653

 

2,450

Transaction-related costs

 

 

8,213

 

10,162

Gain on sale of assets, net

(10,643)

(16,016)

(5,674)

Other income, net

 

(1,359)

 

(661)

 

(157)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(85,982)

 

58,458

 

35,310

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

(17,537)

 

(39,145)

 

6,150

Income (loss) from continuing operations

(68,445)

97,603

29,160

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(273)

 

Net income (loss)

(68,445)

97,330

29,160

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(8,097)

Net income (loss) attributable to Archrock stockholders

$

(68,445)

$

97,330

$

21,063

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders

$

(0.46)

$

0.70

$

0.19

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

 

150,828

 

137,492

 

109,305

Diluted

 

150,828

 

137,528

 

109,421

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

F-4

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Net income (loss)

$

(68,445)

    

$

97,330

    

$

29,160

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest rate swap gain (loss), net of reclassifications to earnings

 

(3,619)

 

(7,160)

 

2,681

Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps

 

 

 

230

Merger-related adjustments

 

 

 

5,670

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

(3,619)

 

(7,160)

 

8,581

Comprehensive income (loss)

(72,064)

90,170

37,741

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

(12,360)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Archrock stockholders

$

(72,064)

$

90,170

$

25,381

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

F-5

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

Archrock Stockholders

Accumulated

Common

Additional

Other

Treasury

Stock

Paid-in

Comprehensive

Accumulated

Stock

Noncontrolling

    

Amount

Shares

    

Capital

    

Income (Loss)

    

Deficit

    

Amount

    

Shares

    

Interest

    

Total

Balance at December 31, 2017

$

769

76,880,862

$

3,093,058

$

1,197

$

(2,241,243)

$

(76,732)

(5,930,380)

$

(41,431)

$

735,618

Treasury stock purchased

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

(1,759)

(167,382)

 

  

 

(1,759)

Cash dividends ($0.504 per common share)

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

(58,288)

 

  

  

 

 

(58,288)

Shares issued in ESPP

 

1

93,617

 

 

802

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

803

Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures

 

10

960,028

 

 

7,192

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

(141,121)

 

(64)

 

7,138

Stock options exercised

 

2

218,997

 

 

1,341

 

  

 

 

  

 

(1,371)

(142,722)

 

  

 

(28)

Contribution from Exterran Corporation

18,744

18,744

Cash distribution to noncontrolling unitholders of the Partnership

(11,766)

(11,766)

Impact of adoption of ASC 606 Revenue

14,666

14,666

Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12

 

383

 

383

Impact of adoption of ASU 2018-02

258

(258)

Merger-related adjustments

576

57,634,005

56,845

40,901

98,322

Comprehensive income

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

Net income

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

21,063

 

  

  

 

8,097

 

29,160

Interest rate swap gain (loss), net of reclassifications to earnings

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

(1,582)

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

4,263

 

2,681

Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps

230

230

Merger-related adjustments

5,670

5,670

Balance at December 31, 2018

$

1,358

135,787,509

 

$

3,177,982

$

5,773

 

$

(2,263,677)

$

(79,862)

(6,381,605)

$

$

841,574

Treasury stock purchased

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

(2,007)

(212,080)

 

  

 

(2,007)

Cash dividends ($0.554 per common share)

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

(78,530)

 

  

  

 

 

(78,530)

Shares issued in ESPP

 

1

87,933

 

 

770

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

771

Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures

 

11

1,104,793

 

 

8,094

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

(108,917)

 

  

 

8,105

Shares issued for Elite Acquisition

 

217

21,656,683

225,663

 

225,880

Comprehensive income

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

Net income

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

97,330

 

  

  

 

 

97,330

Interest rate swap loss, net of reclassifications to earnings

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

(7,160)

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

(7,160)

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

1,587

158,636,918

 

$

3,412,509

$

(1,387)

 

$

(2,244,877)

$

(81,869)

(6,702,602)

$

$

1,085,963

Treasury stock purchased

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

(1,804)

(236,752)

 

  

 

(1,804)

Cash dividends ($0.580 per common share)

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

(88,832)

 

  

  

 

 

(88,832)

Shares issued in ESPP

 

2

171,563

 

 

681

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

683

Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures

 

11

1,206,479

 

 

10,756

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

(113,415)

 

  

 

10,767

Contribution from Exterran Corporation

678

678

Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

166

 

  

  

 

 

166

Comprehensive loss

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

Net loss

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

(68,445)

 

  

  

 

 

(68,445)

Interest rate swap loss, net of reclassifications to earnings

 

  

  

 

 

  

 

(3,619)

 

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

(3,619)

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

1,600

160,014,960

 

$

3,424,624

$

(5,006)

 

$

(2,401,988)

$

(83,673)

(7,052,769)

$

$

935,557

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

F-6

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

  

  

Net income (loss)

$

(68,445)

$

97,330

$

29,160

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

273

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

193,138

 

188,084

 

174,946

Long-lived and other asset impairment

 

79,556

 

44,663

 

28,127

Goodwill impairment

99,830

Inventory write-downs

 

1,349

 

944

 

1,614

Amortization of operating lease ROU assets

 

3,477

 

2,931

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

5,554

 

6,211

 

6,113

Amortization of debt discount

 

187

 

910

 

1,410

Amortization of debt premium

(84)

Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps

291

Debt extinguishment loss

 

3,971

 

3,653

 

2,450

Interest rate swaps

 

3,178

 

(1,071)

 

(131)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

10,551

 

8,105

 

7,388

Non-cash restructuring charges

1,660

Provision for credit losses

 

3,525

 

2,567

 

1,677

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net

 

1,832

 

(16,016)

 

(5,674)

Gain on sale of business

(12,475)

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

 

(17,764)

 

(39,597)

 

5,238

Amortization of contract costs

 

26,629

 

23,330

 

14,939

Deferred revenue recognized in earnings

 

(19,489)

 

(42,268)

 

(28,428)

Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts receivable, trade

 

36,395

 

3,248

 

(21,028)

Inventory

 

3,972

 

6,036

 

4,210

Other assets

 

(5,797)

 

4,458

 

(15,249)

Contract costs, net

 

(13,262)

 

(27,237)

 

(32,435)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

(15,089)

 

(12,728)

 

14,964

Deferred revenue

 

12,732

 

36,578

 

36,571

Other

 

147

 

12

 

(206)

Net cash provided by continuing operations

 

335,278

 

290,416

 

225,947

Net cash used in discontinued operations

 

 

(269)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

335,278

 

290,147

 

225,947

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Capital expenditures

 

(140,302)

 

(385,198)

 

(319,102)

Proceeds from sale of business

 

33,651

 

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets

 

18,911

 

80,961

 

33,927

Proceeds from insurance and other settlements

2,709

3,696

252

Cash paid in Elite Acquisition

 

 

(214,019)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(85,031)

 

(514,560)

 

(284,923)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Borrowings of long-term debt

 

1,049,000

 

2,395,250

 

714,830

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(1,204,375)

 

(2,071,750)

 

(605,636)

Payments for debt issuance costs

 

(5,269)

 

(22,426)

 

(3,332)

Proceeds from (payments for) settlement of interest rate swaps that include financing elements

 

(2,916)

 

1,180

 

190

F-7

Table of Contents

Dividends paid to Archrock stockholders

 

(88,832)

 

(78,530)

 

(58,288)

Distributions paid to noncontrolling partners in the Partnership

(11,766)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

264

Proceeds from stock issued under ESPP

 

683

 

771

 

803

Purchases of treasury stock

 

(1,804)

 

(2,007)

 

(1,759)

Contribution from Exterran Corporation

 

678

 

 

18,744

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(252,835)

 

222,488

 

54,050

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(2,588)

 

(1,925)

 

(4,926)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

3,685

 

5,610

 

10,536

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

1,097

$

3,685

$

5,610

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest paid

$

(99,797)

$

(97,451)

$

(86,758)

Income taxes refunded (paid), net

(94)

1,973

2,131

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:

Accrued capital expenditures

$

1,624

$

11,767

$

17,491

Non-cash consideration received in July 2020 Disposition

5,762

Issuance of Archrock common stock pursuant to Elite Acquisition, net of tax

225,880

Issuance of Archrock common stock pursuant to Merger, net of tax

57,421

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

F-8

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of Business

We are an energy infrastructure company with a pure-play focus on midstream natural gas compression. We are the leading provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry throughout the U.S. and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment in the U.S. We operate in two business segments: contract operations and aftermarket services. Our predominant segment, contract operations, primarily includes designing, sourcing, owning, installing, operating, servicing, repairing and maintaining our owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment to provide natural gas compression services to our customers. In our aftermarket services business, we sell parts and components and provide operations, maintenance, overhaul and reconfiguration services to customers who own compression equipment.

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our Financial Statements include Archrock and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Our Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Because of the inherent uncertainties in this process, actual future results could differ from those expected as of the reporting date. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable.

Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly-liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we are entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Sales and usage-based taxes that are collected from the customer are excluded from revenue.

Contract Operations

Natural gas compression services. Natural gas compression services are generally satisfied over time, as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by these services. Our performance obligation is a series in which the unit of service is one month, as the customer receives substantially the same benefit each month from the services regardless of the type of service activity performed, which may vary. If the transaction price is based on a fixed fee, revenue is recognized monthly on a straight-line basis over the period that we are providing services to the customer. Amounts invoiced to customers for costs associated with moving our compression assets to a customer site are also included in the transaction price and are amortized over the initial contract term. We do not consider the effects of the time value of money, as the expected time between the transfer of services and payment for such services is less than one year.

F-9

Table of Contents

Variable consideration exists if customers are billed at a lesser standby rate when a unit is not running. We recognize revenue for such variable consideration monthly, as the invoice corresponds directly to the value transferred to the customer based on our performance completed to date. The rate for standby service is lower to reflect the decrease in costs and effort required to provide standby service when a unit is not running.

Billable Maintenance Service. We also perform billable maintenance service on our natural gas compression equipment at the customer’s request on an as-needed basis. The performance obligation is satisfied and revenue is recognized at the agreed-upon transaction price at the point in time when service is complete and the customer has accepted the work performed and can obtain the remaining benefits of the service that the unit will provide.

Aftermarket Services

OTC Parts and Components Sales. For sales of OTC parts and components, the performance obligation is generally satisfied at the point in time when delivery takes place and the customer obtains control of the part or component. The transaction price is the fixed sales price for the part stated in the contract. Revenue is recognized upon delivery, as we have a present right to payment and the customer has legal title.

Maintenance, Overhaul and Reconfiguration Services. For our service activities, the performance obligation is satisfied over time, as the work performed enhances the customer-controlled asset and another entity would not have to substantially re-perform the work we completed if they were to fulfill the remaining performance obligation. The transaction price may be a fixed monthly service fee, a fixed quoted fee or entirely variable, calculated on a time and materials basis.

For service provided based on a fixed monthly fee, the performance obligation is a series in which the unit of service is one month. The customer receives substantially the same benefit each month from the service, regardless of the type of service activity performed, which may vary. As the progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation is measured based on the passage of time, revenue is recognized monthly based on the fixed fee provided for in the contract.

For service provided based on a quoted fixed fee, progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation is measured using an input method based on the actual amount of labor and material costs incurred. The amount of the transaction price recognized as revenue each reporting period is determined by multiplying the transaction price by the ratio of actual costs incurred to date to total estimated costs expected for the service. Significant judgment is involved in the estimation of the progress to completion. Any adjustments to the measure of the progress to completion is accounted for on a prospective basis. Changes to the scope of service is recognized as an adjustment to the transaction price in the period in which the change occurs.

Service provided based on time and materials are generally short-term in nature and labor rates and parts pricing is agreed upon prior to commencing the service. We apply an estimated gross margin percentage, which is fixed based on historical time and materials-based service, to actual costs incurred. We evaluate the estimated gross margin percentage at the end of each reporting period and adjust the transaction price as appropriate.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

We recognize a contract asset when we have the right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to a customer when the right is conditioned on something other than the passage of time. We recognize a contract liability when we have an obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which we have already received consideration.

F-10

Table of Contents

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Our temporary cash investments have a zero loss expectation because we maintain minimal balances in our cash investment accounts and have no history of loss. Trade accounts receivable are due from companies of varying size engaged principally in oil and natural gas activities throughout the U.S. We review the financial condition of customers prior to extending credit and generally do not obtain collateral for trade receivables. Payment terms are on a short-term basis and in accordance with industry practice. We consider this credit risk to be limited due to these companies’ financial resources, the nature of the products and services we provide and the terms of our customer agreements.

Due to the short-term nature of our trade receivables, we consider the amortized cost to be the same as the carrying amount of the receivable, excluding the allowance for credit losses. We recognize an allowance for credit losses when a receivable is recorded, even when the risk of loss is remote. We utilize an aging schedule to determine our allowance for credit losses, and measure expected credit losses on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. We rely primarily on ratings assigned by external rating agencies and credit monitoring services to assess credit risk and aggregate customers first by low, medium or high risk asset pools, and then by delinquency status. We also consider the internal risk associated with geographic location and the services we provide to the customer when determining asset pools. If a customer does not share similar risk characteristics with other customers, we evaluate the customer’s outstanding trade receivables for expected credit losses on an individual basis. Trade receivables evaluated individually are not included in our collective assessment. Each reporting period, we reassess our customers’ risk profiles and determine the appropriate asset pool classification, or perform individual assessments of expected credit losses, based on the customers’ risk characteristics at the reporting date.

The contractual life of our trade receivables is primarily 30 days based on the payment terms specified in the contract. Contract operations services are generally billed monthly at the beginning of the month in which service is being provided. Aftermarket services billings typically occur when parts are delivered or service is completed. Loss rates are separately determined for each asset pool based on the length of time a trade receivable has been outstanding. We analyze two years of internal historical loss data, including the effects of prepayments, write-offs and subsequent recoveries, to determine our historical loss experience. Our historical loss information is a relevant data point for estimating credit losses, as the data closely aligns with trade receivables due from our customers. Ratings assigned by external rating agencies and credit monitoring services consider past performance and forecasts of future economic conditions in assessing credit risk. We routinely update our historical loss data to reflect our customers’ current risk profile, to ensure the historical data and loss rates are relevant to the pool of assets for which we are estimating expected credit losses.

At December 31, 2020, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Williams Partners accounted for 14% and 10% of our trade accounts receivable balance, respectively. No customer accounted for more than 10% of our trade accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded bad debt expense of $3.5 million, $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the changes in our allowance for credit losses balance during the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2019

      

$

2,210

Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020

(216)

Provision for credit losses

3,525

Write-offs charged against allowance

(2,149)

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

3,370

Inventory

Inventory consists of parts used for maintenance of natural gas compression equipment. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the average cost method.

F-11

Table of Contents

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Compression equipment, facilities and other fleet assets

    

3 to 30 years

Buildings

20 to 35 years

Transportation and shop equipment

3 to 10 years

Computer hardware and software

3 to 5 years

Other

3 to 10 years

Major improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the major improvement, up to seven years. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangibles that are being amortized, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressors from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the period in which the impairment occurs and represent the excess of the asset carrying value over its fair value. Identifiable intangibles are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Leases

As a result of our adoption of ASC 842 Leases on January 1, 2019, we recorded an operating lease ROU asset and an operating lease liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Under previous guidance, operating leases were not recorded to the balance sheet. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and determine lease classification and recognize ROU assets and liabilities on the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the discount rate implicit in the lease is rarely readily determinable, we estimate our incremental borrowing rate using information available at commencement date in determining the present value of the lease payments. The lease term includes options to extend when we are reasonably certain to exercise the option. Short-term leases, those with an initial term of 12 months or less, are not recorded on the balance sheet. Variable costs such as our proportionate share of actual costs for utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance are not included in the lease liability and are recognized in the period in which they are incurred. Operating lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Our facility leases, of which we are the lessee, contain lease and nonlease components, which we have elected to account for as a single lease component, as the nonlease components are not significant to the total consideration of the contract and separating the nonlease component would have no effect on lease classification. As it relates to our contract operations service agreements in which we are a lessor, the services nonlease component is predominant over the compression package lease component and therefore recognition of these agreements will continue to follow the ASC 606 Revenue guidance. Under previous guidance, no separation of lease and nonlease components is required, for either lessee or lessor.

Goodwill

The goodwill acquired in connection with the Elite Acquisition represented the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. We review the carrying amount of our goodwill in the fourth quarter of every year, or whenever indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, including the applicable goodwill. We perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is impaired. If the fair value is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test to identify impairment and measure the amount of impairment loss to be recognized, if any.

F-12

Table of Contents

Our qualitative assessment includes consideration of various events and circumstances and their potential impact to a reporting unit’s fair value, including macroeconomic and industry conditions such as a deterioration in our operating environment and limitations on access to capital and other developments in the equity and credit markets, cost factors that could have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, relevant entity-specific and reporting unit-specific events and overall financial performance such as declining earnings or cash flows or a sustained decrease in share price.

The quantitative impairment test (i) allocates goodwill and our other assets and liabilities to our reporting units, contract operations and aftermarket services, (ii) calculates the fair value of the reporting units and (iii) determines the impairment loss, if any, as the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value (limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). All of the goodwill recognized in the Elite Acquisition was allocated to our contract operations reporting unit. The fair value of the contract operations reporting unit is calculated using the expected present value of future cash flows method. Significant estimates are made to determine future cash flows including future revenues, costs and capital requirements and the appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate by which to discount the estimated future cash flows.

In the first quarter of 2020, the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted our market capitalization and estimates of future revenues and cash flows, which triggered the need to perform a quantitative test of the fair value of our contract operations reporting unit as of March 31, 2020. The quantitative test determined that the carrying amount of our contract operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded a full impairment loss on goodwill in the first quarter as a result.

Internal-Use Software

Certain of our contracts have been deemed to be hosting arrangements that are service contracts, including those related to the cloud migration of our ERP system and cloud services for our new mobile workforce, telematics and inventory management tools. Certain costs incurred for the implementation of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective contract. Amortization begins for each component of the hosting arrangement when the component becomes ready for its intended use. Capitalized implementation costs are presented in other assets, the same line item in our consolidated balance sheets that a prepayment of the fees for the associated hosting arrangement would be presented. Amortization expense of the capitalized implementation costs is presented in SG&A, the same line item in our consolidated statements of operations as the expense for fees for the associated hosting arrangement.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rate on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period of the enactment date.

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. If a valuation allowance was previously recorded and we subsequently determined we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax assets’ valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting standard on income taxes under a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

F-13

Table of Contents

Hedging and Use of Derivative Instruments

We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the variable interest rate of our Credit Facility and thereby minimize the risks and costs associated with financial activities. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We record interest rate swaps on the balance sheet as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities measured at their fair value. The fair value of our derivatives is based on the income approach (discounted cash flow) using market observable inputs, including LIBOR forward curves. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged transaction affects earnings. At that time, amounts are reclassified into earnings to interest expense, the same statement of operations line item to which the earnings effect of the hedged item is recorded. Cash flows from derivatives designated as hedges are classified in our consolidated statements of cash flows under the same category as the cash flows from the underlying assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions unless the derivative contract contains a significant financing element, in which case, the cash settlements for these derivatives are classified as cash flows from financing activities.

To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, we must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of the transactions. We perform quarterly qualitative prospective and retrospective hedge effectiveness assessments unless facts and circumstances related to the hedging relationships change such that we can no longer assert qualitatively that the cash flow hedge relationships were and continue to be highly effective. If the necessary correlation ceases to exist or if the anticipated transaction is no longer probable, we would discontinue hedge accounting and apply mark-to-market accounting. Amounts paid or received from interest rate swap agreements are recorded in interest expense and matched with the cash flows and interest expense of the debt being hedged, resulting in an adjustment to the effective interest rate.

3. Recent Accounting Developments

Accounting Standards Updates Implemented

Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which changes the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, and requires entities to use a new current expected credit loss model that results in recognition of expected losses over the contractual life of an asset. We adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption resulted in a $0.2 million decrease in our allowance for credit losses and a corresponding pre-tax cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings in our consolidated balance sheet at January 1, 2020. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.

Fair Value Measurements

On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-13, which amends the required fair value measurements disclosures related to valuation techniques and inputs used, uncertainty in measurement and changes in measurements applied. These amendments resulted in new, prospective disclosures of the range and weighted average of the significant unobservable inputs used to develop our Level 3 fair value measurements related to our idle and previously-culled compressors. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2019-12, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by, among other things, removing certain exceptions related to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the year-to-date loss methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition for deferred tax liabilities on outside basis differences. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes in order to improve consistency of application. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

F-14

Table of Contents

Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Implemented

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Entities may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020. Modifications to our interest rate swap and Credit Facility agreements during the effective period of this amendment will be assessed and if the modifications meet the criteria for the optional expedients and exceptions, we intend to adopt ASU 2020-04 and apply the amendments as applicable.

4. Business Transactions

July 2020 Disposition

On July 9, 2020, we completed the sale of the turbocharger business included within our aftermarket services segment. In connection with the sale, we entered into a supply agreement to purchase a minimum amount of turbocharger goods and services over a two-year term. In addition to cash of $9.5 million received upon closing, an additional $3.0 million is due on the first anniversary of the closing date and $3.5 million will be received through the purchase of turbocharger goods and services under the supply agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we received cash of $0.7 million under the supply agreement and recognized a gain on the sale of $9.3 million in gain on sale of assets, net in our consolidated statements of operations.

March 2020 Disposition

On March 1, 2020, we completed the sale of certain contract operations customer service agreements and approximately 200 compressors, comprising approximately 35,000 horsepower, used to provide compression services under those agreements as well as other assets used to support the operations. We allocated customer-related and contract-based intangible assets and goodwill based on a ratio of the horsepower sold relative to the total horsepower of the asset group. We recognized a gain on the sale of $3.2 million in gain on sale of assets, net in our consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Elite Acquisition

On August 1, 2019, we completed the Elite Acquisition whereby we acquired from Elite Compression substantially all of its assets, including a fleet of predominantly large compressors comprising approximately 430,000 horsepower, vehicles, real property and inventory, and certain liabilities for aggregate consideration consisting of $214.0 million in cash and 21.7 million shares of common stock with an acquisition date fair value of $225.9 million. The cash portion of the acquisition was funded with borrowings on the Credit Facility.

F-15

Table of Contents

The Elite Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method, which requires, among other things, assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their fair value on the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on the estimated fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (in thousands):

Accounts receivable

    

$

9,007

Inventory

 

7,987

Other current assets

 

608

Property, plant and equipment

 

286,158

Operating lease ROU assets

 

682

Goodwill

 

100,598

Intangible assets

 

40,237

Accounts payable, trade

 

(2,079)

Accrued liabilities

 

(2,973)

Operating lease liabilities

 

(326)

Purchase price

$

439,899

Our valuation methodology and significant inputs for fair value measurements are detailed by asset class below. The fair value measurements for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore represent Level 3 measurements.

Goodwill

The goodwill resulting from the acquisition was attributable to the expansion of our services in various regions in which we currently operate and was allocated to our contract operations segment. The goodwill had an indefinite life that was to be reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment existed. All of the goodwill recorded for this acquisition is expected to be deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See Note 9 (“Goodwill”) for details on the 2020 impairment of our goodwill.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The property, plant and equipment is primarily comprised of compression equipment that will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated average remaining useful life of 15 years. The fair value of the property, plant and equipment was determined using the cost approach, whereby we estimated the replacement cost of the assets by evaluating recent purchases of similar assets or published data, and then adjusted replacement cost for physical deterioration and functional and economic obsolescence, as applicable.

Intangible Assets

The intangible assets consist of customer relationships that have an estimated useful life of 15 years. The amount of intangible assets and their associated useful life were determined based on the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. The fair value of the identifiable intangible assets was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, which is a specific application of the discounted cash flow method, an income approach, whereby we estimated and then discounted the future cash flows of the intangible asset by adjusting overall business revenue for attrition, obsolescence, cost of sales, operating expenses, taxes and the required returns attributable to other contributory assets acquired. Significant estimates made in arriving at expected future cash flows included our expected customer attrition rate and the amount of earnings attributable to the assets. To discount the estimated future cash flows, we utilized a discount rate that was at a premium to our weighted average cost of capital to reflect the less liquid nature of the customer relationships relative to the tangible assets acquired.

F-16

Table of Contents

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

Unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was derived by adjusting our historical financial statements in order to give effect to the assets and liabilities acquired in the Elite Acquisition. The Elite Acquisition is presented in this unaudited pro forma financial information as though the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2018, and reflects the following:

the acquisition of substantially all of Elite Compression’s assets, including a compression fleet of approximately 430,000 horsepower, vehicles, real property and inventory, and certain liabilities;
borrowings of $214.0 million under the Credit Facility for cash consideration exchanged in the acquisition; and
the exclusion of $7.8 million of financial advisory, legal and other professional fees incurred related to the acquisition and recorded to transaction-related costs in our consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The unaudited pro forma financial information below is presented (in thousands) for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our results of operations that would have occurred had the transaction been consummated at the beginning of the period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.

Year Ended December 31, 

2019

    

2018

Revenue

$

1,009,763

$

977,929

Net income attributable to Archrock stockholders

 

106,521

 

24,566

The results of operations attributable to the assets and liabilities acquired in the Elite Acquisition have been included in our consolidated financial statements as part of our contract operations segment since the date of acquisition. Revenue attributable to the assets acquired from the date of acquisition, August 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019 was $33.2 million. We are unable to provide earnings attributable to the assets and liabilities acquired since the date of acquisition as we do not prepare full stand-alone earnings reports for those assets and liabilities.

Harvest Sale

On August 1, 2019, we completed an asset sale in which Harvest acquired from us approximately 80,000 active and idle compression horsepower, vehicles and parts inventory for cash consideration of $30.0 million. We recorded a $6.6 million gain on this sale to gain on sale of assets, net in our consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2019. The assets were previously reported under our contract operations segment.

5. Discontinued Operations

Spin-off of Exterran Corporation

In 2015 we completed the Spin-off. In order to effect the Spin-off and govern our relationship with Exterran Corporation after the Spin-off, we entered into several agreements with Exterran Corporation, which include, but are not limited to, the separation and distribution agreement and the tax matters agreement.

The separation and distribution agreement specifies, among other things, our right to promptly receive payments from Exterran Corporation based on a notional amount corresponding to payments received by Exterran Corporation from PDVSA in respect of the sale of Exterran Corporation’s previously nationalized assets after such amounts are collected by Exterran Corporation. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2018, we received $0.7 million and $18.7 million, respectively, from Exterran Corporation pursuant to this term of the separation and distribution agreement. We entered into an assignment from Exterran Corporation in 2020 such that any future payments by PDVSA would be received directly by us.

F-17

Table of Contents

The tax matters agreement governs the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Exterran Corporation and us with respect to certain tax matters. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $7.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits (including interest and penalties) related to Exterran Corporation operations prior to the Spin-off recorded to noncurrent liabilities associated with discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheets. We had an offsetting indemnification asset of $7.9 million and $8.5 million related to these unrecognized tax benefits recorded to noncurrent assets associated with discontinued operations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents the balance sheet for our discontinued operations (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

2019

Other assets

$

7,868

$

8,508

Deferred tax assets

3,168

4,393

Total assets associated with discontinued operations

$

11,036

$

12,901

Deferred tax liabilities

$

7,868

$

8,508

Total liabilities associated with discontinued operations

$

7,868

$

8,508

The following table presents the statements of operations for our discontinued operations (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Other (income) expense, net

$

640

    

$

(1,473)

    

$

(654)

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

(640)

 

1,746

 

654

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

$

$

(273)

$

6. Inventory

Inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

    

2019

Parts and supplies

$

57,433

$

66,121

Work in progress

 

6,237

 

8,346

Inventory

$

63,670

$

74,467

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded write-downs to inventory of $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for inventory considered to be excess, obsolete or carried at an amount in excess of net realizable value.

F-18

Table of Contents

7. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

2019

Compression equipment, facilities and other fleet assets

$

3,439,432

$

3,653,930

Land and buildings

 

45,167

 

50,743

Transportation and shop equipment

 

106,868

 

116,057

Computer hardware and software

 

84,680

 

93,695

Other

 

14,457

 

15,308

Property, plant and equipment

 

3,690,604

 

3,929,733

Accumulated depreciation

 

(1,300,930)

 

(1,370,335)

Property, plant and equipment, net

$

2,389,674

$

2,559,398

Depreciation expense was $177.5 million, $172.8 million and $158.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Assets under construction of $17.6 million and $51.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were primarily included in compression equipment, facilities and other fleet assets.

8. Leases

We have operating leases and subleases for office space, temporary housing, storage and shops. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to approximately 10 years and most include options to extend the lease term, at our discretion, for an additional one to five years. We are not, however, reasonably certain that we will exercise any of the options to extend and as such, they have not been included in the remaining lease terms.

Balance sheet information related to our operating leases follows (in thousands):

December 31, 

    

Classification

    

2020

    

2019

ROU assets

 

Operating lease ROU assets

$

19,236

$

17,901

Lease liabilities

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current

 

Accrued liabilities

$

3,564

$

3,037

Noncurrent

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

16,925

 

16,094

Total lease liabilities

 

  

$

20,489

$

19,131

The components of lease cost follow (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

2019

Operating lease cost

$

4,508

$

3,966

Short-term lease cost

 

52

 

348

Variable lease cost

 

1,652

 

1,607

Total lease cost

$

6,212

$

5,921

F-19

Table of Contents

Cash flow and noncash information related to our operating leases follow (in thousands):

    

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

2019

Operating cash flows - cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities

$

5,885

$

5,420

Operating lease ROU assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities

 

4,812

 

2,247

Other supplemental information related to our operating leases follows:

      

December 31, 

    

2020

2019

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)

7.9

8.2

Weighted average discount rate

4.8

%

5.3

%

Remaining maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

2021

    

$

4,126

2022

3,288

2023

 

2,933

2024

 

2,513

2025

 

2,213

Thereafter

 

9,766

Total lease payments

 

24,839

Less: Interest

 

(4,350)

Total lease liabilities

$

20,489

9. Goodwill

Our goodwill was recognized in connection with the Elite Acquisition and represents the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. All of the goodwill was allocated to our contract operations reporting unit. We review the carrying amount of our goodwill in the fourth quarter of every year, or whenever indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the carrying amount of our contract operations reporting unit exceeds its fair value, including the goodwill. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant deterioration in global macroeconomic conditions, including a collapse in the demand for oil coupled with an oversupply of oil, which commenced substantial spending cuts by our customers and a decline in production. This global response to the pandemic significantly impacted our market capitalization and estimates of future revenues and cash flows, which triggered the need to perform a quantitative test of the fair value of our contract operations reporting unit as of March 31, 2020. The quantitative test determined that the carrying amount of our contract operations reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded a full impairment loss on goodwill in the first quarter as a result.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which have a significant impact on the fair value determined. We determine the fair value of our reporting unit using an equal weighting of both the expected present value of future cash flows and a market approach. The present value of future cash flows is estimated using our most recent forecast and the weighted average cost of capital. The market approach uses a market multiple on the earnings before interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense of comparable peer companies. Significant estimates for our reporting unit included in our impairment analysis are our cash flow forecasts, our estimate of the market’s weighted average cost of capital and market multiples.

F-20

Table of Contents

The following table presents the change in the carrying amount of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

100,598

Dispositions

(768)

Impairment loss

 

(99,830)

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

10. Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets include customer relationships and contracts associated with various business and asset acquisitions. These acquired intangible assets were recorded at fair value determined as of the acquisition date and are being amortized over the period we expect to benefit from the assets. Intangible assets, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Gross

Gross

Carrying

Accumulated

Carrying

Accumulated

    

Amount

    

Amortization

    

Amount

    

Amortization

Customer-related (10-25 year life)

$

147,169

$

(86,512)

$

147,244

$

(76,176)

Contract-based (5-7 year life)

 

37,730

 

(36,856)

 

37,773

 

(31,370)

Intangible assets

$

184,899

$

(123,368)

$

185,017

$

(107,546)

Amortization expense of these intangible assets totaled $15.6 million, $15.3 million and $16.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Estimated future intangible assets amortization expense as of December 31, 2020 was as follows (in thousands):

2021

    

$

11,372

2022

 

9,171

2023

 

7,318

2024

 

6,158

2025

 

3,947

Thereafter

 

23,565

Total

$

61,531

11. Contract Costs

We capitalize incremental costs to obtain a contract with a customer if we expect to recover those costs. Capitalized costs include commissions paid to our sales force to obtain contract operations contracts. We expense commissions paid for sales of service contracts and OTC parts and components within our aftermarket services segment, as the amortization period is less than one year. We had contract costs of $3.2 million and $4.8 million associated with sales commissions recorded in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

We capitalize costs incurred to fulfill a contract if those costs relate directly to a contract, enhance resources that we will use in satisfying performance obligations and if we expect to recover those costs. Capitalized costs incurred to fulfill our customer contracts include freight charges to transport compression assets before transferring services to the customer and mobilization activities associated with our contract operations services. Aftermarket services fulfillment costs are recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method applicable to the customer contract and do not typically result in the recognition of contract costs. We had contract costs of $26.0 million and $38.1 million associated with freight and mobilization recorded in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

F-21

Table of Contents

Contract operations obtainment and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the transfer of service to which the assets relate, which is estimated to be 38 months based on average contract term, including anticipated renewals. We assess periodically whether the 38-month estimate fairly represents the average contract term and adjust as appropriate. Contract costs associated with commissions are amortized to SG&A. Contract costs associated with freight and mobilization are amortized to cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization). During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we amortized $3.0 million, $2.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to sales commissions and $23.6 million, $20.7 million and $13.4 million, respectively, related to freight and mobilization.

12. Hosting Arrangements

In the fourth quarter of 2018 we began a process and technology transformation project that will, among other things, upgrade or replace our existing ERP, supply chain and inventory management systems and expand the remote monitoring capabilities of our compression fleet. Included in this project are hosting arrangements that are service contracts related to the cloud migration of our ERP system and cloud services for our new mobile workforce, telematics and inventory management tools.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $7.7 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of capitalized implementation costs related to our hosting arrangements that are service contracts included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Accumulated amortization was $0.3 million at December 31, 2020. We recorded $0.3 million of amortization expense to SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2020.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we impaired $1.6 million of capitalized implementation costs related to the hosting arrangements of the mobile workforce component of our project due to the termination of the agreement, which was included in long-lived and other asset impairment in our consolidated statements of operations.

13. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Accrued salaries and other benefits

$

16,332

$

19,300

Accrued income and other taxes

 

11,414

 

11,019

Accrued interest

 

22,693

 

16,462

Derivative liability - current

 

4,809

 

593

Other accrued liabilities

 

21,745

 

20,471

Accrued liabilities

$

76,993

$

67,845

F-22

Table of Contents

14. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 31, 

    

2020

2019

Credit Facility

$

393,000

$

513,000

2028 Notes

 

800,000

 

500,000

Add: Debt premium, net of amortization

14,541

 

Less: Deferred financing costs, net of amortization

 

(11,766)

 

(8,090)

 

802,775

 

491,910

2027 Notes

500,000

 

500,000

Less: Deferred financing costs, net of amortization

(6,908)

 

(7,999)

493,092

 

492,001

2022 Notes

 

 

350,000

Less: Debt discount, net of amortization

 

 

(2,046)

Less: Deferred financing costs, net of amortization

 

 

(2,316)

 

 

345,638

Long-term debt

$

1,688,867

$

1,842,549

Credit Facility

As of December 31, 2020, there were $12.4 million letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility and the applicable margin on borrowings outstanding was 2.4%. The weighted average annual interest rate on the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility, excluding the effect of interest rate swaps, was 2.7% and 4.3% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As a result of the facility’s ratio requirements (see below), $444.1 million of the $844.6 million of undrawn capacity was available for additional borrowings as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility agreement.

Amendment No. 2

On November 8, 2019, we amended the Credit Facility to, among other things:

extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility from March 30, 2022 to November 8, 2024, effective as of the execution of Amendment No. 2; and
change the applicable margin for borrowings under the Credit Facility to those discussed in “Other Facility Terms” below.

We incurred $6.4 million in transaction costs related to Amendment No. 2, which were included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized over the term of the Credit Facility.

Amendment No. 1

In February 2018, we amended the Credit Facility to, among other things:

increase the maximum Total Debt to EBITDA ratios, as defined in the Credit Facility agreement (see below for the revised ratios), effective as of the execution of Amendment No. 1 in February 2018; and
effective upon completion of the Merger in April 2018:

increase the aggregate revolving commitment from $1.1 billion to $1.25 billion;

F-23

Table of Contents

increase the amount available for the issuance of letters of credit from $25.0 million to $50.0 million; and

increase the basket sizes under certain covenants including covenants limiting our ability to make investments, incur debt, make restricted payments, incur liens and make asset dispositions.

We incurred $3.3 million in transaction costs related to Amendment No. 1, which were included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized over the term of the Credit Facility.

Other Facility Terms

Subject to certain conditions, including the approval by the lenders, we are able to increase the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility by up to an additional $250.0 million. Portions of the Credit Facility up to $50.0 million are available for the issuance of swing line loans.

The Credit Facility bears interest at a base rate or LIBOR, at our option, plus an applicable margin. Depending on our leverage ratio, the applicable margin varies (i) in the case of LIBOR loans, from 2.00% to 2.75% and (ii) in the case of base rate loans, from 1.00% to 1.75%. The base rate is the highest of (i) the prime rate announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%.

Additionally, we are required to pay commitment fees based on the daily unused amount of the Credit Facility at a rate of 0.375%. We incurred $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $2.1 million in commitment fees on the daily unused amount of our facilities during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Credit Facility borrowing base consists of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and compressors, the largest of which is compressors. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our personal property assets and our Significant Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement), including all of the membership interests of our Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Facility agreement).

The Credit Facility agreement contains various covenants including, but not limited to, restrictions on the use of proceeds from borrowings and limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain investments and acquisitions, make loans, grant liens, repurchase equity and pay distributions. The Credit Facility agreement also contains various covenants requiring mandatory prepayments from the net cash proceeds of certain asset transfers.

As of December 31, 2020, the following consolidated financial ratios, as defined in our Credit Facility agreement, were required:

EBITDA to Interest Expense

    

2.5 to 1.0

Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA

 

3.5 to 1.0

Total Debt to EBITDA

 

  

January 1 through June 30, 2020

 

5.50 to 1.0

Thereafter (1)

 

5.25 to 1.0

(1)Subject to a temporary increase to 5.50 to 1.0 for any quarter during which an acquisition satisfying certain thresholds is completed and for the two quarters immediately following such quarter.

Former Credit Facility

In April 2018, in connection with the Merger, the Former Credit Facility was terminated. Upon termination, we repaid $63.2 million in borrowings and accrued and unpaid interest and fees outstanding. All commitments under the Former Credit Facility were terminated and the $15.4 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Former Credit Facility were converted to letters of credit under the Credit Facility. As a result of the termination, we recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $2.5 million. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Former Credit Facility through its closing.

F-24

Table of Contents

2028 Notes and 2027 Notes

On December 17, 2020, we completed a private offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes due April 2028, which were issued pursuant to the indenture under which we completed a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior notes in December 2019. The notes of the two offerings have identical terms and are treated as a single class of securities. The $300.0 million of notes were issued at 104.875% of their face value and have an effective interest rate of 5.6%. We received net proceeds of $309.9 million, after deducting issuance costs of $4.7 million, from our December 2020 offering and net proceeds of $491.8 million, after deducting issuance costs of $8.2 million, from our December 2019 offering.

In March 2019, we completed a private offering of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior notes due April 2027 and received net proceeds of $491.2 million after deducting issuance costs of $8.8 million.

The net proceeds from the 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility. Issuance costs related to the 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes are considered deferred financing costs, and together with the issue premium of the December 2020 offering of 2028 Notes, are recorded within long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized to interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the terms of the notes.

The 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by us and all of our existing subsidiaries, other than Archrock Partners, L.P. and APLP Finance Corp., which are co-issuers of both offerings, and certain of our future subsidiaries. The 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes and the guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness.

The 2027 Notes and 2028 Notes may be redeemed at any time, in whole or in part, at specified redemption prices and make-whole premiums, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

2022 Notes

On April 1, 2020, the 2022 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their $350.0 million aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest of $10.5 million with borrowings under the Credit Facility. A debt extinguishment loss of $4.0 million related to the redemption was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020.

2021 Notes

In April 2019, the 2021 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their $350.0 million aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest of $0.2 million with borrowings under the Credit Facility. We recorded a debt extinguishment loss of $3.7 million related to the redemption during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Long-Term Debt Maturity

Contractual maturities of long-term debt over the next five years, excluding interest to be accrued, at December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

2021

    

$

2022

 

2023

 

2024

 

393,000

2025

 

Long-term debt maturities through 2025

$

393,000

F-25

Table of Contents

15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of comprehensive income (loss) are net income (loss) and all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from transactions with owners. Our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes in the fair value of our interest rate swap derivative instruments, net of tax, which are designated as cash flow hedges, amortization of terminated interest rate swaps and adjustments related to changes in our ownership of the Partnership as the result of the Merger.

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of our derivative cash flow hedges, net of tax and excluding noncontrolling interest (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(1,387)

$

5,773

$

1,197

Loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax provision (benefit) of $(1,776), $(1,425) and $169, respectively

 

(6,683)

 

(5,360)

 

(659)

(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(814), $478 and $185, respectively (1)

 

3,064

 

(1,800)

 

(435)

Merger-related adjustments (2)

5,670

Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Archrock stockholders

 

(3,619)

 

(7,160)

 

4,576

Ending accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(5,006)

$

(1,387)

$

5,773

(1)Included stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of $0.3 million reclassified to accumulated deficit during the year ended December 31, 2018.
(2)Pursuant to the Merger, we reclassified a gain of $5.7 million from noncontrolling interest to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the fair value of our derivative instruments that was previously attributed to public ownership of the Partnership.

See Note 22 (“Derivatives”) for further details on our interest rate swap derivative instruments.

16. Equity

Elite Acquisition

In August 2019, we completed the Elite Acquisition. A portion of the acquisition’s purchase price was funded through the issuance of 21.7 million shares of common stock with an acquisition date fair value of $225.9 million, which was recorded to common stock and additional paid-in capital in our consolidated statements of equity. See Note 4 (“Business Transactions”) for further details of this acquisition.

Merger Transaction

In April 2018, we completed the Merger and issued 57.6 million shares of our common stock to acquire the 41.2 million common units of the Partnership not owned by us prior to the Merger at a fixed exchange ratio of 1.40 shares of our common stock for each Partnership common unit for total implied consideration of $625.3 million. Additionally, the incentive distribution rights in the Partnership, all of which we owned prior to the Merger, were canceled and ceased to exist. As a result of the Merger, the Partnership’s common units are no longer publicly traded.

As we controlled the Partnership prior to the Merger and continue to control the Partnership after the Merger, we accounted for the change in our ownership interest in the Partnership as an equity transaction in the second quarter of 2018. No gain or loss was recognized in our consolidated statements of operations as a result of the Merger.

F-26

Table of Contents

Prior to the Merger, public unitholders held a 57% ownership interest in the Partnership and we owned the remaining 43% equity interest. The equity interests in the Partnership that were owned by the public prior to the Merger are reflected in noncontrolling interest in our consolidated statements of equity. The earnings of the Partnership that were attributed to its common units held by the public prior to the Merger are reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in our consolidated statements of operations.

The tax effects of the Merger were reported as adjustments to other assets, noncurrent assets associated with discontinued operations, deferred tax liabilities, additional paid-in capital and other comprehensive income. The change in ownership and tax step up from the consideration given in the Merger caused us to record a $156.0 million deferred tax asset, which resulted in an overall $52.2 million net deferred tax asset. We evaluated the realizability of our resulting net deferred tax asset position by assessing the available positive and negative evidence and concluded, based on the weight of the evidence, that a $50.8 million valuation allowance was required. The $105.2 million net tax impact of the change in deferred tax assets and the valuation allowance was recorded as an offsetting increase to additional paid-in capital.

We incurred $0.5 million and $10.2 million of transaction costs directly attributable to the Merger during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, including financial advisory, legal service and other professional fees, which were recorded to transaction-related costs in our consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the effects of changes in our ownership interest in the Partnership on the equity attributable to Archrock stockholders during the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

Year Ended

    

December 31, 2018

Net income attributable to Archrock stockholders

$

21,063

Increase in Archrock stockholders’ additional paid-in capital for change in ownership of Partnership common units

 

56,845

Increase from net income attributable to Archrock stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interest

$

77,908

Cash Dividends

The following table summarizes our dividends declared and paid in each of the quarterly periods of 2020, 2019 and 2018:

    

Declared Dividends

    

Dividends Paid

    

per Common Share

    

(in thousands)

2020

 

  

 

  

Q1

$

0.145

$

22,171

Q2

0.145

22,176

Q3

0.145

22,308

Q4

0.145

22,177

2019

 

  

 

  

Q1

$

0.132

$

17,231

Q2

 

0.132

 

17,206

Q3

 

0.145

 

22,062

Q4

 

0.145

 

22,031

2018

 

  

 

  

Q1

$

0.120

$

8,532

Q2

 

0.120

 

15,486

Q3

 

0.132

 

17,114

Q4

 

0.132

 

17,156

F-27

Table of Contents

On January 27, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.145 per share of common stock, or approximately $22.2 million, that was paid on February 16, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 8, 2021.

17. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Contract operations (1):

  

  

  

0 - 1,000 horsepower per unit

$

224,702

$

259,985

$

241,810

1,001 - 1,500 horsepower per unit

 

305,185

 

316,082

 

276,775

Over 1,500 horsepower per unit

 

206,749

 

191,510

 

149,783

Other (2)

 

2,282

 

3,962

 

4,168

Total contract operations (3)

 

738,918

 

771,539

 

672,536

Aftermarket services (1):

 

  

 

  

 

  

Services (4)

 

79,012

 

122,076

 

142,476

OTC parts and components sales

 

57,040

 

71,870

 

89,429

Total aftermarket services (5)

 

136,052

 

193,946

 

231,905

Total revenue

$

874,970

$

965,485

$

904,441

(1)We operate in two segments: contract operations and aftermarket services. See Note 28 (“Segments”) for further details regarding our segments.
(2)Primarily relates to fees associated with owned non-compression equipment.
(3)Includes $5.6 million, $7.9 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to billable maintenance on owned compressors that was recognized at a point in time. All other contract operations revenue is recognized over time.
(4)Includes a reversal of $0.9 million of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019 related to changes in estimates of performance obligations partially satisfied in prior periods.
(5)All service revenue within aftermarket services is recognized over time. All OTC parts and components sales revenue is recognized at a point in time.

Performance Obligations

As of December 31, 2020, we had $350.0 million of remaining performance obligations related to our contract operations segment. Our remaining performance obligations will be recognized through 2025 as follows (in thousands):

    

2021

    

2022

    

2023

    

2024

    

2025

    

Total

Remaining performance obligations

$

252,807

$

82,366

$

13,216

$

1,436

$

168

$

349,993

We do not disclose the aggregate transaction price for the remaining performance obligations for aftermarket services as there are no contracts with customers with an original contract term that is greater than one year.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our receivables from contracts with customers, net of allowance for credit losses, were $95.6 million and $139.4 million, respectively.

F-28

Table of Contents

Freight billings to customers for the transport of compression assets, customer-specified modifications of compression assets and milestone billings on aftermarket services often result in a contract liability. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our contract liabilities were $4.6 million and $11.4 million, respectively, which were included in deferred revenue and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The decrease in the contract liability balance during the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to $19.5 million recognized as revenue during the period, partially offset by revenue deferral of $12.7 million, each primarily related to freight billings and milestone billings on aftermarket services.

18. Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment

We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangibles that are being amortized, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressors from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

In the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the impairment of our contract operations reporting unit’s goodwill was an indicator of potential impairment of the carrying amount of our long-lived assets, including our compressor fleet and associated customer and contract-based intangible assets. Accordingly, we performed a quantitative impairment test of our long-lived assets, by which we determined that they were not also impaired. No similar impairment has been indicated subsequent to the first quarter.

Compression Fleet

We periodically review the future deployment of our idle compression assets for units that are not of the type, configuration, condition, make or model that are cost efficient to maintain and operate. Based on these reviews, we determine that certain idle compressors should be retired from the active fleet. The retirement of these units from the active fleet triggers a review of these assets for impairment and as a result of our review, we may record an asset impairment to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value. The fair value of each unit is estimated based on the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold, a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use.

In connection with our review of our idle compression assets, we evaluate for impairment idle units that were culled from our fleet in prior years and are available for sale. Based on that review, we may reduce the expected proceeds from disposition and record additional impairment to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value.

The following table presents the results of our compression fleet impairment review as recorded to our contract operations segment (dollars in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Idle compressors retired from the active fleet

730

 

975

 

310

Horsepower of idle compressors retired from the active fleet

 

261,000

 

170,000

 

115,000

Impairment recorded on idle compressors retired from the active fleet

$

77,590

$

44,663

$

28,127

Other Impairment

During the year ended December 31, 2020, $1.7 million of capitalized implementation and unamortized prepaid costs related to the mobile workforce component of our multi-year process and technology transformation project was impaired. See Note 12 (“Hosting Arrangements”) for further details.

F-29

Table of Contents

19. Restructuring Charges

During the first quarter of 2020, we completed restructuring activities to further streamline our organization and more fully align our teams to improve our customer service and profitability. We incurred severance costs during the first quarter related to these activities. No additional costs will be incurred related to these restructuring activities.

In response to the decreased activity level of our customers that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in the second quarter of 2020, we have incurred severance costs to right-size our business. We are not currently able to estimate the total amount of restructuring costs to be incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the magnitude and duration of the pandemic and its impact on our operations remain difficult to predict.

During the third quarter of 2020, a plan to dispose of certain non-core properties was approved by management. We are not currently able to estimate the total amount of restructuring costs to be incurred as a result of our property disposals, as the timing of the disposals and magnitude of the financial impact of their ultimate disposition remain difficult to predict.

The severance and property disposal costs incurred under the above restructuring plans were recorded to restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the changes to our accrued liability balance related to restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

Organizational

Pandemic

Property

Restructuring

Restructuring

Restructuring

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

    

$

    

$

    

$

    

$

Charges incurred (1)

 

1,695

 

5,257

 

1,498

 

8,450

Non-cash expense (2)

(61)

 

(101)

 

(1,498)

(1,660)

Payments

(1,634)

(4,955)

(6,589)

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

$

201

$

$

201

(1)Includes a loss on sale of $0.9 million and an impairment loss of $0.6 million related to the property restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2020.
(2)Represents accelerated vesting of stock awards related to the organizational and pandemic restructuring activities and the loss on sale and impairment loss related to the property restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2020.

The following table presents, by segment, restructuring charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

    

Contract

Aftermarket

Operations

Services

Other (1)

Total

Organizational restructuring

$

458

$

625

$

612

$

1,695

Pandemic restructuring

2,505

1,218

1,534

5,257

Property restructuring

Loss on sale

915

915

Impairment loss

583

583

Total property restructuring

1,498

1,498

Total restructuring charges

$

2,963

$

1,843

$

3,644

$

8,450

(1)Represents expense incurred within our corporate function and not directly attributable to our segments.

F-30

Table of Contents

The following table presents, by cost type, restructuring charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

Year Ended

December 31, 2020

Severance costs

Organizational restructuring

$

1,695

Pandemic restructuring

5,257

Total severance costs

6,952

Property restructuring

Loss on sale

915

Impairment loss

583

Total property restructuring

 

1,498

Total restructuring charges

$

8,450

20. Income Taxes

Current and Deferred Tax Provision

Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Current tax provision (benefit):

U.S. federal

$

(99)

$

75

$

State

 

326

 

377

 

912

Total current

227

452

912

Deferred tax provision (benefit):

  

  

  

U.S. federal

(17,246)

(35,597)

6,197

State

 

(518)

 

(4,000)

 

(959)

Total deferred

(17,764)

(39,597)

5,238

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

$

(17,537)

$

(39,145)

$

6,150

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 resulted in effective tax rates on continuing operations of 20.4%, (67.0)% and 17.4%, respectively. The following table reconciles these effective tax rates to the U.S. statutory rate of 21%, the rate in effect during 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Income taxes at U.S. federal statutory rate

    

$

(18,056)

    

$

12,276

    

$

7,415

Net state income taxes

 

(817)

 

1,634

 

1,570

Tax credits

 

(1,256)

 

(1,757)

 

(244)

Noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

(1,793)

Unrecognized tax benefits (1)

 

772

 

(1,958)

 

(1,443)

Valuation allowances and write off of tax attributes (2)

 

236

 

(50,219)

 

(58)

Executive compensation limitation

 

1,159

 

1,102

 

977

Stock

 

538

 

66

 

(455)

Other

 

(113)

 

(289)

 

181

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

$

(17,537)

$

(39,145)

$

6,150

(1)Reflects a decrease in our uncertain tax benefit, net of federal benefit, due to settlements of tax audits and expiration of statute of limitations in 2019 and 2018.
(2)See “Tax Attributes and Valuation Allowances” below for further details.

F-31

Table of Contents

Deferred income tax balances are the direct effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

2019

Deferred tax assets:

    

  

    

  

Net operating loss carryforwards

$

158,916

$

116,378

Accrued liabilities

 

3,133

 

3,486

Other

 

12,124

 

12,479

 

174,173

 

132,343

Valuation allowances (1)

 

(1,027)

 

(822)

Total deferred tax assets

173,146

131,521

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Property, plant and equipment

(6,066)

(6,440)

Basis difference in the Partnership

 

(103,721)

 

(81,645)

Other

 

(7,150)

 

(8,083)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(116,937)

 

(96,168)

Net deferred tax asset (2)

$

56,209

$

35,353

(1)See “Tax Attributes and Valuation Allowances” below for further details.
(2)The 2020 and 2019 net deferred tax asset are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets as deferred tax assets of $56.9 million and $36.6 million, respectively, and deferred tax liabilities of $0.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Both the 2020 and 2019 balances are based on a U.S. federal tax rate of 21%.

Tax Attributes and Valuation Allowances

Pursuant to Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, utilization of loss and credit carryforwards are subject to annual limitations due to any ownership changes of 5% stockholders. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, results from transactions increasing the ownership of certain stockholders or public groups in the stock of a corporation by more than 50% over a rolling three-year period. In 2018, the common stock we issued in the Merger caused a new ownership change to occur for Archrock. The limitations from this ownership change may cause us to pay U.S. federal income taxes earlier; however, we do not currently expect that any loss carryforwards or credit carryforwards will expire as a result of any 382 or 383 limitations. Our ability to utilize loss carryforwards and credit carryforwards against future U.S. federal taxable income and future U.S. federal income tax may be limited in the future if we have another 50% or more ownership change in our 5% stockholders.

We record valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions in the future. If we do not meet our expectations with respect to taxable income, we may not realize the full benefit from our deferred tax assets, which would require us to record a valuation allowance in our tax provision in future years. As of each reporting date, we consider new evidence to evaluate the realizability of our net deferred tax asset position by assessing the available positive and negative evidence. Changes to the valuation allowance are reflected in the statement of operations.

F-32

Table of Contents

In 2018, the change in ownership and tax step up from the consideration given in the Merger caused us to record a $156.0 million deferred tax asset, which resulted in an overall $52.2 million net deferred tax asset, of which $46.6 million and $5.6 million related to continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, we had incurred a three-year cumulative book loss, which outweighed the positive evidence of projected future taxable income. Based on the weight of the evidence, we concluded that a $50.8 million valuation allowance was required, of which $45.2 million and $5.6 million were recorded to continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively. The tax impact from the Merger was accounted for as an equity transaction; therefore, the valuation allowance was recorded as a decrease to additional paid-in capital.

As of December 31, 2019, we achieved a three-year cumulative book income, and together with other positive and negative evidence, we concluded that there is sufficient positive evidence of projected future taxable income to release the $50.8 million valuation allowance previously required for our overall net deferred tax asset position. This release was offset by a $0.6 million increase in the valuation allowance on our state NOL deferred tax asset. The overall impact of the change in the valuation allowance was recorded as a $50.2 million benefit from income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and a $50.2 million increase in deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets, of which $44.6 million and $5.6 million were recorded to continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively.

The amount of our deferred tax assets considered realizable could be adjusted if projections of future taxable income are reduced or objective negative evidence in the form of a three-year cumulative loss is present or both. Should we no longer have a level of sustained profitability, excluding nonrecurring charges, we will have to rely more on our future projections of taxable income to determine if we have an adequate source of taxable income for the realization of our deferred tax assets, namely NOL carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. This may result in the need to record a valuation allowance against all or a portion of our deferred tax assets.

At December 31, 2020, we had U.S. federal and state NOL carryforwards of $696.3 million and $257.6 million, respectively, included in our NOL deferred tax asset that are available to offset future taxable income. If not used, the federal and state NOL carryforwards will begin to expire in 2025 and 2021, respectively, though $457.3 million of the U.S. federal and $88.3 million of the state NOL carryforwards have no expiration date. In connection with the state NOL deferred tax asset, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1.0 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, we had U.S. federal and state tax credit carryforwards of $2.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. If not used, the federal and state tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2037 and 2040, respectively.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefit (including discontinued operations) activity is shown below (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Beginning balance

    

$

18,453

    

$

19,560

    

$

21,400

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

 

2,397

 

2,227

 

1,893

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years

 

 

2,047

 

450

Reductions based on settlement refunds from government authorities

 

 

(4,414)

 

(3,461)

Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years

 

(73)

 

(51)

 

(20)

Reductions based on lapse of statute of limitations

 

(1,885)

 

(916)

 

(702)

Ending balance

$

18,892

$

18,453

$

19,560

F-33

Table of Contents

We had $18.9 million, $18.5 million and $19.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, of which $2.9 million, $3.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively, would affect the effective tax rate if recognized and $7.9 million, $8.3 million and $6.9 million, respectively, would be reflected in income from discontinued operations, net of tax if recognized.

We recorded $2.1 million, $2.1 million and $2.2 million of potential interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions (including discontinued operations) in our consolidated balance sheets as of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as reductions in income tax expense. During each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded releases of potential interest expense and penalties of $0.1 million and in the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded $0.7 million of potential interest expense and penalties in our consolidated statements of operations.

Subject to the provisions of our tax matters agreement with Exterran Corporation, both parties agreed to indemnify the primary obligor of any return for tax periods beginning before and ending before or after the Spin-off (including any ongoing or future amendments and audits for these returns) for the portion of the tax liability (including interest and penalties) that relates to their respective operations reported in the filing. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded an indemnification asset (including penalties and interest) of $7.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits in our consolidated balance sheets.

We and our subsidiaries file consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in numerous state jurisdictions. U.S. federal income tax returns are generally subject to examination for up to three years after filing the returns. Due to our NOL carryforwards, our U.S. federal income tax returns can be examined back to the inception of our NOL carryforwards; therefore, expanding our examination period beyond 20 years. In 2020, the IRS completed their examination of our 2014 and 2015 tax years. Due to this audit being related to tax periods that commenced prior to the Spin-off, Exterran Corporation was also involved in the audit. The tax adjustments recorded from this audit did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after filing the returns. However, the state impact of any U.S. federal audit adjustments and amendments remains subject to examination by various states for up to one year after formal notification to the states. We are currently involved in two state audits. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we settled certain state audits, which resulted in refunds of $2.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and reductions in previously-accrued uncertain tax benefits of $4.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, we did not have any state audits underway that we believe would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2020, we believe it is reasonably possible that $2.7 million of our unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties, interest and discontinued operations, will be reduced prior to December 31, 2021 due to the settlement of audits or the expiration of statutes of limitations or both. However, due to the uncertain and complex application of the tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters may result in liabilities that could materially differ from this estimate.

CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, which includes, among other things, refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer-side social security payments, NOL carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act provisions did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Future regulatory guidance under the CARES Act or additional legislation enacted by Congress in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic could impact our tax provision in future periods.

F-34

Table of Contents

21. Earnings per Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders is computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income (loss) per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders is determined by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders, after deducting amounts allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Participating securities include unvested restricted stock and stock-settled restricted stock units that have nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid. During periods of net loss, only distributed earnings (dividends) are allocated to participating securities, as they do not have a contractual obligation to participate in our undistributed losses.

Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental common stock equivalents attributed to outstanding options, performance-based restricted stock units and stock to be issued pursuant to our ESPP unless their effect would be anti-dilutive.

The following table shows the calculation for net income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders, which is used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Archrock stockholders

$

(68,445)

$

97,603

$

21,063

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(273)

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Archrock stockholders

 

(68,445)

 

97,330

 

21,063

Less: Earnings attributable to participating securities

 

(1,338)

 

(1,348)

 

(815)

Net income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders

$

(69,783)

$

95,982

$

20,248

The following table shows the potential shares of common stock that were included in computing diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Weighted average common shares outstanding including participating securities

152,827

139,317

110,843

Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding

(1,999)

 

(1,825)

 

(1,538)

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in basic net income (loss) per common share

 

150,828

 

137,492

 

109,305

Net dilutive potential common shares issuable:

 

  

 

  

 

  

On exercise of options and vesting of performance-based restricted stock units

 

 

34

 

111

On settlement of ESPP shares

 

 

2

 

5

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

150,828

 

137,528

 

109,421

F-35

Table of Contents

The following table shows the potential shares of common stock issuable that were excluded from computing diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to Archrock common stockholders as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

On exercise of options where exercise price is greater than average market value for the period

96

 

154

 

195

On exercise of options and vesting of performance-based restricted stock units

54

On settlement of ESPP shares

17

Net dilutive potential common shares issuable

167

154

195

22. Derivatives

We are exposed to market risks associated with changes in the variable interest rate of our Credit Facility. We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in this variable interest rate and thereby minimize the risks and costs associated with financial activities. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

As of December 31, 2020, we had $300.0 million notional value of interest rate swaps outstanding, which expire in March 2022 and were entered into to offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the associated variable interest rates. We have designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedging instruments. The counterparties to our derivative agreements are major financial institutions. We monitor the credit quality of these financial institutions and do not expect nonperformance by any counterparty, although such nonperformance could have a material adverse effect on us. We have no collateral posted for our derivative instruments.

We expect the hedging relationship to be highly effective as the interest rate swap terms substantially coincide with the hedged item and are expected to offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the variable rate. We estimate that $4.8 million of the deferred pre-tax loss attributable to interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2020 will be reclassified into earnings as interest expense at then-current values during the next 12 months as the underlying hedged transactions occur.

As of December 31, 2020, the weighted average effective fixed interest rate on our interest rate swaps was 1.8%.

The following table presents the effect of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments on our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

2019

Other current assets

$

$

12

Total derivative assets

$

$

12

Accrued liabilities

$

4,810

$

593

Other liabilities

 

1,527

 

1,175

Total derivative liabilities

$

6,337

$

1,768

F-36

Table of Contents

The following table presents the effect of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments on our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Pre-tax gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(8,459)

$

(6,785)

$

3,512

Pre-tax gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense

 

(3,878)

 

2,278

 

617

Total amount of interest expense in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded

105,716

104,681

93,328

See Note 2 (“Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies”), Note 15 (“Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)”) and Note 23 (“Fair Value Measurements”) for further details on our derivative instruments.

23. Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following three categories:

Level 1 — Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets to which we have access at the date of measurement.
Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 inputs are those in markets for which there are few transactions, the prices are not current, little public information exists or prices vary substantially over time or among brokered market makers.
Level 3 — Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are those inputs that reflect our own assumptions regarding how market participants would price the asset or liability based on the best available information.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

On a quarterly basis, our interest rate swap derivative instruments are valued based on the income approach (discounted cash flow) using market observable inputs, including LIBOR forward curves. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 2. The following table presents our derivative asset and liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis, with pricing levels as of the date of valuation (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

2019

Derivative asset

$

$

12

Derivative liability

 

6,337

 

1,768

F-37

Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Goodwill

In the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the significant deterioration in global macroeconomic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was an indicator of potential impairment of our goodwill, and we performed a quantitative impairment test as of March 31, 2020 that resulted in a $99.8 million impairment of our goodwill. Significant estimates used in our impairment analysis included cash flow forecasts, our estimate of the market’s weighted average cost of capital and market multiples, which are Level 3 inputs. See Note 9 (“Goodwill”) for further details of the valuation methodology used in connection with the goodwill impairment.

Properties

During the third quarter of 2020, a plan to dispose of certain non-core properties was approved by management. The properties not sold at auction were impaired and written down to fair value. The commercial real estate market where these properties are located is not an active market. Our estimate of fair value included inputs from offers received as well as market transactions for similar properties, which are Level 3 inputs. The fair value of our impaired properties was as follows (in thousands):

    

December 31, 2020

Impaired properties

$

430

The significant unobservable inputs used to develop the Level 3 fair value measurements for the properties were the estimated sale values in an inactive market. In reviewing sales trends for the past three years, the probable pricing information based on market comparisons was as follows (in thousands):

    

Range

    

Weighted Average

Estimated sale proceeds

$100 - $600

$427

See Note 19 (“Restructuring Charges”) for further details of our approved plan of disposal.

Compressors

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded nonrecurring fair value measurements related to our idle and previously-culled compressors. Our estimate of the compressors’ fair value was primarily based on the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold and/or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use. We discounted the expected proceeds, net of selling and other carrying costs, using a weighted average disposal period of four years. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 3. The fair value of our compressors impaired during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Impaired compressors

$

19,046

$

5,859

The significant unobservable inputs used to develop the above fair value measurements were weighted by the relative fair value of the compressors being measured. Additional quantitative information related to our significant unobservable inputs as of December 31, 2020 follows:

    

Range

    

Weighted Average (1)

Estimated net sale proceeds

$0 - $289 per horsepower

$20 per horsepower

(1)Calculated based on an estimated discount for market liquidity of 81%.

F-38

Table of Contents

See Note 18 (“Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment”) for further details.

Other Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of our cash, receivables and payables approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments.

The carrying amount of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility approximates fair value due to its variable interest rate. The fair value of these outstanding borrowings is a Level 3 measurement.

The fair value of our fixed rate debt is estimated using yields observable in active markets, which are Level 2 inputs, and was as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 

2020

2019

Carrying amount of fixed rate debt (1)

$

1,295,867

$

1,329,549

Fair value of fixed rate debt

 

1,371,000

 

1,400,000

(1) Carrying amounts are shown net of unamortized debt discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs. See Note 14 (“Long-Term Debt”).

24. Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock units, performance units, phantom units and our ESPP. We account for forfeitures as they occur.

Stock-based compensation expense consisted of the following (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Equity awards

$

10,551

$

8,105

$

7,388

Liability awards

 

1,521

 

2,336

 

1,096

Total stock-based compensation expense

$

12,072

$

10,441

$

8,484

Stock Incentive Plans

The 2020 Plan was adopted in April 2020 and provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, other stock-based awards and dividend equivalent rights to employees, directors and consultants of Archrock. The 2020 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors. Under the 2020 Plan, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance is 8,500,000. Each stock-settled award granted under the 2020 Plan reduces the number of shares available for issuance by one share. Cash-settled awards are not counted against the aggregate share limit. Shares subject to awards granted under the 2020 Plan that are subsequently canceled, terminated, settled in cash or forfeited, excluding shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations or to pay the exercise price of an option, are available for future grant under the 2020 Plan. No additional grants may be made under the 2013 Plan following the adoption of the 2020 Plan. Previous grants made under the 2013 Plan continue to be governed by that plan and the applicable award agreements.

The 2020 Plan and 2013 Plan allow us to withhold shares upon vesting of restricted stock at the then-current market price to cover taxes required to be withheld on the vesting date. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we withheld 236,752 shares valued at $1.8 million, 212,080 shares valued at $2.0 million and 167,382 shares valued at $1.8 million, respectively, to cover tax withholding.

F-39

Table of Contents

The compensation committee of our Board of Directors generally establishes its schedule for making annual long-term incentive awards, consisting of a combination of restricted shares and performance units vesting over multiple years, several months in advance and does not make such awards based on knowledge of material nonpublic information. Although the compensation committee of our Board of Directors has historically granted awards on a regular, predictable cycle, such awards may be granted at other times during the year, as determined in the sole discretion of the compensation committee.

Stock Options

Stock options are granted at fair market value at the grant date, are exercisable according to the vesting schedule established by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and expire no later than seven years after the grant date. Stock options generally vest one-third per year on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we did not grant any stock options. Stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:

Weighted

Weighted

Aggregate

Stock

Average

Average

Intrinsic

Options

Exercise Price

Remaining Life

Value

    

(in thousands)

    

per Share

    

    (in years)

    

(in thousands)

Options outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2019

 

154

$

19.40

Canceled

 

(90)

 

15.32

Options outstanding and exercisable, December 31, 2020

 

64

25.18

0.2

$

Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of our stock and the exercise price of each stock option multiplied by the number of stock options outstanding for those stock options where the market value exceeds their exercise price. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $0.8 million. There were no stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020 expire in March 2021.

Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units, Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units and Cash-Settled Performance Units

For grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units, we recognize compensation expense over the vesting period equal to the fair value of our common stock at the grant date. Our restricted stock and restricted stock units include rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. We periodically remeasure the fair value of cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled performance units and record a cumulative adjustment of the expense previously recognized. Our obligation related to the cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled performance units is reflected as a liability in our consolidated balance sheets. Restricted stock, restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled performance units generally vest one-third per year on dates as specified in the applicable award agreement, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date.

We also grant performance-based restricted stock units, which in addition to service conditions, have a market-based condition, which determines the number of restricted stock units and dividend equivalents earned. The market condition is based on our total shareholder return ranked against that of a predetermined peer group over a three-year performance period. The awards vest in their entirety on a date specified in the award agreement in the year following the conclusion of the performance period. The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units, incorporating the market condition, is estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Expected volatilities for us and each peer company utilized in the model are estimated using a historical period consistent with the awards’ remaining performance period as of the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities for a term consistent with the remaining performance period. The dividend yield used is 0.0% to approximate accumulation of earnings.

F-40

Table of Contents

The following table presents the inputs used and the grant date fair value calculated in the Monte Carlo simulation model for the performance-based restricted stock units awarded during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

2019

2018

Remaining performance period as of grant date (in years)

    

2.9

    

2.9

    

2.8

    

Risk-free interest rate used

 

1.4

%  

2.6

%  

2.4

%  

Grant-date fair value

$

11.33

$

12.91

$

13.46

The following table presents restricted stock, restricted stock unit, performance-based restricted stock unit, cash-settled restricted stock unit and cash-settled performance unit activity during the year ended December 31, 2020:

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

    

Shares

    

Per Share

Non-vested awards, December 31, 2019

 

2,022

$

10.25

Granted (1)

 

1,467

 

9.37

Vested (2)

 

(933)

 

10.39

Canceled

 

(110)

 

9.78

Non-vested awards, December 31, 2020 (3)

 

2,446

 

9.69

(1)The weighted average grant date fair value of shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $9.37, $10.01 and $9.66, respectively.
(2)The total fair value of all awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $7.1 million, $9.0 million and $8.2 million, respectively.
(3)Non-vested awards as of December 31, 2020 were comprised of 454,000 cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled performance units and 1,992,000 restricted stock, stock-settled restricted stock units and stock-settled performance-based restricted stock units.

As of December 31, 2020, we expect $13.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock, stock-settled restricted stock units, performance units, cash-settled restricted stock units and cash-settled performance units to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.7 years. Cash paid upon vesting of cash-settled restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $0.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Adopted in 2017, our ESPP provides employees with an opportunity to participate in our long-term performance and success through the purchase of shares of common stock at a price that may be less than fair market value. Each quarter, eligible employees may elect to withhold a portion of their salary up to the lesser of $25,000 per year or 10% of their eligible pay to purchase shares of our common stock at a price equal to 85% to 100% of the fair market value of the stock as defined by the plan. The ESPP will terminate on the date that all shares of common stock authorized for sale under the ESPP have been purchased, unless it is extended. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for purchase under the ESPP is 1,000,000. As of December 31, 2020, 611,707 shares remained available for purchase under the ESPP. Our ESPP is compensatory and, as a result, we record an expense in our consolidated statements of operations related to the ESPP. The purchase discount under the ESPP is 5% of the fair market value of our common stock on the first trading day of the quarter or the last trading day of the quarter, whichever is lower.

F-41

Table of Contents

Directors’ Stock and Deferral Plan

Adopted in 2007, our DSDP provides non-employee members of the Board of Directors with an opportunity to elect to receive our common stock as payment for a portion or all of their retainer. The number of shares paid each quarter is determined by dividing the dollar amount of fees elected to be paid in common stock by the closing sales price per share of the common stock on the last day of the quarter. In addition, directors who elect to receive a portion or all of their fees in the form of common stock may also elect to defer, until a later date, the receipt of a portion or all of their fees to be received in common stock. We have reserved 100,000 shares under the DSDP and, as of December 31, 2020, 37,771 shares remained available to be issued under the plan.

25. Retirement Benefit Plan

Our 401(k) retirement plan provides for optional employee contributions up to the applicable Internal Revenue Service annual limit and discretionary employer matching contributions. We make discretionary matching contributions to each participant’s account at a rate of 100% of each participant’s contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. We recorded matching contributions of $5.6 million, $6.8 million and $6.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

26. Commitments and Contingencies

Performance Bonds

In the normal course of business we have issued performance bonds to various state authorities that ensure payment of certain obligations. We have also issued a bond to protect our 401(k) retirement plan against losses caused by acts of fraud or dishonesty. The bonds have expiration dates in 2021 through the fourth quarter of 2022 and maximum potential future payments of $2.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all obligations to which the performance bonds pertain.

Tax Matters

We are subject to a number of state and local taxes that are not income-based. As many of these taxes are subject to audit by the taxing authorities, it is possible that an audit could result in additional taxes due. We accrue for such additional taxes when we determine that it is probable that we have incurred a liability and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the liability. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we accrued $5.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the outcomes of non-income-based tax audits. We do not expect that the ultimate resolutions of these audits will result in a material variance from the amounts accrued. We do not accrue for unasserted claims for tax audits unless we believe the assertion of a claim is probable, it is probable that it will be determined that the claim is owed and we can reasonably estimate the claim or range of the claim. We believe the likelihood is remote that the impact of potential unasserted claims from non-income-based tax audits could be material to our consolidated financial position, but it is possible that the resolution of future audits could be material to our consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Subject to the provisions of the tax matters agreement between Exterran Corporation and us, both parties agreed to indemnify the primary obligor of any return for tax periods beginning before and ending before or after the Spin-off (including any ongoing or future amendments and audits for these returns) for the portion of the tax liability (including interest and penalties) that relates to their respective operations reported in the filing. The tax contingencies mentioned above relate to tax matters for which we are responsible in managing the audit. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had an indemnification liability (including penalties and interest), in addition to the tax contingency above, of $1.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for our share of non-income based tax contingencies related to audits being managed by Exterran Corporation.

F-42

Table of Contents

During the third quarter of 2020, we settled a certain sales and use tax audit for which we recorded a $12.4 million net benefit in our consolidated statements of operations. This net benefit was primarily reflected as decreases of $4.4 million and $7.9 million to cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) and SG&A, respectively. We received a cash refund of $17.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and have a $2.0 million accrued liability recorded as of December 31, 2020 related to this settlement.

Insurance Matters

Our business can be hazardous, involving unforeseen circumstances such as uncontrollable flows of natural gas or well fluids and fires or explosions. As is customary in our industry, we review our safety equipment and procedures and carry insurance against some, but not all, risks of our business. Our insurance coverage includes property damage, general liability and commercial automobile liability and other coverage we believe is appropriate. We believe that our insurance coverage is customary for the industry and adequate for our business; however, losses and liabilities not covered by insurance would increase our costs.

Additionally, we are substantially self-insured for workers’ compensation and employee group health claims in view of the relatively high per-incident deductibles we absorb under our insurance arrangements for these risks. Losses up to the deductible amounts are estimated and accrued based upon known facts, historical trends and industry averages. We are also self-insured for property damage to our offshore assets.

Litigation and Claims

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various pending or threatened legal actions. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, we believe that any ultimate liability arising from any of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to pay dividends. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of litigation and arbitration proceedings, we cannot provide assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding to which we are a party will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to pay dividends.

27. Related Party Transactions

In connection with the closing of the Elite Acquisition, we issued 21.7 million shares of our common stock to JDH Capital, an affiliate of our customer Hilcorp. As long as JDH Capital, together with affiliates of Hilcorp, owns at least 7.5% of our outstanding common stock, it will have the right to designate one director to our Board of Directors. Jeffery D. Hildebrand, founder and executive chairman of Hilcorp, was appointed Director in August 2019 and served until his resignation on July 29, 2020, at which time Jason C. Rebrook, President of Hilcorp, was appointed Director to fill the resulting vacancy. Mr. Hildebrand did not receive and Mr. Rebrook receives no compensation for their role as Director. As of December 31, 2020, JDH Capital owned 14.2% of our outstanding common stock.

Revenue from Hilcorp and affiliates was $40.3 million, $31.4 million and $12.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Accounts receivable, net due from Hilcorp and affiliates was $3.9 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

28. Segments

We manage our business segments primarily based on the type of product or service provided. We have two segments which we operate within the U.S.: contract operations and aftermarket services. The contract operations segment primarily provides natural gas compression services to meet specific customer requirements. The aftermarket services segment provides a full range of services to support the compression needs of customers, from parts sales and normal maintenance services to full operation of a customer’s owned assets. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross margin for each segment. Revenue includes only sales to external customers.

F-43

Table of Contents

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our revenue during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Williams Partners accounted for 11% of our contract operations and aftermarket services revenue.

The following table presents revenue, gross margin and capital expenditures by segment during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

    

Contract

    

Aftermarket

    

Segments

    

    

    

Operations

    

Services

    

Total

    

Other (1)

    

Total

2020

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Revenue

$

738,918

$

136,052

$

874,970

$

$

874,970

Gross margin

 

477,831

 

19,946

 

497,777

 

 

497,777

Capital expenditures

133,492

 

5,308

 

138,800

 

1,502

 

140,302

2019

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Revenue

$

771,539

$

193,946

$

965,485

$

$

965,485

Gross margin

 

474,279

 

34,968

 

509,247

 

 

509,247

Capital expenditures

 

374,650

 

8,714

 

383,364

 

1,834

 

385,198

2018

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Revenue

$

672,536

$

231,905

$

904,441

$

$

904,441

Gross margin

 

399,523

 

40,551

 

440,074

 

 

440,074

Capital expenditures

 

307,048

 

6,111

 

313,159

 

5,943

 

319,102

(1)Corporate-related items.

The following table presents assets by segment reconciled to total assets per the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

    

December 31, 

    

2020

2019

Contract operations

$

2,593,864

$

2,915,724

Aftermarket services

 

45,985

 

67,832

Segment assets

2,639,849

2,983,556

Other assets (1)

128,837

113,518

Assets associated with discontinued operations

11,036

12,901

Total assets

$

2,779,722

$

3,109,975

(1)Corporate-related items.

F-44

Table of Contents

The following table reconciles total gross margin to income (loss) before income taxes (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

Total gross margin

$

497,777

$

509,247

$

440,074

Less:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Selling, general and administrative

 

105,100

 

117,727

 

101,563

Depreciation and amortization

 

193,138

 

188,084

 

174,946

Long-lived and other asset impairment

 

79,556

 

44,663

 

28,127

Goodwill impairment

99,830

Restatement and other charges

 

 

445

 

19

Restructuring charges

8,450

Interest expense

 

105,716

 

104,681

 

93,328

Debt extinguishment loss

 

3,971

 

3,653

 

2,450

Transaction-related costs

 

 

8,213

 

10,162

Gain on sale of assets, net

(10,643)

(16,016)

(5,674)

Other income, net

 

(1,359)

 

(661)

 

(157)

Income (loss) before income taxes

$

(85,982)

$

58,458

$

35,310

29. Subsequent Events

February 2021 Disposition

On February 10, 2021, we completed the sale of certain contract operations customer service agreements and approximately 300 compressors, comprising approximately 40,000 horsepower, used to provide compression services under those agreements as well as other assets used to support the operations. We allocated customer-related and contract-based intangible assets based on a ratio of the horsepower sold relative to the total horsepower of the asset group. A gain on the sale of approximately $6.0 million will be recognized in the first quarter of 2021.

Amendment No. 3 to Credit Facility

On February 22, 2021, we amended our credit facility to, among other things:

reduce the aggregate revolving commitment from $1.25 billion to $750.0 million, and
increase the maximum Total Debt to EBITDA ratios and reduce the maximum Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined in the credit facility agreement, to the following:

Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA

    

3.00 to 1.0

Total Debt to EBITDA

 

  

Through fiscal year 2022

 

5.75 to 1.0

January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023

 

5.50 to 1.0

Thereafter (1)

5.25 to 1.0

(1)Subject to a temporary increase to 5.50 to 1.0 for any quarter during which an acquisition satisfying certain thresholds is completed and for the two quarters immediately following such quarter.

We incurred approximately $1.8 million in transaction costs related to Amendment No. 3 during the first quarter of 2021.

F-45

Table of Contents

ARCHROCK, INC.

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

    

Balance at

    

Charged to

    

    

Balance at

Beginning

Costs and

End of

of Period

Expenses

Deductions(1)

Period

Allowance for credit losses applied to accounts receivable in the balance sheet

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

December 31, 2020

$

2,210

$

3,525

$

2,365

$

3,370

December 31, 2019

 

1,452

 

2,567

 

1,809

 

2,210

December 31, 2018

 

1,794

 

1,677

 

2,019

 

1,452

(1)Primarily represents uncollectible accounts written off and, for 2020, the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.

S-1