Risk Factors Dashboard
Once a year, publicly traded companies issue a comprehensive report of their business, called a 10-K. A component mandated in the 10-K is the ‘Risk Factors’ section, where companies disclose any major potential risks that they may face. This dashboard highlights all major changes and additions in new 10K reports, allowing investors to quickly identify new potential risks and opportunities.
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Risk Factors - CORR
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are many risks and uncertainties that can affect our future business, financial performance or price of our securities. Many of these are beyond our control. A description follows of some of the important factors that could have a material negative impact. A description follows of some of the important factors that could have a material negative impact on our future business, operating results, financial condition or share price. This discussion includes a number of forward-looking statements. You should refer to the description of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements in the first paragraph under Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
With the exception of historical information, certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), such as those pertaining to our ability to execute on our business strategy, the pursuit of growth opportunities, anticipated transportation volumes, expected rate increases, planned capital expenditures, planned dividend payment levels, capital resources and liquidity, and our planned acts relating thereto, the Chapter 11 Case and our results of operations and financial condition. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and you should not rely on them as predictions of actual events. There is no assurance the events or circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will occur. You can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such as "will," "may," "should," "could," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "projects," "goals," "objectives," "targets," "predicts," "plans," "seeks," or similar expressions or other comparable terms or discussions of strategy, plans or intentions in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Forward-looking statements necessarily are dependent on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise. These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Many of the factors that will determine these items are beyond our ability to control or predict, which could include risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s Chapter 11 Case, including but not limited to, the Company’s ability to satisfy all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Proposed Plan, to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 Case, the effects of the Chapter 11 Case on the Company and on the interests of various constituents, Bankruptcy Court rulings in the Chapter 11 Case and the outcome of the Chapter 11 Case in general, the length of time the Company will operate under the Chapter 11 Case, risks associated with any third-party motions in the Chapter 11 Case, the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 Case on the Company’s liquidity or results of operations and increased legal and other professional costs necessary to execute the Company’s reorganization. For further discussion of these factors see "Summary Risk Factors" below and Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or the date of any document incorporated by reference herein. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RISK FACTOR SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the most significant risks relating to our business activities that we have identified. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation, including our ability to generate cash and make distributions could be materially adversely affected. For a more complete understanding of our material risk factors, this summary should be read in conjunction with the detailed description of our risk factors that follows this summary.
Risks Related to Our Voluntary Bankruptcy Filing
•The RSA is subject to significant conditions and milestones that may be beyond our control and may be difficult for us to satisfy. If the RSA is terminated, our ability to confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan could be materially and adversely affected.
•We are subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with the Chapter 11 proceedings and may not be able to obtain confirmation of the Proposed Plan as outlined in the RSA.
•Upon emergence from bankruptcy, the composition of our Board of Directors and Officers may change significantly.
•Our historical financial information may not be indicative of our future financial performance.
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•Trading in our securities during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Case is highly speculative and poses substantial risks. It is possible that our equity securities will be cancelled pursuant to the Proposed Plan and holders of any such equity securities will receive only such distributions as set forth in the Proposed Plan, which may result in such holders being unable to recover their investments.
•Negotiating the RSA, and the Chapter 11 proceedings, has and will continue to consume a substantial portion of our management’s time and attention, which may adversely affect us and may increase employee attrition.
•If the RSA is terminated our ability to confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan could be materially and adversely affected.
•We depend on the continued presence of key personnel for critical management decisions.
•Transfers or issuances of equity before, or in connection with, our Chapter 11 proceedings may impair our ability to utilize the existing tax basis in our assets, our federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes.
•We have determined that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Risks Related to Our Investments in Energy Infrastructure
•Our focus on the energy infrastructure sector will subject us to more concentrated risks than if we were broadly diversified.
•We may be unable to identify and complete acquisitions of real property assets, and the relative illiquidity of our real property and energy infrastructure investments also may interfere with our ability to sell our assets when we desire.
•Energy infrastructure companies are and will be subject to extensive regulation, including numerous environmental regulations, pipeline safety and integrity regulations, revenue and tariff regulations by applicable interstate (FERC) and intrastate authorities, and potential future regulations related to greenhouse gases and climate change. Related compliance costs may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as those of our customers.
•Our operations, and those of our customers, are subject to operational hazards, and could be affected by extreme weather patterns and other natural phenomena. Any resulting business interruptions not adequately covered by insurance could have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial results.
•We depend on certain key customers for a significant portion of our revenues, which also exposes us to related credit risks. The loss of a key customer, or any failure of our credit risk management, could result in a decline in our business.
•Pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has and may continue to adversely affect local and global economies and our business, operations and financial results.
•The operation of our energy infrastructure assets could be adversely affected if third-party pipelines or other facilities interconnected to our facilities become partially or fully unavailable.The operation of our energy infrastructure assets could be adversely affected if third-party pipelines, railroads or other facilities interconnected to our facilities become partially or fully unavailable.
Risks Related to Our Ownership Interest in Crimson
•Our only asset subsequent to the sale of the MoGas and Omega Pipelines is our ownership interest in Crimson, whose operations we do not fully control. We have a right to acquire the remaining ownership interests in Crimson that we do not own, subject to CPUC approval. The CPUC denied an application requesting this approval in December 2022, and there can be no assurances that such approval will be obtained on acceptable terms or at all.
•Crimson's insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover our losses in the event of an accident, natural disaster or other hazardous event.
•Crimson's results could be adversely affected if third-party pipelines, refineries, and other facilities interconnected to its pipelines close, choose alternative interconnections or become unavailable, or if the volumes Crimson transports and stores are reduced due to any significant decrease in crude oil production in areas in which it operates.
•Crimson's assets were constructed over many decades, which may increase future inspection, maintenance or repair costs, or result in downtime that could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
•Crimson's pipeline loss allowance exposes us to commodity risk.
Risks Related to Rising Inflation and Interest Rate Increases
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•We may be negatively impacted by rising inflation and recent and future interest rate increases, which could raise our costs, including our financing costs, reduce demand for the use of our energy infrastructure assets and limit our acquisition activities.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Financing Our Business
•The terms of the agreements that govern our indebtedness restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or pursue our business strategies.
•Even if our existing indebtedness is restructured, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to services all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
•Our ability to make scheduled payments pursuant to the Proposed Plan depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our business may not continue to generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive.
•Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.
Risks Related to Our Capital Stock
•Our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock have been delisted from the NYSE and are subject to the risks of trading in an over-the-counter market. Our inability to regain compliance with the NYSE was a fundamental change triggering the repurchase feature under the Indenture governing our Convertible Notes, which we do not have the cash on hand or liquidity to repurchase.
•Our post-bankruptcy capital structure is yet to be determined, and any changes to our capital structure may have a material adverse effect on existing debt and security holders.
•We suspended paying dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock, Common Stock, and Class B Common Stock, and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay dividends in the future or the amount of any dividends.
Risks Related to REIT Qualification and Federal Income Tax Laws
•While we take numerous actions to ensure the Company's qualification as a REIT and have obtained related private letter rulings from the IRS, any failure to so qualify would have significant adverse consequences to the Company and to the value of our capital stock. Further, complying with REIT requirements may affect our profitability and force us to forego otherwise attractive investments. Further, complying with REIT requirements may affect our profitability and force us to liquidate or forego otherwise attractive investments.
•We generally must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders annually. As a result, we require additional capital to make new investments, and any failure to make required distributions would subject us to federal corporate income tax.
•Our charter includes ownership limit provisions to protect our REIT status, which may impair the ability of holders to convert our Convertible Notes to Common Stock and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or change of control of our Company.
•If we acquire C corporations in the future, we may inherit material tax liabilities and other tax attributes that could require us to distribute earnings and profits.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance
•Our charter and Maryland law may limit the ability of stockholders to control our policies and effect a change of control of our Company.
Risks Related to Terrorism, Armed Conflicts, and Cybersecurity
•Risks associated with security breaches through cyber-attacks or acts of cyber-terrorism, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our information technology ("IT") networks and related systems, could materially adversely affect our business, operations or financial results.
•Terrorist attacks and armed conflict, or their impacts on the energy industry served by our infrastructure assets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
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•Some losses related to our real property assets, including, among others, losses related to potential terrorist activities, may not be covered by insurance and would adversely impact distributions to stockholders.
Risks Related to Our Voluntary Bankruptcy Filing
Beginning on February 25, 2024, the Company filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri in order to implement a Chapter 11 plan to recapitalize the Company.
The RSA is subject to significant conditions and milestones that may be beyond our control and may be difficult for us to satisfy. If the RSA is terminated, our ability to confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan could be materially and adversely affected.
The RSA sets forth certain conditions we must satisfy, including the timely satisfaction of milestones in the Chapter 11 Case, such as confirmation of the Proposed Plan and effectiveness of the Proposed Plan. Our ability to timely complete such milestones is subject to risks and uncertainties that may be beyond our control. The RSA gives the Consenting Noteholders the ability to terminate the RSA under certain circumstances, including the failure of certain conditions to be satisfied. Should a termination event occur, all obligations of the parties to the RSA may terminate. A termination of the RSA may result in the loss of support for the Proposed Plan, which could adversely affect our ability to confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan. If the Proposed Plan is not consummated, there can be no assurance that any new plan would be as favorable to holders of claims as the current Proposed Plan and our Chapter 11 proceedings could become protracted, which could significantly and detrimentally impact our relationships with vendors, suppliers, employees, and tenants.
We will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with Chapter 11 proceedings.
As a consequence of our filing for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, our operations and our ability to develop and execute our business plan, and our continuation as a going concern, will be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy. These risks include the following:
•our ability to prosecute, confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan or another plan of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 proceedings;
•the high costs of bankruptcy proceedings and related fees;
•if required, our ability to obtain sufficient financing to allow us to emerge from bankruptcy and execute our business plan post-emergence;
•our ability to maintain our relationships with our suppliers, service providers, employees and other third parties;
•our ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our operations;
•our ability to execute our business plan in the current uncertain economic environment;
•the ability to attract, motivate and retain key employees;
•the ability of third parties to seek and obtain court approval to terminate contracts and other agreements with us;
•the ability of third parties to seek and obtain court approval to convert the Chapter 11 proceedings to Chapter 7 proceedings; and
•the actions and decisions of our creditors and other third parties who have interests in our Chapter 11 proceedings that may be inconsistent with our plans.
These risks and uncertainties could affect our business and operations in various ways. For example, negative events associated with our Chapter 11 proceedings could adversely affect our relationships with our suppliers, service providers, employees, and other third parties, which in turn could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Also, we need the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court for transactions outside the ordinary course of business, which may limit our ability to respond timely to certain events or take advantage of certain opportunities. Because of the risks and uncertainties associated with our Chapter 11 proceedings, we cannot accurately predict or quantify the ultimate impact of events that occur during our Chapter 11 proceedings that may be inconsistent with our plans.
We may not be able to obtain confirmation of the Proposed Plan as outlined in the RSA.
There can be no assurance that the Proposed Plan as outlined in the RSA (or any other plan of reorganization) will be approved by the Bankruptcy Court, so we urge caution with respect to existing and future investments in our securities.
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The success of any reorganization will depend on approval by the Bankruptcy Court and the willingness of existing debt and security holders to agree to the exchange or modification of their interests as outlined in the Proposed Plan, and there can be no guarantee of success with respect to the Proposed Plan or any other plan of reorganization. We might receive official objections to confirmation of the Proposed Plan from the various stakeholders in the Chapter 11 proceedings. We cannot predict the impact that any objection might have on the Proposed Plan or on a Bankruptcy Court's decision to confirm the Proposed Plan. Any objection may cause us to devote significant resources in response that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the Proposed Plan is not confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, it is unclear whether we would be able to reorganize our business and what, if any, distributions holders of claims against us, including holders of our unsecured debt and equity, would ultimately receive with respect to their claims. There can be no assurance as to whether we will successfully reorganize and emerge from Chapter 11 or, if we do successfully reorganize, as to when we would emerge from Chapter 11. If no plan of reorganization can be confirmed, or if the Bankruptcy Court otherwise finds that it would be in the best interest of holders of claims and interests, the Chapter 11 case may be converted to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, pursuant to which a trustee would be appointed or elected to liquidate our assets for distribution in accordance with the priorities established by the Bankruptcy Code.
Upon emergence from bankruptcy, our historical financial information may not be indicative of our future financial performance.
Our capital structure will be significantly altered under the Proposed Plan. Under fresh-start reporting rules that may apply to us upon the effective date of the Proposed Plan (or any alternative plan of reorganization), our assets and liabilities would be adjusted to fair values and our accumulated deficit would be restated to zero. Accordingly, if fresh-start reporting rules apply, our financial condition and results of operations following our emergence from Chapter 11 would not be comparable to the financial condition and results of operations reflected in our historical financial statements. Further, a plan of reorganization could materially change the amounts and classifications reported in our consolidated historical financial statements, which do not give effect to any adjustments to the carrying value of assets or amounts of liabilities that might be necessary as a consequence of confirmation of a plan of reorganization.
The pursuit of the RSA has consumed, and the Chapter 11 proceedings will continue to consume, a substantial portion of the time and attention of our management, which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations, and we may face increased levels of employee attrition.
Although the Proposed Plan is designed to minimize the length of our Chapter 11 proceedings, it is impossible to predict with certainty the amount of time that we may spend in bankruptcy or to assure parties in interest that the Proposed Plan will be confirmed. The Chapter 11 proceedings will involve additional expense and our management will be required to spend a significant amount of time and effort focusing on the proceedings. This diversion of attention may materially adversely affect the conduct of our business, and, as a result, on our financial condition and results of operations, particularly if the Chapter 11 proceedings are protracted. Any such reduction in demand or less attractive terms could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and ability to make or increase cash distributions to our stockholders.
During the pendency of the Chapter 11 proceedings, our employees will face considerable distraction and uncertainty and we may experience increased levels of employee attrition. A loss of key personnel or material erosion of employee morale could have a material adverse effect on our ability to effectively, efficiently and safely conduct our business, and could impair our ability to execute our strategy and implement operational initiatives, thereby having a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If the RSA is terminated, our ability to confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan could be materially and adversely affected.
The RSA contains a number of termination events, upon the occurrence of which certain parties to the RSA may terminate the agreement. If the RSA is terminated as to all parties thereto, each of the parties will be released from its obligations in accordance with the terms of the RSA. Such termination may result in the loss of support for the Proposed Plan by the parties to the RSA, which could adversely affect our ability to confirm and consummate the Proposed Plan. If the Proposed Plan is not consummated, there can be no assurance that any new plan would be as favorable to holders of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries as contemplated by the RSA.
We depend on the continued presence of key personnel for critical management decisions.
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Retaining and understanding historical knowledge from our key personnel is critical to allowing the management team to more effectively progress our business plan. Anytime personnel are replaced, there is a risk that there may be a loss of service, albeit temporary, that could result in an adverse effect on the business.
Upon our emergence from bankruptcy, the composition of our Board of Directors may change significantly.
Under the Proposed Plan, the composition of our Board of Directors may change significantly. Any new directors are likely to have different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from those individuals who previously served on the Board and, thus, may have different views on the issues that will determine our future. As a result, our future strategy and plans may differ materially from those of the past.
Trading in our securities during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases is highly speculative and poses substantial risks. It is possible that our equity securities will be cancelled pursuant to the Proposed Plan and holders of any such equity securities will receive only such distributions as set forth in the Proposed Plan, which may result in such holders being unable to recover their investments.
A significant amount of our indebtedness is senior to the Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in our capital structure. It is possible that these equity interests may be cancelled and extinguished upon the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and the holders thereof would not be entitled to receive, and would not receive or retain, any property or interest in property on account of such equity interests. In the event of a cancellation of these equity interests, amounts invested by such holders in our outstanding equity securities will not be recoverable. Under the Proposed Plan, we expect that each holder of our Common Stock will receive nothing on account of its common stock interest. If holders of our Series A Preferred Stock vote to accept the Proposed Plan, as a class, each holder will receive its pro rata share of 8.25% of the new common stock (subject to dilution). If, however, holders of our Series A Preferred Stock vote to reject the Proposed Plan, as a class, we expect that each holder will receive nothing on account of its preferred stock interest. Further, if our plan of reorganization is not approved, our currently outstanding Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock may have no value. Trading prices for our equity securities are very volatile and may bear little or no relationship to the actual recovery, if any, by the holders of such securities in the Chapter 11 Case. Accordingly, we urge that extreme caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in our equity securities and any of our other securities.
Transfers of our equity, or issuances of equity before in connection with or after our Chapter 11 proceedings, may impair our ability to utilize the existing tax basis in our assets, our federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes during the current year and in future years.
Under federal income tax law, a corporation is generally permitted to offset net taxable income in a given year with net operating losses carried forward from prior years, and its existing adjusted tax basis in its assets may be used to offset future gains or to generate annual cost recovery deductions. To the extent we cannot refinance this debt on favorable terms or at all, we may be forced to dispose of properties on disadvantageous terms or pay higher interest rates, either of which would have an adverse impact on our financial performance and ability to service debt and make distributions. We have significant “net unrealized built-in loss” (NUBIL) (i.e., adjusted tax basis in excess of the fair market value of our assets) and net operating loss carryforwards that are not subject to any Section 382 limitations.
Our ability to utilize future tax deductions, net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income is subject to certain requirements and restrictions. If we experience an "ownership change," as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, during or in connection with the restructuring process, then our ability to use future tax deductions, net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income may be substantially limited, which could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations.
Generally, there is an "ownership change" if one or more stockholders owning 5% or more of a corporation's common stock have aggregate increases in their ownership of such stock of more than 50 percentage points over a prescribed testing period which is generally over the three-year period preceding the date of an ownership change involving a 5% or greater shareholder. Under Section 382 and Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, absent an applicable exception, if a corporation undergoes an "ownership change", certain future tax deductions, net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes that may be utilized to offset future taxable income generally are subject to an annual limitation (though “recognized built-in losses” arising from our NUBIL will only be subject to limitation if they are recognized within 5 years of the “ownership change”).
We anticipate that the implementation of our plan of reorganization will result in an "ownership change." However, we anticipate that we will take advantage of the special tax law rules under Section 382(l)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code, which will allow us to use our net operating losses and NUBIL without any section 382 limitations. If we have a change in control within two years of the issuance of shares pursuant to the Chapter 11 Case, we will lose all of our net operating loss carryforwards. Also, as a result of
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section 382(l)(5), our net operating loss carryforwards will be reduced by the amount of interest we deducted on the indebtedness converted to our equity in our Chapter 11 Case.
The loss of our net operating loss carryforwards will likely increase our taxable income. Since the net operating loss deduction is taken into account in determining our distribution obligation in order to retain our REIT status, the loss of the net operating loss deductions may result in an increase in our required distributions. If the distributions increase too substantially, it may adversely affect our ability to continue as a REIT.
We understand that the largest bondholders, who will become our largest shareholders, have entered into a shareholders' agreement in which they have limited their ability to sell our stock in sufficient amounts to result in an "ownership change."
We have determined that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
In accordance with the accounting guidance related to the presentation of financial statements, when preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, management evaluates whether there are conditions or events that, when considered in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. In making its assessment, management considered the Company’s current financial condition and liquidity sources, as well as the status of the Chapter 11 Case.
As described in Item 1 under Recent Developments - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, the Company commenced the Chapter 11 Case under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The filing of the Chapter 11 Case constituted an event of default that resulted in certain monetary obligations becoming immediately due and payable with respect to the Convertible Notes.
Given the acceleration of the Convertible Notes, as well as the inherent risks, unknown results and inherent uncertainties associated with the bankruptcy process and the direct correlation between these matters and our ability to satisfy our financial obligations that may arise, the Company believes that there is substantial doubt that it will continue to operate as a going concern within one year after the date these consolidated financial statements are issued. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is contingent upon its ability to successfully implement the Proposed Plan set forth in the RSA, which is pending approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments related to the recoverability of assets and satisfaction of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Risks Related to our Investments in Energy Infrastructure
Our focus on the energy infrastructure sector will subject us to more risks than if we were broadly diversified.
Because our business strategy is specifically focused on owning and operating assets in the energy infrastructure sector, investments in our securities may present more risks than if we were broadly diversified. A downturn in the U.S. energy infrastructure sector would have a larger impact on our assets and performance compared to a REIT that does not concentrate its investments in one economic sector. The energy infrastructure sector can be significantly affected by the supply and demand for crude oil, natural gas, and other energy commodities; the price of these commodities; exploration, production and other capital expenditures; government regulation; world and regional events, politics and economic conditions. The energy infrastructure sector can be significantly affected by the supply and demand for crude oil, natural gas, and other energy commodities; the price of crude oil, natural gas, and other energy commodities; exploration, production and other capital expenditures; government regulation; world and regional events, politics and economic conditions.
Production declines and volume decreases that may impact our assets could be caused by various factors, including refinery closures, decreased access to capital (or loss of economic incentive) to drill and complete wells, depletion of natural resources, catastrophic events affecting production of (or demand for) energy commodities, labor difficulties, political events, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") actions, environmental proceedings, increased regulations, regulatory uncertainty, equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems, failure to obtain necessary permits, unscheduled outages, unanticipated expenses, inability to successfully carry out new construction or acquisitions, import or export supply and demand disruptions, or increased competition from alternative energy sources.Production declines and volume decreases impacting our assets could be caused by various factors, including decreased access to capital or loss of economic incentive to drill and complete wells, depletion of resources, catastrophic events affecting production, labor difficulties, political events, OPEC actions, environmental proceedings, increased regulations, equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems, failure to obtain necessary permits, unscheduled outages, unanticipated expenses, inability to successfully carry out new construction or acquisitions, import or export supply and demand disruptions, or increased competition from alternative energy sources.
We may be unable to identify and complete acquisitions of real property assets on favorable terms, or at all.We may be unable to identify and complete acquisitions of real property assets.
Our growth depends on our ability to acquire additional real property assets. Our ability to identify and complete acquisitions of real property assets on favorable terms and conditions is subject to the following risks:
•we may be unable to acquire a desired asset because of competition from other investors with significant capital, including both publicly traded and non-traded REITs and institutional investment funds;
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•competition from other investors may significantly increase the purchase price of a desired asset or result in less favorable terms;
•we may not complete the acquisition of a desired real property asset even if we have signed an acquisition agreement, because such agreements are subject to customary conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence investigations to our satisfaction; and
•we may be unable to finance acquisitions of real property assets on favorable terms or at all.
Energy infrastructure companies are subject to extensive regulation, which could adversely impact the business and financial performance of our customers and the value of our assets.
Companies in the energy infrastructure sector are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained, weatherized or hardened, and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices such companies may charge for the products and services they provide.Companies in the energy infrastructure sector are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future that would likely increase compliance costs, which could adversely affect the business and financial performance of our customers in the energy infrastructure sector and the value or quality of our assets.
Our Crimson operation is subject to extensive environmental and other regulation, which may adversely affect our income and the Cash Available for Distribution to our stockholders.
In addition to the pipeline safety regulations discussed below, the business operations of Crimson, as well as assets we may acquire and operate in the future, are subject to extensive federal, regional, state and local environmental laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Oil Pollution Act (OPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and analogous state and local laws.In addition to the pipeline safety regulations discussed below, Crimson's and MoGas' operations, as well as those of assets we may acquire and operate in the future, are subject to extensive federal, regional, state and local environmental laws including, for example, the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Oil Pollution Act (OPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and analogous state and local laws. These laws and their implementing regulations may restrict or impact business activities in many ways, such as requiring the acquisition of permits or other approvals to conduct regulated activities, limiting emissions and discharges of pollutants, restricting the manner of waste disposal, requiring remedial action to remove or mitigate contamination, requiring capital expenditures to comply with pollution control or workplace safety requirements, and imposing substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from business operations. These laws and their implementing regulations may restrict or impact such business activities in many ways, including requiring the acquisition of permits or other approvals to conduct regulated activities, limiting emissions and discharges of pollutants, restricting the manner in which it disposes of wastes, requiring remedial action to remove or mitigate contamination, requiring capital expenditures to comply with pollution control or workplace safety requirements, and imposing substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from its operations. In addition, the regulations implementing these laws are constantly evolving, and the potential impact of recent regulatory actions is impossible to predict.
If an operator, such as Crimson, fails to comply with these laws and regulations, it could be subject to a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. The operator may be unable to recover some or all of the resulting costs through insurance or increased revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. The operator of any such assets may be unable to recover some or all of the resulting costs through insurance or increased revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, to the extent we acquire and operate storage facilities, pipelines, and oil platforms in reliance on the PLR, we will be exposed to risks similar to those described above (and to which Crimson is exposed).
Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations, including those relating to environmental matters, may adversely affect our income and the Cash Available for Distribution to our stockholders.
We have invested, and expect to continue to invest, in real property assets in the energy infrastructure, which are subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety.We have invested, and expect to continue to invest, in real property assets, which are subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety. These laws and regulations generally govern the gathering, storage, handling, and transportation of petroleum and other hazardous substances, the emission and discharge of materials into the environment, including wastewater discharges and air emissions, the operation and removal of underground and above ground storage tanks, the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes, and the remediation of any contamination associated with such disposals. We own assets related to the storage and distribution of oil and gas, natural gas and natural gas liquids, which are subject to inherent hazards and risks such as fires, pipe and other equipment and system failures, uncontrolled flows of oil or gas, environmental risks and hazards such as gas leaks, oil spills, pipeline ruptures and discharges of toxic gases. We own assets related to the storage and distribution of oil and gas, natural gas and natural gas liquids, and storage and throughput of crude oil, which are subject to all of the inherent hazards and risks normally incidental to such assets, such as fires, pipe and other equipment and system failures, uncontrolled flows of oil or gas, environmental risks and hazards such as gas leaks, oil spills and pipeline ruptures and discharges of toxic gases. Environmental laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. Environmental laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on tenants, owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. Such liability could be substantial. This liability could be substantial. Moreover, if one or more of these hazards occur, there can be no assurance that a response will be adequate to limit or reduce any resulting damage. In addition, the presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell, rent or pledge such property as collateral for future borrowings. We also may be required to comply with various local, state and federal fire, health, life-safety and similar regulations.
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Failure to comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations may result in the assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil or criminal fines or penalties, permit revocations, and injunctions limiting or prohibiting some or all of the operations at our facilities. Any material compliance expenditures, fines, or damages we must pay could materially and adversely affect our business, assets or results of operations and, consequently, would reduce our ability to make distributions.
Regulation of greenhouse gases and climate change could have a negative impact on our and our customers' businesses.
There has been an increasing focus of local, state, national and international regulatory bodies on greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions and climate change issues. We are aware of the increasing focus of local, state, national and international regulatory bodies on GHG emissions and climate change issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has adopted rules requiring GHG reporting and permitting, and the United States Congress and EPA may consider additional legislation or regulations that could ultimately require new, modified, and reconstructed facilities, and/or existing facilities, to meet emission standards by installing control technologies, adopting work practices, or otherwise reducing GHG emissions. If we or our customers are unable to recover or pass through a significant level of compliance costs related to any such future climate change and GHG regulatory requirements, it could have a material adverse impact on our or our customers' business, financial condition and results of operations. If we or our customers or tenants are unable to recover or pass through a significant level of the costs related to complying with any such future climate change and GHG regulatory requirements, it could have a material adverse impact on our or our customers' or tenants' business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, to the extent financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a financial risk, it could negatively impact our cost of, or access to, capital. Climate change and GHG regulation could also reduce the demand for hydrocarbons and, ultimately, demand for utilization of our energy infrastructure assets related to the production and distribution of hydrocarbons.
Pipeline safety integrity programs and repairs may impose significant costs and liabilities on Crimson or other operating assets we may acquire.
Regulations administered by the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety within DOT's PHMSA require pipeline operators to develop integrity management programs to comprehensively evaluate certain areas along their pipelines and to take additional measures to protect certain pipeline segments. As an operator, Crimson, and any other systems or facilities we may acquire and operate in reliance on the PLR are likely to be, required to:
•perform ongoing assessments of pipeline or asset integrity;
•identify and characterize applicable threats to pipeline or asset segments that could impact a high consequence area;
•improve data collection, integration and analysis;
•repair and remediate the pipeline or asset as necessary; and
•implement preventative and mitigating actions.
Crimson is required to maintain pipeline integrity testing programs that are intended to assess pipeline integrity. Any repair, remediation, preventative or mitigating actions could require significant capital and operating expenditures. The regulations implementing these laws are constantly evolving. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter enforcement or interpretation of existing laws, could significantly increase compliance costs. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, could significantly increase compliance costs. Should Crimson fail to comply with the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety's rules and related regulations and orders, we could be subject to significant penalties and fines, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. PHMSA also may apply to other systems at facilities that we, in reliance on the PLR, may acquire and operate in the future.
Our operations, as well as those of our customers, are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions. If a significant accident or event occurs that results in a business interruption or shutdown for which we are not adequately insured, such operations and our financial results could be materially adversely affected. If a significant accident or event occurs that results in a business interruption or shutdown for which we or any tenant operators are not adequately insured, such operations and our financial results could be materially adversely affected.
Our assets are subject to many hazards inherent in the transmission of energy products and the provision of related services, including:
•aging infrastructure, mechanical or other performance problems;
•damage to pipelines, facilities and related equipment caused by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters, explosions and acts of terrorism;
•inadvertent damage from third parties, including from construction, farm and utility equipment;
•leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbons or losses of natural gas as a result of the malfunction of equipment or facilities or operator error; and
•environmental hazards, such as natural gas leaks, product and waste spills, pipeline and tank ruptures, and unauthorized discharges of products, wastes and other pollutants into the surface and subsurface environment, resulting in environmental pollution.
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These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal injury and/or loss of life, severe damage or destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage, any of which may result in curtailment or suspension of our related operations or services. A natural disaster or other hazard affecting the areas in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the financial results of our business. A natural disaster or other hazard affecting the areas in which we or any tenants operate could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the financial results of our business.
We depend on certain key customers for a significant portion of our revenues. The loss of any such key customer, or a reduction in their transported volumes, could result in a decline in our business. The loss of a key customer, or any failure of our credit risk management, could result in a decline in our business.
We depend on certain key customers for a significant portion of our revenues, particularly operating revenues from Crimson, related to fees for the transportation of crude oil and natural gas through their respective pipeline systems. The loss of all or even a portion of their volumes or contracts, as a result of competition, creditworthiness, inability to negotiate extensions or replacements of contracts, decisions of refineries to close or alter their crude oil sources or delivery routes, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of our operations. The loss of all or even a portion of the contracted volumes of such customers, as a result of competition, creditworthiness, inability to negotiate extensions or replacements of contracts or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of us or any applicable tenants, unless we or they are able to contract for comparable volumes from other customers at favorable rates.
Pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have, and may continue to adversely affect local and global economies and our business, operations or financial results.•Pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely affect local and global economies and our business, operations and financial results.
Disruptions caused by pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, in locations in which we operate or globally, could materially adversely affect our business, operations, financial results and forward-looking expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic had caused significant disruption across local, national and global economies and financial markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has had repercussions across local, national and global economies and financial markets. As a result, there was a decline in the demand for, and thus also the market prices of, oil and natural gas (and other products of our customers), which adversely impacted our properties, temporarily worsened our estimated future cash flows related to such properties and resulted in substantial impairment charges in 2020 with respect to the affected assets. Although the market for oil and natural gas has improved in recent years, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a current recessionary environment, rising inflation, higher interest rates and increased volatility in financial markets. The duration and extent of these negative economic effects are impossible to predict and could adversely affect our business, operations and financial results in the future. Additionally, a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, or any other pandemic, epidemic or disease outbreak, may have similar adverse economic effects and could adversely impact our financial results.
We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers and our credit risk management may not be adequate to protect against such risk.
We are subject to the risk of loss resulting from nonpayment and/or nonperformance by our customers. Our credit procedures and policies may not be adequate to fully eliminate such credit risk. If we fail to adequately assess the creditworthiness of any customers, unanticipated deterioration in their creditworthiness and any resulting increase in nonpayment and/or nonperformance by them and inability to re-market the resulting capacity, or re-lease the underlying assets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we fail to adequately assess the creditworthiness of any tenants or customers, unanticipated deterioration in their creditworthiness and any resulting increase in nonpayment and/or nonperformance by them and inability to re-market the resulting capacity, or re-lease the underlying assets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to effectively re-market such capacity, or re-lease such assets, during and after bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings involving a customer.
Our assets and operations, as well as those of our customers, can be affected by extreme weather patterns and other natural phenomena.
Our assets and operations, as well as those of our customers and other investees, can be adversely affected by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, fires and other natural phenomena and weather conditions, including extreme or unseasonable temperatures, making it more difficult for us to realize the historic rates of return associated with our assets and operations.Our assets and operations, as well as those of our customers and tenants and other investees, can be adversely affected by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, fires and other natural phenomena and weather conditions, including extreme or unseasonable temperatures, making it more difficult for us to realize the historic rates of return associated with our assets and operations. These events also could result in significant volatility in the supply of energy and power, which might create fluctuations in commodity prices and earnings of companies in the energy infrastructure sector. A significant disruption in our operations or those of our customers, or a significant liability for which we or affected customers are not fully insured, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. A significant disruption in our operations or those of our customers, tenants or investees, or a significant liability for which we or any affected customer, tenant or investee is not fully insured, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Moreover, extreme weather events could adversely impact the valuation of our energy infrastructure assets.
The operation of our energy infrastructure assets could be adversely affected if third-party pipelines or other facilities interconnected to our facilities become partially or fully unavailable.The operation of our energy infrastructure assets could be adversely affected if third-party pipelines, railroads or other facilities interconnected to our facilities become partially or fully unavailable.
Our facilities connect to other pipelines or facilities owned by third parties. We depend upon third-party pipelines and other facilities that provide delivery options to and from such facilities. For example, our Crimson operation includes four rate regulated pipeline systems that provide critical link between California crude oil production and California refineries. Because we do not own these third-party facilities, their continuing operation is not within our control. Accordingly, these pipelines and other facilities may become unavailable, or available only at a reduced capacity, due to factors such as repairs, damage, lack of capacity, governmental permitting issues or many other reasons outside of our control. Accordingly, these pipelines and other facilities may become unavailable, or available only at a reduced capacity. If these pipeline connections were to become unavailable to us for current or future volumes of products, our ability, to operate efficiently and continue shipping products to end markets could be restricted, thereby reducing revenues. Likewise, if any of these third-party pipelines or facilities
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becomes unable to transport any products distributed or transported through our facilities, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders.
The relative illiquidity of our real property and energy infrastructure asset investments may interfere with our ability to sell our assets when we desire.
Investments in real property and energy infrastructure assets are relatively illiquid compared to other investments. Accordingly, we may not be able to sell such assets when we desire or at prices acceptable to us in response to changes in economic or other conditions. This could substantially reduce the funds available for satisfying our obligations and for distribution to our stockholders.
Risks Related to Our Ownership Interest in Crimson
Our only asset subsequent to the sale of the MoGas and Omega Pipelines is our ownership interest in Crimson, whose operations we do not fully control.
Following the sale of the Omega and MoGas assets, our ownership interest in Crimson that includes crude oil pipelines is our only remaining operation. As a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders will wholly depend on the performance of this entity and its ability to distribute funds to us. As a result, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders will depend to a significant extent on the performance of this entity and its ability to distribute funds to us.
We own 49.50% of the voting membership interests in Crimson. John D. Grier and certain affiliated trusts of Mr. Grier (collectively, the "Grier Members") hold the remaining interests in Crimson. Our ability to influence decisions with respect to the operation of Crimson is subject to the terms of its Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, which requires supermajority board approval of distributions to us and the Grier Members, and gives Mr. Grier effective control over operating decisions relating to the majority of Crimson's assets. We have the right to acquire the remaining 50.50% of the voting membership interests in Crimson, subject to CPUC approval. As previously announced, in December 2022, the CPUC published its decision denying the application of Mr. Grier for authority to sell and transfer these remaining interests to us. We are evaluating the options for ultimately obtaining this approval; however, there can be no assurances that such approval will be obtained on acceptable terms or at all.
Crimson's insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover our losses in the event of an accident, natural disaster or other hazardous event.
Crimson's operations are subject to many hazards inherent to our industry. Such assets may experience physical damage as a result of an accident or natural disaster. These hazards may also cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, and suspension of operations. These hazards also can cause, and in some cases have caused, personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, and suspension of operations. We maintain a comprehensive insurance program for us, our subsidiaries and certain of our affiliates to mitigate the financial impacts arising from these hazards. This program includes insurance coverage in types and amounts and with terms and conditions that are generally consistent with coverage customary for our industry; however, insurance does not cover all events in all circumstances.
In the unlikely event that multiple insurable incidents occur within the same insurance period that, in the aggregate, exceed coverage limits, the total insurance coverage will be allocated among our entities on an equitable basis based on an insurance allocation agreement among us and our subsidiaries. Additionally, even with insurance, if any natural disaster or other hazardous event leads to a catastrophic interruption in operations, we may not be able to restore operations without significant interruption.
If third-party pipelines, refineries, and other facilities interconnected to Crimson's pipelines, become unavailable to transport, produce, or store crude oil, Crimson's revenue and available cash could be adversely affected.
Crimson depends upon third-party pipelines, refineries, and other facilities that provide delivery options to and from its pipelines and terminal facilities. Their continuing operation is not within Crimson's control. For example, wildfires in California may require exploration and production facilities and refineries to shut down. These shutdowns could cause a reduction of future volumes of crude oil, damage to the facility, lack of capacity, shut-in by regulators or any other reason, leaks, or require shut-in due to regulatory action or changes in law, all of which could negatively impact Crimson's ability to operate efficiently thereby reducing revenue. Disruptions at refineries that use Crimson's pipelines, such as from strikes or other disruptions can also have an adverse impact on the volume of products Crimson ships. Disruptions at refineries that use Crimson's pipelines, such as strikes or other disruptions can also have an adverse impact on the volume of products Crimson ships. Any temporary or permanent interruption at any key pipeline or terminal interconnect, any termination of any material connection agreement, or adverse change in the terms and conditions of service, could have a material adverse effect on Crimson's business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, including Crimson's ability to make cash distributions to us that help fund distributions to our stockholders.
Any significant decrease in production of crude oil in areas in which Crimson operates could reduce the volumes of crude oil Crimson transports and stores, which could adversely affect our revenue and available cash.
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Crimson's crude oil pipelines and terminal system depend on the continued availability of crude oil production and reserves. Low prices for crude oil could adversely affect development of additional reserves and continued production from existing reserves that are accessible by Crimson's assets.
California crude oil prices have fluctuated significantly over the past few years, often with drastic moves in relatively short periods of time. The current global, geopolitical, domestic policy and economic uncertainty may contribute to future volatility in financial and commodity markets in the near to medium term.
In general terms, the prices of crude oil and other hydrocarbon products fluctuate in response to changes in supply and demand, market uncertainty, permitting for new wells and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control.In general terms, the prices of crude oil and other hydrocarbon products fluctuate in response to changes in supply and demand, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. Such factors include worldwide economic conditions; weather conditions and seasonal trends; the levels of domestic production and consumer demand; the availability of imported crude oil; the availability of transportation systems with adequate capacity; actions by OPEC and other oil producing nations; the effect of energy conservation measures; the strength of the U.S. dollar; the nature and extent of governmental regulation and taxation; and the anticipated future prices of crude oil and other commodities.
While we saw an increase in both the demand for and price of crude oil in 2022 and 2023, continuing into 2024, there remains continued volatility. Such volatility has had and may continue to have a negative impact on exploration, development and production activity, particularly in the continental United States. If lower prices return and are sustained, it could lead to a material decrease in such activity. If lower prices are sustained, it could lead to a material decrease in such activity. Sustained reductions in exploration or production activity in our areas of operation could lead to reduced utilization of Crimson's pipelines. Any such reduction in demand or less attractive terms could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and ability to make or increase cash distributions to our stockholders.
In addition, production from existing areas with access to Crimson's pipeline and terminal systems will naturally decline over time. The amount of crude oil reserves underlying wells in these areas may also be less than anticipated, and the rate at which production from these reserves declines may be greater than anticipated. Accordingly, to maintain or increase the volume of crude oil transported, or throughput, on Crimson's pipelines, or stored in its terminal system, and cash flows associated with the transportation and storage of crude oil, Crimson's customers must continually obtain new supplies of crude oil.
Crimson does not own all of the land on which its assets are located, which could result in disruptions to Crimson's operations.
Crimson does not own all of the land on which its assets are located, and is, therefore, subject to the possibility of unfavorable terms and increased costs to retain necessary land use if Crimson does not have valid leases or rights-of-way, or if such leases or rights-of-way lapse or terminate.Crimson does not own all of the land on which its assets are located, and is, therefore, subject to the possibility of more onerous terms and increased costs to retain necessary land use if Crimson does not have valid leases or rights-of-way or if such leases or rights-of-way lapse or terminate. Crimson obtains the rights to construct and operate its assets on land owned by third parties, and some of these agreements may grant Crimson such rights for only a specific period of time. Crimson's loss of these or similar rights, through the inability to renew leases, right-of-way contracts or otherwise, or inability to obtain easements at reasonable costs could have a material adverse effect on Crimson's business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, including Crimson's ability to make cash distributions to us that help fund distributions to our stockholders.
Crimson's assets were constructed over many decades, which may cause its inspection, maintenance or repair costs to increase in the future. In addition, there could be service interruptions due to unknown events or conditions or increased downtime associated with Crimson's pipelines that could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Crimson's pipelines and storage terminals were constructed over many decades. Pipelines and storage terminals are generally long-lived assets, and construction and coating techniques have varied over time. Depending on the era of construction, some assets will require more frequent inspections, which could result in increased maintenance or repair expenditures in the future. Any significant increase in these expenditures could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Crimson’s financial results primarily depend on the outcomes of regulatory and ratemaking proceedings and Crimson may not be able to manage its operating expenses and capital expenditures so that it is able to earn its authorized rate of return in a timely manner or at all.
As a regulated entity, Crimson's tariffs are set by the CPUC on a prospective basis and are generally designed to allow Crimson to collect sufficient revenues to recover reasonable costs of providing service, including a return on its capital investments. Crimson's financial results could be materially affected if the CPUC does not authorize sufficient revenues for Crimson to safely and reliably serve its customers and earn its authorized return of equity. The outcome of Crimson's ratemaking proceedings may be affected by many factors, including the level of opposition by intervening parties; potential rate impacts; increasing levels of regulatory review; changes in the political, regulatory, or legislative environments; and the opinions of Crimson's regulators,
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consumer and other stakeholder organizations, and customers, about Crimson's ability to provide safe and reliable oil transportation pipeline transportation.
In addition to the amount of authorized revenues, Crimson's financial results could be materially affected if Crimson's actual costs to safely and reliably serve its customers differ from authorized or forecast costs. Crimson may incur additional costs for many reasons including changing market circumstances, unanticipated events (such as wildfires, storms, earthquakes, accidents, or catastrophic or other events affecting Crimson's operations), or compliance with new state laws or policies. Although Crimson may be allowed to recover some or all of the additional costs, there may be a substantial delay between when Crimson incurs the costs and when Crimson is authorized to collect revenues to recover such costs. Alternatively, the CPUC may disallow costs that they determine were not reasonably or prudently incurred by Crimson.
Some of our directors and officers may have conflicts of interest with respect to certain other business interests related to the Crimson Transaction.
The Grier Members hold certain limited liability company interests in Crimson, which were received in connection with the Crimson Transaction and relate to their prior equity interests in certain pre-transaction properties of Crimson. Grier, the "Grier Members") hold certain limited liability company interests in Crimson, which were received in connection with the Crimson Transaction and relate to their prior equity interests in certain pre-transaction properties of Crimson. Prior to any later exchange of these limited liability company interests for common or preferred stock of the Company, the Grier Members will have tax consequences that differ from those of the Company and the Company's public stockholders upon the sale of, or certain changes to the debt encumbering, any of these properties. Prior to any later exchange of these limited liability company interests for common or preferred stock of the Company, as described in Part IV, Item 15, Note 16 ("Subsequent Events"), the Grier Members will have tax consequences that differ from those of the Company and the Company's public stockholders upon the sale of, or certain changes to the debt encumbering, any of these properties. Accordingly, the Company, on the one hand, and the Grier Members, on the other hand, may have different objectives regarding the terms of any such future transactions related to such properties. Accordingly, the Company, on the one hand, and the Grier Members, on the other hand, may have different objectives regarding the terms of any such future transactions related to such properties. Under the terms of Crimson's Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, the approval of any action, or of a failure to take any action, that could impact the Company's ability to continue to qualify as a REIT, requires the approval of a supermajority of the members of Crimson's Board of Managers (consisting of the Crimson Managers, John D. Under the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Crimson, the approval of any action, or of a failure to take any action, that could impact the Company's ability to continue to qualify as a REIT, requires the approval of a supermajority of the members of Crimson's Board of Managers (consisting of the initial Crimson Managers, John D. Grier and Robert L Waldron, and the CorEnergy Managers, David J. Schulte and Todd Banks).
Crimson's pipeline loss allowance exposes us to commodity risk.
Crimson's transportation agreements and tariffs for crude oil shipments include a pipeline loss allowance. Crimson collects pipeline loss allowance to reduce its exposure to differences in crude oil measurement between origin and destination meters, which can fluctuate. This arrangement exposes us to risk of financial loss in some circumstances, including when the crude oil is received from the connecting carrier using different measurement techniques, or resulting from solids and water produced from the crude oil. It is not always possible for us to completely mitigate the measurement differential. If the measurement differential exceeds the loss allowance, the pipeline must make the customer whole for the difference in measured crude oil. Additionally, Crimson takes title to any excess product that it transports when product losses are within the allowed levels, and regularly sell that product at prevailing market prices. This allowance oil revenue is subject to more volatility than transportation revenue, as it is directly dependent on Crimson's measurement capability and prevailing commodity prices.
Our forecasted assumptions may not materialize as expected on Crimson's expansion projects, acquisitions and divestitures.
We and Crimson evaluate expansion projects, acquisitions and divestitures on an ongoing basis. Planning and investment analysis is highly dependent on accurate forecasting assumptions and to the extent that these assumptions do not materialize, financial performance may be lower or more volatile than expected. Volatility and unpredictability in the economy, both locally and globally, a change in both expected volume flows and cost estimates, project scoping and risk assessment could result in a loss of our profits.
Our business requires the retention and recruitment of a skilled workforce, and difficulties recruiting and retaining our workforce could result in a failure to implement our business plans.
The operations and management of both Crimson and the Company's other assets require the retention and recruitment of a skilled workforce, including engineers, technical personnel and other professionals.Both our historical operations and management, and those of Crimson, require the retention and recruitment of a skilled workforce, including engineers, technical personnel and other professionals. We and our affiliates compete with other companies in the energy industry for this skilled workforce. If we are unable to retain current employees and/or recruit new employees of comparable knowledge and experience, our business could be negatively impacted. In addition, we could experience increased costs to retain and recruit these professionals.
Risks Related to Rising Inflation and Interest Rate Increases
We may be negatively impacted by rising inflation and interest rate increases, which will likely increase our costs for labor, material and services, and increase our interest expense on current and future indebtedness.
Inflation has risen substantially in recent years. Increases in inflation, as well as any resulting governmental policies, may have an adverse effect on us. Current and future inflationary effects may be driven by, among other things, supply chain disruptions and
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governmental stimulus or fiscal policies. Continuing increases in inflation could impact interest rates and the commodity markets generally, the overall demand for the use of our energy infrastructure assets, and our costs for labor, material and services, all of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. As interpretation and enforcement of the CCPA evolves, it creates a range of new compliance obligations, which could cause us to change our business practices, with the possibility of significant financial penalties for noncompliance that may materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and cash flows.
Interest rates have also increased significantly in recent years. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate multiple times during 2022 and 2023, and there can be no assurances that the rate will not further increase in the future. Rising interest rates will cause us to pay higher interest rates upon financing or refinancing, resulting in higher interest expense related to our existing variable rate indebtedness, and new borrowings we undertake to finance investments and acquisitions. Such cost increases could limit our investment and acquisition activities, and would have an adverse impact on our financial performance and ability to service debt and make distributions.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Financing Our Business
The terms of the agreements that govern our indebtedness restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or to pursue our business strategies.
Following the sale of the MoGas and Omega assets in which we used the proceeds to repay and cancel the Crimson Credit Facility, we had outstanding consolidated indebtedness of approximately $118.1 million. Our leverage could have important consequences. For example, it could:
•result in the acceleration of a significant amount of debt for non-compliance with the terms of such debt or, if such debt contains cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions, other debt;
•materially impair our ability to borrow undrawn amounts under existing financing arrangements or to obtain additional financing or refinancing on favorable terms or at all;
•limit our ability to pay distributions by restricting cash flow from some of our subsidiaries unless certain conditions are satisfied, including without limitation, no default or event of default, compliance with financial covenants, minimum undrawn availability under certain revolving credit facilities, and available free cash flow;
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to paying principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the cash flow available to fund our business, to pay distributions, including those necessary to maintain REIT qualification, or to use for other purposes;
•increase our vulnerability to economic downturns;
•limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures; or
•reduce our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions.
A breach of the covenants under the agreements that govern the terms of any of our indebtedness could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness, permitting our creditors to exercise various remedies. Although the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case itself constituted an event of default under substantially all of our existing indebtedness and any efforts to exercise remedies in respect of our indebtedness are automatically stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Case, the RSA contemplates the reinstatement of certain of our existing indebtedness through the Proposed Plan.
Moreover, we expect that any new indebtedness following our emergence from bankruptcy will be subject to covenants.
As a result of these restrictions, we may be:
•limited in how we conduct our business;
•unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or
•unable to compete effectively, execute our growth strategy or take advantage of new business opportunities.
These restrictions may affect our ability to grow in accordance with our plans.
Even if our existing indebtedness is restructured, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
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Even if our existing indebtedness is reduced or discharged in part through the Proposed Plan, our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to fund our day-to-day operations or to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources following emergence from bankruptcy are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations and other cash requirements, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to sell assets or operations, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, such alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. The agreements governing our existing indebtedness restrict (and we expect that any agreement governing our remaining indebtedness upon emergence from bankruptcy will restrict) (a) our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from any such dispositions and (b) our ability to raise debt capital to be used to repay our indebtedness when it becomes due. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due.
Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows following emergence from bankruptcy to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt following emergence from bankruptcy, we will be in default and, as a result, lenders under any of our then-outstanding indebtedness could declare essentially all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, our secured lenders could foreclose against the assets securing such borrowings and we could be forced to return to
bankruptcy or into liquidation.
We may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions, which would intensify the risks discussed above. We may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions which would intensify the risks discussed above.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although agreements governing our post-emergence indebtedness are expected to restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are and will be subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Applicable Bankruptcy Court orders in the Chapter 11 Case may also permit the incurrence of additional indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
We face risks associated with our dependence on external sources of capital.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, and we will be subject to tax on our income to the extent it is not distributed.In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90 percent of our REIT taxable income, and we will be subject to tax on our income to the extent it is not distributed. Because of this distribution requirement, we may not be able to fund all future capital needs from cash retained from operations. As a result, to fund capital needs, we must rely on third-party sources of capital, which we may not be able to obtain on favorable terms, if at all. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends upon a number of factors, including (i) general market conditions; (ii) the market's perception of our growth potential; (iii) our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions; and (iv) the market price of our Common Stock or value of our other capital stock. As noted above, the current recessionary economic environment, increased inflation and rising interest rates may increase the costs of, and limit our ability to obtain, capital. Additional debt financing may substantially increase our debt-to-total capitalization ratio. Additional equity issuances may dilute the holdings of our current stockholders.
Risks Related to Our Convertible Notes
The NYSE delisting and the filing of the Chapter 11 Case is a “fundamental change” constituting an event of default under the Indenture that requires us to repurchase the Convertible Notes, which we do not have the cash on hand necessary to do.
Both the NYSE delisting our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock and the filing of the Chapter 11 Case constitute an event of default that accelerated obligations under the indenture for the Convertible Notes. As set forth in the Indentures, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders of the Convertible Notes have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase for cash all of their Convertible Notes, or any portion of the principal thereof that is equal to $1,000, or a multiple of $1,000, at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, thereon to (but excluding) the fundamental change repurchase date. Holders of the Convertible Notes have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase for cash all of their Convertible Notes, or any portion of the principal thereof that is equal to $1,000, or a multiple of $1,000, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as set forth in the Indentures, at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to (but excluding) the fundamental change repurchase date. As a result of the Chapter 11 Case, the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon shall be immediately due and payable.
However, any efforts to enforce such payment obligations under the indenture against the Company are automatically stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Case, and the creditors’ rights of enforcement in respect of such obligations are subject to the
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applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Additionally, in connection with the Chapter 11 Case, the Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant professional fees and other costs. There can be no assurance that the Company’s current liquidity is sufficient to allow it to satisfy its obligations related to the Chapter 11 Case or to pursue confirmation of the Proposed Plan.
Our indebtedness and provisions of the RSA restructuring the Convertible Notes could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
Our indebtedness and certain provisions of the RSA restructuring the Convertible Notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Certain provisions of the Indentures and the Convertible Notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Under the RSA, in exchange for the Convertible Notes, each holder thereof will receive, among other things, its pro rata share of the principal amount of Takeback Debt (as defined below) and 88.96% of the shares of the New Common Stock (subject to dilution). In addition, the Proposed Plan includes a term sheet pursuant to which the holders of the Convertible Notes will provide the reorganized Company with a five-year secured term loan in the principal amount of $45.0 million (the "Takeback Debt"). The term sheet also provides that certain holders of the Convertible Notes and other lenders will provide the reorganized Company with a one-year $10.0 million revolving credit facility.
In addition, the Proposed Plan also provides that the reorganized Company will adopt new governance documents and securityholder agreements with the Consenting Noteholders governing, among other things, stockholder approval rights with respect to certain corporate actions, information rights, stock transfer restrictions, tag-along and drag-along rights, preemptive rights and registration rights. The large percentage of New Common Stock issued to the holders of the Convertible Notes together with the new governance documents and indebtedness owed by the Company to such holders will provide such holders with a significant degree of control of the Company post-emergence, which may make a potential acquisition of us less attractive to a third party.
Risks Related to Our Capital Stock
Our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock have been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and are subject to the risks of trading in an over-the-counter market.
As previously disclosed, on December 1, 2023, the Company received a written notice from the staff of NYSE Regulation notifying us that NYSE Regulation reached its decision to suspend our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 802.01B of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual because we had fallen below the NYSE’s continued listing standard requiring listed companies to maintain an average common stock global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading day period of at least $15.0 million. We subsequently appealed the decision. However, on February 26, 2024, we notified the NYSE that we withdrew our appeal. The NYSE formally delisted our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock on March 11, 2024.
On December 4, 2023, our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock commenced trading on the OTC Markets Group Inc.'s Pink Open Market marketplace for trading of over-the-counter stocks. We are under no obligation to develop or maintain a market in the common stock or preferred stock. We cannot provide assurance that our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will continue to trade on the Pink Open Market, that brokers will continue to provide public quotes of our Common Stock or Series A Preferred Stock, that a market for our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will develop or be maintained, or that the trading volume of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will be sufficient enough to generate an efficient trading market. Holders of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock may not be able to sell or otherwise transfer such common stock and preferred stock.
In addition, on February 27, 2024 and March 11, 2024, we filed post-effective amendments to various outstanding registration statements on Form S-3, and post-effective amendments to various outstanding registration statements on Form S-8, each to remove and withdraw from registration the securities that were registered but remained unsold thereunder. We can provide no assurance that our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will continue to trade on the OTC market, whether broker-dealers will continue to provide public quotes of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock on this market, whether the trading volume of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will be sufficient to provide for an efficient trading market or whether quotes for our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock will continue on this market in the future, which could result in significantly lower trading volumes and reduced liquidity for investors seeking to buy or sell our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock. Furthermore, because of the limited market and generally low volume of trading in our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, the price of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock could be more likely to be affected by broad market fluctuations, general market conditions, and changes in the markets’ perception of our capital stock.
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Our post-bankruptcy capital structure is yet to be determined, and any changes to our capital structure may have a material adverse effect on existing debt and security holders.
Our post-bankruptcy capital structure has yet to be determined and will likely be set pursuant to a Chapter 11 plan that requires Bankruptcy Court approval. The reorganization of our capital structure may include exchanges of new debt or equity securities for our existing debt, equity securities, and claims against us. Such new debt may be issued at interest rates, payment schedules and maturities different than our existing debt securities. Existing equity securities are subject to a high risk of being cancelled or replaced with new equity securities representing a significantly reduced equity interest in our Company following completion of the reorganization. The success of a reorganization through any such exchanges or modifications will depend on approval by the Bankruptcy Court and the willingness of sufficient numbers of existing debt and security holders holding sufficient amounts of debt to agree to the exchange or modification, subject to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, and there can be no guarantee of success. If such exchanges or modifications are successful, holders of our debt or of other claims against us may find their holdings no longer have any value or are materially reduced in value, or they may be converted to equity and be diluted or may be modified or replaced by debt with a principal amount that is less than the outstanding principal amount, longer maturities and reduced interest rates. Holders of our Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock may also find that their holdings no longer have any value and face highly uncertain or no recoveries under a plan. There can be no assurance that any new debt or equity securities will maintain their value at the time of issuance." There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance the debt on favorable terms or at all. If existing debt or equity holders are adversely affected by a reorganization, it may adversely affect our ability to issue new debt or equity in the future. Although we cannot predict how the claims and interests of stakeholders in the Chapter 11 Case, including holders of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, will ultimately be resolved, we expect that Common Stock holders will not receive a recovery through any Chapter 11 plan unless the holders of more senior claims and interests, such as our unsecured indebtedness (which indebtedness is currently trading at a significant discount), are paid in full. Consequently, there is a significant risk that the holders of our Common Stock would receive no recovery in the Chapter 11 Case and that our Common Stock will be worthless. In addition, if holders of our Series A Preferred Stock vote to accept the Proposed Plan, as a class, each holder will receive its pro rata share of 8.25% of the new common stock (subject to dilution). If, however, holders of our Series A Preferred Stock vote to reject the Proposed Plan, as a class, we expect that each holder will receive nothing on account of its preferred stock interest.
We have suspended paying dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock, Common Stock, and Class B Common Stock, and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay dividends in the future or the amount of any dividends.
Prior to the commencement of the Chapter 11 Case, our Board determined to suspend paying a dividend on our Series A Preferred Stock, Common Stock, and Class B Common Stock in February 2023 because of a combination of declining volumes and increased costs in our California systems and near-term debt maturities. In making this determination, our Board considered a variety of relevant factors, including, without limitation, REIT minimum distribution requirements, the amount of Cash Available for Distribution, restrictions under Maryland law, capital expenditures and reserve requirements and general operational requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to make distributions in the future. The Series A Preferred Stock will accrue dividends during any period in which dividends are not paid, and any such accrued dividends must be paid prior to the Company resuming dividend payments on its Common Stock or Class B Common Stock. We do not expect to pay any further dividends with respect to the Company’s outstanding Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock prior to the conclusion of our reorganization pursuant to the pending Chapter 11 Case. We also expect our Chapter 11 reorganization to extinguish all claims related to the unpaid Series A Preferred Stock dividends (including the currently stayed rights preferred stockholders otherwise would have to elect two additional directors to our Board if preferred dividends are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods). Even if we successfully complete such reorganization, we cannot assure you that we will be able to make distributions in the future with respect to new equity securities issued pursuant to the Chapter 11 Cases. All of the foregoing could adversely affect the market price of our publicly traded securities, even following our pending Chapter 11 reorganization.
Risks Related to REIT Qualification and Federal Income Tax Laws
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for fiscal 2013 and subsequent years, but the IRS may challenge our qualification as a REIT.
We have elected to be a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In order to qualify as a REIT, a substantial percentage of our income must be derived from, and our assets must consist of, real estate assets and, in certain cases, other investment property. In order to qualify as a REIT, a substantial percentage of our income must be derived from, and our assets consist of, real estate assets, and, in certain cases, other investment property. We have acquired and managed investments which satisfy the REIT tests. Whether a particular investment is considered a real estate asset for such purposes depends upon the facts and circumstances of the investment. Due to the factual nature of the determination, the IRS may challenge whether any particular investment will qualify as a real estate asset or realize income which satisfies the REIT income tests. In determining whether an investment is a real property asset, we will look at the Code and the IRS's interpretation of the Code in regulations, published rulings, private letter rulings and other guidance. In the case of a private letter ruling issued to another taxpayer, we would not be able to bind the IRS to the holding of such ruling. We have received private letter rulings from the IRS with respect to certain issues relevant to our qualification as a REIT. In general, the rulings
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provide, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein, that we may treat certain of our assets as qualifying REIT assets and certain income that we receive as rents from interests in real property. Although we may generally rely upon the rulings, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification as a REIT on the basis of other issues or facts outside the scope of the rulings. If the IRS successfully challenges our qualification as a REIT, we may not be able to achieve our objectives and the value of our stock may decline. As a REIT, our distributions from earnings and profits will be treated as ordinary income, and generally will not qualify as qualified dividend income ("QDI"). As a REIT, our distributions from earnings and profits will be treated as ordinary income and a return of capital, and generally will not qualify as qualified dividend income ("QDI").
Fluctuations in the fair market value of the assets that we own and that are owned by our taxable REIT subsidiaries may adversely affect our continued qualification as a REIT.
We have to satisfy the REIT asset tests at the end of each quarter.We have to satisfy the asset tests at the end of each quarter. Although fluctuations in the fair market value of our assets should not adversely affect our qualification as a REIT, we must satisfy the asset tests immediately after effecting the REIT acquisition of any asset. Thus, we may be limited in our ability to purchase certain assets depending upon the potential fluctuations in the fair market value of our direct and indirect assets. Because fair market value determinations are factual, risks exist as to the fair market determination. As fair market value determinations are factual, risks exist as to the fair market determination.
Failure to qualify as a REIT would have significant adverse consequences to us and the value of our capital stock.
Beginning with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we believe our income and investments have allowed us to meet the income and asset tests necessary for us to qualify for REIT status and we have elected to be taxed as a REIT for fiscal years 2013 through 2023. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as to which there may only be limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involves the determination of facts and circumstances not entirely within our control. Future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification. Future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT for 36Table of ContentsGlossary of Defined Termsfederal income tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification. Accordingly, we cannot assure our stockholders that we will be organized or will operate to qualify as a REIT for future fiscal years. If, with respect to any taxable year, we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would not be allowed to deduct distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income. After our initial election and qualification as a REIT, if we later failed to so qualify and we were not entitled to relief under the relevant statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, corporate-level income tax would apply to our taxable income at regular corporate rates. As a result, the amount available for distribution to holders of equity securities could be reduced for the year or years involved, and we would no longer be required to make distributions. In addition, our failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and it could adversely affect the value of our capital stock.
As a REIT, failure to make required distributions would subject us to federal corporate income tax.
In order to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we also are generally required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year, or in limited circumstances, the following year, to our stockholders.In order to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we also are generally required to distribute at least 90 percent of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year, or in limited circumstances, the following year, to our stockholders. Beginning with our fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we believe we have satisfied these requirements. Our bank covenants limit the amount of cash that may be distributed to our stockholders. If our Cash Available for Distribution is insufficient, we may be unable to maintain distributions that approximate our REIT taxable income and may fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT. If our cash available for distribution falls short of our estimates, we may be unable to maintain distributions that approximate our REIT taxable income and may fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT. In addition, our cash flows from operations may be insufficient to fund required distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the payment of expenses and the recognition of income and expenses for federal income tax purposes, or the effect of nondeductible expenditures, such as capital expenditures, payments of compensation for which Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction, interest expense deductions limited by Section 163(j) of the Code, the creation of reserves or required debt service or amortization payments.
To the extent that we satisfy the 90% distribution requirement but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to federal and state corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income.To the extent that we satisfy the 90 percent distribution requirement but distribute less than 100 percent of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on our undistributed taxable income to the extent the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders for a calendar year is less than the minimum distribution amount specified under the Code. In addition, we will be subject to a 4 percent nondeductible excise tax on our undistributed taxable income to the extent the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders for a calendar year is less than the minimum distribution amount specified under the Code.
Ownership limitation provisions in our charter may delay or prevent certain transactions in our shares, and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or change of control of our Company.
To maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, among other purposes, our charter includes provisions designed to ensure that not more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by or for five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include certain entities such as private foundations) at any time during the last half of any taxable year. Subject to the exceptions described below, our charter generally prohibits any person (as defined under the Internal Revenue Code to include certain entities) from actually owning or being deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, (i) more than 9.8% (in value or in
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number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock or (ii) more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of our stock, in each case, excluding any shares of our stock not treated as outstanding for federal income tax purposes. We refer to these restrictions as the "ownership limitation provisions." Our charter further prohibits any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of our Common Stock that would result in us being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT." Our charter further prohibits any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of our capital stock that would result in us being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT. Our charter also provides that any transfer of shares of our Common Stock which would, if effective, result in our Common Stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (as determined pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code) shall be void ab initio and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares. Our charter also provides that any transfer of shares of our capital stock which would, if effective, result in our capital stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (as determined pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code) shall be void ab initio and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares. These ownership limitation provisions may prevent or delay individual transactions in our stock that would trigger such provisions, and also could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control and, as a result, could adversely affect our stockholders' ability to realize a premium for their shares of capital stock. However, our Board may waive the ownership limitation provisions with respect to a particular stockholder and establish different ownership limitation provisions for such stockholder. However, our Board of Directors may waive the ownership limitation provisions with respect to a particular stockholder and establish different ownership limitation provisions for such stockholder. In granting such waiver, our Board may also require the stockholder receiving such waiver to make certain representations, warranties and covenants related to our ability to qualify as a REIT. In granting such waiver, our Board of Directors may also require the stockholder receiving such waiver to make certain representations, warranties and covenants related to our ability to qualify as a REIT.
Complying with REIT requirements may affect our profitability and may force us to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investments. Complying with REIT requirements may affect our profitability and may force us to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investments.
To qualify as a REIT, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the nature and diversification of our assets, the sources of our income and the amounts we distribute to our stockholders. We may be required to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investments in order to satisfy the asset and income tests or to qualify under certain statutory relief provisions. We may also be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. As a result, having to comply with the distribution requirement could cause us to sell assets in adverse market conditions, borrow on unfavorable terms or distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt. Accordingly, satisfying the REIT requirements could materially and adversely affect us.
As a REIT, we are required to make distributions, other than capital gain distributions, to our stockholders each year in the amount of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income in order to deduct distributions to our stockholders. As a result, we will continue to need additional capital to make new investments. If additional funds are unavailable or not available on favorable terms, our ability to make new investments will be impaired.
As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income in order to deduct distributions to our stockholders, and as such we expect to continue to require additional capital to make new investments or carry existing investments.As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90 percent of our REIT taxable income in order to deduct distributions to our stockholders, and as such we expect to continue to require additional capital to make new investments or carry existing investments. We may acquire additional capital from the issuance of securities senior to our Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, including additional borrowings or other indebtedness or the issuance of additional securities. We may acquire additional capital from the issuance of securities senior to our common stock, including additional borrowings or other indebtedness or the issuance of additional securities. We may also acquire additional capital through the issuance of additional equity. However, we may not be able to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms or at all. Unfavorable economic conditions, such as rising interest rates and the current recessionary economic environment, could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. We may issue debt securities, other instruments of indebtedness or preferred stock, and we may borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as "senior securities." As a result of issuing senior securities, we will also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including increased risk of loss. If we issue preferred securities which will rank "senior" to our Common Stock or Class B Common Stock in our capital structure, the holders of such preferred securities may have separate voting rights and other rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those of our Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, and the issuance of such preferred securities could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for security holders or otherwise be in our best interest. If we issue preferred securities which will rank "senior" to our common stock in our capital structure, the holders of such preferred securities may have separate voting rights and other rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those of our common stock, and the issuance of such preferred securities could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for security holders or otherwise be in our best interest.
To the extent our ability to issue debt or other senior securities is constrained, we will depend on issuances of additional Common Stock to finance new investments. If we raise additional funds by issuing more of our Common Stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our Common Stock, the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time would decrease, and our stockholders may experience dilution. If we raise additional funds by issuing more of our common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time would decrease, and our stockholders may experience dilution.
If we acquire C corporations in the future, we may inherit material tax liabilities and other tax attributes from such acquired corporations, and we may be required to distribute earnings and profits.
From time to time we may acquire C corporations or assets of C corporations in transactions in which the basis of the corporations' assets in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the assets in the hands of the acquired corporations.
In the case of assets we acquire from a C corporation in a conversion transaction, which the Treasury regulations define as the qualification of a C corporation as a REIT or the transfer of property owned by a C corporation to a REIT, if we dispose of any
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such asset in a taxable transaction (including by deed in lieu of foreclosure) during the five-year period beginning on the date of the conversion transaction, then we generally will be required to pay tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate on the gain recognized to the extent of the excess of (1) the fair market value of the asset over (2) our adjusted tax basis in the asset, in each case determined as of the date of the conversion transaction, with certain REIT modifications, provided deemed sale treatment is not elected or certain exceptions under the Treasury regulations do not apply. Any taxes we pay as a result of such gain would reduce the amount available for distribution to our stockholders. The imposition of such tax may require us to forgo an otherwise attractive disposition of any assets we acquire from a C corporation in a conversion transaction, and as a result may reduce the liquidity of our portfolio of investments. The imposition of such tax may require us to forgo an otherwise attractive disposition of any assets we acquire from a C corporation in a carry-over basis transaction, and as a result may reduce the liquidity of our portfolio of investments. In addition, in such a conversion transaction, we could potentially succeed to any tax liabilities and earnings and profits of any acquired C corporation. In addition, in such a carry-over basis transaction, we could potentially succeed to any tax liabilities and earnings and profits of any acquired C corporation. To qualify as a REIT, we must distribute any non-REIT earnings and profits by the close of the taxable year in which such transaction occurs. If the IRS were to determine that we acquired non-REIT earnings and profits from a corporation that we failed to distribute prior to the end of the taxable year in which the conversion transaction occurred, we could avoid disqualification as a REIT by paying a "deficiency dividend." Under these procedures, we generally would be required to distribute any such non-REIT earnings and profits to our stockholders within 90 days of the determination and pay a statutory interest charge at a specified rate to the IRS. Such a distribution would be in addition to the distribution of REIT taxable income necessary to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and may require that we borrow funds to make the distribution even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for borrowings. In addition, payment of the statutory interest charge could materially and adversely affect us.
Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on us.
The rules dealing with federal, state and local income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Changes to the tax laws, with or without retroactive application, could materially and adversely affect our investors or us. Although we are not aware of any pending tax legislation that would adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, we cannot predict how future changes in the tax laws might affect our investors or us. Although we are not aware of any provision in the final legislation or any pending tax legislation that would adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, we cannot predict how future changes in the tax laws might affect our investors or us. New legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or the income tax consequences of such qualification.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Governance
In addition to the ownership limit provisions discussed above, certain provisions of our charter and of Maryland law may limit the ability of stockholders to control our policies and effect a change of control of our Company.
Our charter authorizes our Board to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock, to authorize us to issue additional shares of our Common Stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our Common Stock or preferred stock and thereafter to authorize us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock.Our charter authorizes our Board of Directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock, to authorize us to issue additional shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and thereafter to authorize us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock. We believe that these provisions in our charter provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. The additional classes or series, as well as the additional authorized shares of stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our Board does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series of stock containing rights that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for holders of our Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or that such holders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. Although our Board of Directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or that our common stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests.
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price or value of our capital stock.
The following considerations related to provisions of Maryland General Corporation Law, and of our charter and bylaws, may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or making difficult a change in control of our Company or the removal of our incumbent directors:
•We are subject to the Business Combination Act of the Maryland General Corporation Law. However, pursuant to the statute, our Board has adopted a resolution exempting us from the Maryland Business Combination Act for any business combination between us and any person to the extent that such business combination receives the prior approval of our Board. However, pursuant to the statute, our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting us from the Maryland Business Combination Act for any business combination between us and any person to the extent that such business combination receives the prior approval of our Board of Directors. This resolution, however, may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time by our Board. If this resolution is repealed, or our Board does not otherwise approve a business combination with a person, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer. If this resolution is repealed, or our Board of Directors does not otherwise approve a business combination with a person, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
•Our bylaws exempt acquisitions of stock by any person from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult to obtain control of our Company.
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•As described above, our charter includes a share ownership limit and other restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares, in each such case designed, among other purposes, to preserve our status as a REIT, which may have the effect of precluding an acquisition of control of us without the approval of our Board.
•Under our charter, our Board is divided into three classes serving staggered terms, which may make it more difficult for a hostile bidder to acquire control of us.
•Our charter contains a provision whereby we have elected to be subject to the provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law relating to the filling of vacancies on our Board. Further, through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we (1) require a two-thirds vote for the removal of any director from the Board, which removal must be for cause, (2) vest in the Board the exclusive power to fix the number of directors, subject to limitations set forth in our charter and bylaws, (3) have a classified Board and (4) require that, unless a special meeting of stockholders is called by the chairman of our Board, our chief executive officer, our president or our Board, such a special meeting may be called to consider and vote on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders only at the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on a matter at such meeting. Further, through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we (1) require a two-thirds vote for the removal of any director from the board, which removal must be for cause, (2) vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directors, subject to limitations set forth in our charter and bylaws, (3) have a classified Board of Directors and (4) require that, unless a special meeting of stockholders is called by the chairman of our Board of Directors, our chief executive officer, our president or our Board of Directors, such a special meeting may be called to consider and vote on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders only at the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on a matter at such meeting.
•In addition, as discussed above, our Board may, without stockholder action, authorize the issuance of shares of stock in one or more classes or series, including preferred stock. Our Board also may, without stockholder action, amend our charter to increase the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. Our Board of Directors also may, without stockholder action, amend our charter to increase the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue.
•Our bylaws include advance notice provisions, governing stockholders' director nominations or proposal of other business to be considered at an annual meeting of our stockholders, requiring the continuous ownership by the stockholder(s) putting forth any such nominee or proposal of at least 1% of our outstanding shares for a minimum period of at least three years prior to the date of such nomination or proposal and through the date of the related annual meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), each as specified in the bylaws.
•Our bylaws designate certain Maryland courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a judicial forum that our stockholders believe is favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
The existence of these provisions, among others, may have a negative impact on the price or value of our capital stock and may discourage third-party bids for ownership of our Company. These provisions may prevent any premiums being offered for our capital stock. These provisions may prevent any premiums being offered to you for our common stock.
Risk Related to Terrorism, Armed Conflicts, and Cybersecurity
A terrorist attack, act of cyber-terrorism or armed conflict could harm our business.
Terrorist activities, anti-terrorist efforts and other armed conflicts involving the U.S., whether or not targeted at our assets or those of customers, could adversely affect the U.S. and global economies and could prevent us from meeting our financial and other obligations. Both we and our investees could experience loss of business, delays or defaults in payments from customers or disruptions of supplies and markets if domestic and global utilities or other energy infrastructure companies are direct targets or indirect casualties of an act of terror or war. Both we and our tenants and investees could experience loss of business, delays or defaults in payments from customers or disruptions of supplies and markets if domestic and global utilities or other energy infrastructure companies are direct targets or indirect casualties of an act of terror or war. Additionally, both we and other investees rely on financial and operational computer systems to process information critically important for conducting various elements of our respective businesses. Additionally, both we and our tenants and other investees rely on financial and operational computer systems to process information critically important for conducting various elements of our respective businesses. Any act of cyber-terrorism or other cyber-attack resulting in a failure of our computer systems, or those of our customers, suppliers or others with whom we do business, could materially disrupt our ability to operate our respective businesses and could result in a financial loss to the Company and possibly do harm to our reputation. Any act of cyber-terrorism or other cyber-attack resulting in a failure of our computer systems, or those of our tenants, customers, suppliers or others with whom we do business, could materially disrupt our ability to operate our respective businesses and could result in a financial loss to the Company and possibly do harm to our reputation. Accordingly, terrorist activities and the threat of potential terrorist activities (including cyber-terrorism) and any resulting economic downturn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any such events also might result in increased volatility in national and international financial markets, which could limit our access to capital or increase our cost of obtaining capital.
Terrorist attacks and armed conflict, or their impacts on the energy industry served by our infrastructure assets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Terrorist attacks and armed conflict may significantly affect the energy industry, including our operations and those of our current and potential customers, as well as general economic conditions, consumer confidence and spending, and market liquidity. Strategic targets, such as energy-related assets, may be at greater risk of future attacks than other targets in the United States. Our insurance may not protect against such occurrences. Furthermore, commodity markets are currently also subject to heightened levels of uncertainty related to the Russian military incursion into Ukraine, which could give rise to regional instability and result in heightened economic sanctions by the U.S. and the international community that, in turn, could increase uncertainty with respect to global financial markets and production output from the OPEC and other oil producing nations. Consequently, it is possible that any of these occurrences, or a combination of them, could adversely impact the energy markets served by our
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infrastructure assets which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We face risks associated with security breaches through cyber-attacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our IT networks and related systems.
We rely on information technology systems and network infrastructure, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information and to manage or support a variety of our business processes, including financial transactions and maintenance of records. Our business is dependent upon information systems and other digital technologies for controlling our plants, pipelines and other assets, processing transactions and summarizing and reporting results of operations. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of information is critical to our operations. A security breach of our network or systems, or the network or systems of our third-party vendors, could result in improper operation of our assets, potentially including delays in the delivery or availability of our customers’ products, contamination or degradation of the products we transport, store or distribute, or releases of hydrocarbon products for which we could be held liable. Furthermore, we and some of our vendors collect and store sensitive data in the ordinary course of our business, including personal identification information of our employees as well as our proprietary business information. Furthermore, we and some of our vendors collect and store sensitive data in the ordinary course of our business, including personal identification information of our employees as well as our proprietary business information and that of our customers, tenants, suppliers, investors and other stakeholders.
Cybersecurity risks have increased in recent years as a result of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication, magnitude and frequency of cyber-attacks and data security breaches. Because of the critical nature of our infrastructure and our use of information systems and other digital technologies to control our assets, we face a heightened risk of cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks targeting our infrastructure could result in a full or partial disruption of our operations, as well as those of our customers. Cyber attacks targeting our infrastructure could result in a full or partial disruption of our operations, as well as those of our customers and tenants. Likewise, cyber-attacks in the form of "social engineering" (manipulating recipients into performing actions, or divulging information, by impersonating members of Company management, customers or others) aimed at our company, our employees, our customers, or others could result in operational disruption, financial loss and reputational harm. Although we make efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our data, IT networks and related systems, and we have implemented various measures to minimize and/or manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, we cannot guarantee that our security efforts and measures will be effective at preventing or detecting any attempted or actual security incidents, or that disruptions caused by any such incidents or attempted incidents will not be successful or damaging to us or others.
During the normal course of business, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience attempts to gain unauthorized access to, or to compromise, our information systems or to disrupt our operations through cyber-attacks or security breaches, although none to our knowledge have had a material adverse effect on our business, operations or financial results. Despite our security measures, our information systems, or those of our vendors, may become the target of further cyber-attacks (including hacking, viruses or acts of terrorism) or security breaches (including employee error, malfeasance or other breaches), which could compromise and disrupt the proper functioning of our network or systems, or those of our vendors, affect our ability to correctly record, process and report transactions or financial information, or result in the release or loss of the information stored therein, misappropriation of assets, misstated financial reports, violations of loan covenants and/or missed reporting deadlines, inability to properly monitor our compliance with the rules and regulations regarding our qualification as a REIT, disruption to our operations or damage to our facilities. As a result of a cyber-attack or security breach, we could also be liable under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, subject to regulatory penalties, experience damage to our reputation or a loss of consumer confidence in our products and services, or incur additional costs for remediation and modification or enhancement of our information systems, and require significant management attention and resources, to prevent future occurrences or other costs or be subject to increased regulation or litigation, all of which could materially adversely affect our reputation, business, operations or financial results.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
CorEnergy's information security program is managed by our President and Chief Financial Officer, whose information technology team is responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The Chief Financial Officer provides periodic reports to our Board, as well as our Chief Executive Officer and other members of our senior management as appropriate. These reports include updates on the Company's cyber risks and threats, the status of projects to strengthen our information security systems, assessments of the information security program, and the emerging threat landscape. Our program is regularly evaluated by internal and external experts with the results of those reviews reported to senior management and the Board. We also actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence and law enforcement communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security policies and procedures. As of the date of this report, the Company is not aware of any material risks from cybersecurity threats
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that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including the Company's business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
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