UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2006

OR

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

For the transition period from           to             

Commission File Numbers: 001-15843

333-48279

UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION HOLDINGS, INC.
UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, INC.

(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)

DELAWARE

 

13-3989167

TEXAS

 

74-1282680

(States or Other Jurisdictions of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

 

Identification

 

 

Nos.)

 

 

 

4444 BRITTMOORE ROAD

 

 

HOUSTON, TEXAS

 

77041

(Address of Principal Executive

 

(Zip Code)

Offices)

 

 

 

(713) 335-7000

(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, or non-accelerated filers (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer x

Accelerated Filer o

Non-Accelerated Filer o (Universal Compression Holdings, Inc.)

Large Accelerated Filer o

Accelerated Filer o

Non-Accelerated Filer x (Universal Compression, Inc.)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, INC. MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.

As of November 2, 2006, there were 30,413,014 shares of Universal Compression Holdings, Inc.’s common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding and 4,910 shares of Universal Compression, Inc.’s common stock, $10.00 par value, outstanding.

 




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(unaudited)

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

16,862

 

$

39,262

 

Restricted cash

 

5,594

 

4,187

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $4,718 and $3,616 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

 

199,030

 

121,642

 

Inventories, net of reserve for obsolescence of $9,947 and $10,896 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

 

165,028

 

108,273

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,581

 

7,447

 

Other

 

21,817

 

19,787

 

Total current assets

 

413,912

 

300,598

 

Contract compression equipment

 

1,688,612

 

1,567,470

 

Other property

 

195,317

 

167,946

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(462,010

)

(375,575

)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

1,421,919

 

1,359,841

 

Goodwill

 

404,653

 

403,261

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

7,586

 

6,954

 

Other assets

 

35,057

 

24,641

 

Total assets

 

$

2,283,127

 

$

2,095,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable, trade

 

$

85,759

 

$

55,014

 

Accrued liabilities

 

50,517

 

43,796

 

Unearned revenue

 

77,092

 

36,367

 

Accrued interest

 

6,103

 

2,458

 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 

19,572

 

18,249

 

Total current liabilities

 

239,043

 

155,884

 

Capital lease obligations

 

112

 

285

 

Long-term debt

 

894,432

 

904,807

 

Deferred income taxes

 

204,870

 

186,632

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

4,896

 

6,006

 

Other liabilities

 

12,112

 

10,369

 

Total liabilities

 

1,355,465

 

1,263,983

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

328

 

323

 

Treasury stock

 

(100,626

)

(100,011

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

774,721

 

759,105

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

(6,065

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(4,800

)

(12,428

)

Retained earnings

 

258,039

 

190,388

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

927,662

 

831,312

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

2,283,127

 

$

2,095,295

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2




UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

101,058

 

$

81,964

 

$

296,563

 

$

238,554

 

International contract compression

 

36,251

 

31,076

 

104,554

 

90,115

 

Fabrication

 

57,642

 

28,193

 

152,479

 

132,066

 

Aftermarket services

 

51,981

 

39,895

 

141,120

 

121,713

 

Total revenue

 

246,932

 

181,128

 

694,716

 

582,448

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

34,866

 

29,849

 

103,572

 

86,865

 

International contract compression

 

8,968

 

8,087

 

25,795

 

22,961

 

Fabrication

 

47,594

 

24,769

 

131,496

 

122,737

 

Aftermarket services

 

41,304

 

31,782

 

113,470

 

98,110

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

31,154

 

26,439

 

90,966

 

76,462

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

30,149

 

21,012

 

86,191

 

61,522

 

Interest expense, net

 

15,152

 

13,034

 

43,814

 

39,890

 

Debt extinguishment costs

 

 

 

 

26,068

 

Asset impairment expense

 

 

 

 

3,080

 

Foreign currency gain

 

(45

)

(610

)

(355

)

(1,344

)

Other (income) loss, net

 

3

 

(524

)

(1,090

)

(1,069

)

Total costs and expenses

 

209,145

 

153,838

 

593,859

 

535,282

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

37,787

 

27,290

 

100,857

 

47,166

 

Income tax expense

 

12,827

 

9,611

 

33,206

 

15,841

 

Net income

 

$

24,960

 

$

17,679

 

$

67,651

 

$

31,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

30,037

 

31,902

 

29,855

 

31,889

 

Diluted

 

31,163

 

32,836

 

31,015

 

32,864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share—Basic

 

$

0.83

 

$

0.55

 

$

2.27

 

$

0.98

 

Earnings per share—Diluted

 

$

0.80

 

$

0.54

 

$

2.18

 

$

0.95

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3




UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

67,651

 

$

31,325

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities, net of effect of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

90,966

 

76,462

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

26,068

 

Loss on asset impairment

 

 

3,080

 

Gain on asset sales

 

(311

)

(731

)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

1,401

 

1,885

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

5,356

 

1,242

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes

 

22,430

 

10,101

 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(1,632

)

(1,477

)

(Increase) decrease in receivables

 

(73,793

)

(5,859

)

(Increase) decrease in inventories

 

(56,548

)

(20,349

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

28,885

 

3,474

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities

 

4,072

 

3,075

 

Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue

 

40,725

 

4,663

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest

 

3,646

 

(11,307

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

132,848

 

121,652

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(156,686

)

(118,811

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

10,930

 

14,279

 

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(6,285

)

(1,922

)

Increase in restricted cash

 

(1,407

)

(4,801

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(153,448

)

(111,255

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal repayments of long-term debt

 

(77,253

)

(719,221

)

Proceeds from issuance of debt

 

67,994

 

693,225

 

Debt extinguishment premium and costs

 

 

(19,527

)

Debt issuance costs

 

(1,455

)

(2,456

)

Proceeds from common stock issuance

 

9,740

 

10,510

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(615

)

 

Payments on capital lease agreements

 

(64

)

(407

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(1,653

)

(37,876

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(147

)

500

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(22,400

)

(26,979

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

39,262

 

53,958

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

16,862

 

$

26,979

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4




UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

16,862

 

$

39,262

 

Restricted cash

 

5,594

 

4,187

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $4,718 and $3,616 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

 

199,030

 

121,642

 

Inventories, net of reserve for obsolescence of $9,947 and $10,896 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

 

165,028

 

108,273

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,581

 

7,447

 

Other

 

21,817

 

19,787

 

Total current assets

 

413,912

 

300,598

 

Contract compression equipment

 

1,688,612

 

1,567,470

 

Other property

 

195,317

 

167,946

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(462,010

)

(375,575

)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

1,421,919

 

1,359,841

 

Goodwill

 

404,653

 

403,261

 

Notes receivable - affiliate

 

88,535

 

100,277

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

7,586

 

6,954

 

Other assets

 

35,057

 

24,641

 

Total assets

 

$

2,371,662

 

$

2,195,572

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable, trade

 

$

85,759

 

$

55,014

 

Accrued liabilities

 

50,517

 

43,796

 

Unearned revenue

 

77,092

 

36,367

 

Accrued interest

 

6,103

 

2,458

 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 

19,572

 

18,249

 

Total current liabilities

 

239,043

 

155,884

 

Capital lease obligations

 

112

 

285

 

Long-term debt

 

894,432

 

904,807

 

Deferred income taxes

 

206,546

 

186,729

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

4,896

 

6,006

 

Other liabilities

 

12,112

 

10,369

 

Total liabilities

 

1,357,141

 

1,264,080

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholder’s equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

49

 

49

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

750,746

 

745,876

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(4,800

)

(12,428

)

Retained earnings

 

268,526

 

197,995

 

Total stockholder’s equity

 

1,014,521

 

931,492

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

 

$

2,371,662

 

$

2,195,572

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5




UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

101,058

 

$

81,964

 

$

296,563

 

$

238,554

 

International contract compression

 

36,251

 

31,076

 

104,554

 

90,115

 

Fabrication

 

57,642

 

28,193

 

152,479

 

132,066

 

Aftermarket services

 

51,981

 

39,895

 

141,120

 

121,713

 

Total revenue

 

246,932

 

181,128

 

694,716

 

582,448

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

34,866

 

29,849

 

103,572

 

86,865

 

International contract compression

 

8,968

 

8,087

 

25,795

 

22,961

 

Fabrication

 

47,594

 

24,769

 

131,496

 

122,737

 

Aftermarket services

 

41,304

 

31,782

 

113,470

 

98,110

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

31,154

 

26,439

 

90,966

 

76,462

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

30,149

 

21,012

 

86,191

 

61,522

 

Interest expense, net

 

15,152

 

13,034

 

43,814

 

39,890

 

Interest income from affiliate

 

(1,469

)

 

(4,459

)

 

Debt extinguishment costs

 

 

 

 

26,068

 

Asset impairment expense

 

 

 

 

3,080

 

Foreign currency gain

 

(45

)

(610

)

(355

)

(1,344

)

Other (income) loss, net

 

3

 

(524

)

(1,090

)

(1,069

)

Total costs and expenses

 

207,676

 

153,838

 

589,400

 

535,282

 

Income before income taxes

 

39,256

 

27,290

 

105,316

 

47,166

 

Income tax expense

 

13,341

 

9,611

 

34,785

 

15,841

 

Net income

 

$

25,915

 

$

17,679

 

$

70,531

 

$

31,325

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6




UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

70,531

 

$

31,325

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities, net of effect of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

90,966

 

76,462

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

26,068

 

Loss on asset impairment

 

 

3,080

 

Gain on asset sales

 

(311

)

(731

)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

1,401

 

1,885

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

5,356

 

1,242

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes

 

24,009

 

10,101

 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(1,632

)

(1,477

)

(Increase) decrease in receivables

 

(73,793

)

(5,859

)

(Increase) decrease in inventories

 

(56,548

)

(20,349

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

28,885

 

3,474

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities

 

4,072

 

3,075

 

Increase (decrease) in unearned revenue

 

40,725

 

4,663

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest

 

3,646

 

(11,307

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

137,307

 

121,652

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(156,686

)

(118,811

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

10,930

 

14,279

 

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(6,285

)

(1,922

)

Repayment of loan to affiliate

 

4,666

 

 

Increase in restricted cash

 

(1,407

)

(4,801

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(148,782

)

(111,255

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal repayments of long-term debt

 

(77,253

)

(719,221

)

Proceeds from issuance of debt

 

67,994

 

693,225

 

Debt extinguishment premium and costs

 

 

(19,527

)

Debt issuance costs

 

(1,455

)

(2,456

)

Capital contributions from stockholder

 

 

10,510

 

Payments on capital lease agreements

 

(64

)

(407

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(10,778

)

(37,876

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(147

)

500

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(22,400

)

(26,979

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

39,262

 

53,958

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

16,862

 

$

26,979

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7




UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION HOLDINGS, INC.

UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2006

1.     Basis of Presentation

These notes apply to the unaudited consolidated financial statements of both Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) and Universal Compression, Inc. (“Universal”) and their subsidiaries. The term “Company” will be used if a statement is applicable to both Holdings and Universal.  These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements presented in the Company’s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the nine months ended December 31, 2005. That report contains a more comprehensive summary of the Company’s major accounting policies. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all appropriate adjustments, all of which are normally recurring adjustments unless otherwise noted, considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and the results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2006.

Earnings per share

Net income per share, basic and diluted, is calculated for Holdings in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, “Earnings per Share.”

The only potentially dilutive securities issued by Holdings are stock options and unvested restricted stock grants, neither of which would impact the calculation of net income for dilutive earnings per share purposes.

The dilutive effect of stock options and unvested restricted stock grants outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 was 1,126,000 shares and 1,160,000 shares, respectively.  The dilutive effect of stock options and unvested restricted stock grants outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 was 934,000 shares and 975,000 shares, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, outstanding stock options of zero shares and 12,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock for such periods.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, outstanding stock options of 2,000 shares and 191,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock for such periods.

Goodwill

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in connection with business combinations represent the excess of consideration over the fair value of tangible net assets acquired.  Certain assumptions and estimates are employed in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as in determining the allocation of goodwill to the appropriate reporting unit.

The Company performs an impairment test for goodwill assets annually, or more often, if indicators of potential impairment exist. The Company’s goodwill impairment test involves a comparison of the fair value of each of its reporting units with their carrying value. The fair value is determined using discounted cash flows and other market-related valuation models. Certain estimates and judgments are required in the application of the fair value models. As of February 2006, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and determined that no impairment had occurred.  If for any reason the fair value of the Company’s goodwill or that of any of its reporting units declines below the carrying value in the future, the Company may incur charges for the impairment.

Stock-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements.  That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.  Prior to 2006, the Company accounted for stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”.  Under APB 25, stock option expense was not recognized in net income as the exercise price of stock options granted was equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant.  The Company has previously provided footnote disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts as if stock option expense had been recognized based on fair value.

8




The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R utilizing the modified prospective transition method.  As a result, prior periods have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123R.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R impacted our results of operation by increasing stock-based compensation expense by $1.2 million ($0.8 million, net of tax) and $3.7 million ($2.5 million, net of tax), respectively, as compared to the expense that would have been recognized under APB 25.  The adoption of SFAS No. 123R decreased each of Holdings’ basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2006 by $0.03 per share.  The adoption of SFAS No. 123R decreased each of Holdings’ basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 by $0.08 per share.

2.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB 43, Chapter 4.”  SFAS No. 151 provides clarification that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material be recognized as current period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires the allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.” SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS No. 154 also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.”  FIN 48 was issued to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements.” SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. The SEC staff believes that registrants should quantify errors using both a balance sheet and an income statement approach and evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. The guidance in SAB 108 must be applied to annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SAB 108 will have on its financial statements.

9




3.  Inventories, Net

Inventories, net consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

82,422

 

$

67,125

 

Work-in-progress

 

92,524

 

50,810

 

Finished goods

 

29

 

1,234

 

Total inventories

 

174,975

 

119,169

 

Reserve for obsolescence

 

(9,947

)

(10,896

)

Inventories, net

 

$

165,028

 

$

108,273

 

 

4.  Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2006, the Company had approximately $913.7 million in outstanding debt consisting of $468.2 million outstanding under the seven-year term loan, $171.2 million outstanding under the 7 1/4 % senior notes, $190.3 million outstanding under the asset-backed securitization facility (the “ABS Facility”) and $84.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility.  Covenants in the credit facilities require that the Company maintain various financial ratios.  As of September 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.  See note 11 regarding debt refinancing activities which occurred subsequent to September 30, 2006.

5.  Stock-Based Compensation

The following table presents the stock-based compensation expense included in the Company’s results of operations (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Stock options

 

$

1,156

 

$

 

$

3,402

 

$

 

Restricted stock

 

652

 

438

 

1,749

 

1,241

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

54

 

 

304

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

1,862

 

438

 

5,455

 

1,241

 

Income tax benefit

 

(632

)

(153

)

(1,770

)

(434

)

Total after-tax stock-based compensation expense

 

$

1,230

 

$

285

 

$

3,685

 

$

807

 

 

There was no stock-based compensation cost capitalized during the three or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 or 2005.

Stock options

The Company utilizes stock options under its incentive stock option plan in order to motivate and retain key employees.  Stock options granted under the plan are exercisable over a ten-year period. Options generally vest over the following time period:

Year 1

 

331¤3

%

Year 2

 

331¤3

%

Year 3

 

331¤3

%

 

Under the incentive stock option plan, options to purchase common stock may be granted until 2011. Options are granted at fair market value at the date of grant, are exercisable in installments beginning one year from the date of grant, and expire ten years after the date of grant.

10




The weighted average fair values at date of grant for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 were $18.22 and $16.81, respectively, and were estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Expected life in years

 

6.0

 

5.9

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.72

%

4.25

%

Volatility

 

33.15

%

38.54

%

Dividend yield

 

0.00

%

0.00

%

 

The expected life represents the period of time the stock options are expected to be outstanding prior to exercise and is based on the simplified model.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for a period commensurate with the estimated expected life of the stock options.  Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock over the most recent period commensurate with the expected life of the stock options and other factors.  The Company has not historically paid a dividend and does not expect to pay a dividend during the expected life of the stock options.  Under SFAS No. 123R, the Company is required to record compensation cost from stock-based compensation utilizing an estimated forfeiture rate.  Historical data related to forfeitures experienced by the Company was used to estimate forfeiture rates.

The following table presents stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 (remaining life in years, intrinsic value in thousands):

 

Stock
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Options outstanding, December 31, 2005

 

2,219,014

 

$

25.92

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

318,550

 

43.87

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(368,521

)

23.01

 

 

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(15,639

)

34.34

 

 

 

 

 

Options outstanding, September 30, 2006

 

2,153,404

 

$

29.42

 

6.4

 

$

52,628

 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2006

 

1,643,852

 

$

25.62

 

5.6

 

$

45,754

 

 

Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of the Company’s stock and the exercise price of each option multiplied by the number of options outstanding.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $12.1 million and $9.6 million, respectively.  The total grant date fair value of stock options that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $4.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively.  As of September 30, 2006, $6.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Cash received from stock option exercises during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $8.5 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock

The Company utilizes grants of restricted stock as long-term compensation for designated employees. The Company’s restricted stock plan provides for the award of up to 1,350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain officers and designated employees. Generally, common stock subject to restricted stock grants will vest 0% upon the first anniversary of the grant and 25% on each anniversary thereafter through the fifth anniversary.

Under APB 25, prior to January 1, 2006, deferred compensation was charged for the market value of restricted shares granted. The deferred compensation balance is shown as a reduction to Holdings’ stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2005.  Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the deferred compensation balance at January 1, 2006 was reversed and recorded to additional paid-in capital.  Under both APB 25 and SFAS No. 123R, the market value of the restricted shares granted is amortized ratably over the restricted period of five years.

Prior to January 1, 2006, under APB 25, the Company recorded the effect of forfeitures on compensation expense related to restricted stock as it actually occurred.  Effective January 1, 2006, under SFAS No. 123R, the Company is required to record

11




compensation cost from stock-based compensation utilizing an estimated forfeiture rate.  Historical data related to forfeitures experienced by the Company was used to estimate forfeiture rates.  The impact on previously recognized expense from the change in forfeiture rates was immaterial.

The following table presents restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

 

Non-vested restricted stock, December 31, 2005

 

242,194

 

$

33.01

 

Granted

 

137,050

 

44.00

 

Vested

 

(39,250

)

26.20

 

Cancelled

 

(6,025

)

43.49

 

Non-vested restricted stock, September 30, 2006

 

333,969

 

$

38.13

 

 

The total grant date fair value of restricted stock that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, $9.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 3.8 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) is intended to encourage employees to participate in the Company’s growth by providing them the opportunity to acquire an interest in the Company’s long-term performance and success through the purchase of shares of common stock at a price typically less than fair market value. An employee is eligible to participate after completing 90 days of employment. Each quarter, an eligible employee may elect to withhold up to 10% of his or her eligible pay to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price equal to 85% to 100% of the fair market value of the stock as of the first trading day of the quarter or the last trading day of the quarter, whichever is lower. The ESPP will terminate on the date that all shares of common stock authorized for sale under the ESPP have been purchased, except as otherwise extended by authorizing additional shares under the ESPP. At September 30, 2006, 297,818 shares remained available for purchase under the ESPP.  Under SFAS No. 123R, the Company’s ESPP plan is compensatory, and as a result, the amount of the discount from the fair market value of the stock price at the end of the quarter received by the employee upon purchase of the stock is recorded as expense in that quarter.

2005 Pro Forma Results

The following table summarizes results as if the Company had recorded compensation expense under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (earnings per share information is for Holdings only) (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2005

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2005

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

17,679

 

$

31,325

 

Add: Stock-based compensation for restricted stock awards included in reported net income, net of tax

 

285

 

807

 

Deduct: Stock-based compensation determined under the fair value method, net of tax

 

(1,033

)

(3,111

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

16,931

 

$

29,021

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.98

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.91

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.95

 

Pro forma

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.88

 

 

6.  Accounting for Interest Rate Swaps

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, all derivative instruments must be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value, and changes in such fair values are recognized in earnings unless

12




specific hedging criteria are met. Changes in the values of derivatives that meet these hedging criteria will ultimately offset related earnings effects of the hedged item pending recognition in earnings.

As of September 30, 2006, the Company had interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount of $171.3 million related to the $190.3 million outstanding under the ABS Facility. The swaps outstanding at September 30, 2006 amortize ratably through 2019 and have a weighted average fixed rate of 4.94%.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company’s balance sheet at September 30, 2006 included a $1.0 million derivative asset related to the interest rate swap agreements.

As of September 30, 2006, the Company had interest rate swap agreements with a notional amount of $300.0 million related to the $468.2 million outstanding under the seven-year term loan. The swaps outstanding at September 30, 2006 amortize ratably from June 2007 through March 2010 and have a weighted average fixed rate of 4.02%.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company’s balance sheet at September 30, 2006 included a $6.0 million derivative asset related to the interest rate swap agreements.

In August 2006, the Company entered into a forward starting swap agreement related to a notional amount of $125.0 million of the Company’s floating rate debt.  The effective date of the swap agreement is December 1, 2006.  The swap agreement terminates in December 2011 and has a fixed rate of 5.28%.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company’s balance sheet at September 30, 2006 included a $0.5 million derivative liability related to the interest rate swap agreement.

These swaps, which the Company has designated as cash flow hedging instruments, meet the specific hedge criteria and any changes in their fair values were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Because the terms of the hedged item and the swaps substantially coincide, the hedge is expected to exactly offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the variable rate and, therefore, the Company currently does not expect any ineffectiveness.

As of September 30, 2006, the Company had interest rate swap agreements to hedge $100.0 million of its 7 1/4% senior notes. The swaps are used to hedge the change in fair value of the debt and, in effect, convert the fixed interest payment to a variable interest payment based on six-month LIBOR in arrears. The swaps are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133 and, as such, are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. The Company’s balance sheet at September 30, 2006, included a $3.8 million derivative liability related to the interest rate swap agreements. The change in the debt’s fair value for that portion which is hedged is recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of debt with the offset being recorded to interest expense. The swaps, which the Company has designated as fair value hedging instruments, meet the specific hedge criteria and any changes in their fair values were recognized in interest expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the change in the debt’s fair value and the change in the swaps’ fair value exactly offset and did not impact net income. Because the terms of the hedged item and the swaps substantially coincide, the hedge is expected to exactly offset changes in fair values due to fluctuations in the variable rate and, therefore, the Company currently does not expect any ineffectiveness.

The counterparties to the Company’s interest rate swap agreements are major international financial institutions. The Company monitors the credit quality of these financial institutions and does not expect non-performance by them.

7.  Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

$

24,960

 

$

17,679

 

$

67,651

 

$

31,325

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap gain (loss)

 

(6,282

)

3,963

 

688

 

3,181

 

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

1,052

 

6,185

 

6,940

 

5,118

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

19,730

 

$

27,827

 

$

75,279

 

$

39,624

 

 

The components of comprehensive income were identical for Holdings and Universal, except for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, Universal’s net income was $25.9 million and $70.5 million, respectively, and total comprehensive net income was $20.7 million and $78.2 million, respectively.

8.  Industry Segments

The Company has four principal business segments: domestic contract compression, international contract compression, fabrication and aftermarket services. The domestic contract compression segment provides natural gas compression services to customers in the United States. The international contract compression segment provides natural gas compression services to international

13




customers, including those in Canada. The fabrication segment provides services related to the design, engineering and assembly of natural gas compressors for sale to third parties in addition to those that the Company uses in its contract compression fleet. The aftermarket services segment sells parts and components and provides maintenance, operations and repair services to customers who own compression equipment and customers who use equipment provided by other companies. Fabrication and aftermarket services revenue presented in the table below include only sales to third parties.

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer distinct products and services. They are managed separately since each business segment requires different marketing strategies due to customer specifications. The Company evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on segment gross margin. Gross margin is defined as total revenue less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense). The segment gross margin measure used by management for evaluation purposes excludes inter-segment transactions and, accordingly, there is no inter-segment revenue to be reported.

The following table presents unaudited revenue and gross margin by business segment (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

101,058

 

$

81,964

 

$

296,563

 

$

238,554

 

International contract compression

 

36,251

 

31,076

 

104,554

 

90,115

 

Fabrication

 

57,642

 

28,193

 

152,479

 

132,066

 

Aftermarket services

 

51,981

 

39,895

 

141,120

 

121,713

 

Total

 

$

246,932

 

$

181,128

 

$

694,716

 

$

582,448

 

Gross Margin:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

66,192

 

$

52,115

 

$

192,991

 

$

151,689

 

International contract compression

 

27,283

 

22,989

 

78,759

 

67,154

 

Fabrication

 

10,048

 

3,424

 

20,983

 

9,329

 

Aftermarket services

 

10,677

 

8,113

 

27,650

 

23,603

 

Total

 

$

114,200

 

$

86,641

 

$

320,383

 

$

251,775

 

 

No one customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for any of the periods presented.

The table below presents unaudited revenue and gross margin by geographic location (in thousands).  The basis of attributing revenue and gross margin to specific geographic locations is primarily based upon the geographic location of the sale, service or where the assets are utilized.

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

170,287

 

$

128,001

 

$

479,231

 

$

411,559

 

Canada

 

28,425

 

21,360

 

86,142

 

58,469

 

Argentina

 

16,739

 

14,442

 

51,103

 

53,010

 

Other international

 

31,481

 

17,325

 

78,240

 

59,410

 

Total

 

$

246,932

 

$

181,128

 

$

694,716

 

$

582,448

 

Gross Margin:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

79,371

 

$

60,073

 

$

222,760

 

$

175,784

 

Canada

 

8,262

 

6,235

 

22,834

 

17,871

 

Argentina

 

12,008

 

9,493

 

34,884

 

26,808

 

Other international

 

14,559

 

10,840

 

39,905

 

31,312

 

Total

 

$

114,200

 

$

86,641

 

$

320,383

 

$

251,775

 

 

14




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

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

$

24,960

 

$

17,679

 

$

67,651

 

$

31,325

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

31,154

 

26,439

 

90,966

 

76,462

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

30,149

 

21,012

 

86,191

 

61,522

 

Interest expense, net

 

15,152

 

13,034

 

43,814

 

39,890

 

Debt extinguishment costs

 

 

 

 

26,068

 

Asset impairment expense

 

 

 

 

3,080

 

Foreign currency (gain) loss

 

(45

)

(610

)

(355

)

(1,344

)

Other (income) loss, net

 

3

 

(524

)

(1,090

)

(1,069

)

Income tax expense

 

12,827

 

9,611

 

33,206

 

15,841

 

Gross margin

 

$

114,200

 

$

86,641

 

$

320,383

 

$

251,775

 

 

Amounts for the three months ended September 30, 2006 are for both Holdings and Universal with the following exceptions:  Universal had interest income from an affiliate of $1.5 million, income tax expense of $13.3 million and net income of $25.9 million.  Amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 are for both Holdings and Universal with the following exceptions:  Universal had interest income from an affiliate of $4.5 million, income tax expense of $34.8 million and net income of $70.5 million.  The results of operations for Holdings and Universal were identical for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.

9.  Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various pending or threatened legal actions. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, because of the inherent uncertainty of litigation, the Company cannot provide assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding to which it is a party will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which that resolution occurs.

On May 1, 2006, the Bolivian government announced the nationalization of the country’s hydrocarbon reserves. The Company owns and operates a natural gas liquids extraction facility in Bolivia that processes natural gas owned by its customer. The Company currently believes that the nationalization includes the ownership of the natural gas reserves of its customer but does not impact the Company’s ownership or control of its facility. To date, there has been no impact on our operations or cash flows. The Company cannot currently estimate the future impact, if any, that the nationalization of its customer’s natural gas reserves will have on its contract for this facility. The Company’s net investment in Bolivia was $13.3 million at September 30, 2006.

10.  Income Taxes

In May 2006, the State of Texas enacted a law which modifies its existing franchise tax.  The tax is considered an income tax and is accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  As a result, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset and related deferred tax benefit of $1.0 million.

In May 2006, the United States Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005.  This Act had the impact of reducing the Company’s Subpart F income from applying a new look-through rule between related controlled foreign corporations.  As a result, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recorded a reduction in its deferred tax liability and a related deferred tax benefit of $0.6 million.

In May and June 2006, reductions in the Alberta, Canada and Canadian Federal income tax rates were enacted.  As a result, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recorded a reduction of its deferred tax liability and a deferred tax benefit of $0.9 million.

11.  Subsequent Events

Initial Public Offering of Subsidiary Company

In October 2006, a subsidiary of the Company, Universal Compression Partners, L.P. (along with its subsidiaries “the Partnership”), completed an initial public offering of 6,325,000 common units at a price of $21.00 per unit, representing limited partner interests in the Partnership, including 825,000 common units sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. All of the units were issued by the Partnership.  The Partnership was formed to provide natural gas contract compression services to customers throughout the United States. A subsidiary of the Company is the general partner of the Partnership.

15




The net proceeds of the offering were $120.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses associated with the offering.  In connection with the offering, the Company contributed to the Partnership contract compression services contracts with nine customers and a fleet of compressor units to service those customers, comprising approximately 330,000 horsepower, or approximately 17% (by available horsepower) of the Company’s domestic contract compression business, the Partnership assumed $228.4 million in debt from the Company and the Company received 825,000 common units and 6,325,000 subordinated units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership.  The Partnership used the aggregate net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the debt it assumed from the Company and to redeem the 825,000 common units it issued to the Company.

The common units sold to the public represent a 49% limited partner interest in the Partnership. The Company owns the remaining equity interests in the Partnership.  The Company will consolidate the financial position and results of operations of the Partnership.

The Company and the Partnership entered into an omnibus agreement, the terms of which include, among other things, the Company’s agreement to provide to the Partnership operational staff, corporate staff and support services, the terms under which the Company may sell to the Partnership newly fabricated equipment and under which it may transfer to and receive from the Partnership idle compression equipment and an agreement by the Company to provide caps on the amount of cost of sales and selling, general and administrative costs that the Partnership must pay.  The caps are determined on a quarterly basis and expire on December 31, 2008.

Debt Refinancing

On October 20, 2006, Holdings, and three of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Universal (together with Holdings the “US Borrowers”) and UC Canadian Partnership Holdings Company and Universal Compression Canada, Limited Partnership (together with the US Borrowers, the “Borrowers”), entered into a senior secured credit agreement.  The new credit facility under the credit agreement consists of a five-year $500 million revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the US Borrowers. In addition, all of the capital stock of the domestic restricted subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries used in connection with the ABS Facility, and 65% of the capital stock of the first tier foreign subsidiaries has been pledged to secure the obligations under the credit agreement. The new credit facility is not secured by the capital stock of the Partnership or any assets owned by the Partnership. Under the credit agreement, the revolving credit facility currently bears interest at the Borrowers’ option, the Administrative Agent’s prime rate plus 0.25%, or LIBOR plus 1.25%.

The US Borrowers used approximately $330 million advanced under the credit agreement, together with debt assumed by the Partnership in connection with its initial public offering and proceeds received from the Partnership in connection with the redemption by the Partnership of 825,000 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership issued to the Company in connection with the initial public offering, to repay all balances under the prior senior secured credit facility. The prior senior secured credit facility was subsequently terminated.  The Company will record in the three months ended December 31, 2006 a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.1 million associated with the refinancing.

Additionally, approximately $28 million of the letter of credit subfacility to the revolving credit facility was utilized to replace the letters of credit outstanding under the prior revolving credit facility. The US Borrowers intend to use the remainder of the proceeds of the credit agreement for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Under the credit agreement, the Borrowers are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability: to incur additional debt or sell assets, with restrictions on the use of proceeds; to make certain investments and acquisitions; to grant liens; and to pay dividends and distributions. In addition, the Borrowers will be required to pay down the facility under certain circumstances if they sell certain assets or property. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative covenants to provide guarantees from any domestic subsidiary with gross assets exceeding $50 million. The Borrowers are also subject to financial covenants which include a total debt to EBITDA ratio, interest coverage ratio and a senior secured leverage ratio. The credit agreement specifies a number of events of default (many of which are subject to applicable cure periods), including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, defaults under other agreements or instruments of indebtedness, change of control and noncompliance with covenants. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

On October 20, 2006, the Partnership, as guarantor, and UC Operating Partnership, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (“Operating Partnership”), entered into a senior secured credit agreement The new credit facility under the credit agreement consists of a five-year $225 million revolving credit facility, of which approximately $125 million was drawn at closing. Borrowings under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the Operating Partnership and the Partnership. In addition, all of the capital stock of the Partnership’s domestic restricted subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries used in connection

16




with any asset backed securitization facility, has been pledged to secure the obligations under the credit agreement. Under the credit agreement, the revolving credit facility currently bears interest at the Operating Partnership’s option, the Administrative Agent’s prime rate plus 0.25% or LIBOR plus 1.25%, in each case based upon the Partnership’s total leverage ratio.

The Operating Partnership used approximately $125 million advanced under the credit agreement to repay indebtedness assumed by the Operating Partnership and the Partnership from the Company in connection with the Operating Partnership’s acquisition of a portion of the Company’s domestic contract compression business.

Under the credit agreement, the Operating Partnership and the Partnership are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability: to incur additional debt or sell assets, with restrictions on the use of proceeds; to make certain investments and acquisitions; to grant liens; and to pay dividends and distributions. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative covenants to deliver capital stock of newly created subsidiaries, and to provide guarantees from the Partnership and any domestic subsidiary which generates EBITDA (which is defined for the purposes of determining guarantors as gross revenues of such domestic subsidiary for such period less the cost of sales (excluding depreciation expenses to the extent such expenses were deducted)) exceeding 7.5% of the EBITDA of the Partnership and all of its subsidiaries taken as a whole. The Operating Partnership and the Partnership are also subject to financial covenants which include a total debt to EBITDA ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The credit agreement specifies a number of events of default (many of which are subject to applicable cure periods), including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, defaults under other agreements or instruments of indebtedness, change of control and noncompliance with covenants. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

Stock Repurchase Program

On November 6, 2006, Holdings’ Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of Holdings’ common stock through November 6, 2008. Under the stock repurchase program, Holdings may repurchase shares in open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations.  Holdings may also implement all or part of the repurchases under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, so as to provide the flexibility to extend its share repurchases beyond the quarterly purchasing window.  The timing and extent to which Holdings repurchases its shares will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, and will be in management’s discretion.  Repurchases under the program may commence or be suspended at any time without prior notice.  The stock repurchase program may be funded through cash provided by operating activities or borrowings.

17




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

The terms “our,” “Company,” “we” and “us” when used in this report refer to Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) and Universal Compression, Inc. (“Universal”) and their subsidiaries, except where indicated.  The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this report, as well as the consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presented in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the nine months ended December 31, 2005.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report 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 report are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, proposed acquisitions, budgets, litigation, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations. You can identify many of these statements by looking for words such as “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “intends,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “continues” or similar words or the negative thereof.

Such forward-looking statements in this report include, without limitation:

·                                          our business growth strategy and projected costs;

·                                          our future financial position;

·                                          the sufficiency of available cash flows to fund continuing operations;

·                                          the expected amount of our capital expenditures;

·                                          anticipated cost savings, future revenue, gross margin and other financial or operational measures related to our business and our primary business segments;

·                                          the future value of our equipment; and

·                                          plans and objectives of our management for our future operations.

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 report. These forward looking statements are also affected by the risk factors and forward looking statements described in our Transition Report on Form 10-K for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and those set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available through our website and through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”) at http://www.sec.gov. 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. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements include, among other things:

·                                          conditions in the oil and gas industry, including a sustained decrease in the level of supply or demand for natural gas and the impact on the price of natural gas;

·                                          competition among the various providers of natural gas compression services;

·                                          the success of our subsidiary, Universal Compression Partners, L.P., which recently completed its initial public offering;

·                                          employment workforce factors, including our ability to hire, train and retain key employees;

·                                          our ability to timely and cost-effectively obtain components necessary to conduct our business;

·                                          our ability to timely and cost-effectively implement our enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system;

·                                          changes in safety and environmental regulations pertaining to the production and transportation of natural gas;

·                                          changes in political or economic conditions in key operating markets, including international markets;

·                                          acts of war or terrorism or governmental or military responses thereto;

·                                          introduction of competing technologies by other companies;

·                                          our ability to retain and grow our customer base;

·                                          our level of indebtedness and ability to fund our business;

·                                          currency exchange rate fluctuations; and

·                                          liability claims related to the use of our products and services.

18




All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us on the date of this report. 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 report.

Recent Developments

Initial Public Offering of Subsidiary Company

In October 2006, a subsidiary of ours, Universal Compression Partners, L.P. (along with its subsidiaries “the Partnership”), completed an initial public offering of 6,325,000 common units at a price of $21.00 per unit, representing limited partner interests in the Partnership, including 825,000 common units sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. All of the units were issued by the Partnership.  The Partnership was formed to provide natural gas contract compression services to customers throughout the United States. A subsidiary of ours is the general partner of the Partnership.

The net proceeds of the offering were $120.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses associated with the offering.  In connection with the offering, we contributed to the Partnership contract compression services contracts with nine customers and a fleet of compressor units to service those customers, comprising approximately 330,000 horsepower, or approximately 17% (by available horsepower) of our domestic contract compression business, the Partnership assumed $228.4 million in debt from us and we received 825,000 common units and 6,325,000 subordinated units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership.  The Partnership used the aggregate net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the debt it assumed from us and to redeem the 825,000 common units it issued to us.

The common units sold to the public represent a 49% limited partner interest in the Partnership. We own the remaining equity interests in the Partnership.  We will consolidate the financial position and results of operations of the Partnership.

We and the Partnership entered into an omnibus agreement, the terms of which include, among other things, our agreement to provide to the Partnership operational staff, corporate staff and support services, the terms under which we may sell to the Partnership newly fabricated equipment and under which we may transfer to and receive from the Partnership idle compression equipment and an agreement by us to provide caps on the amount of cost of sales and selling, general and administrative costs that the Partnership must pay.  The caps are determined on a quarterly basis and expire on December 31, 2008.

Debt Refinancing

On October 20, 2006, we, and three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Universal (together with Holdings the “US Borrowers”) and UC Canadian Partnership Holdings Company and Universal Compression Canada, Limited Partnership (together with the US Borrowers, the “Borrowers”), entered into a senior secured credit agreement.  The new credit facility under the credit agreement consists of a five-year $500 million revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the US Borrowers. In addition, all of the capital stock of the domestic restricted subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries used in connection with the ABS Facility, and 65% of the capital stock of the first tier foreign subsidiaries has been pledged to secure the obligations under the credit agreement. The new credit facility is not secured by the capital stock of the Partnership or any assets owned by the Partnership. Under the credit agreement, the revolving credit facility currently bears interest at the Borrowers’ option, the Administrative Agent’s prime rate plus 0.25%, or LIBOR plus 1.25%.

The US Borrowers used approximately $330 million advanced under the credit agreement, together with debt assumed by the Partnership in connection with its initial public offering and proceeds received from the Partnership in connection with the redemption by the Partnership of 825,000 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership issued to us in connection with the initial public offering, to repay all balances under the prior senior secured credit facility. The prior senior secured credit facility was subsequently terminated.  We will record in the three months ended December 31, 2006 a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.1 million associated with the refinancing.

Additionally, approximately $28 million of the letter of credit subfacility to the revolving credit facility was utilized to replace the letters of credit outstanding under the prior revolving credit facility. The US Borrowers intend to use the remainder of the proceeds of the credit agreement for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Under the credit agreement, the Borrowers are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability: to incur additional debt or sell assets, with restrictions on the use of proceeds; to make certain investments and acquisitions; to grant liens; and

19




to pay dividends and distributions. In addition, the Borrowers will be required to pay down the facility under certain circumstances if they sell certain assets or property. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative covenants to provide guarantees from any domestic subsidiary with gross assets exceeding $50 million. The Borrowers are also subject to financial covenants which include a total debt to EBITDA ratio, interest coverage ratio and a senior secured leverage ratio. The credit agreement specifies a number of events of default (many of which are subject to applicable cure periods), including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, defaults under other agreements or instruments of indebtedness, change of control and noncompliance with covenants. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

On October 20, 2006, the Partnership, as guarantor, and UC Operating Partnership, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (“Operating Partnership”), entered into a senior secured credit agreement The new credit facility under the credit agreement consists of a five-year $225 million revolving credit facility, of which approximately $125 million was drawn at closing. Borrowings under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the Operating Partnership and the Partnership. In addition, all of the capital stock of the Partnership’s domestic restricted subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries used in connection with any asset backed securitization facility, has been pledged to secure the obligations under the credit agreement. Under the credit agreement, the revolving credit facility currently bears interest at the Operating Partnership’s option, the Administrative Agent’s prime rate plus 0.25% or LIBOR plus 1.25%, in each case based upon the Partnership’s total leverage ratio.

The Operating Partnership used approximately $125 million advanced under the credit agreement to repay indebtedness assumed by the Operating Partnership and the Partnership from us in connection with the Operating Partnership’s acquisition of a portion of the Company’s domestic contract compression business.

Under the credit agreement, the Operating Partnership and the Partnership are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability: to incur additional debt or sell assets, with restrictions on the use of proceeds; to make certain investments and acquisitions; to grant liens; and to pay dividends and distributions. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative covenants to deliver capital stock of newly created subsidiaries, and to provide guarantees from the Partnership and any domestic subsidiary which generates EBITDA (which is defined for the purposes of determining guarantors as gross revenues of such domestic subsidiary for such period less the cost of sales (excluding depreciation expenses to the extent such expenses were deducted)) exceeding 7.5% of the EBITDA of the Partnership and all of its subsidiaries taken as a whole. The Operating Partnership and the Partnership are also subject to financial covenants which include a total debt to EBITDA ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The credit agreement specifies a number of events of default (many of which are subject to applicable cure periods), including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, defaults under other agreements or instruments of indebtedness, change of control and noncompliance with covenants. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

Stock Repurchase Program

On November 6, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock through November 6, 2008. Under the stock repurchase program, we may repurchase shares in open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations.  We may also implement all or part of the repurchases under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, so as to provide the flexibility to extend share repurchases beyond the quarterly purchasing window.  The timing and extent to which we repurchase shares will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, and will be in management’s discretion.  Repurchases under the program may commence or be suspended at any time without prior notice.  The stock repurchase program may be funded through cash provided by operating activities or borrowings.

Financial Highlights

Some of the more significant financial items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the prior year periods, which are discussed below in “Financial Results of Operations,” were as follows:

·                  Net Income.  Net income increased by $7.3 million, or 41.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and by $36.3 million, or 116.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  A primary driver of the increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the prior year period was debt extinguishment cost incurred during the prior year period which reduced net income by $17.2 million.

·                  Revenue and Gross Margin. Revenue and gross margin were higher in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 for all segments.

·                  Depreciation and Amortization Expense.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $4.7 million, or 17.8%, for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and by $14.5 million, or 19.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

20




·                  Selling, General and Administrative Expense.  Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense increased by $9.1 million, or 43.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and by $24.7 million, or 40.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Operating Highlights

The following table summarizes total available horsepower, average operating horsepower, horsepower utilization percentages and fabrication backlog.

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

September 30, 2005

 

September 30, 2006

 

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

(Horsepower in thousands)

 

(Horsepower in thousands)

 

Total Available Horsepower (at period end):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

2,017

 

1,965

 

1,948

 

2,017

 

1,948

 

International contract compression

 

599

 

584

 

565

 

599

 

565

 

Total

 

2,616

 

2,549

 

2,513

 

2,616

 

2,513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Operating Horsepower:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

1,792

 

1,787

 

1,751

 

1,797

 

1,736

 

International contract compression

 

547

 

538

 

524

 

548

 

506

 

Total

 

2,339

 

2,325

 

2,275

 

2,345

 

2,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horsepower Utilization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spot (at period end)

 

89.8

%

92.3

%

91.0

%

89.8

%

91.0

%

Average

 

90.0

%

91.7

%

91.0

%

91.0

%

90.5

%

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

September 30, 2005

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

Fabrication Backlog

 

$

267.6

 

$

144.5

 

$

113.8

 

 

The increase in domestic available horsepower as of September 30, 2006 compared to September 30, 2005 was primarily attributable to large horsepower units added to our fleet to meet the incremental demand for these units by the industry.  The increase in international horsepower was primarily attributable to horsepower that was added in Latin America in response to new projects.

Domestic average operating horsepower increased by 2.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year quarter and by 3.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year period.  International average operating horsepower increased by 4.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year quarter and by 8.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year period. These increases were primarily attributable to higher customer demand as well as larger horsepower units added to the fleet.

Fabrication backlog fluctuates quarter to quarter due to the timing of receipt of orders placed by customers and the timing of recognition of revenue.  The fabrication backlog at November 2, 2006 was approximately $280.3 million.  A majority of the backlog is expected to be completed within a 270-day period.

21




Financial Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to three months ended September 30, 2005

The following table summarizes revenue, gross margin, gross margin percentage, expenses and net income:

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006 (1)

 

2005 (1)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

101,058

 

$

81,964

 

% of revenue

 

40.9

%

45.2

%

International contract compression

 

$

36,251

 

$

31,076

 

% of revenue

 

14.7

%

17.2

%

Fabrication

 

$

57,642

 

$

28,193

 

% of revenue

 

23.3

%

15.6

%

Aftermarket services

 

$

51,981

 

$

39,895

 

% of revenue

 

21.1

%

22.0

%

Total Revenue

 

$

246,932

 

$

181,128

 

Gross margin:

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

66,192

 

$

52,115

 

International contract compression

 

27,283

 

22,989

 

Fabrication

 

10,048

 

3,424

 

Aftermarket services

 

10,677

 

8,113

 

Total Gross Margin

 

$

114,200

 

$

86,641

 

Gross margin percentage:

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

65.5

%

63.6

%

International contract compression

 

75.3

%

74.0

%

Fabrication

 

17.4

%

12.1

%

Aftermarket services

 

20.5

%

20.3

%

Total Gross Margin Percentage

 

46.2

%

47.8

%

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

31,154

 

$

26,439

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

30,149

 

21,012

 

Interest expense, net

 

15,152

 

13,034

 

Foreign currency gain

 

(45

)

(610

)

Other (income) loss, net

 

3

 

(524

)

Income tax expense

 

12,827

 

9,611

 

Net income

 

$

24,960

 

$

17,679

 

 


(1)          Amounts for the three months ended September 30, 2006 are for both Holdings and Universal with the following exceptions:  Universal had interest income from an affiliate of $1.5 million, income tax expense of $13.3 million and net income of $25.9 million.  The results of operations for Holdings and Universal were identical for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

Revenue.  Domestic contract compression revenue increased due to higher average contract prices and increased operating horsepower in the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Domestic contract compression revenue per average monthly operating horsepower increased to $18.80 in the three months ended September 30, 2006.  This was a 20.5% increase from the prior period amount of $15.60.  Average domestic contract compression monthly operating horsepower increased to 1,792,145 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  This represented a 2.3% increase from the prior year period.  International contract compression revenue increased primarily as a result of additional business in Argentina and Bolivia of $2.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively.  Fabrication revenue increased in the current year period due primarily to increased pricing to customers.  Aftermarket services revenue was higher due primarily to acquisitions in Europe and Africa that contributed $5.3 million of additional revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and an increase in domestic operations revenues of $4.7 million.

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Gross Margin.  The higher domestic contract compression gross margin (defined as total revenue less cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization expense) was primarily attributable to the revenue increases in the current year period discussed above, partially offset by higher expenses in the current year period including labor and benefits cost, parts cost, lubricant cost, vehicle fuel cost and field supply cost.  International contract compression gross margin was higher due primarily to the increased business in Argentina and Bolivia discussed above.  The higher fabrication gross margin was attributable primarily to the revenue increases discussed above and the implementation of process improvements in the current year period.  Aftermarket services gross margin was higher due to the Europe and Africa acquisitions completed in 2006.  In addition to the above, domestic contract compression, fabrication and aftermarket services gross margins increased in the current year period by $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, due to a change in our vacation policy which impacted when our employees earn their vacation.  Gross margin is reconciled to net income on page 30 of this report, within Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Gross Margin Percentage.  Excluding the impact of the change in vacation policy discussed above, gross margin percentage (defined as gross margin as a percentage of revenue) for the three months ended September 30, 2006 for the domestic contract compression, fabrication and aftermarket services segments would have been 64.6%, 16.4% and 18.6%, respectively.  The following discussion excludes the impact of the change in vacation policy.  For the three months ended September 30, 2006, domestic contract compression gross margin percentage increased primarily due to average contract price increases in the current year period.  The higher fabrication gross margin percentage primarily resulted from the revenue increases and process improvements discussed above.  Aftermarket services gross margin percentage decreased in the current year period as a result of cost increases without corresponding increases in pricing to our customers.  International contract compression services gross margin percentage remained relatively stable compared to the prior year period.

Depreciation and Amortization.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year primarily resulted from on-going capital expenditures, consisting primarily of additions to our contract compression fleet and compressor overhauls.

SG&A Expenses.  The increase in SG&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was due primarily to the inclusion of reimbursable property taxes that are offset in revenue, the on-going implementation of our ERP system and the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” relating to stock-based compensation.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses due to the change in our vacation policy discussed above.  SG&A expenses represented 12.2% and 11.6% of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Interest Expense, net.  The increase in interest expense, net, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 relates to higher total debt levels partly related to a $100.0 million share repurchase completed in December 2005, and increased interest rates in the current year period.

Income Tax Expense.  The increase in income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006 relates to increased income before taxes in the current year period.

23




Nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2005

The following table summarizes revenue, gross margin, gross margin percentage, expenses and net income:

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006 (1)

 

2005 (1)

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

296,563

 

$

238,554

 

% of revenue

 

42.7

%

41.0

%

International contract compression

 

$

104,554

 

$

90,115

 

% of revenue

 

15.1

%

15.5

%

Fabrication

 

$

152,479

 

$

132,066

 

% of revenue

 

21.9

%

22.7

%

Aftermarket services

 

$

141,120

 

$

121,713

 

% of revenue

 

20.3

%

20.8

%

Total Revenue

 

$

694,716

 

$

582,448

 

Gross margin:

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

$

192,991

 

$

151,689

 

International contract compression

 

78,759

 

67,154

 

Fabrication

 

20,983

 

9,329

 

Aftermarket services

 

27,650

 

23,603

 

Total Gross Margin

 

$

320,383

 

$

251,775

 

Gross margin percentage:

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic contract compression

 

65.1

%

63.6

%

International contract compression

 

75.3

%

74.5

%

Fabrication

 

13.8

%

7.1

%

Aftermarket services

 

19.6

%

19.4

%

Total Gross Margin Percentage

 

46.1

%

43.2

%

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

90,966

 

$

76,462

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

86,191

 

61,522

 

Interest expense, net

 

43,814

 

39,890

 

Foreign currency gain

 

(355

)

(1,344

)

Other income, net

 

(1,090

)

(1,069

)

Debt extinguishment costs

 

 

26,068

 

Asset impairment expense

 

 

3,080

 

Income tax expense

 

33,206

 

15,841

 

Net income

 

$

67,651

 

$

31,325

 

 


(1)                Amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 are for both Holdings and Universal with the following exceptions:  Universal had interest income from an affiliate of $4.5 million, income tax expense of $34.8 million and net income of $70.5 million.  The results of operations for Holdings and Universal were identical for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Revenue.  Domestic contract compression revenue increased due to higher average contract prices and increased operating horsepower in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Domestic contract compression revenue per average monthly operating horsepower increased to $18.34 in the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  This was a 20.1% increase from the prior period amount of $15.27.  Average domestic contract compression monthly operating horsepower increased to 1,796,765 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  This represented a 3.5% increase from the prior year period.  International contract compression revenue increased primarily as a result of additional business in Argentina and Bolivia of $8.0 million and $5.4 million, respectively.  Fabrication revenue increased in the current year period primarily due to increased pricing to customers.  Aftermarket services revenue was higher due primarily to acquisitions in Europe and Africa that contributed $12.1 million of additional revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and an increase in our Canadian operations of $3.9 million.

24




Gross Margin.  The higher domestic contract compression gross margin was primarily attributable to the revenue increases in the current period discussed above, partially offset by higher expenses in the current period including labor and benefits cost, parts cost, lubricant cost, field supply cost, vehicle fuel cost, and remote monitoring cost due to additional installations. International contract compression gross margin was higher due primarily to the increased business in Argentina and Bolivia discussed above.  The higher fabrication gross margin was attributable primarily to the revenue increases discussed above and higher warranty costs and cost overruns on certain relatively complex projects in the prior year period.  Aftermarket services gross margin was higher due to acquisitions in Europe and Africa discussed above.  In addition to the above, domestic contract compression, fabrication and aftermarket services gross margins increased in the current year period by $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, due to a change in our vacation policy which impacted when our employees earn their vacation.  Gross margin is reconciled to net income on page 30 of this report, within Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Gross Margin Percentage.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, domestic contract compression gross margin percentage increased primarily due to average contract price increases in the current year period.  International contract compression and aftermarket services gross margin percentages for the current year period remained relatively stable compared to the prior year period.  The higher fabrication gross margin percentage primarily resulted from the implementation of process improvements, maintaining greater pricing discipline and focusing on more standard compression packages.

Depreciation and Amortization.  The increase in depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year period primarily resulted from on-going capital expenditures, consisting primarily of additions to our contract compression fleet and compressor overhauls.

SG&A Expenses.  The increase in SG&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was due primarily to the inclusion of reimbursable property taxes that are offset in revenue, the on-going implementation of our ERP system and the adoption of SFAS No. 123R.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses due to the change in our vacation policy discussed above.  SG&A expenses represented 12.4% and 10.6% of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Interest Expense, net.  The increase in interest expense, net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 relates to higher total debt levels partly related to a $100.0 million share repurchase completed in December 2005, and increased interest rates in the current year period.

Debt Extinguishment Costs.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, debt extinguishment costs were due to the early extinguishment of our term loan due 2008 and 8 7/8% senior notes due 2008. As a result of the early extinguishment of debt, a charge of $26.1 million was recognized resulting from the call premium of $19.5 million and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.6 million.

Asset Impairment.  Included within net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 is a $3.1 million loss on the impairment of our Tulsa, Oklahoma fabrication facility.  The carrying value of this facility was written down to its estimated market value, which was determined by the Company based upon then recent appraisals.

Income Tax Expense.  The increase in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 relates to increased income before taxes in the current year period.

25




Liquidity and Capital Resources

Universal meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1) of Form 10-Q and as a result is not required to include a discussion of its liquidity and capital resources in this report.  The discussion below of liquidity and capital resources is related to Holdings only and all references to “our,” “we” and “us” when used in this discussion refer to Universal Compression Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Our primary sources of cash are operating activities and financing activities.  Our primary uses of cash are operating expenditures, capital expenditures and long-term debt repayments.  The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and our cash and working capital as of the end of such periods (in thousands):

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

132,848

 

$

121,652

 

Investing activities

 

$

(153,448

)

$

(111,255

)

Financing activities

 

$

(1,653

)

$

(37,876

)

 

 

As of September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash

 

$

16,862

 

$

26,979

 

Working capital, net of cash and restricted cash

 

$

152,413

 

$

78,465

 

 

Operations. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of increased earnings and changes in working capital.

Capital Expenditures.  Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $156.7 million consisting of $99.3 million for fleet additions, $31.9 million for compressor overhauls, $12.5 million for service trucks and $13.0 million for machinery, equipment, information technology equipment and other items.  Proceeds from asset sales of $10.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 resulted in net capital expenditures of $145.8 million.  Based on current market conditions, we expect to continue to invest in fleet additions, compressor overhauls and maintenance and other capital requirements.  We expect net capital expenditures (defined as capital expenditures less proceeds from asset sales) of approximately $210 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2006, including approximately $45 million for compressor overhauls.  Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 includes $6.3 million for acquisitions.

Long-term Debt. As of September 30, 2006, we had approximately $913.7 million in outstanding debt obligations consisting of $468.2 million outstanding under the seven-year term loan, $171.2 million outstanding under the 7 1/4% senior notes, $190.3 million outstanding under the ABS Facility and $84.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

The maturities of this debt for the twelve months ended September 30 of the periods indicated are shown below (in thousands).  We expect to pay these principal payments through cash generated by operations and debt refinancing activity.

2007

 

$

19,295

 

2008

 

19,295

 

2009

 

19,295

 

2010

 

274,470

 

2011

 

240,358

 

Thereafter

 

341,015

 

Total debt

 

$

913,728

 

 

26




After the effect of the initial public offering of the Partnership and the October 2006 debt refinancing discussed below, as of October 31, 2006, we had approximately $805.4 million in outstanding debt obligations consisting of $320.0 million outstanding under our $500 million revolving credit facility, $171.3 million outstanding under the 7 1/4% senior notes, $189.1 million outstanding under the ABS Facility and $125.0 million outstanding under the Partnership’s revolving credit facility.

The maturities of this debt for the twelve months ended October 31 of the periods indicated are shown below (in thousands).  We expect to pay these principal payments through cash generated by operations and debt refinancing activity.

2007

 

$

14,545

 

2008

 

14,545

 

2009

 

14,545

 

2010

 

185,878

 

2011

 

459,545

 

Thereafter

 

116,366

 

Total debt

 

$

805,424

 

 

Historically, we have financed capital expenditures with net cash provided by operating and financing activities.  Based on current market conditions, we expect that net cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to finance our operating expenditures, capital expenditures and scheduled interest and debt repayments through December 31, 2006, but to the extent it is not, we may borrow additional funds under our revolving credit facilities or we may obtain additional debt or equity financing.

Partnership Distributions to Unitholders.  The Partnership’s partnership agreement requires it to distribute all of its “available cash” quarterly. Under the partnership agreement, available cash is defined to generally mean, for each fiscal quarter, (i) cash on hand at the Partnership at the end of the quarter in excess of the amount of reserves its general partner determines is necessary or appropriate to provide for the conduct of its business, to comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other agreements or to provide for future distributions to its unitholders for any one or more of the upcoming four quarters, plus, (ii) if the Partnership’s general partner so determines, all or a portion of the Partnership’s cash on hand on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter.

Under the terms of the Partnership’s partnership agreement, there is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from the Partnership. The Partnership’s distribution policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time, including restrictions contained in the Partnership’s $225 million revolving credit facility, the general partner of the Partnership’s establishment of reserves to fund future operations or cash distributions to the Partnership’s unitholders, restrictions contained in the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act or the Partnership’s lack of sufficient cash to pay distributions.

The general partner of the Partnership has adopted a cash distribution policy that will require the Partnership to pay distributions at an initial distribution rate of $0.35 per unit per complete quarter, or $1.40 per unit per year, no later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter through the quarter ending September 30, 2007 to the extent that the Partnership has sufficient cash from operations after establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to its general partner and affiliates. This equates to an aggregate cash distribution of $4.5 million per quarter or $18.1 million per year, in each case based on the number of common units, subordinated units and general partner units outstanding immediately after completion of the initial public offering.  The Partnership will adjust the quarterly distribution for the period from the closing of the initial public offering on October 20, 2006 through December 31, 2006 based on the actual length of the period.  The Partnership expects to fund its cash distributions from cash provided by operations, but has the ability to fund such distributions from borrowings under its revolving credit facility.

Through the Company’s ownership of all 6,325,000 of the subordinated units and all of the equity interests in the general partner of the Partnership, the Company expects to receive cash distributions from the Partnership.  The Company’s rights to receive distributions of cash from the Partnership as holder of subordinated units are subordinated to the rights of the common unitholders to receive such distributions.  Based on the number of units outstanding at the completion of the initial public offering, if the quarterly distribution from the partnership equals the initial distribution rate (assuming no pro rata adjustment for the shortened period for which the first quarterly distribution will be made), the Company will receive $2.3 million of the $4.5 million distributed by the Partnership.

Debt Covenants and Availability.  As of September 30, 2006, covenants in our credit facilities required that we maintain various financial ratios, including a collateral coverage ratio (market value of domestic compression equipment pledged to total amount of indebtedness outstanding under our seven-year term loan and revolving credit facility) of greater than or equal to 1.15 to 1, a total leverage ratio (total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense) of less than or equal to 5 to 1, and an interest coverage ratio (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense to interest expense) of greater

27




than or equal to 2.5 to 1.   As of September 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.  For a discussion of debt covenants related to credit agreements entered into in October 2006 see Debt Refinancing below.

As of September 30, 2006, due to restrictive covenants and after giving effect to $21.5 million of outstanding letters of credit under our revolving credit facility, we had an aggregate unused credit availability of approximately $69.5 million under our revolving credit facility and $25.0 million under our ABS Facility.  The credit availability under the revolving credit facility outstanding at September 30, 2006 was cancelled in October 2006 when this facility was repaid and terminated (see Debt Refinancing below).  The credit availability under the ABS Facility expired on October 20, 2006.

After the effect of the initial public offering of the Partnership and the October 2006 debt refinancing discussed below, as of October 31, 2006, due to restrictive covenants and after giving effect to $29.9 million of outstanding letters of credit under our $500 million revolving credit facility, we had an aggregate unused credit availability of approximately $150.1 million under our $500 million revolving credit facility and $100.0 million under the Partnership’s $225 million revolving credit facility.

Debt Refinancing.  On October 20, 2006, we, and three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Universal (together with Holdings the “US Borrowers”) and UC Canadian Partnership Holdings Company and Universal Compression Canada, Limited Partnership (together with the US Borrowers, the “Borrowers”), entered into a senior secured credit agreement.  The new credit facility under the credit agreement consists of a five-year $500 million revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the US Borrowers. In addition, all of the capital stock of the domestic restricted subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries used in connection with the ABS Facility, and 65% of the capital stock of the first tier foreign subsidiaries has been pledged to secure the obligations under the credit agreement. The new credit facility is not secured by the capital stock of the Partnership or any assets owned by the Partnership. Under the credit agreement, the revolving credit facility currently bears interest at the Borrowers’ option, the Administrative Agent’s prime rate plus 0.25%, or LIBOR plus 1.25%.

The US Borrowers used approximately $330 million advanced under the credit agreement, together with debt assumed by the Partnership in connection with its initial public offering and proceeds received from the Partnership in connection with the redemption by the Partnership of 825,000 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership issued to us in connection with the initial public offering, to repay all balances under the prior senior secured credit facility. The prior senior secured credit facility was subsequently terminated.  We will record in the three months ended December 31, 2006 a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.1 million associated with the refinancing.

Additionally, approximately $28 million of the letter of credit subfacility to the revolving credit facility was utilized to replace the letters of credit outstanding under the prior revolving credit facility. The US Borrowers intend to use the remainder of the proceeds of the credit agreement for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Under the credit agreement, the Borrowers are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability: to incur additional debt or sell assets, with restrictions on the use of proceeds; to make certain investments and acquisitions; to grant liens; and to pay dividends and distributions. In addition, the Borrowers will be required to pay down the facility under certain circumstances if they sell certain assets or property. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative covenants to provide guarantees from any domestic subsidiary with gross assets exceeding $50 million. The Borrowers are also subject to financial covenants which include a total debt to EBITDA ratio, interest coverage ratio and a senior secured leverage ratio. The credit agreement specifies a number of events of default (many of which are subject to applicable cure periods), including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, defaults under other agreements or instruments of indebtedness, change of control and noncompliance with covenants. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

On October 20, 2006, the Partnership, as guarantor, and UC Operating Partnership, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (“Operating Partnership”), entered into a senior secured credit agreement The new credit facility under the credit agreement consists of a five-year $225 million revolving credit facility, of which approximately $125 million was drawn at closing. Borrowings under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the Operating Partnership and the Partnership. In addition, all of the capital stock of the Partnership’s domestic restricted subsidiaries, except for subsidiaries used in connection with any asset backed securitization facility, has been pledged to secure the obligations under the credit agreement. Under the credit agreement, the revolving credit facility currently bears interest at the Operating Partnership’s option, the Administrative Agent’s prime rate plus 0.25% or LIBOR plus 1.25%, in each case based upon the Partnership’s total leverage ratio.

The Operating Partnership used approximately $125 million advanced under the credit agreement to repay indebtedness assumed by the Operating Partnership and the Partnership from us in connection with the Operating Partnership’s acquisition of a portion of the Company’s domestic contract compression business.

28




Under the credit agreement, the Operating Partnership and the Partnership are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability: to incur additional debt or sell assets, with restrictions on the use of proceeds; to make certain investments and acquisitions; to grant liens; and to pay dividends and distributions. The credit agreement contains certain affirmative covenants to deliver capital stock of newly created subsidiaries, and to provide guarantees from the Partnership and any domestic subsidiary which generates EBITDA (which is defined for the purposes of determining guarantors as gross revenues of such domestic subsidiary for such period less the cost of sales (excluding depreciation expenses to the extent such expenses were deducted)) exceeding 7.5% of the EBITDA of the Partnership and all of its subsidiaries taken as a whole. The Operating Partnership and the Partnership are also subject to financial covenants which include a total debt to EBITDA ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The credit agreement specifies a number of events of default (many of which are subject to applicable cure periods), including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, defaults under other agreements or instruments of indebtedness, change of control and noncompliance with covenants. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the facility and declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

Stock Repurchase Program.  On November 6, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock through November 6, 2008. Under the stock repurchase program, we may repurchase shares in open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations.  We may also implement all or part of the repurchases under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, so as to provide the flexibility to extend share repurchases beyond the quarterly purchasing window.  The timing and extent to which we repurchase shares will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, and will be in management’s discretion.  Repurchases under the program may commence or be suspended at any time without prior notice.  The stock repurchase program may be funded through cash provided by operating activities or borrowings.

29




Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We define gross margin as total revenue less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense).  Gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary measure used by our management as it represents the results of revenue and cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense), which are key components of our operations.  As an indicator of our operating performance, gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as determined in accordance with GAAP.  Our gross margin may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company because other entities may not calculate gross margin in the same manner.

The following table reconciles Holdings’ net income to gross margin:

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Net income

 

$

24,960

 

$

17,679

 

$

67,651

 

$

31,325