UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ √ ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020
or
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from             to
 
Commission File No. 0-15905
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
73-1268729
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas
 
77002
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
 
713-568-4725
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
BDCO
OTCQX
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒ No ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer 
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer  
Smaller reporting company
 
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
 
Number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share outstanding as of November 16, 2020: 12,693,514
 

 
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
PART I.
 
7
 
 
 
ITEM 1. 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
7
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
8
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
9
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10
ITEM 2. 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
35
ITEM 3. 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
50
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
50
 
 
 
PART II.
 
51
 
 
 
ITEM 1. 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
51
ITEM 1A. 
RISK FACTORS
52
ITEM 2. 
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
53
ITEM 3. 
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
53
ITEM 4. 
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
53
ITEM 5. 
OTHER INFORMATION
53
ITEM 6. 
EXHIBITS
53
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
54
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 2
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have used the following terms:
 
Affiliate. Refers, either individually or collectively, to certain related parties including Jonathan Carroll, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Dolphin, and his affiliates (including C&C, Ingleside, and Lazarus Capital) and/or LEH and its affiliates (including Lazarus Midstream, LMT, and LTRI). Together, Jonathan Carroll and LEH own approximately 82% of Blue Dolphin’s Common Stock.
 
AMT. Alternative Minimum Tax.
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Line of Credit Agreement dated May 3, 2019, between Pilot and NPS and subsequently amended on May 9, 2019 and May 10, 2019 and September 3, 2019, the last amendment being Amendment No. 1; original line of credit amount was $13.0 million.
 
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement. Affiliate agreement dated April 1, 2020 between Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC, BDSC and LEH governing LEH’s operation and management of those companies’ assets.
 
ARO. Asset retirement obligations.
 
ASU. Accounting Standards Update.
 
AGO. Atmospheric gas oil, which is the heaviest product boiled by a crude distillation tower operating at atmospheric pressure. This fraction ordinarily sells as distillate fuel oil, either in pure form or blended with cracked stocks. Certain ethylene plants, called heavy oil crackers, can take AGO as feedstock.
 
bbl. Barrel; a unit of volume equal to 42 U.S. gallons.
 
BDPC. Blue Dolphin Petroleum Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
BDPL. Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
BDSC. Blue Dolphin Services Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
bpd. Barrel per day; a measure of the bbls of daily output produced in a refinery or transported through a pipeline.
 
Board. Board of Directors of Blue Dolphin Energy Company.
 
BOEM. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
 
BSEE. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
 
C&C. Carroll & Company Financial Holdings, L.P., an affiliate of Jonathan Carroll.
 
Capacity utilization rate. A percentage measure that indicates the amount of available capacity that is being used in a refinery or transported through a pipeline. With respect to the crude distillation tower, the rate is calculated by dividing total refinery throughput or total refinery production on a bpd basis by the total capacity of the crude distillation tower (currently 15,000 bpd).
 
CAA. Clean Air Act.
 
CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
CERLA. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
 
CIP. Construction in progress.
 
COVID-19. An infectious disease first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province; the disease has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic.
 
CWA. Clean Water Act.
 
Common Stock. Blue Dolphin common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Blue Dolphin has 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized.
 
Complexity. A numerical score that denotes, for a given refinery, the extent, capability, and capital intensity of the refining processes downstream of the crude distillation tower. Refinery complexities range from the relatively simple crude distillation tower (“topping unit”), which has a complexity of 1.0, to the more complex deep conversion (“coking”) refineries, which have a complexity of 12.0.
 
Condensate. Liquid hydrocarbons that are produced in conjunction with natural gas. Although condensate is sometimes like crude oil, it is usually lighter.
 
Cost of goods sold. Reflects the cost of crude oil and condensate, fuel use, and chemicals.
 
Crude distillation tower. A tall column-like vessel in which crude oil and condensate is heated and its vaporized components are distilled by means of distillation trays. This process turns crude oil and other inputs into intermediate and finished petroleum products. (Commonly referred to as a crude distillation unit or an atmospheric distillation unit; also referred to herein as the Nixon refinery.)
 
Crude oil. A mixture of thousands of chemicals and compounds, primarily hydrocarbons. Crude oil quality is measured in terms of density (light to heavy) and sulfur content (sweet to sour). Crude oil must be broken down into its various components by distillation before these chemicals and compounds can be used as fuels or converted to more valuable products.
 
Depropanizer unit. A distillation column that is used to isolate propane from a mixture containing butane and other heavy components.
 
Distillates. The result of crude distillation and therefore any refined oil product. Distillate is more commonly used as an abbreviated form of middle distillate. There are mainly four (4) types of distillates: (i) very light oils or light distillates (such as naphtha), (ii) light oils or middle distillates (such as our jet fuel), (iii) medium oils, and (iv) heavy oils (such as our low-sulfur diesel and HOBM, reduced crude, and AGO).
 
Distillation. The first step in the refining process whereby crude oil and condensate is heated at atmospheric pressure in the base of a distillation tower. As the temperature increases, the various compounds vaporize in succession at their various boiling points and then rise to prescribed levels within the tower per their densities, from lightest to heaviest. They then condense in distillation trays and are drawn off individually for further refining. Distillation is also used at other points in the refining process to remove impurities.
 
Downtime. Scheduled and/or unscheduled periods in which the crude distillation tower is not operating. Downtime may occur for a variety of reasons, including bad weather, power failures, and preventive maintenance.
 
EIA. Energy Information Administration.
 
EIDL. Economic Injury Disaster Loan; provides economic relief to businesses that experienced a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19.
 
EPA. Environmental Protection Agency.
 
Eagle Ford Shale. A hydrocarbon-producing geological formation extending across South Texas from the Mexican border into East Texas.
 
Exchange Act. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
FASB. Financial Accounting Standards Board.
 
FDIC. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
Feedstocks. Crude oil and other hydrocarbons, such as condensate and/or intermediate products, that are used as basic input materials in a refining process. Feedstocks are transformed into one or more finished products.
 
Finished petroleum products. Materials or products which have received the final increments of value through processing operations, and which are being held in inventory for delivery, sale, or use.
 
Freeport facility. Encompasses processing units for: (i) crude oil and natural gas separation and dehydration, (ii) natural gas processing, treating, and redelivery, and (iii) vapor recovery; also includes two onshore pipelines and 162 acres of land in Freeport, Texas.
 
GEL. GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of Genesis Energy, LLC.
 
GEL Final Arbitration Award. Damages and attorney fees and related expenses awarded to GEL by an arbitrator on August 11, 2017.
 
GEL Interim Payments. Cash payments of $0.5 million at the end of each calendar month by the Lazarus Parties to GEL until the GEL Settlement Payment was made.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 3
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
 
  
GEL Settlement. When all conditions of the GEL Settlement Agreement were met by the Lazarus Parties under the GEL Settlement Agreement, and whereby GEL and the Lazarus Parties agreed to mutually release all claims against each other and to file a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice in connection with arbitration proceedings between LE and GEL related to a contractual dispute involving a crude oil supply and throughput services agreement, each between LE and GEL dated August 12, 2011.
 
GEL Settlement Agreement. Settlement Agreement dated July 20, 2018, between the Lazarus Parties and GEL outlining the terms and conditions for a settlement, including: (i) the GEL Settlement Payment by the GEL Settlement Date and (ii) GEL Interim Payments.
 
GEL Settlement Date. The effective date of the GEL Settlement.
 
GEL Settlement Payment. A lump sum cash payment of $10.0 million as paid by the Lazarus Parties to GEL under the GEL Settlement Agreement.
 
Gross profit (deficit). Calculated as total revenue less cost of goods sold; reflected as a dollar ($) amount.
 
HOBM. Heavy oil-based mud blendstock; see also “distillates.”
 
HUBZone. Historically Underutilized Business Zones program established by the SBA to help small businesses in both urban and rural communities.
 
IBLA. Interior Board of Land Appeals.
 
INC. Incident of Noncompliance issued by BOEM and/or BSEE.
 
Ingleside. Ingleside Crude, LLC, an affiliate of Jonathan Carroll.
 
Intermediate petroleum products. A petroleum product that might require further processing before it is saleable to the ultimate consumer. This further processing might be done by the producer or by another processor. Thus, an intermediate petroleum product might be a final product for one company and an input for another company that will process it further.
 
IRC Section 382. Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, Subtitle A – Income Taxes, Subchapter C – Corporate Distributions and Adjustments, Part V Carryovers, § 382. Limits NOL carryforwards and certain built-in losses following ownership change.
 
IRS. Internal Revenue Service.
 
Jet fuel. A high-quality kerosene product primarily used in aviation. Kerosene-type jet fuel (including Jet A and Jet A-1) has a carbon number distribution between 8 and 16 carbon atoms per molecule; wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel (including Jet B) has between 5 and 15 carbon atoms per molecule.
 
Lazarus Capital. Lazarus Capital, LLC, an affiliate of Jonathan Carroll.
 
Lazarus Midstream. Lazarus Midstream Partners, L.P., an affiliate of LEH.
 
Lazarus Parties. Blue Dolphin, C&C, NPS, LE, LEH, and Jonathan Carroll.
 
LE. Lazarus Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
LEH. Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Jonathan Carroll and controlling shareholder of Blue Dolphin.
 
LEH Operating Fee. A management fee paid to LEH under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement; calculated as 5% of all consolidated operating costs, excluding crude costs, depreciation, amortization and interest, of Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC and BDSC; previously reflected within refinery operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Leasehold interest. The interest of a lessee under an oil and gas lease.
 
Light crude. A liquid petroleum that has a low density and flows freely at room temperature. It has a low viscosity, low specific gravity, and a high American Petroleum Institute gravity due to the presence of a high proportion of light hydrocarbon fractions.
 
LMT. Lazarus Marine Terminal I, LLC, an affiliate of LEH.
 
LRM. Lazarus Refining & Marketing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
LTRI. Lazarus Texas Refinery I, an affiliate of LEH.
 
NAAQS. National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
 
Naphtha. A refined or partly refined light distillate fraction of crude oil. Blended further or mixed with other materials it can make high-grade motor gasoline or jet fuel. It is also a generic term applied to the lightest and most volatile petroleum fractions.
 
Natural gas. A naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, but commonly including varying amounts of other higher alkanes, and sometimes a small percentage of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or helium.
 
Nixon facility. Encompasses the 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower, petroleum storage tanks, loading and unloading facilities, and 56 acres of land in Nixon, Texas.
 
Nixon refinery. The 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower and associated processing units in Nixon, Texas.
 
NPS. Nixon Product Storage, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
NOL. Net operating losses.
 
NSR/PSD. New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration.
 
OPA 90. Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
 
Operating days. Represents the number of days in a period in which the crude distillation tower operated. Operating days is calculated by subtracting downtime in a period from calendar days in the same period.
 
OPEC. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
 
OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
 
OSRO. Oil Spill Response Organization.
 
Other conversion costs. Represents the combination of direct labor costs and manufacturing overhead costs. These are the costs that are necessary to convert our raw materials into refined products.
 
Other operating expenses. Represents costs associated with our natural gas processing, treating, and redelivery facility, as well as our pipeline assets and leasehold interests in oil and gas properties.
 
PCAOB. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
 
Petroleum. A naturally occurring flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds. The name petroleum covers both the naturally occurring unprocessed crude oils and petroleum products that are made up of refined crude oil.
 
PHMSA. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
 
Pilot. Pilot Travel Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
 
Preferred Stock. Blue Dolphin preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. Blue Dolphin has 2,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized and no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Product slate. Represents type and quality of products produced.
 
Propane. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Propane is one of a group of liquified petroleum gases. Others include butane, propylene, butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, and mixtures thereof.
 
Refined products. Hydrocarbon compounds, such as jet fuel and residual fuel, that are produced by a refinery.
 
Refinery. Within the oil and gas industry, a refinery is an industrial processing plant where crude oil, condensate, and intermediate feeds are separated and transformed into petroleum products.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 4
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
 
  
Refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl. Calculated as refinery operations revenue less total cost of goods sold divided by the volume, in bbls, of refined products sold during the period; reflected as a dollar ($) amount per bbl.
 
RCRA. Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
 
RFS2. Second Renewable Fuels Standard.
 
ROU. Right-of-use.
 
SBA. Small Business Administration.
 
SEC. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Securities Act. The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Segment margin (deficit). For our refinery operations and tolling and terminaling business segments, represents net revenues (excluding intercompany fees and sales) attributable to the respective business segment less associated intercompany fees and sales less associated operation costs and expenses.
 
SEMS. Safety and Environmental Management System.
 
Sour crude. Crude oil containing sulfur content of more than 0.5%.
 
Stabilizer unit. A distillation column intended to remove the lighter boiling compounds, such as butane or propane, from a product.
 
Sweet crude. Crude oil containing sulfur content of less than 0.5%.
 
Sulfur. Present at various levels of concentration in many hydrocarbon deposits, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas. Also, produced as a by-product of removing sulfur-containing contaminants from natural gas and petroleum. Some of the most commonly used hydrocarbon deposits are categorized per their sulfur content, with lower sulfur fuels usually selling at a higher, or premium, price and higher sulfur fuels selling at a lower, or discounted, price.
 
Throughput. The volume processed through a unit or a refinery or transported through a pipeline.
 
TMT. Texas margins tax; a form of business tax imposed on an entity’s gross profit rather than on its net income.
 
Topping unit. A type of petroleum refinery that engages in only the first step of the refining process -- crude distillation. A topping unit uses atmospheric distillation to separate crude oil and condensate into constituent petroleum products. A topping unit has a refinery complexity range of 1.0 to 2.0.
 
Total refinery production. Refers to the volume processed as output through the crude distillation tower. Refinery production includes finished petroleum products, such as jet fuel, and intermediate petroleum products, such as naphtha, HOBM and AGO.
 
Turnaround. Scheduled large-scale maintenance activity wherein an entire process unit is taken offline for a week or more for comprehensive revamp and renewal.
 
USACOE. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
 
USDA. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
 
U.S. GAAP. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Veritex. Veritex Community Bank, successor in interest to Sovereign Bank by merger.
 
WHO. World Health Organization.
 
WSJ prime rate. A measure of the U.S. prime rate as defined by the Wall Street Journal.
 
XBRL. eXtensible Business Reporting Language.
 
Yield. The percentage of refined products that is produced from crude oil and other feedstocks.
  
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 5
 
 
 
Important Information Regarding Forward Looking Statements
 
 
 
Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report (including information incorporated by reference) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including, but not limited to, those under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements regarding expectations regarding revenue, cash flows, capital expenditures, and other financial items, our business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations and profitability, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe our assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, several risks, uncertainties, and other factors could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those projected, including but not limited to:
 
Business and Industry
 
Our going concern status.
The effects of public health threats, pandemics and epidemics, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impacts thereof on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity, including, but not limited to, our growth, operating costs, supply chain, labor availability, logistical capabilities, customer demand for our products, industry demand generally, crude oil supply, margins, production and throughput capacity, utilization, inventory value, cash position, taxes, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally.
Inadequate liquidity to sustain operations due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration, and historic net losses and working capital deficits.
Substantial debt in current liabilities, which is currently in default.
Ability to regain compliance with the terms of our outstanding indebtedness.
Increased costs of capital or a reduction in the availability of credit.
Affiliate common stock ownership and transactions that could cause conflicts of interest.
Operational hazards inherent in refining and natural gas processing operations and in transporting and storing crude oil and condensate and refined products.
Geographic concentration of our assets and customers in West Texas, creating significant exposure to regional economy risks and other conditions.
Competition from companies having greater financial and other resources.
Environmental laws and regulations that could require us to make substantial capital expenditures to remain in compliance or remediate current or future contamination that could give rise to material liabilities.
Changes in insurance markets impacting costs and the level and types of coverage available.
NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes that are subject to limitation.
Direct or indirect effects on our business resulting from actual or threatened terrorist or activist incidents, cyber-security breaches, or acts of war.

 

 
Refinery and Tolling and Terminaling Operations 
 
Timing and extent of changes in commodity prices and demand for refined products.
Availability and costs of crude oil and other feedstocks.
Price volatility of fuel and utility services to operate the Nixon facility.
Disruptions due to equipment interruption or failure at the Nixon facility.
Changes in our cash flow from operations and working capital requirements, shortfalls for which Affiliates may not fund.
Ability to regain compliance with the terms of our outstanding indebtedness.
Key personnel loss, labor relations, and workplace safety.
Loss of market share by and a material change in profitability of our key customers.
Contract cancellation, non-renewal, or failure to perform by those in our supply and distribution chains, and the ability to replace such contracts and/or customers.
Changes in the cost or availability of third-party vessels, pipelines, trucks, and other means of delivering and transporting crude oil and condensate, feedstocks, and refined products.
Sourcing of a substantial amount, if not all, of our crude oil and condensate from the Eagle Ford Shale.
Geographic concentration of our refining operations and customers within the Eagle Ford Shale.
Weather conditions, hurricanes or other natural disasters affecting operations by us or our key customers or the areas in which our customers operate.
The effect, impact, potential duration, or other implications of the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 and global crude oil production levels, and any expectations we may have with respect thereto.
 
Pipeline and Facilities and Oil and Gas Assets
 
Assessment of civil penalties by BOEM for our failure to satisfy orders to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) within the time period prescribed.
Assessment of civil penalties by BSEE for our failure to decommission pipeline and platform assets, as well as complete structural platform surveys, within the time periods prescribed.
 
Common Stock
 
  
Decline in stock price due to share sales by Affiliates. Issuance of additional shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, which significantly dilute the equity ownership of current holders. 
 
See also the risk factors described in greater detail under “Item 1A.” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 as filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us on the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Blue Dolphin,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “ours” refer to Blue Dolphin Energy Company, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or all of them taken as a whole.
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 6
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
ITEM 1. 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents
 $275 
 $72 
 Restricted cash
  49 
  49 
 Accounts receivable, net
  203 
  446 
 Accounts receivable, related party
  - 
  1,364 
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  1,617 
  2,276 
 Deposits
  124 
  158 
 Inventory
  862 
  1,645 
 Refundable federal income tax
  100 
  65 
 Total current assets
  3,230 
  6,075 
 
    
    
 LONG-TERM ASSETS
    
    
 Total property and equipment, net
  63,139 
  63,893 
 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
  538 
  649 
 Restricted cash, noncurrent
  514 
  547 
 Surety bonds
  230 
  230 
 Deferred tax assets, net
  - 
  50 
 Total long-term assets
  64,421 
  65,369 
 
    
    
 TOTAL ASSETS
 $67,651 
 $71,444 
 
    
    
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
    
    
 CURRENT LIABILITIES
    
    
 Long-term debt less unamortized debt issue costs, current portion (in default)
 $33,644 
 $33,836 
 Line of credit payable less unamortized debt issue costs (in default)
  9,621 
  11,464 
 Long-term debt, related party, current portion (in default)
  12,173 
  6,001 
 Interest payable (in default)
  5,615 
  3,814 
 Interest payable, related party (in default)
  2,654 
  2,174 
 Accounts payable
  3,240 
  1,877 
 Accounts payable, related party
  155 
  149 
 Current portion of lease liabilities
  251 
  251 
 Asset retirement obligations, current portion
  2,386 
  2,565 
 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
  4,119 
  3,333 
 Total current liabilities
  73,858 
  65,464 
 
    
    
 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    
    
 Long-term lease liabilities, net of current
  421 
  564 
 Deferred revenues
  1,635 
  1,930 
 Long-term debt, net of current portion
  300 
  - 
 Total long-term liabilities
  2,356 
  2,494 
 
    
    
 TOTAL LIABILITIES
  76,214 
  67,958 
 
    
    
 Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
    
    
 
    
    
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
    
    
 Common stock ($0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 12,693,514 and 12,327,365
 shares issued at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)
  127 
  123 
 Additional paid-in capital
  38,457 
  38,275 
 Accumulated deficit
  (47,147)
  (34,912)
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
  (8,563)
  3,486 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 $67,651 
 $71,444 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 7
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
  (in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $41,929 
 $77,537 
 $120,185 
 $222,652 
Tolling and terminaling
  1,001 
  1,096 
  3,214 
  3,253 
Total revenue from operations
  42,930 
  78,633 
  123,399 
  225,905 
 
    
    
    
    
COST OF GOODS SOLD
    
    
    
    
Crude oil, fuel use, and chemicals
  41,789 
  74,163 
  118,292 
  213,714 
Other conversion costs
  2,611 
  2,066 
  7,872 
  6,587 
Total cost of goods sold
  44,400 
  76,229 
  126,164 
  220,301 
 
    
    
    
    
Gross profit (deficit)
  (1,470)
  2,404 
  (2,765)
  5,604 
 
    
    
    
    
COST OF OPERATIONS
    
    
    
    
LEH operating fee
  169 
  144 
  506 
  477 
Other operating expenses
  58 
  52 
  164 
  165 
General and administrative expenses
  684 
  655 
  1,859 
  1,904 
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
  690 
  632 
  1,992 
  1,855 
 
    
    
    
    
Total cost of operations
  1,601 
  1,483 
  4,521 
  4,401 
 
    
    
    
    
Income (loss) from operations
  (3,071)
  921 
  (7,286)
  1,203 
 
    
    
    
    
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
    
    
    
    
Easement, interest and other income
  70 
  1 
  170 
  2 
Interest and other expense
  (1,652)
  (1,883)
  (5,104)
  (4,718)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
  - 
  9,128 
  - 
  9,128 
Total other income (expense)
  (1,582)
  7,246 
  (4,934)
  4,412 
 
    
    
    
    
Income (loss) before income taxes
  (4,653)
  8,167 
  (12,220)
  5,615 
 
    
    
    
    
Income tax expense
  - 
  - 
  (15)
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Net income (loss)
 $(4,653)
 $8,167 
 $(12,235)
 $5,615 
 
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
Income (loss) per common share:
    
    
    
    
Basic
 $(0.37)
 $0.74 
 $(0.98)
 $0.51 
Diluted
 $(0.37)
 $0.74 
 $(0.98)
 $0.51 
 
    
    
    
    
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic
  12,693,514 
  10,975,514 
  12,534,493 
  10,975,514 
Diluted
  12,693,514 
  10,975,514 
  12,534,493 
  10,975,514 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 8
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine Months ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 $(12,235)
 $5,615 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
    
    
used in operating activities:
    
    
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
  1,992 
  1,855 
Deferred income tax
  15 
  - 
Amortization of debt issue costs
  316 
  409 
Guaranty fees paid in kind
  457 
  471 
Related-party interest expense paid in kind
  361 
  189 
Deferred revenues and expenses
  (295)
  - 
Gain on extinguishment of debt
  - 
  (9,128)
Gain on issuance of shares
  (80)
  - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    
    
Accounts receivable
  243 
  43 
Accounts receivable, related party
  1,364 
  (321)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  659 
  522 
Deposits and other assets
  34 
  32 
Inventory
  783 
  (224)
Accrued arbitration award
  - 
  (12,000)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
  4,184 
  1,689 
Accounts payable, related party
  6 
  513 
Net cash used in operating activities
  (2,196)
  (10,335)
 
    
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Capital expenditures
  (1,085)
  (1,458)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (1,085)
  (1,458)
 
    
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Proceeds from debt
  300 
  12,402 
Payments on debt
  (2,351)
  (1,312)
Net activity on related-party debt
  5,502 
  218 
Net cash provided by financing activities
  3,451 
  11,308 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
  170 
  (485)
 
    
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
  668 
  1,665 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD
 $838 
 $1,180 
 
    
    
Supplemental Information:
    
    
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
    
    
Financing of capital expenditures via accounts payable and finance leases
 $- 
 $86 
Issuance of shares to extinguish debt
 $120 
 $- 
Conversion of related-party notes to common stock
 $148 
 $- 
Line of credit closing costs included in principal balance
 $- 
 $398 
Interest paid
 $1,980 
 $2,261 
Income taxes paid
 $- 
 $- 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 9
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)
Organization
 
Overview
Blue Dolphin is an independent downstream energy company operating in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Our subsidiaries operate a light sweet-crude, 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower with more than 1.2 million bbls of petroleum storage tank capacity in Nixon, Texas. Blue Dolphin was formed in 1986 as a Delaware corporation and is traded on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol “BDCO”. Blue Dolphin has 20.0 million shares of Common Stock and 2.5 million shares of Preferred Stock authorized. There are approximately 12.7 million shares of Common Stock and no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Our assets are primarily organized in two segments: refinery operations (owned by LE) and tolling and terminaling services (owned by LRM and NPS). Subsidiaries that are reflected in corporate and other include BDPL (inactive pipeline and facilities assets), BDPC (inactive leasehold interests in oil and gas wells), and BDSC (administrative services). See “Note (4)” to our consolidated financial statements for more information about our business segments.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “we,” “us,” “our,” or “ours,” refer to Blue Dolphin, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries or all of them taken as a whole.
 
Affiliates
Affiliates control approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock. An Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties and has historically funded working capital requirements during periods of working capital deficits, and an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products. Blue Dolphin and certain of its subsidiaries are currently parties to a variety of agreements with Affiliates. See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements and arrangements and working capital deficits.
 
Going Concern
Management has determined that certain factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These factors include the following:
 
Defaults Under Secured Loan Agreements with Third Parties. Our secured loan agreements with third parties that are in default include loan agreements with Veritex in the original aggregate principal amount of $35.0 million, which are guaranteed 100% by the USDA, and a line of credit agreement with Pilot in the original principal amount of $13.0 million. Certain of our related-party debt is also in default. See “Note (3)” of our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to related-party debt.
 
Veritex Loan Agreements. In April 2019, LE, Jonathan Carroll, Blue Dolphin, LRM, and LE received notification from Veritex that the bank agreed to waive certain covenant defaults and forbear from enforcing its remedies under our secured loan agreements subject to: (i) the agreement and concurrence of the USDA and (ii) the replenishment of the payment reserve account on or before August 31, 2019. Following the GEL Settlement, the associated mutual releases became effective and GEL filed the stipulation of dismissal of claims against LE. As of the date of this report, LE had not replenished the payment reserve account and the obligors were still in default under our secured loan agreements with Veritex.
 
In April 2020, LE and LRM were each granted a two-month deferment period on their respective Veritex loans commencing from April 22, 2020 to June 22, 2020. During the deferment period, LE and LRM were not obligated to make payments and interest continued to accrue at the stated rates of the loans. Upon expiration of the deferment period: (i) Veritex re-amortized the loan such that future payments on principal and interest were adjusted based on the remaining principal balances and loan terms, and (ii) all other terms of the loans reverted to the original terms, and previous defaults were reinstated. The deferment did not address LE’s requirement to replenish the payment reserve account. Principal and interest payments resumed on July 22, 2020. As of the filing date of this report, we are current on required monthly payments under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, but other defaults are ongoing as noted below.
 
At September 30, 2020, LE and LRM were in violation of the debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio financial covenants under our secured loan agreements with Veritex. As a result, the debt associated with these loans was classified within current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 10
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
We can provide no assurance that: (i) our assets or cash flow will be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, either upon maturity or if accelerated, (ii) LE and LRM will be able to refinance or restructure the payments of the debt, and/or (iii) Veritex, as first lien holder, will provide future default waivers. Defaults under our secured loan agreements with Veritex permit Veritex to declare the amounts owed under these loan agreements immediately due and payable, exercise its rights with respect to collateral securing obligors’ obligations under these loan agreements, and/or exercise any other rights and remedies available. Any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. Further, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit. On May 4, 2020, Pilot sent NPS, as borrower, and LRM, LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin, each a guarantor and collectively guarantors, a notice demanding the immediate payment of the unpaid principal amount and all interest accrued and unpaid, and all other amounts owing or payable (the “Obligations”) under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Pursuant to the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, commencing on May 4, 2020, the Obligations began to accrue interest at a rate of fourteen percent (14%) per annum. Failure of the borrower or any guarantor to pay the past due Obligations constituted an event of default. Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. Any exercise by Pilot of its rights and remedies under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations.
 
Pursuant to a June 1, 2020 letter, Pilot notified the borrower and guarantors of its intent to apply Pilot’s payment obligations to us under each of (a) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank Nos. 67, 71, 72, 73, 77, and 78), dated as of May, 2019, between borrower and Pilot, and (b) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank No. 56), dated as of June 1, 2019, between the borrower and Pilot, against our payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Such setoff amounts only partially satisfy the Obligations, and Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including, without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
 
The borrower and guarantors continue in active dialogue with Pilot to reach a negotiated settlement, and we believe that Pilot hopes to continue to work with the borrower to settle the Obligations. The borrower and guarantors are also working on the possible refinance of amounts owing and payable under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. However, progress with potential lenders has been slow due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to repay, refinance, replace or otherwise extend this credit facility is dependent on, among other things, business conditions, our financial performance, and the general condition of the financial markets. Given the current financial markets, we could be forced to undertake alternate financings, including a sale of additional common stock, negotiate for an extension of the maturity, or sell assets and delay capital expenditures in order to generate proceeds that could be used to repay such indebtedness. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such transaction on terms that are commercially reasonable, on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the event we are unsuccessful in such endeavors, we may be unable to pay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, which may require us to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
Notre Dame Debt. Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034. No payments have been made under the subordinated Notre Dame Debt.
 
See “Note (10)” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information related to defaults under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, Pilot, and the Notre Dame Debt and their potential effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
Margin Deterioration and Volatility.
Throughout 2020, energy supply and demand patterns have been adversely affected by reduced economic activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In some countries, including the U.S., recent increases in COVID-19 cases have renewed fears of a second wave of COVID-19. As a result, some countries have reinstated government-imposed restrictions, although to a much lesser extent than in March and April 2020, in order to stem the spread of the virus. Heightened levels of uncertainty have renewed downward pressure on crude oil and other commodity prices, and supply and demand are expected to remain volatile into 2021. Accordingly, we can provide no assurances that these events will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
Net Losses and Working Capital Deficits.
Net Losses. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $4.7 million, or a loss of $0.37 per share, compared to net income of $8.2 million, or income of $0.74 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in net loss was the result of less favorable margins per bbl and lower sales volume during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Net income in 2019 included a $9.1 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to the GEL Settlement.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 11
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $12.2 million, or a loss of $0.98 per share, compared to net income of $5.6 million, or income of $0.51 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The significant increase in net loss was the result of less favorable margins per bbl and lower sales volume during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period a year earlier. Net income in 2019 included a $9.1 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to the GEL Settlement.
 
Working Capital Deficits. We had a working capital deficit of $70.6 million and $59.4 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Excluding the current portion of long-term debt, we had a working capital deficit of $24.8 million and $19.6 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (current portion) of $0.3 million and $0.05 million, respectively, at September 30, 2020. Comparatively, we had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (current portion) of $0.07 million and $0.05 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
 
Operating Risks
Successful execution of our business strategy depends on several key factors, including having adequate working capital to meet operational needs and regulatory requirements, maintaining safe and reliable operations at the Nixon facility, meeting contractual obligations, and having favorable margins on refined products. As discussed under “Note (1) – Going Concern” above and throughout this report, we are currently unable to estimate the impact the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Under earlier state and federal mandates that regulated business closures, our business was deemed as an essential and, as such, has remained open. As U.S. federal, state, and local officials contemplate renewed restrictive mandates due to resurging coronavirus cases, we expect to continue operating. However, such mandates, while necessary to address the virus, will result in further business and operational disruptions, including demand destruction, liquidity strains, supply chain challenges, travel restrictions, controls on in-person gathering, and workforce availability.
 
Management believes that it has taken all prudent steps to mitigate risk, avoid business disruptions, manage cash flow, and remain competitive in a low oil price environment. Steps include managing cash flow by optimizing receivables and payables by prioritizing payments, managing inventory to avoid buildup, monitoring discretionary spending, and delaying capital expenditures. However, there can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful, that Affiliates will continue to fund our working capital needs when we experience working capital deficits, that we will meet regulatory requirements to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) and decommission offshore pipelines and platform assets, that we will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that margins on our refined products will be favorable. Further, if Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
(2)
Principles of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include Blue Dolphin and its subsidiaries, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim consolidated financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC under Article 10 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. In management’s opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, disclosures are adequate, and the presented information is not misleading.
 
The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, or for any other period. As discussed further below within this “Note (2) – Significant Accounting Policies – Use of Estimates,” the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant economic disruption globally. This disruption became more acute in the latter half of March 2020; therefore, our operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 do not fully reflect the impact this disruption has had, and will likely continue to have, on us.
 
Significant Accounting Policies
The summary of significant accounting policies of Blue Dolphin is presented to assist in understanding our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are representations of management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to GAAP and have been consistently applied in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 12
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Use of Estimates. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and certain developments in the global oil markets have impacted and continue to impact our business. Oil and gas businesses were designated as ‘essential’ businesses under state and federal mandates and, as such, we have remained open throughout the pandemic. We have instituted various initiatives throughout the company as part of our business continuity programs, and we are working to mitigate risk when disruptions occur. The uncertainty around the availability and prices of crude oil, the prices and demand for our refined products, and the general business environment is expected to continue through the remainder of the year and beyond. Given diminished expectations for the global economy, and speculation regarding a second wave of the virus, we are unable to predict the ultimate economic impact of COVID-19 on our business.
 
The nature of our business requires that we make estimates and assumptions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted these estimates and assumptions and will continue to do so.
 
We assessed certain accounting matters that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 as of September 30, 2020 and through the filing date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory and related reserves, and the carrying value of long-lived assets.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents represent liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash balances are maintained in depository and overnight investment accounts with financial institutions that, at times, may exceed insured deposit limits. We monitor the financial condition of the financial institutions and have experienced no losses associated with these accounts.
 
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash, current portion primarily represents a payment reserve account held by Veritex as security for payments under a loan agreement. Restricted cash, noncurrent represents funds held in the Veritex disbursement account for payment of construction related expenses to complete building new petroleum storage tanks.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable are presented net of any necessary allowance(s) for doubtful accounts. Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established, when necessary, based on prior experience and other factors which, in management's judgment, deserve consideration in estimating bad debts.  Management assesses collectability of the customer’s account based on current aging status, collection history, and financial condition.  Based on a review of these factors, management establishes or adjusts the allowance for specific customers and the entire accounts receivable portfolio.  We had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.1 million at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 
Inventory. Inventory primarily consists of refined products, crude oil and condensate, and chemicals. Inventory is valued at lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined by the average cost method, and net realizable value determined based on estimated selling prices less associated delivery costs. If the net realizable value of our refined products inventory declines to an amount less than our average cost, we record a write-down of inventory and an associated adjustment to cost of goods sold. See “Note (7)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to inventory.
 
Property and Equipment.
Refinery and Facilities. We typically make ongoing improvements to the crude distillation tower based on operational needs and technological advances. However, capital expenditures are currently on hold due to COVID-19. Additions to refinery and facilities assets are capitalized, and expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. We record refinery and facilities at cost less any adjustments for depreciation or impairment. Adjustment of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation accounts are made for the refinery and facilities asset’s retirement and disposal, with the resulting gain or loss included in the consolidated statements of operations. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of refinery and facilities assets is computed using the straight-line method using an estimated useful life of 25 years beginning when the refinery and facilities assets are placed in service. We did not record any impairment of our refinery and facilities assets for the periods presented.
 
Pipelines and Facilities. Our pipelines and facilities are recorded at cost less any adjustments for depreciation or impairment. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 22 years. In accordance with FASB ASC guidance we performed periodic impairment testing of our pipeline and facilities assets in 2016. Upon completion of testing, our pipeline assets were fully impaired at December 31, 2016. All pipeline transportation services to third parties have ceased, existing third-party wells along our pipeline corridor have been permanently abandoned, and no new third-party wells are being drilled near our pipelines. Although we planned to decommission the offshore pipelines and platform assets in the third quarter of 2020, decommissioning of these assets has been delayed due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the hyperactive hurricane season, and cash flow constraints. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 13
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas Properties. Our oil and gas properties are accounted for using the full-cost method of accounting, whereby all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties, including directly related internal costs, are capitalized on a cost center basis.  Amortization of such costs and estimated future development costs are determined using the unit-of-production method. All leases associated with our oil and gas properties have expired, and our oil and gas properties were fully impaired in 2011.
 
CIP. CIP expenditures, including capitalized interest, relate to construction and refurbishment activities and equipment for the Nixon facility. These expenditures are capitalized as incurred. Depreciation begins once the asset is placed in service. See “Note (8)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to our refinery and facilities assets, oil and gas properties, pipelines and facilities assets, and CIP.
 
Leases. We evaluate if a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. If we determine that a contract is or contains a lease, we recognize ROU asset and lease liability at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is determined by using the implicit rate when readily determinable. If not determinable, we use the incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments to present value. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options.
 
We recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leasing arrangements with terms greater than one year. We account for lease and non-lease components in a contract as a single lease component for all classes of underlying assets. We allocate the consideration in these contracts based on pricing information contained in the lease.
 
Expense for an operating lease is recognized as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is reflected in the appropriate income statement line item based on the leased asset’s function. Amortization expense of a finance lease ROU asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or the lease term. However, if the lease transfers ownership of the finance lease ROU asset to us at the end of the lease term, the finance lease ROU asset is amortized over the useful life of the leased asset. Amortization expense is reflected in ‘depreciation and amortization expense.’ Interest expense is incurred based on the carrying value of the lease liability and is reflected in ‘interest and other expense.’
 
Revenue Recognition.
Refinery Operations Revenue. Revenue from the sale of refined products is recognized when the product is sold to the customer in fulfillment of performance obligations. Each load of refined product is separately identifiable and represents a distinct performance obligation to which the transaction price is allocated. Performance obligations are met when control is transferred to the customer. Control is transferred to the customer when the product has been lifted or, in cases where the product is not lifted immediately (bill and hold arrangements), when the product is added to the customer’s bulk inventory as stored at the Nixon facility.
 
We consider a variety of facts and circumstances in assessing the point of control transfer, including but not limited to: whether the purchaser can direct the use of the refined product, the transfer of significant risks and rewards, our rights to payment, and transfer of legal title. In each case, the term between the sale and when payment is due is not significant. Transportation, shipping, and handling costs incurred are included in cost of goods sold. Excise and other taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in revenue.
 
Tolling and Terminaling Revenue. Tolling and terminaling revenue represents fees pursuant to: (i) tank storage agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay a certain fee per tank based on tank size over a period of time for the storage of products and (ii) tolling agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay a certain fee per gallon or barrel for throughput volumes moving through the naphtha stabilizer unit and a fixed monthly reservation fee for use of the naphtha stabilizer unit.
 
We typically satisfy performance obligations for tolling and terminaling operations with the passage of time. We determine the transaction price at agreement inception based on the guaranteed minimum amount of revenue over the term of the agreement. We allocate the transaction price to the single performance obligation that exists under the agreement, and we recognize revenue in the amount for which we have a right to invoice. Generally, payment terms do not exceed 30 days.
 
Revenue from tank storage customers may, from time to time, include fees for ancillary services, such as in-tank and tank-to-tank blending. These services are considered optional to the customer, and the price we charge for such services is not included in the fixed cost under the customer’s tank storage agreement. Ancillary services are considered a separate performance obligation by us under the tank storage agreement. The performance obligation is satisfied when the requested service has been performed in the applicable period.
 
Deferred Revenue. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance. An increase in the deferred revenue balance reflects cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by recognized revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period. Deferred revenue represents a liability as of the balance sheet date related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. We record deferred revenue when we receive consideration under a contract before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 14
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating losses and tax credit carryforwards using currently enacted tax rates and laws in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. The provision for income taxes comprises our current tax liability and change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
 
Significant judgment is required in evaluating uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. As of each reporting date, we consider new evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the realizability of deferred tax assets. We consider whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all the deferred tax assets will be realized, which is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income prior to the expiration of any NOL carryforwards. When we determine that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was cumulative losses incurred over the three-year period ended September 30, 2020. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projections for future growth. Based on this evaluation, we recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for which realization was not deemed more likely than not as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. We expect to recover deferred tax assets related to AMT credit carryforwards. In addition, we have NOL carryforwards that remain available for future use.
 
The benefit of an uncertain tax position is recognized in the financial statements if it meets a minimum recognition threshold. A determination is first made as to whether it is more likely than not that the income tax position will be sustained, based upon technical merits, upon examination by the taxing authorities. If the income tax position is expected to meet the more-likely-than-not criteria, the benefit recorded in the financial statements equals the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon its ultimate settlement. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no uncertain tax positions for which a reserve or liability was necessary. See “Note (14)” to our consolidated financial statements for more information related to income taxes.
 
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment. Additionally, we evaluate our long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. The carrying value is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or group of assets. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset or group of assets is recognized. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasting of future operating results that are used in the preparation of projected cash flows and, should different conditions prevail or judgments be made, material impairment charges could be necessary. The GEL Final Arbitration Award represented a significant adverse change that could have affected the value of certain of our long-lived assets, and management performed potential impairment testing of our refinery and facilities assets in 2019 and 2018. Upon completion of each testing, no impairment was deemed necessary. In addition, the market volatility of crude oil prices as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could have affected the value of certain of our long-lived assets, and management performed impairment testing of our refinery and facilities assets at September 30, 2020. No impairment was deemed necessary based upon this testing, and we did not record any impairment of our refinery and facilities assets for the periods presented.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations. We record a liability for the discounted fair value of an ARO in the period incurred, and we also capitalize the corresponding cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted towards its future value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.
 
We have concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets. Further, we believe that these assets have indeterminate lives because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets arises and a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques.
 
We recorded an ARO liability related to future asset retirement costs associated with dismantling, relocating, or disposing of our offshore platform, pipeline systems, and related onshore facilities, as well as for plugging and abandoning wells and restoring land and sea-beds. Cost estimates for each of our assets were developed based upon regulatory requirements, structural makeup, water depth, reservoir characteristics, reservoir depth, equipment demand, current retirement procedures, and construction and engineering consultations. Estimating future costs are difficult and require management to make judgments that are subject to future revisions based upon numerous factors, including changing technology, political, and regulatory environments. We review our assumptions and estimates of future abandonment costs on an annual basis. See “Note (12)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information related to AROs.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 15
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Computation of Earnings Per Share. We present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were converted to common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. The number of shares related to restricted stock included in diluted EPS is based on the “Treasury Stock Method.” We do not have issued options, warrants, or similar instruments. See “Note (15)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information related to EPS.
 
New Pronouncements Adopted. The FASB issues ASUs to communicate changes to the FASB ASC, including changes to non-authoritative SEC content. Recently adopted ASUs include:
 
Income Taxes. In March 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This guidance amended SEC paragraphs in ASC 740, Income Taxes, to reflect Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provided guidance for companies that were not able to complete their accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the period of enactment.  This guidance also included amendments to the XBRL taxonomy.  Although the amendments in ASU 2018-05 were effective for public business entities for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, early adoption was permitted.  Adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Consolidation. In October 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810). This ASU provided targeted improvements to related-party guidance for variable interest entities. Indirect interests held through related parties in common control arrangements are considered on a proportional basis for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. For entities other than private companies, the amendments in ASU 2018-17 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Codification Updates to SEC Sections. In July 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-07, Codification Updates to SEC Sections, which amended certain SEC sections or paragraphs within the FASB ASC. The amendments were made pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates (SEC Update). The SEC Final Rule Releases, which required improvements to the XBRL taxonomy, were made to improve, update, and simplify SEC regulations on financial reporting and disclosure. For public companies, the amendments in ASU 2019-07 were effective upon issuance. Adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
New Pronouncements Issued, Not Yet Effective.
Codification Improvements. In October 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-10, Codification Improvements. The amendments in this guidance affect a wide variety of topics in the ASC by either clarifying the codification or correcting unintended application of guidance. The changes are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. For all reporting entities, the amendments in ASU 2020-10 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.  We do not expect adoption of this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Other new pronouncements issued but not yet effective are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
 
 
 
 
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 16
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
(3)
Related-Party Transactions
Affiliate Operational Agreements Summary
Blue Dolphin and certain of its subsidiaries are party to several operational agreements with Affiliates. Management believes that these related-party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm's-length transactions. Related-party agreements related to Blue Dolphin’s operations consist of the following:
 
Agreement/Transaction
Parties
Effective Date
Key Terms
Refinery Equipment Purchase
LTRI - LE
07/01/2019
LE purchase of two (2) refurbished heat exchangers for $0.08 million each
Dock Tolling Agreement
LMT - LE
05/24/2016
5-year term cancellable by either party any time; LE paid flat reservation fee for tolling volumes up to 84,000 gallons per day; excess tolling volumes subject to increased per gallon rate; terminated 07/01/2019
Jet Fuel Sales Agreement
LEH - LE
04/01/2020
1-year term expiring earliest to occur of 03/31/2021 plus 30-day carryover or delivery of maximum jet fuel quantity; LEH bids on jet fuel contracts under preferential pricing terms due to a HUBZone certification
Office Sub-Lease Agreement
LEH - BDSC
01/01/2018
68-month term expiring 08/31/2023; office lease Houston, Texas; includes 6-month rent abatement period; rent approximately $0.02 million per month
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
LEH – Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC and BDSC
04/01/2020
3-year term; expires 04/01/2023 or notice by either party at any time of material breach or 90 days Board notice; LEH receives management fee of 5% of all consolidated operating costs, excluding crude costs, depreciation, amortization and interest, of Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC and BDSC
 
Working Capital
We have historically depended on Affiliates for financing when revenue from operations and borrowings under bank facilities are insufficient to meet our liquidity and working capital needs. Such borrowings are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets in accounts payable, related party, and/or long-term debt, related party.
 
Related-Party Long-Term Debt
 
Loan Description
Parties
Maturity Date
Interest Rate
Loan Purpose
March Carroll Note (in default)
Jonathan Carroll – Blue Dolphin
Jan 2019
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to Jonathan Carroll under the guaranty fee agreements
March Ingleside Note (in default)
Ingleside – Blue Dolphin
Jan 2019
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital
June LEH Note (in default)
LEH – Blue Dolphin
Jan 2019
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to LEH under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)(1)
LEH - BDPL
Aug 2018
16.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital
Amended and Restated Guaranty
Fee Agreement(2)
Jonathan Carroll - LE
--
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LE $25 million Veritex loan
Amended and Restated Guaranty
Fee Agreement(2)
Jonathan Carroll - LRM
--
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LRM $10 million Veritex loan
(1)
The original principal amount of the BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement was $4.0 million.
(2)
As a condition for our secured loan agreements with Veritex, Jonathan Carroll was required to personally guarantee repayment of borrowed funds and accrued interest. Under the guaranty fee agreements, Mr. Carroll is entitled to receive guaranty fees. The fees are payable 50% in cash and 50% in Common Stock. The Common Stock portion is paid quarterly. For the foreseeable future, management does not intend to pay Mr. Carroll the cash portion due to Blue Dolphin’s working capital deficits. The cash portion will continue to accrue and be added to the outstanding principal balance owed to Mr. Carroll under the March Carroll Note.
 
Guarantees and Security
 
Loan Description
Guarantees
Security
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement
---
 Secured by certain BDPL property
 
Covenants
The BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that we consider usual and customary for a credit facility of this type. There are no covenants associated with the March Carroll Note, March Ingleside Note, or June LEH Note.
 
Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
March Carroll Note (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
--
March Ingleside Note (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
June LEH Note (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured August 2018
---
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 17
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 

Related-Party Financial Impact
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Accounts receivable, related party. Accounts receivable, related party totaled $0 and $1.4 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2019, accounts receivable, related party represented amounts owed from LEH for the sale of jet fuel under the Jet Fuel Sales Agreement.  Amounts are settled under normal business terms.  Amounts outstanding relating to the Jet Fuel Sales Agreement can significantly vary period to period based on the timing of the related sales and payments received.  See below for the total amount owed to LEH under the June LEH Note and the BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement.
 
Accounts payable, related party. Accounts payable, related party to LTRI related to the purchase of refinery equipment totaled $0.2 million at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 
Long-term debt, related party, current portion (in default) and accrued interest payable, related party.
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
LEH
 
 
 
 
 
 
June LEH Note (in default)
 $5,733 
 $- 
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement
  6,654 
  6,174 
LEH Total
  12,387 
  6,174 
Ingleside
    
    
March Ingleside Note (in default)
  1,067 
  1,004 
Jonathan Carroll
    
    
March Carroll Note (in default)
  1,373 
  997 
 
  14,827 
  8,175 
 
    
    
Less: Long-term debt, related party, current portion, in default
  (12,173)
  (6,001)
Less: Accrued interest payable, related party (in default)
  (2,654)
  (2,174)
 
 $- 
 $- 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Total revenue from operations.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
  (in thousands, except percent amounts)
Refinery operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LEH
 $11,942 
  27.8%
 $25,034 
  31.8%
 $34,244 
  27.8%
 $70,016 
  31.0%
Third-Parties
  29,987 
  69.9%
  52,503 
  66.8%
  85,941 
  69.6%
  152,636 
  67.6%
Tolling and terminaling
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Third-Parties
  1,001 
  2.3%
  1,096 
  1.4%
  3,214 
  2.6%
  3,253 
  1.4%
 
 $42,930 
  100.0%
 $78,633 
  100.0%
 $123,399 
  100.0%
 $225,905 
  100.0%
 
Interest expense.
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
  (in thousands)
Jonathan Carroll
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranty Fee Agreements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Term Loan Due 2034
 $108 
 $110 
 $324 
 $333 
Second Term Loan Due 2034
  45 
  46 
  134 
  138 
March Carroll Note (in default)
  23 
  33 
  66 
  86 
LEH
    
    
    
    
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)
  160 
  160 
  480 
  480 
June LEH Note (in default)
  102 
  17 
  245 
  40 
Ingleside
    
    
    
    
March Ingleside Note (in default)
  15 
  12 
  50 
  63 
 
 $453 
 $378 
 $1,299 
 $1,140 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 18
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Other. Fees associated with the Dock Tolling Agreement with LMT totaled $0 and $0.05 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Fees associated with the Dock Tolling Agreement with LMT totaled $0 and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
Lease payments received under the office sub-lease agreement with LEH totaled approximately $0.01 million for both three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Lease payments received under the office sub-lease agreement with LEH totaled approximately $0.03 million for both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
 
The LEH operating fee was flat, totaling approximately $0.2 million for both three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The LEH operating fee was also relatively flat, totaling approximately $0.05 million for both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
 
(4)
Revenue and Segment Information
 
We have two reportable business segments: (i) refinery operations and (ii) tolling and terminaling. Refinery operations relate to the refining and marketing of petroleum products at our 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower. Tolling and terminaling operations relate to tolling and storage terminaling services under third-party lease agreements. Both operations are conducted at the Nixon facility. Corporate and other includes BDSC, BDPL and BDPC.
 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue. Revenue is presented in the table below under “Segment Information” disaggregated by business segment because this is the level of disaggregation that management has determined to be beneficial to users of our financial statements.
 
Receivables from Contracts with Customers. Our receivables from contracts with customers are presented as receivables, net on our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Contract Liabilities. Our contract liabilities from contracts with customers consist of unearned revenue and are included in accrued expenses and presented in “Note (9)” to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Remaining Performance Obligations. Most of our contracts with customers are spot contracts and therefore have no remaining performance obligations.
 

 
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 19
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Segment Information. Business segment information for the periods indicated (and as of the dates indicated) was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
   (in thousands)
Net revenue (excluding intercompany fees and sales)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $41,929 
 $77,537 
 $120,185 
 $222,652 
Tolling and terminaling
  1,001 
  1,096 
  3,214 
  3,253 
Total net revenue
  42,930 
  78,633 
  123,399 
  225,905 
 
    
    
    
    
Intercompany fees and sales
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (595)
  (668)
  (1,618)
  (1,927)
Tolling and terminaling
  595 
  668 
  1,618 
  1,927 
Total intercompany fees
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Operation costs and expenses(1)
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (43,691)
  (76,088)
  (124,942)
  (219,766)
Tolling and terminaling
  (709)
  (285)
  (1,222)
  (1,012)
Corporate and other
  (58)
  (52)
  (164)
  (165)
Total operation costs and expenses
  (44,458)
  (76,425)
  (126,328)
  (220,943)
 
    
    
    
    
Segment contribution margin (deficit)
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (2,357)
  781 
  (6,375)
  959 
Tolling and terminaling
  887 
  1,479 
  3,610 
  4,168 
Corporate and other
  (58)
  (52)
  (164)
  (165)
Total segment contribution margin (deficit)
  (1,528)
  2,208 
  (2,929)
  4,962 
 
    
    
    
    
General and administrative expenses(2)
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (414)
  (292)
  (1,045)
  (898)
Tolling and terminaling
  (132)
  (68)
  (268)
  (173)
Corporate and other
  (307)
  (295)
  (1,052)
  (833)
Total general and administrative expenses
  (853)
  (655)
  (2,365)
  (1,904)
 
    
    
    
    
Depreciation and amortization
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (301)
  (481)
  (883)
  (1,429)
Tolling and terminaling
  (338)
  (99)
  (956)
  (297)
Corporate and other
  (51)
  (52)
  (153)
  (129)
Total depreciation and amortization
  (690)
  (632)
  (1,992)
  (1,855)
 
    
    
    
    
Interest and other non-operating expenses, net
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (679)
  8,329 
  (2,171)
  6,723 
Tolling and terminaling
  (599)
  (824)
  (1,985)
  (1,599)
Corporate and other
  (304)
  (259)
  (778)
  (712)
Total interest and other non-operating expenses, net
  (1,582
  7,246 
  (4,934
  4,412 
 
    
    
    
    
Income (loss) before income taxes
    
    
    
    
Refinery operations
  (3,751)
  8,337 
  (10,474)
  5,355 
Tolling and terminaling
  (182)
  488 
  401 
  2,099 
Corporate and other
  (720)
  (658)
  (2,147)
  (1,839)
Total income (loss) before income taxes
  (4,653)
  8,167 
  (12,220)
  5,615 
 
    
    
    
    
Income tax expense
  - 
  - 
  (15)
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Net income (loss)
 $(4,653)
 $8,167 
 $(12,235)
 $5,615 
 
(1)
Operation costs include cost of goods sold. Also, operation costs within: (a) tolling and terminaling includes terminal operating expenses and an allocation of other costs (e.g. insurance and maintenance) and (b) corporate and other includes expenses related to BDSC, BDPC and BDPL.
(2)
General and administrative expenses within refinery operations include the LEH operating fee.
  
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 20
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
  September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
   (in thousands)
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $295 
 $1,375 
Tolling and terminaling
  790 
  83 
Corporate and other
  - 
  - 
Total capital expenditures
 $1,085 
 $1,458 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 (in thousands)    
 
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $47,169 
 $51,317 
Tolling and terminaling
  18,815 
  18,401 
Corporate and other
  1,667 
  1,726 
Total identifiable assets
 $67,651 
 $71,444 
 
(5)
Concentration of Risk
 
Bank Accounts
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash, trade receivables and payables. We maintain cash balances at financial institutions in Houston, Texas. The FDIC insures certain financial products up to a maximum of $250,000 per depositor. At both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had cash balances (including restricted cash) that exceeded the FDIC insurance limit per depositor of approximately $0.3 million.
 
Key Supplier
Operation of the Nixon refinery depends on our ability to purchase adequate amounts of crude oil and condensate. We have a long-term crude supply agreement in place with Pilot. Under the initial term of the crude supply agreement, Pilot will sell us approximately 24.8 million net bbls of crude oil. Thereafter, the crude supply agreement will continue on a one-year evergreen basis. Effective March 1, 2020, Pilot assigned its rights, title, interest, and obligations in the crude supply agreement to Tartan Oil LLC, a Pilot affiliate. Either party may terminate the crude supply agreement by providing the other party 60 days prior written notice. Pilot also stores crude oil at the Nixon facility under two terminal services agreements. Under the terminal services agreements, Pilot stores crude oil at the Nixon facility at a specified rate per bbl of the storage tank’s shell capacity. Although the initial term of the terminal services agreement expired April 30, 2020, the agreement renewed on a one-year evergreen basis. Either party may terminate the terminal services agreement by providing the other party 60 days prior written notice. However, the terminal services agreement will automatically terminate upon expiration or termination of the crude supply agreement. 
 
Beginning on June 1, 2020, Pilot began applying payment obligations owed to us under the two terminal services agreements against our payment obligations owed to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. See “Note (1) Organization – Going Concern” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to defaults in our debt obligations.
 
Our financial health could be materially and adversely affected by defaults in our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, historic net losses and working capital deficits, as well as termination of the crude supply agreement or terminal services agreement with Pilot, which could impact our ability to acquire crude oil and condensate. In addition, sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, our refinery experienced downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 21
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Significant Customers
We routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and have not experienced significant write-downs in accounts receivable balances. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited.
 
 
Number Significant
Customers
% Total Revenue from Operations
Portion of Accounts Receivable at Date Indicated
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2020
4
80%
$0
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2019
4
97%
$0.6 million
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2020
4
82%
$0
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2019
4
97%
$0.6 million
 
One of our significant customers is an Affiliate. The Affiliate, LEH, purchases our jet fuel under a Jet Fuel Sales Agreement and bids on jet fuel contracts under preferential pricing terms due to a HUBZone certification. LEH accounted for nearly 28% and 32% of our total revenue from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. LEH accounted for nearly 28% and 31% of our total revenue from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. LEH represented $0 in accounts receivable at September 30, 2020. LEH represented $0.3 million in accounts receivable at September 30, 2019.
 
Amounts outstanding relating to the Jet Fuel Sales Agreement can significantly vary period to period based on the timing of the related sales and payments received. The amounts are settled under normal business terms. The total amount owed to LEH under the June LEH Note and the BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement totaled $12.4 million and $6.2 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. See “Note (3)” and “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to transactions with Affiliates.
 
Concentration of Customers. Our customers are concentrated on refined petroleum product wholesalers. This customer concentration may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, as our customers are likely similarly affected by economic changes. This includes the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated volatility in the global oil markets. Historically, we have had no significant problems collecting our accounts receivable.
 
Refined Product Sales. We sell our products primarily in the U.S. within PADD 3. Occasionally we sell refined products to customers that export to Mexico. Total refined product sales by distillation (from light to heavy) for the periods indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
  (in thousands, except percent amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LPG mix
 $- 
  0.0%
 $8 
  0%
 $- 
  0.0%
 $17 
  0%
Naphtha
  7,847 
  18.7%
  14,147 
  18.2%
  22,523 
  18.7%
  43,358 
  19.5%
Jet fuel
  11,942 
  28.5%
  25,035 
  32.3%
  34,244 
  28.5%
  70,017 
  31.4%
HOBM
  12,196 
  29.1%
  17,044 
  22.0%
  31,077 
  25.9%
  49,951 
  22.5%
AGO
  9,944 
  23.7%
  21,303 
  27.5%
  32,341 
  26.9%
  59,309 
  26.6%
 
 $41,929 
  100.0%
 $77,537 
  100.0%
 $120,185 
  100.0%
 $222,652 
  100.0%
 
An Affiliate, LEH, purchases all of our jet fuel. See “Note (3)” and “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate transactions.
 
(6)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Prepaid insurance
 $1,099 
 $417 
Prepaid crude oil and condensate
  374 
  1,651 
Prepaid easement renewal fees
  104 
  121 
Other prepaids
  40 
  87 
 
 $1,617 
 $2,276 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 22
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
(7)
Inventory
 
Inventory as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Crude oil and condensate
 $493 
 $959 
Chemicals
  143 
  120 
AGO
  118 
  440 
Naphtha
  88 
  95 
Propane
  13 
  26 
LPG mix
  7 
  5 
 
 $862 
 $1,645 
 
Due to fluctuating commodity prices, we recorded a net realizable value adjustment to inventory of approximately $0.3 million and $0.3 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
 
(8)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net, as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Refinery and facilities
 $71,855 
 $66,317 
Land
  566 
  566 
Other property and equipment
  903 
  833 
 
  73,324 
  67,716 
 
    
    
Less: Accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortiation
  (14,577)
  (12,739)
 
  58,747 
  54,977 
 
    
    
CIP
  4,392 
  8,916 
 
 $63,139 
 $63,893 
 
We capitalize interest cost incurred on funds used to construct property, plant, and equipment. Capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset it relates to and is depreciated over the asset’s useful life. Capitalized interest cost, which is included in CIP, was $0 and $0.7 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Capital expenditures for expansion at the Nixon facility were funded by long-term debt from Veritex, revenue from operations, and working capital from Affiliates. At September 30, 2020, unused amounts for capital expenditures derived from Veritex loans were reflected in restricted cash (current and non-current portions) on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note (10)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to working capital deficits and borrowings for capital spending.
 
(9)
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
  (in thousands)
 
Unearned revenue from contracts with customers
 $2,441 
 $1,990 
Insurance
  525 
  159 
Unearned contract renewal income
  500 
  500 
Property, fuel and other taxes
  389 
  183 
Other payable
  186 
  228 
Board of director fees payable
  68 
  263 
Customer deposits
  10 
  10 
 
 $4,119 
 $3,333 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 23
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
(10)
Third-Party Long-Term Debt
 
Loan Agreements Summary
 
Loan Description
Parties
Original Principal Amount
(in millions)
Maturity Date
 
Monthly Principal and Interest Payment
Interest Rate
Loan Purpose
Veritex Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
LE-Veritex
$25.0
Jun 2034
$0.2 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance loan; capital improvements
LRM Term Loan Due 2034
(in default)
LRM-Veritex
$10.0
Dec 2034
$0.1 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance bridge loan; capital improvements
Notre Dame Debt (in default)(2)(3)
LE-Kissick
$11.7
Jan 2018
No payments to date; payment rights subordinated
16.00%
Working capital; reduced balance of GEL Final Arbitration Award
SBA EIDLs
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2050(4)
LE-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
NPS Term Loan Due 2050(4)
NPS-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
(1)
Proceeds were placed in a disbursement account whereby Veritex makes payments for construction related expenses. Amounts held in the disbursement account are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash (current portion) and restricted cash, noncurrent. At September 30, 2020, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0.5 million. At December 31, 2019, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0.6 million.
(2)
LE originally entered into a loan agreement with Notre Dame Investors, Inc. in the principal amount of $8.0 million. The debt is currently held by John Kissick. Pursuant to a 2017 sixth amendment, the Notre Dame Debt was amended to increase the principal amount by $3.7 million; the additional principal was used to reduce the GEL Final Arbitration Award by $3.6 million.
(3)
Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034.
(4)
Payments are deferred for the first twelve (12) months of the loan; interest accrues during the deferral period. SBA EIDLs are not forgivable.
 
Outstanding Principal, Debt Issue Costs, and Accrued Interest
Third-party long-term debt (outstanding principal and accrued interest), as of the dates indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
  (in thousands)
Veritex Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 $22,424 
 $21,776 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  9,299 
  9,031 
SBA EIDLs
    
    
LE Term Loan Due 2050
  150 
  - 
NPS Term Loan Due 2050
  150 
  - 
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
  9,214 
  8,617 
 
  41,237 
  39,424 
 
    
    
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net
  (33,644)
  (33,836)
Less: Unamortized debt issue costs
  (1,781)
  (1,877)
Less: Accrued interest payable (in default)
  (5,512)
  (3,711)
 
 $300 
 $- 
 
Unamortized debt issue costs associated with the Veritex loans as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Veritex Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 $1,674 
 $1,674 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  768 
  768 
 
    
    
Less: Accumulated amortization
  (661)
  (565)
 
 $1,781 
 $1,877 
 
Amortization expense was $0.03 million for both three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Amortization expense was $0.09 million for both nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 24
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest related to third-party long-term debt, reflected as accrued interest payable in our consolidated balance sheets, as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
 $4,236 
 $3,639 
Veritex Loans
    
    
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  879 
  25 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  397 
  47 
 
  5,512 
  3,711 
Less: Accrued interest payable (in default)
  (5,512)
  (3,711)
Long-term Interest Payable, Net of Current Portion
 $- 
 $- 
 
Payment Deferments
Veritex Loans. In April 2020, LE and LRM were each granted a two-month deferment period on their respective Veritex loans commencing from April 22, 2020 to June 22, 2020. During the deferment period, LE and LRM were not obligated to make payments and interest continued to accrue at the stated rates of the loans. Upon expiration of the deferment period: (i) Veritex re-amortized the loan such that future payments on principal and interest were adjusted based on the remaining principal balances and loan terms, and (ii) all other terms of the loans reverted to the original terms, and previous defaults were reinstated. The deferment did not address LE’s requirement to replenish the $1.0 million payment reserve account. Principal and interest payments resumed on July 22, 2020. As of the filing date of this report, we are current on required monthly payments under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, but other defaults are ongoing as noted below under “Defaults”.
 
SBA EIDLs. Payments under the SBA loans are deferred for the first twelve (12) months. Interest accrues during the deferral period. Principal and interest payments begin in August 2021.
 
 
 


 

 
 

 
Guarantees and Security
 
Loan Description
Guarantees
Security
Veritex Loans(1)
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
100% USDA-guarantee
Jonathan Carroll personal guarantee
LEH, LRM and Blue Dolphin cross-guarantee
First priority lien on Nixon facility’s business assets (excluding accounts receivable and inventory)
Assignment of all Nixon facility contracts, permits, and licenses
Absolute assignment of Nixon facility rents and leases, including tank rental income
$1.0 million payment reserve account held by Veritex
$5.0 million life insurance policy on Jonathan Carroll
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
100% USDA-guarantee
Jonathan Carroll personal guarantee
LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin cross-guarantee
Second priority lien on rights of LE in crude distillation tower and other collateral of LE
First priority lien on real property interests of LRM
First priority lien on all LRM fixtures, furniture, machinery, and equipment
First priority lien on all LRM contractual rights, general intangibles, and instruments, except with respect to LRM rights in its leases of certain specified tanks for which Veritex has second priority lien
All other collateral as described in the security documents
Notre Dame Debt (in default)(2)
---
Subordinated deed of trust that encumbers the crude distillation tower and general assets of LE
SBA EIDLs
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2050
---
Business assets (e.g. machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures, etc.) as more fully described in the security agreement
NPS Term Loan Due 2050
---
Business assets (e.g. machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures, etc.) as more fully described in the security agreement
(1)
As a condition of the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034, Jonathan Carroll was required to personally guarantee repayment of borrowed funds and accrued interest.
(2)
Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034.
 
The USDA, acting through its agencies, administers a federal rural credit program that makes direct loans and guarantees portions of loans made and serviced by USDA-qualified lenders for various purposes. Each USDA guarantee is a full faith and credit obligation of the U.S. with the USDA guaranteeing up to 100% of the principal amount. The lender for a USDA-guaranteed loan, in our case Veritex, is required by regulations to retain both the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan, to service the entire underlying loan, and to remain mortgage and/or secured party of record. Both the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan are to be secured by the same collateral with equal lien priority. The USDA-guaranteed portion of a loan cannot be paid later than, or in any way be subordinated to, the related unguaranteed portion. See “Note (3)” and “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements and transactions, including long-term debt guarantees.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 25
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Covenants
The Veritex loans and SBA EIDLs contain representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that we consider usual and customary for credit facilities of this type. There are no covenants associated with the Notre Dame Debt.
 
Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
Veritex Loans
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 
 
GEL Final Arbitration Award and associated material adverse effect conditions; failure to replenish $1.0 million payment reserve account; events of default under other secured loan agreements with Veritex
Financial covenants:
debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio

LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
GEL Final Arbitration Award and associated material adverse effect conditions; events of default under other secured loan agreements with Veritex
Financial covenants:
debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio

Notre Dame Debt (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
 
 
 
As reflected in the table above and elsewhere in this report, we are in default under the LE Term Loan Due 2034, LRM Term Loan Due 2034, and the Notre Dame Debt. Defaults under the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 permit Veritex to declare the amounts owed under these loan agreements immediately due and payable, exercise its rights with respect to collateral securing obligors’ obligations under these loan agreements, and/or exercise any other rights and remedies available. The debt associated with the LE Term Loan Due 2034, LRM Term Loan Due 2034, and the Notre Dame Debt was classified within the current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 
Any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
We can provide no assurance that: (i) our assets or cash flow will be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our secured loan agreements with Vertitex, either upon maturity or if accelerated, (ii) LE and LRM will be able to refinance or restructure the payments of the debt, and/or (iii) Veritex, as first lien holder, will provide future default waivers. Defaults under our secured loan agreements and any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies related to such defaults may have a material adverse effect on the trading prices of our common stock and on the value of an investment in our common stock, and holders of our common stock could lose their investment in our common stock in its entirety. See “Note (1)” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding defaults under our secured loan agreements and their potential effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
(11)
Line of Credit Payable
 
Line of Credit Agreement Summary
 
 
 
Line of Credit Description
Original
Principal Amount
(in millions)
 
Maturity Date
 
Monthly Principal and Interest Payment
 
Interest Rate
 
Loan Purpose
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit
(in default)
$13.0
May 2020
----
14.00%
GEL Settlement Payment, NPS purchase of crude oil from Pilot, and working capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Principal, Debt Issue Costs, and Accrued Interest
Line of credit payable, which represents outstanding principal and accrued interest, as of the dates indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
 $9,724 
 $11,786 
 
    
    
Less: Unamortized debt issue costs
  - 
  (219)
Less: Interest payable, short-term
  (103)
  (103)
 
 $9,621 
 $11,464 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 26
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Guarantees and Security
 
Loan Description
Guarantees
Security
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
Blue Dolphin pledged its equity interests in NPS to Pilot to secure NPS’ obligations;
Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, and LEH have each guaranteed NPS’ obligations.
 NPS receivables;
 NPS assets, including a tank lease (the “Tank Lease”);
 LRM receivables.
 
In an Agreement Regarding Attornment of Tank Leases dated April 30, 2019 between Veritex, LE, NPS, and Pilot, Veritex in its capacity as a secured lender of LE and LRM, agreed to permit the continued performance of obligations under a certain tank lease agreement if it were to foreclose on LE property that NPS was leasing from LE so long as certain conditions were met. The effectiveness of the Agreement Regarding Attornment of Tank Leases was subject to certain conditions, including the agreement and concurrence of the USDA that the Agreement Regarding Attornment of Tank Leases does not impair or void the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 or any associated guarantees. Veritex used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such USDA concurrence, however, as of the filing date of this report such USDA concurrence had not been provided.
 
Covenants
The Amended Pilot Line of Credit contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default.
 
Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
 
 
Failure of borrower or any guarantor to pay past due obligations; loan matured May 2020
---
 
 
 
As reflected in the table above and elsewhere in this report, we are in default under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. On May 4, 2020, Pilot sent NPS, as borrower, and LRM, LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin, each a guarantor and collectively guarantors, a notice demanding the immediate payment of the unpaid principal amount and all interest accrued and unpaid, and all other amounts owing or payable (the “Obligations”) under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Pursuant to the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, commencing on May 4, 2020, the Obligations began to accrue interest at a rate of fourteen percent (14%) per annum. Failure of the borrower or any guarantor to pay the past due Obligations constituted an event of default. Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. Any exercise by Pilot of its rights and remedies under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations.
 
Pursuant to a June 1, 2020 letter, Pilot notified the borrower and guarantors of its intent to apply Pilot’s payment obligations to us under each of (a) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank Nos. 67, 71, 72, 73, 77, and 78), dated as of May, 2019, between borrower and Pilot, and (b) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank No. 56), dated as of June 1, 2019, between the borrower and Pilot, against our payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Such setoff amounts only partially satisfy the Obligations, and Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including, without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
 
The borrower and guarantors continue in active dialogue with Pilot to reach a negotiated settlement, and we believe that Pilot hopes to continue to work with the borrower to settle the Obligations. The borrower and guarantors are also working on the possible refinance of amounts owing and payable under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. However, progress with potential lenders has been slow due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to repay, refinance, replace or otherwise extend this credit facility is dependent on, among other things, business conditions, our financial performance, and the general condition of the financial markets. Given the current financial markets, we could be forced to undertake alternate financings, including a sale of additional common stock, negotiate for an extension of the maturity, or sell assets and delay capital expenditures in order to generate proceeds that could be used to repay such indebtedness. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such transaction on terms that are commercially reasonable, on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the event we are unsuccessful in such endeavors, we may be unable to pay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, which may require us to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 27
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
(12)
AROs
 
Refinery and Facilities
Management has concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets. Management believes that the refinery and facilities assets have indeterminate lives under FASB ASC guidance for estimating AROs because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets arises and a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques.
 
Pipelines and Facilities and Oil and Gas Properties
We have AROs associated with the decommissioning of our pipelines and facilities assets, as well as the plugging and abandonment of our oil and gas properties. We recorded a discounted liability for the fair value of an ARO with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset at the time the asset was installed or placed in service, and we depreciated the amount added to property and equipment and recognized accretion expense relating to the discounted liability over the remaining life of the asset. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the liability was fully accreted. See “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to decommissioning of our offshore pipelines and platform assets and related risks.
 
ARO liability as of the dates indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AROs, at the beginning of the period
 $2,565 
 $2,565 
Liabilities settled
  (179)
  - 
 
  2,386 
  2,565 
Less: AROs, current portion
  (2,386)
  (2,565)
Long-term AROs, at the end of the period
 $- 
 $- 
 
Liabilities settled reflects preparatory costs in the period associated with decommissioning our offshore pipelines and platform assets.
 
(13)
Lease Obligations
 
Lease Obligations
 
Operating Lease
Office Lease. BDSC has an office lease related to our headquarters office in Houston, Texas. The 68-month operating lease expires in 2023. BDSC has the option to extend the lease term for one additional five (5) year period if notice of intent to extend is provided to the lessor at least twelve (12) months before the end of the current term. An Affiliate, LEH, subleases a portion of this office space.  Sublease income received from LEH totaled approximately $0.01 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Sublease income received from LEH totaled approximately $0.03 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to the Affiliate sub-lease.
 
Finance Leases
Crane. In January 2018, LE entered a 24-month lease for the purchase of a 20-ton crane for use at the Nixon facility. The lease required a negligible monthly payment and matured in January 2020.
 
Backhoe Lease Agreement. In October 2020, LE entered into a new 5-year finance lease agreement to purchase a backhoe. LE previously rented the backhoe under a rent-to-own agreement that matured. The new lease, which includes a rental credit applied as a down payment, requires a negligible monthly payment and matures in October 2025. The backhoe continues to be used at the Nixon Facility.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 28
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet:
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
  (in thousands)      
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease ROU assets
Operating lease ROU assets
 $787 
 $787 
Less: Accumulated amortization on operating lease assets
Operating lease ROU assets
  (249
  (138
 
  538 
  649 
 
    
    
Finance lease assets
Property and equipment, net
  86 
  180 
Less: Accumulated amortization on finance lease assets
Property and equipment, net
  (16)
  (34)
 
  70 
  146 
 
    
    
Total lease assets
 
  608 
  795 
 
    
    
Liabilities
 
    
    
Current
 
    
    
Operating lease
Current portion of lease liabilities
  190 
  175 
Finance leases
Current portion of lease liabilities
  61 
  76 
 
  251 
  251 
Noncurrent
 
    
    
Operating lease
Long-term lease liabilities, net of current
  421 
  564 
Total lease liabilities
 
 $672 
 $815 
 
Weighted average remaining lease term in years
Operating lease
  2.92 
Weighted average discount rate
Operating lease
  8.25%
Finance leases
  8.25%
 
The following table presents information related to lease costs for operating and finance leases:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease costs
 $51 
 $51 
 $154 
 $154 
Finance lease costs:
    
    
    
    
Depreciation of leased assets
  3 
  4 
  13 
  12 
Interest on lease liabilities
  - 
  2 
  3 
  4 
Total lease cost
 $54 
 $57 
 $170 
 $170 
 
The table below presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 
 
 Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
(in thousands)           
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of lease liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating cash flows for operating lease
 $44 
 $40 
 $130 
 $81 
Operating cash flows for finance leases
 $- 
 $2 
 $4 
 $4 
Financing cash flows for finance leases
 $5 
 $13 
 $17 
 $35 
  
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 29
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities for the periods indicated were as follows:
 
September 30,
 
Operating Lease
 
 
Financing Leases
 
 
Total
 
 
   (in thousands)    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021
 $190 
 $61 
 $251 
2022
  209 
  - 
  209 
2023
  212 
  - 
  212 
 
    
    
    
 
 $611 
 $61 
 $672 
 
Future minimum annual lease commitments that are non-cancelable:
 
 
 
Operating
 
September 30,
 
 Lease
 
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
2021
 $232 
2022
  236 
2023
  220 
 
 $688 
 
(14)
Income Taxes
 
Tax Provision
The provision for income tax benefit (expense) for the periods indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 $- 
 $- 
 $(15)
 $- 
State
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
Deferred
    
    
    
    
Federal
  975 
  (1,833)
  2,566 
  (1,190)
State
  - 
    
  - 
    
Change in valuation allowance
  (975)
  1,833 
  (2,566)
  1,190 
 
    
    
    
    
Total provision for income taxes
 $- 
 $- 
 $(15)
 $- 
 
The TMT is treated as an income tax for financial reporting purposes.
  
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 30
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOL and capital loss carryforwards
 $14,854 
 $12,463 
Business interest expense
  2,995 
  1,923 
Start-up costs (crude oil and condensate processing facility)
  530 
  594 
ARO liability/deferred revenue
  501 
  539 
AMT credit
  - 
  50 
Other
  1 
  11 
Total deferred tax assets
  18,881 
  15,580 
 
    
    
Deferred tax liabilities:
    
    
Basis differences in property and equipment
  (6,968)
  (6,183)
Total deferred tax liabilities
  (6,968)
  (6,183)
 
  11,913 
  9,397 
 
    
    
Valuation allowance
  (11,913)
  (9,347)
 
    
    
Deferred tax assets, net
 $- 
 $50 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis, as well as from NOL carryforwards. We state those balances at the enacted tax rates we expect will be in effect when taxes are paid. NOL carryforwards and deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce future taxable income.
 
NOL Carryforwards. Under IRC Section 382, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its use of pre-change NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income. Within the meaning of IRC Section 382, an “ownership change” occurs when the aggregate stock ownership of certain stockholders (generally 5% shareholders, applying certain look-through rules) increases by more than fifty (50) percentage points over such stockholders' lowest percentage ownership during the testing period (generally three years). For income tax purposes, we experienced ownership changes in 2005, relating to a series of private placements, and in 2012, because of a reverse acquisition, that limit the use of pre-change NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income. In general, the annual use limitation equals the aggregate value of common stock at the time of the ownership change multiplied by a specified tax-exempt interest rate. The 2012 ownership change will subject approximately $16.3 million in NOL carryforwards that were generated prior to the ownership change to an annual use limitation of approximately $0.6 million per year. Unused portions of the annual use limitation amount may be used in subsequent years. Because of the annual use limitation, approximately $6.7 million in NOL carryforwards that were generated prior to the 2012 ownership change will expire unused. NOL carryforwards that were generated after the 2012 ownership change and prior to 2018 are not subject to an annual use limitation under IRC Section 382 and may be used for a period of 20 years in addition to available amounts of NOL carryforwards generated prior to the ownership change.
 
NOL Carryforwards. NOL carryforwards that remained available for future use for the periods indicated were as follow (amounts shown are net of NOLs that will expire unused because of the IRC Section 382 limitation):
 
 
 
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
 
 
 
Pre-Ownership Change
 
 
Post-Ownership Change
 
 
Total
 
 
  (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
 $9,614 
 $37,335 
 $46,949 
 
    
    
    
Net operating losses
  - 
  5,723 
  5,723 
 
    
    
    
Balance at December 31, 2019
  9,614 
  43,058 
  52,672 
 
    
    
    
Net operating losses
  - 
  11,384 
  11,384 
 
    
    
    
Balance at September 30, 2020
 $9,614 
 $54,442 
 $64,056 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 31
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Valuation Allowance. As of each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the realizability of deferred tax assets. Management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will be realized, which is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income prior to the expiration of any NOL carryforwards. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, management determined that cumulative losses incurred over the prior three-year period provided significant objective evidence that limited the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projections for future growth. Based on this evaluation, we recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for which realization was not deemed more likely than not as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 
(15)
Earnings Per Share
A reconciliation between basic and diluted income per share for the periods indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,  
 
 
September 30,  
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 $(4,653)
 $8,167 
 $(12,235)
 $5,615 
 
    
    
    
    
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share
 $(0.37)
 $0.74 
 $(0.98)
 $0.51 
 
    
    
    
    
Basic and Diluted
    
    
    
    
Weighted average number of shares of
    
    
    
    
common stock outstanding and potential
    
    
    
    
dilutive shares of common stock
  12,693,514 
  10,975,514 
  12,534,493 
  10,975,215 
 
Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was the same as basic EPS as there were no stock options or other dilutive instruments outstanding.
 
(16)
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to operation and management of all Blue Dolphin properties by an Affiliate under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement.
 
BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning
BDPL has pipelines and platform assets that are subject to BSEE’s idle iron regulations. Idle iron regulations mandate lessees and rights-of-way holders to permanently abandon and/or remove platforms and other structures when they are no longer useful for operations. Until such structures are abandoned or removed, lessees and rights-of-way holders are required to inspect and maintain the assets in accordance with regulatory requirements.
 
In December 2018, BSEE issued an INC to BDPL for failure to flush and fill Pipeline Segment No. 13101. Management met with BSEE on August 15, 2019 to address BDPL’s plans with respect to decommissioning its offshore pipelines and platform assets. BSEE proposed that BDPL re-submit permit applications for pipeline and platform decommissioning, along with a safe boarding plan for the platform, within six (6) months (no later than February 15, 2020), and develop and implement a safe boarding plan for submission with such permit applications. Further, BSEE proposed that BDPL complete approved, permitted work within twelve (12) months (no later than August 15, 2020).  BDPL timely submitted permit applications for decommissioning of the subject offshore pipelines and platform assets to BSEE on February 11, 2020 and the USACOE on March 25, 2020. Decommissioning of the offshore pipelines and platform assets is on hold due to financial constraints associated with COVID-19. We are also awaiting approval of regulatory permits on certain segments and/or fairways, which approvals are required prior to work commencement. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur.
 
In April 2020, BSEE issued another INC to BDPL for failure to perform the required structural surveys for the GA-288C Platform. BDPL requested an extension to the INC related to the structural platform surveys, and BSEE approved BDPL’s extension request. The required platform surveys were completed, and the INC was resolved in June 2020.
 
Lack of permit approvals does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to remedy the BSEE INCs or of BSEE’s authority to impose financial penalties. If BDPL fails to complete decommissioning of the offshore pipelines and platform assets and/or remedy the INCs within a timeframe determined to be prudent by BSEE, BDPL could be subject to regulatory oversight and enforcement, including but not limited to failure to correct an INC, civil penalties, and revocation of BDPL’s operator designation, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and liquidity.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 32
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BSEE INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, BDPL maintained $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, in AROs related to abandonment of these assets.
 
Defaults Under Secured Loan Agreements with Third Parties
See “Note (1),” “Note (3),” “Note (10),” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to defaults under our secured and unsecured debt agreements.
 
Financing Agreements and Guarantees
Indebtedness. See “Note (1),” “Note (3),” “Note (10),” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to Affiliate and third-party indebtedness and defaults thereto.
 
Guarantees. Affiliates provided guarantees on certain debt of Blue Dolphin and its subsidiaries. The maximum amount of any guarantee is equal to the principal amount and accrued interest, which amounts are reduced as payments are made. See “Note (1),” “Note (3),” “Note (10),” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate and third-party guarantees associated with indebtedness and defaults thereto.
 
Health, Safety and Environmental Matters
Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of petroleum products and hazardous substances; the emission and discharge of materials into the environment; waste management; characteristics and composition of jet fuel and other products; and the monitoring, reporting and control of air emissions. Our operations also require numerous permits and authorizations under various environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations. Failure to obtain and comply with these permits or environmental, health, or safety laws generally could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions, or a revocation of our permits.
 
Legal Matters
BOEM Additional Financial Assurance (Supplemental Pipeline Bonds). To cover the various obligations of lessees and rights-of-way holders operating in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BOEM evaluates an operator’s financial ability to carry out present and future obligations to determine whether the operator must provide additional security beyond the statutory bonding requirements. Such obligations include the cost of plugging and abandoning wells and decommissioning pipelines and platforms at the end of production or service activities. Once plugging and abandonment work has been completed, the collateral backing the financial assurance is released by BOEM.
 
BDPL has historically maintained $0.9 million in financial assurance to BOEM for the decommissioning of its trunk pipeline offshore in federal waters. Following an agency restructuring of the financial assurance program, in March 2018 BOEM ordered BDPL to provide additional financial assurance totaling approximately $4.8 million for five (5) existing pipeline rights-of-way within sixty (60) calendar days. In June 2018, BOEM issued BDPL INCs for each right-of-way that failed to comply. BDPL appealed the INCs to the IBLA, and the IBLA granted multiple extension requests that extended BDPL’s deadline for filing a statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. On August 9, 2019, BDPL timely filed its statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. Considering BDPL’s August 2019 meeting with BOEM and BSEE, BDPL requested a stay in the IBLA matter until August 2020. The Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior was agreeable to a 10-day extension while it conferred with BOEM on BDPL’s stay request. In late October 2019, BDPL filed a motion to request the 10-day extension, which motion was subsequently granted by the IBLA. The solicitor’s office consented to an additional 14-day extension for BDPL to file its reply, and BDPL filed a motion to request the 14-day extension in November 2019. The solicitor’s office indicated that BOEM would not consent to further extensions. However, the solicitor’s office signaled that BDPL’s adherence to the milestones identified in an August 15, 2019 meeting between management and BSEE may help in future discussions with BOEM related to the INCs. Decommissioning of these assets will significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of financial assurance required by BOEM, which may serve to partially or fully resolve the INCs. See “Note (16) – BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning”.
 
BDPL’s pending appeal of the BOEM INCs does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to provide additional financial assurance or of BOEM’s authority to impose financial penalties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bond) requirements. If BDPL is required by BOEM to provide significant additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) or is assessed significant penalties under the INCs, we will experience a significant and material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BOEM INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. At both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, BDPL maintained approximately $0.9 million in credit and cash-backed pipeline rights-of-way bonds issued to BOEM.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 33
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Resolved - GEL Settlement. As previously disclosed, GEL was awarded the GEL Final Arbitration Award in the aggregate amount of $31.3 million. In July 2018, the Lazarus Parties and GEL entered into the GEL Settlement Agreement. The GEL Settlement Agreement was subsequently amended five (5) times to extend the GEL Settlement Payment Date and/or modify certain terms related to the GEL Interim Payments or the GEL Settlement Payment. During the period September 2017 to August 2019, GEL received the following amounts from the Lazarus Parties to reduce the outstanding balance of the GEL Final Arbitration Award:
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Initial payment (September 2017)
 $3.7 
GEL Interim Payments (July 2018 to April 2019)
  8.0 
Settlement Payment (Multiple Payments May 7 to 10, 2019)
  10.0 
Deferred Interim Installment Payments (June 2019 to August 2019)
  0.5 
 
    
 
 $22.2 
The GEL Settlement Effective Date occurred on August 23, 2019. As a result of the GEL Settlement: (i) the mutual releases became effective, (ii) GEL filed the stipulation of dismissal of claims against LE, and (iii) Blue Dolphin recognized a $9.1 million gain on the extinguishment of debt on its consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2019. Until the GEL Settlement occurred, the debt was reflected on Blue Dolphin’s consolidated balance sheets as accrued arbitration award payable. At both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the accrued arbitration award payable was $0.
 
Other Legal Matters. We are involved in lawsuits, claims, and proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business, including mechanic’s liens, contract-related disputes, and administrative proceedings. Management is in discussion with all concerned parties and does not believe that such matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, earnings, or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that such discussions will result in a manageable outcome. If Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
Share Issuances (Sales of Unregistered Securities)
We are obligated to issue shares of our Common Stock to: (i) non-employee directors for services rendered to the Board and (ii) to Jonathan Carroll pursuant to the Guaranty Fee Agreements. Set forth below is information regarding the sale or issuance of Common Stock related to these obligations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020:
 
On April 30, 2020, we issued an aggregate of 231,065 restricted shares of Common Stock to Jonathan Carroll, which represents payment of the common stock component of guaranty fees for the period November 2019 through March 2020. The average cost basis was $0.69, the low was $0.52, and the high was $1.07. For the foreseeable future, management does not intend on paying Mr. Carroll the cash portion of guaranty fees due to Blue Dolphin’s working capital deficits. The cash portion will continue to be accrued and added to the principal balance of the March Carroll Note. See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliates and working capital deficits, as well as for information related to the guaranty fee agreements.
 
On April 30, 2020, we also issued an aggregate of 135,084 restricted shares of Common Stock to certain of our non-employee, independent directors, which represents payment for services rendered to the Board for the three month periods ended September 30, 2018, March 31, 2019, September 30, 2019, and March 31, 2020. The average cost basis was $0.97, the low was $0.57, and the high was $1.18.
 
The sale and issuance of these securities were exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. We recognized a gain on the issuance of shares of $0 and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 34
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2.  
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis is our analysis of our financial performance, financial condition, and significant trends that may affect future performance. All statements in this section, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements that are inherently uncertain. See “Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these statements. You should read the following discussion together with the financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, as well as with the business strategy, risk factors, and financial statements and related notes included thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020.  
 
Overview
Blue Dolphin is an independent downstream energy company operating in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Our subsidiaries operate a light sweet-crude, 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower with more than 1.2 million bbls of petroleum storage tank capacity in Nixon, Texas. Our assets are primarily organized in two segments: refinery operations (owned by LE) and tolling and terminaling services (owned by LRM and NPS). Active subsidiaries that are reflected in corporate and other include BDPL (inactive pipeline assets), BDPC (inactive leasehold interests in oil and gas wells), and BDSC (administrative services). See “Note (4)” to our consolidated financial statements for more information related to our business segments and properties. Blue Dolphin was formed in 1986 as a Delaware corporation and is traded on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol “BDCO”.
 
Affiliates
Affiliates control approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock. An Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties and has historically funded working capital requirements during periods of working capital deficits, and an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products. Blue Dolphin and certain of its subsidiaries are currently parties to a variety of agreements with Affiliates. See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements and arrangements and risks associated with working capital deficits.
 
Business Operations Update
We continue to proactively address the known impacts of COVID-19. Facility-dependent personnel, including those needed to maintain the Nixon facility, are reporting to the facility under strict protocols that are designed to ensure personnel health and safety. We are also supporting non-facility-dependent personnel through remote work and virtual meeting technology, and we are encouraging all personnel to follow local guidance. All non-essential business travel and attendance at conferences, trainings, and other gatherings have been suspended.
 
Uncertainty around the availability and prices of crude oil, the prices and demand for our refined products, and the general business environment remains as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and around the world begin to resurge. Some countries have renewed mandates, including stay-at-home orders and business closures, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Such mandates, while necessary to address the virus, will result in further business and operational disruptions, including demand destruction, liquidity strains, supply chain challenges, travel restrictions, controls on in-person gathering, and workforce availability.
 
The oil and gas industry has been adversely impacted by crude oil price volatility and demand for refined petroleum products. Although commodity prices recovered slightly during the second quarter, overall market prices were volatile during the third quarter of 2020 and are expected to remain volatile into 2021. The prices at which we acquire crude oil and sell our refined products significantly impact our revenue, cost of goods sold, operating income, and liquidity. Also, when market prices of crude oil and refined products fall below our inventory carrying value, we must write down our inventory value and adjust cost of goods sold. Given diminished expectations for the global economy amid the ongoing pandemic and resultant recession, we cannot predict the ultimate economic impact of COVID-19 on our business.
 
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 35
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Going Concern
Management has determined that certain factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These factors include the following:
 
Defaults Under Secured Loan Agreements with Third Parties. We are currently in default under certain of our secured loan agreements with third parties. Certain of our related-party debt is also in default. As a result, the debt associated with these loans was classified within the current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. See “Note (1),” “Note (3),” “Note (10),” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to third-party and related-party debt, defaults on such debt, and the potential effects of such defaults on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
Third-Party Defaults
Veritex Loans – Defaults under the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 permit Veritex to declare the amounts owed under these loan agreements immediately due and payable, exercise its rights with respect to collateral securing obligors’ obligations under these loan agreements, and/or exercise any other rights and remedies available. Any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. Veritex exercising its rights would also adversely impact the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in its entirety. We can provide no assurance that: (i) our assets or cash flow will be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our secured loan agreements with Vertitex, either upon maturity or if accelerated, (ii) LE and LRM will be able to refinance or restructure the payments of the debt, and/or (iii) Veritex, as first lien holder, will provide future default waivers. The borrowers continue in active dialogue with Veritex. As of the filing date of this report, payments under the Veritex loans were current, but other defaults remain outstanding as noted in the table above.
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit – On May 4, 2020, Pilot sent NPS, as borrower, and LRM, LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin, each a guarantor and collectively guarantors, a notice demanding the immediate payment of the unpaid principal amount and all interest accrued and unpaid, and all other amounts owing or payable (the “Obligations”) under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Pursuant to the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, commencing on May 4, 2020, the Obligations began to accrue interest at a default rate of fourteen percent (14%) per annum. Failure of the borrower or any guarantor of paying the past due Obligations constituted an event of default. Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. Any exercise by Pilot of its rights and remedies under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations.
 
Pursuant to a June 1, 2020 letter, Pilot notified the borrower and guarantors of its intent to apply Pilot’s payment obligations to us under each of (a) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank Nos. 67, 71, 72, 73, 77, and 78), dated as of May, 2019, between borrower and Pilot, and (b) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank No. 56), dated as of June 1, 2019, between the borrower and Pilot, against our payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Such setoff amounts only partially satisfy the Obligations, and Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including, without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
 
The borrower and guarantors continue in active dialogue with Pilot to reach a negotiated settlement, and we believe that Pilot hopes to continue working with the borrower to settle the Obligations. The borrower and guarantors are also working on the possible refinance of amounts owing and payable under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. However, progress with potential lenders has been slow due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to repay, refinance, replace or otherwise extend this credit facility is dependent on, among other things, business conditions, our financial performance, and the general condition of the financial markets. Given the current financial markets, we could be forced to undertake alternate financings, including a sale of additional common stock, negotiate for an extension of the maturity, or sell assets and delay capital expenditures in order to generate proceeds that could be used to repay such indebtedness. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such transaction on terms that are commercially reasonable, on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the event we are unsuccessful in such endeavors, we may be unable to pay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, which may require us to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
Notre Dame Debt – Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034. No payments have been made under the subordinated Notre Dame Debt.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 36
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Related-Party Defaults
Affiliates control approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock, an Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties, an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products, and we borrow from Affiliates during periods of working capital deficits. Replated party debt, which is currently in default, represents such working capital borrowings.
 
Margin Deterioration and Volatility. Steps taken globally in March 2020 to address COVID-19 and the associated Russia-OPEC price war caused oil and refined product prices, demand, and production levels to decline sharply. Governmental mandates to slow the spread of the virus included travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and public gathering bans. Beginning late in the second quarter of 2020, governmental authorities worldwide began lifting restrictions in an effort to jump start economies. Although oil prices saw a slight uptick due to partial business re-openings, a resurgence of the virus led to price volatility during the third quarter of 2020. Oil prices and demand are expected to remain volatile for the foreseeable future as governments reissue restrictive mandates and cold weather becomes a factor in the virus’ spread. We are currently unable to estimate the impact these events will have on our future financial position and results of operations. We believe margins will remain weak for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. Accordingly, we can provide no assurances that these events will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
Net Losses and Working Capital Deficits.
Net Losses
Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $4.7 million, or a loss of $0.37 per share, compared to net income of $8.2 million, or income of $0.74 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in net loss was the result of less favorable margins per bbl and lower sales volume in the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2019. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $12.2 million, or a loss of $0.98 per share, compared to net income of $5.6 million, or income of $0.51 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The significant increase in net loss was the result of less favorable margins per bbl and lower sales volume in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 compared to the same period a year earlier. Both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 included a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $9.1 million.
 
Working Capital Deficits
We had a working capital deficit of $70.6 million and $59.4 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Excluding the current portion of long-term debt, we had a working capital deficit of $24.8 million and $19.6 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (current portion) of $0.3 million and $0.05 million, respectively, at September 30, 2020. Comparatively, we had cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (current portion) of $0.07 million and $0.05 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
 
Operating Risks
Successful execution of our business strategy depends on several key factors, including, having adequate working capital to meet operational needs and regulatory requirements, maintaining safe and reliable operations at the Nixon facility, meeting contractual obligations, and having favorable margins on refined products. As discussed under “Going Concern” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and throughout this report, we are currently unable to estimate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Under earlier state and federal mandates that regulated business closures, our business was deemed as an essential business and, as such, has remained open. As U.S. federal, state, and local officials contemplate renewed restrictive mandates due to resurging coronavirus cases, we expect to continue operating. However, such mandates, while necessary to address the virus, will result in further business and operational disruptions, including demand destruction, liquidity strains, supply chain challenges, travel restrictions, controls on in-person gathering, and workforce availability.
 
Management believes that it has taken all prudent steps to mitigate risk, avoid business disruptions, manage cash flow, and remain competitive in a low oil price environment. Steps include managing cash flow by optimizing receivables and payables by prioritizing payments, managing inventory to avoid buildup, monitoring discretionary spending, and delaying capital expenditures. However, there can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful, that Affiliates will continue to fund our working capital needs when we experience working capital deficits, that we will meet regulatory requirements to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) and decommission offshore pipelines and platform assets, that we will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that margins on our refined products will be favorable. Further, if Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 37
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Business Strategy
Considering the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which has weakened the commodity price environment, we remain focused on safe and reliable operations and cash conservation.
 
Operational Improvements – In the second quarter of 2020, we safely completed a 13-day planned maintenance turnaround and concluded the 5-year capital improvement expansion project of the Nixon facility. The turnaround focused on resolving crude heater issues while the expansion project involved the construction of nearly 1.0 million bbls of new petroleum storage tanks, smaller efficiency improvements to the refinery, and acquisition of refurbished refinery equipment for future deployment. The increase in petroleum storage capacity has helped with de-bottlenecking the Nixon refinery. In the future, additional petroleum storage capacity will allow for increased refinery throughput of up to approximately 30,000 bpd while deployment of various refurbished refinery equipment will help improve processing capacity and increase the Nixon refinery’s complexity.
 
Cash Conservation – Although in place pre-pandemic, we have further tightened our cash conservation program to manage cash flow and remain competitive in a low oil price environment. This includes optimizing receivables and payables by prioritizing payments, managing inventory to avoid buildup, monitoring discretionary spending, and delaying capital expenditures. Despite this focus, management is keeping in mind the overall safety of our operations and personnel, as well as the impact to our business over the long-term.
 
As discussed above under “Going Concern” and ”Operating Risks” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations many uncertainties remain with respect to COVID-19 and the global oil markets, and it is currently difficult to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. There can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful, that Affiliates will continue to fund our working capital needs when we experience working capital deficits, that we will meet regulatory requirements to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) and decommission offshore pipelines and platform assets, that we will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that margins on our refined products will be favorable. If Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
We regularly engage in discussions with third parties regarding the possible purchase of assets and operations that are strategic and complementary to our existing operations or to explore new business opportunities. As noted above, management has determined that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern due to defaults under our secured loan agreements with third parties, margin deterioration and volatility, and historic net losses and working capital deficits. A ‘going concern’ opinion could impair our ability to finance our operations through the sale of equity, incurring debt, or other financing alternatives. Our ability to continue as a going concern will depend on sustained positive operating margins and working capital to sustain operations, including the purchase of crude oil and condensate and payments on our secured debt agreements with third parties. If we are unable to achieve these goals, our business would be jeopardized, and we may have to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
Refinery Operations
Our refinery operations segment consists of the following assets and operations:
 
Property
 
Key Products
Handled
 
Operating Subsidiary
 
 
Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nixon facility
 Crude distillation tower (15,000 bpd)
 Petroleum storage tanks
 Loading and unloading facilities
 Land (56 acres)
 
Crude Oil
Refined Products
 
LE
 
Nixon, Texas
 
Capital Improvement Expansion Project. In the second quarter of 2020, we safely completed a 5-year capital improvement expansion project of the Nixon facility. The expansion project involved the construction of nearly 1.0 million bbls of new petroleum storage tanks, smaller efficiency improvements to the refinery, and acquisition of refurbished refinery equipment for future deployment. The increase in petroleum storage capacity has helped with de-bottlenecking the Nixon refinery. In the future, additional petroleum storage capacity will allow for increased refinery throughput of up to approximately 30,000 bpd while deployment of various refurbished refinery equipment will help improve processing capacity and increase the Nixon refinery’s complexity. The total cost of the project, which was funded through the Veritex loans, was approximately $32.5 million.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 38
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil and Condensate Supply.  Operation of the Nixon refinery depends on our ability to purchase adequate amounts of crude oil and condensate. We have a long-term crude supply agreement in place with Pilot. Under the initial term of the crude supply agreement, Pilot will sell us approximately 24.8 million net bbls of crude oil. Thereafter, the crude supply agreement will continue on a one-year evergreen basis. Effective March 1, 2020, Pilot assigned its rights, title, interest, and obligations in the crude supply agreement to Tartan Oil LLC, a Pilot affiliate. Either party may terminate the crude supply agreement by providing the other party 60 days prior written notice. Pilot also stores crude oil at the Nixon facility under two terminal services agreements. Under the terminal services agreements, Pilot stores crude oil at the Nixon facility at a specified rate per bbl of the storage tank’s shell capacity. Although the initial term of the terminal services agreement expired April 30, 2020, the agreement renewed on a one-year evergreen basis. Either party may terminate the terminal services agreement by providing the other party 60 days prior written notice. However, the terminal services agreement will automatically terminate upon expiration or termination of the crude supply agreement. 
 
Beginning on June 1, 2020, Pilot began applying payment obligations owed to us under the two terminal services agreements against our payment obligations owed to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, the setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. See ‘going concern’ within “Note (1)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to defaults in our debt obligations.
 
Our financial health could be materially and adversely affected by defaults in our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, historic net losses and working capital deficits, as well as termination of the crude supply agreement or terminal services agreement with Pilot, which could impact our ability to acquire crude oil and condensate. In addition, sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, our refinery experienced downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints.
 
Products and Markets. Our market is the Gulf Coast region of the U.S., which is represented by the EIA as Petroleum Administration for PADD 3.  We sell our products primarily in the U.S. within PADD 3. Occasionally, we sell refined products to customers that export to Mexico.
 
The Nixon refinery’s product slate is moderately adjusted based on market demand. We currently produce a single finished product – jet fuel – and several intermediate products, including naphtha, HOBM, and AGO.  Our jet fuel is sold to an Affiliate, which is HUBZone certified. Our intermediate products are primarily sold in nearby markets to wholesalers and refiners as a feedstock for further blending and processing. See “Note (3)” and “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliates arrangements and transactions.
 
Customers. Customers for our refined products include distributors, wholesalers and refineries primarily in the lower portion of the Texas Triangle (the Houston - San Antonio - Dallas/Fort Worth area). We have bulk term contracts in place with most of our customers, including month-to-month, six months, and up to one-year terms. Certain of our contracts require our customers to prepay and us to sell fixed quantities and/or minimum quantities of finished and intermediate petroleum products. Many of these arrangements are subject to periodic renegotiation on a forward-looking basis, which could result in higher or lower relative prices on future sales of our refined products. See “Note (5)” to our consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to concentration of risk associated with significant customers.
 
Competition. Many of our competitors are substantially larger than us and are engaged on a national or international level in many segments of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, gathering and transportation, and marketing. These competitors may have greater flexibility in responding to or absorbing market changes occurring in one or more of these business segments. We compete primarily based on cost. Due to the low complexity of our simple “topping unit” refinery, we can be relatively nimble in adjusting our refined products slate because of changing commodity prices, market demand, and refinery operating costs.
 
Safety and Downtime. Our refinery operations are operated in a manner materially consistent with industry safe practices and standards. These operations are subject to regulations under OSHA, the EPA, and comparable state and local requirements. Together, these regulations are designed for personnel safety, process safety management, and risk management, as well as to prevent or minimize the probability and consequences of an accidental release of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals. Storage tanks used for refinery operations are designed for crude oil and condensate and refined products, and most are equipped with appropriate controls that minimize emissions and promote safety. Our refinery operations have response and control plans, spill prevention and other programs to respond to emergencies.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 39
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
The Nixon refinery periodically experiences planned and unplanned temporary shutdowns. Unplanned shutdowns can occur for a variety of reasons, including voluntary regulatory compliance measures, cessation or suspension by regulatory authorities, or disabled equipment. However, in Texas the most typical reason is excessive heat or power outages from high winds and thunderstorms. Planned turnarounds are used to repair, restore, refurbish, or replace refinery equipment. Refineries typically undergo a major turnaround every three to five years. Since the Nixon refinery was placed back in service in 2012 (commonly referred to as “recommissioning”), turnarounds are needed more frequently for unanticipated maintenance or repairs.
 
We are particularly vulnerable to disruptions in our operations because all our refining operations are conducted at a single facility. Any scheduled or unscheduled downtime will result in lost margin opportunity, potential increased maintenance expense, and a reduction of refined products inventory, which could reduce our ability to meet our payment obligations.
 
Tolling and Terminaling Operations
Our tolling and terminaling segment consists of the following assets and operations:
 
Property
 
Key Products
Handled
 
Operating Subsidiary
 
 
Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nixon facility
 Petroleum storage tanks
 Loading and unloading facilities
 
Crude Oil
Refined Products
 
LRM, NPS
 
Nixon, Texas
 
Capital Improvement Expansion Project. As previously noted, we completed a 5-year capital improvement expansion project of the Nixon facility in the second quarter of 2020. Tolling and terminaling capital improvements primarily related to construction of new petroleum storage tanks to significantly increase petroleum storage capacity. Increased petroleum storage capacity will provide an opportunity to generate additional tolling and terminaling revenue.
 
Products and Customers. The Nixon facility’s petroleum storage tanks and infrastructure are primarily suited for crude oil and condensate and refined products, such as naphtha, jet fuel, diesel, and fuel oil. Storage customers are typically refiners in the lower portion of the Texas Triangle (the Houston - San Antonio - Dallas/Fort Worth area). Shipments are received and redelivered from within the Nixon facility via pipeline or from third parties via truck. Contract terms range from month-to-month to three years.
 
Operations Safety. Our tolling and terminal operations are operated in a manner materially consistent with industry safe practices and standards. These operations are subject to regulations under OSHA and comparable state and local regulations. Storage tanks used for terminal operations are designed for crude oil and condensate and refined products, and most are equipped with appropriate controls that minimize emissions and promote safety. Our terminal operations have response and control plans, spill prevention and other programs to respond to emergencies.
 
Inactive Operations
We own certain other pipeline and facilities assets and have leasehold interests in oil and gas properties. These assets, which are shown below and included in corporate and other, are not operational and are fully impaired.
 
Property
 
Operating Subsidiary
 
 
Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freeport facility
 Crude oil and natural gas separation and dehydration
 Natural gas processing, treating, and redelivery
 Vapor recovery unit
 Two onshore pipelines
 Land (162 acres)
 
BDPL
 
 
Freeport, Texas
Offshore Pipelines (Trunk Line and Lateral Lines)
 
BDPL
 
 
Gulf of Mexico
Oil and Gas Leasehold Interests
 
BDPC
 
 
Gulf of Mexico
 
We fully impaired our pipeline assets at December 31, 2016 and our oil and gas properties at December 31, 2011. Our pipeline and oil and gas properties had no revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. See “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements related to pipelines and platform decommissioning requirements and related risks.
 
Pipeline and Facilities Safety.
Although our pipeline and facility assets are inactive, they require upkeep and maintenance and are subject to safety regulations under OSHA, PHMSA, BOEM, BSEE, and comparable state and local regulations. We have response and control plans, spill prevention and other programs to respond to emergencies related to these assets.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 40
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations
A discussion and analysis of the factors contributing to our consolidated financial results of operations is presented below. The financial statements, together with the following information, are intended to provide investors with a reasonable basis for assessing our historical operations, but they should not serve as the only criteria for predicting future performance.
 
Major Influences on Results of Operations. Our results of operations and liquidity are highly dependent upon the margins that we receive for our refined products. The dollar per bbl price difference between crude oil and condensate (input) and refined products (output) is the most significant driver of refining margins, and they have historically been subject to wide fluctuations. Steps taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic globally and nationally and the actions of members of the OPEC and other producer countries with respect to oil production and pricing significantly impacted supply and demand in global oil and gas markets, causing oil prices to decline sharply, as well as other changes to the economic outlook in the near term. Such developments included, but are not limited to, government-imposed temporary business closures and voluntary shelter-at-home directives as well as developments in production discussions between global oil producers, and the effect thereof. Oil prices as well as demand are expected to continue to be volatile as a result of the near-term over-supply and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as changes in oil inventories, industry demand and global and national economic performance are reported, and we cannot predict when prices and demand will improve and stabilize. We are currently unable to estimate the impact these events will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Accordingly, we can provide no assurances that these events will not continue to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
How We Evaluate Our Operations. Management uses certain financial and operating measures to analyze segment performance. These measures are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include: segment contribution margin (deficit), and refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl, tank rental revenue, operation costs and expenses, refinery throughput and production data, and refinery downtime. Segment contribution margin (deficit) and refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl are non-GAAP measures.
 
Segment Contribution Margin (Deficit) and Refining Gross Profit (Deficit) per Bbl
Segment contribution margin (deficit) is used to evaluate both refinery operations and tolling and terminaling while refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl is a refinery operations benchmark. Both measures supplement our financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP measures to analyze our results of operations, assess internal performance against budgeted and forecasted amounts, and evaluate future impacts to our financial performance as a result of capital investments. Non-GAAP measures have important limitations as analytical tools. These non-GAAP measures, which are defined in our glossary of terms, should not be considered a substitute for GAAP financial measures. We believe these measures may help investors, analysts, lenders, and ratings agencies analyze our results of operations and liquidity in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” within this “Item 2.” and the financial statements within “Item 1.” for a reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures to U.S. GAAP.
 
Tank Rental Revenue
Tolling and terminaling revenue primarily represents tank rental storage fees associated with customer tank rental agreements. As a result, tank rental revenue is one of the measures management uses to evaluate the performance of our tolling and terminaling business segment.
 
Operation Costs and Expenses
We manage operating expenses in tandem with meeting environmental and safety requirements and objectives and maintaining the integrity of our assets. Operating expenses are comprised primarily of labor expenses, repairs and other maintenance costs, and utility costs. Expenses for refinery operations generally remain stable across broad ranges of throughput volumes, but they can fluctuate from period to period depending on the mix of activities performed during that period and the timing of those expenses. Operation costs for tolling and terminaling operations are relatively fixed.
 
Refinery Throughput and Production Data
The amount of revenue we generate from our refinery operations business segment primarily depends on the volumes of crude oil and refined products that we handle through our processing assets and the volume sold to customers. These volumes are affected by the supply and demand of, and demand for, crude oil and refined products in the markets served directly or indirectly by our assets, as well as refinery downtime.
 
Refinery Downtime
The Nixon refinery periodically experiences planned and unplanned temporary shutdowns. Any scheduled or unscheduled downtime will result in lost margin opportunity, potential increased maintenance expense, and a reduction of refined products inventory, which could reduce our ability to meet our payment obligations.
  
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 41
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Results. Our consolidated results of operations include certain other unallocated corporate activities and the elimination of intercompany transactions and therefore do not equal the sum of the operating results of our refinery operations and tolling and terminaling business segments.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Versus September 30, 2019 (Q3 2020 Versus Q3 2019)
Overview. Net loss for Q3 2020 was $4.7 million, or a loss of $0.37 per share, compared to net income of $8.2 million, or income of $0.74 per share, in Q3 2019. The increase in net loss was the result of unfavorable margins per bbl and significantly lower sales volume. The Q3 2019 included a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $9.1 million.
 
Total Revenue from Operations. Total revenue from operations for Q3 2020 decreased $35.7 million, or 45%, to $42.9 million compared to $78.6 million for Q3 2019. The significant decrease related to a decline in refinery operations revenue as a result of lower commodity pricing per bbl on refined products sold due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and significantly lower sales volumes in 2020. Tolling and terminaling revenue decreased $0.1 million between the periods to $1.0 million.
 
Total Cost of Goods Sold. Total cost of goods sold was $44.4 million for Q3 2020 compared to $76.2 million for Q3 2019. The $31.8 million decrease related to lower commodity prices per bbl for crude oil and chemicals due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and significant refinery downtime in 2020, which resulted in lower sales volumes.
 
Gross Profit (Deficit). Gross deficit was $1.5 million for Q3 2020 compared to a gross profit of $2.4 million for Q3 2019. The significant decrease in gross profit between the periods primarily related to lower margins per bbl due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
 
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were relatively flat at $0.7 million for both Q3 2020 and Q3 2019.
 
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expenses for Q3 2020 totaled approximately $0.7 million compared to approximately $0.6 million in Q3 2019. The nearly 9% increase primarily related to placing a petroleum storage tank in service.
 
Total Other Income (Expense). Total other expense in Q3 2020 was $1.6 million compared to total other income of $7.2 million in Q3 2019, representing a decrease of $8.8 million. Total other expense in Q3 2020 primarily related to interest expense associated with our secured loan agreements with Veritex, related-party debt, and the line of credit with Pilot. Total other income in Q3 2019 included a $9.1 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to the GEL Settlement, which was offset by interest and other expense of $1.9 million.
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Versus September 30, 2019 (9 Months 2020 Versus 9 Months 2019)
Overview. Net loss for 9 Months 2020 was $12.2 million, or a loss of $0.98 per share, compared to net income of $5.6 million, or income of $0.51 per share, in 9 Months 2019. The significant increase in net loss was the result of unfavorable margins per bbl and significantly lower sales volume. The 9 Months 2019 included a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $9.1 million.
 
Total Revenue from Operations. Total revenue from operations for 9 Months 2020 decreased $102.5 million, or 45%, to $123.4 million compared to $225.9 million for 9 Months 2019. The significant decrease in refinery operations revenue was the result of lower commodity pricing per bbl on refined products sold due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and significantly lower sales volumes in 2020. Tolling and terminaling revenue remained relatively flat between the periods at approximately $3.2 million.
 
Total Cost of Goods Sold. Total cost of goods sold was $126.2 million for 9 Months 2020 compared to $220.3 million for 9 Months 2019. The $94.1 million, or nearly 43%, decrease related to lower commodity prices per bbl for crude oil and chemicals due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and significant refinery downtime in 2020, which resulted in lower sales volumes.
 
Gross Profit (Deficit). Gross deficit was $2.8 million for 9 Months 2020 compared to gross profit of $5.6 million for 9 Months 2019. The significant decrease in gross profit between the periods primarily related to lower margins per bbl due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
 
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were relatively flat at approximately $1.9 million for 9 Months 2020 compared to 9 Months 2019.
 
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expenses for 9 Months 2020 totaled $2.0 million compared to $1.9 million for 9 Months 2019. The 7% increase primarily related to placing a petroleum storage tank in service.
 
Total Other Expense. Total other expense in 9 Months 2020 was $4.9 million compared to total other income of $4.4 million in 9 Months 2019, representing a decrease of $9.3 million. Total other expense in 9 Months 2020 primarily related to interest expense associated with our secured loan agreements with Veritex, related-party debt, and the line of credit with Pilot. Total other income in 9 Months 2019 included a $9.1 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to the GEL Settlement, which was offset by interest and other expense of $4.7 million.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 42
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
Refinery Operations. Our refinery operations business segment is owned by LE. Assets within this segment consist of a light sweet-crude, 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower, petroleum storage tanks, loading and unloading facilities, and approximately 56 acres of land. Refinery operations revenue is derived from refined product sales.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
  (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refined product sales
 $41,929 
 $77,537 
 $120,185 
 $222,652 
Less: Total cost of goods sold
  (44,400)
  (76,229)
  (126,164)
  (220,301)
Gross profit (deficit)
  (2,471)
  1,308 
  (5,979)
  2,351 
 
    
    
    
    
Sales (Bbls)
  1,021 
  1,181 
  2,818 
  3,314 
 
    
    
    
    
Gross Profit (Deficit) per Bbl
 $(2.42)
 $1.11 
 $(2.12)
 $0.71 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)            
 
Net revenue (1)
 $41,929 
 $77,537 
 $120,185 
 $222,652 
Intercompany fees and sales
  (595)
  (668)
  (1,618)
  (1,927)
Operation costs and expenses
  (43,691)
  (76,088)
  (124,942)
  (219,766)
Segment Contribution Margin (Deficit)
 $(2,357)
 $781 
 $(6,375)
 $959 
(1)
Net revenue excludes intercompany crude sales.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
  September 30,
 
 
  September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Calendar
  92 
  92 
  274 
  273 
Operating
  (81)
  (90)
  (237)
  (253)
Refinery Downtime (Days)
  11 
  2 
  37 
  20 
 
    
    
    
    
Refinery Throughput
    
    
    
    
bpd
  11,407 
  13,312 
  12,178 
  13,357 
bbls
  923,930 
  1,198,102 
  2,886,073 
  3,379,266 
Capacity utilization rate
  76.0%
  88.7%
  81.2%
  89.0%
 
    
    
    
    
Refinery Production
    
    
    
    
bpd
  11,144 
  12,997 
  11,885 
  13,023 
bbls
  902,641 
  1,169,745 
  2,816,746 
  3,294,914 
Capacity utilization rate
  74.3%
  86.6%
  79.2%
  86.8%
 
Q3 2020 Versus Q3 2019
Refining gross deficit per bbl was $2.42 for Q3 2020 compared to a gross profit per bbl of $1.11 in Q3 2019, representing a decrease of $3.53 per bbl. The significant decrease related to lower margins due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and significant refinery downtime in 2020.
Segment contribution margin decreased approximately $3.1 million to a deficit of $2.3 million in Q3 2020 compared to profit of $0.8 million in Q3 2019. The decrease related to lower margins per bbl due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and lower sales volume in 2020.
Refinery downtime increased significantly to 11 days in Q3 2020 compared to 2 days in Q3 2019. Refinery downtime in 2020 related to a maintenance turnaround, lack of crude due to cash constraints, and an equipment repair while refinery downtime in Q3 2019 primarily related to equipment repairs. Significant refinery downtime in Q3 2020 negatively impacted refinery throughput, refinery production, and capacity utilization rate.
 
9 Months 2020 Versus 9 Months 2019
Refining gross deficit per bbl was $2.12 for 9 Months 2020 compared to gross profit per bbl of $0.71 in 9 Months 2019, representing a decrease of $2.83 per bbl. The significant decrease related to lower margins due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and significant refinery downtime in 2020.
Segment contribution margin decreased approximately $7.3 million to a loss of $6.3 million in 9 Months 2020 compared to profit of $1.0 million in 9 Months 2019. The significant decrease related to lower margins per bbl due to market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and lower sales volume in 2020.
 
Refinery downtime increased significantly to 37 days in 9 Months 2020 compared to 20 days in 9 Months 2019. Refinery downtime in 2020 related to a maintenance turnaround, lack of crude due to cash constraints, and an equipment repair, while 2019 downtime related to a maintenance turnaround and equipment repairs. Significant refinery downtime in 9 Months 2020 negatively impacted refinery throughput, refinery production, and capacity utilization rate.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 43
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Tolling and Terminaling. Our tolling and terminaling business segment is owned by LRM and NPS. Assets within this segment include petroleum storage tanks and loading and unloading facilities. Tolling and terminaling revenue is derived from tank storage rental fees, tolling and reservation fees for use of the naphtha stabilizer, and fees collected for ancillary services, such as in-tank blending.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Net revenue (1)
 $1,001 
 $1,096 
 $3,214 
 $3,253 
Intercompany fees and sales
  595 
  668 
  1,618 
  1,927 
Operation costs and expenses
  (709)
  (285)
  (1,222)
  (1,012)
Segment Contribution Margin (Deficit)
 $887 
 $1,479 
 $3,610 
 $4,168 
(1)
Net revenue excludes intercompany crude sales.
 
Q3 2020 Versus Q3 2019
Tolling and terminaling net revenue decreased nearly 9% in Q3 2020 compared to Q3 2019 primarily as a result of decreased fees collected for ancillary services, such as in-tank and tank-to-tank blending.
Intercompany fees and sales, which reflect fees associated with an intercompany tolling agreement tied to naphtha volumes, decreased in Q3 2020 compared to Q3 2019. Naphtha sales volumes decreased between the periods.
Segment contribution margin in Q3 2020 decreased nearly 40% to approximately $0.9 million compared to approximately $1.5 million Q3 2019. The decrease related to lower intercompany fees and sales tied to naphtha.
 
9 Months 2020 Versus 9 Months 2019
Tolling and terminaling net revenue decreased 1% in 9 Months 2020 compared to 9 Months 2019 primarily as a result of decreased fees collected for ancillary services.
Intercompany fees and sales decreased in 9 Months 2020 compared to 9 Months 2019 as a result of lower naphtha sales volumes.
Segment contribution margin decreased $0.6 million, or 13%, between the periods. The decrease related to lower intercompany fees and sales tied to naphtha as well as decreased fees associated with ancillary services.
  
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 44
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP Reconciliations.
 
Reconciliation of Segment Contribution Margin (Deficit)
 
 
 
 
 
  Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
Refinery Operations
 
 
Tolling and Terminaling
 
 
Corporate and Other
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (in thousands)                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment contribution margin
 $(2,357)
 $781 
 $887 
 $1,479 
 $(58)
 $(52)
 $(1,528)
 $2,208 
General and administrative expenses(1)
  (414)
  (292)
  (132)
  (68)
  (307)
  (295)
 $(853)
 $(655)
Depreciation and amortization
  (301)
  (481)
  (338)
  (99)
  (51)
  (52)
 $(690)
 $(632)
Interest and other non-operating income (expenses), net
  (679)
  8,329 
  (599)
  (824)
  (304)
  (259)
 $(1,582)
 $7,246 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  (3,751)
  8,337 
  (182)
  488 
  (720)
  (658)
  (4,653)
  8,167 
Income tax benefit
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 $(3,751)
 $8,337 
 $(182)
 $488 
 $(720)
 $(658)
 $(4,653)
 $8,167 
 
 
 
 
  Nine Months September June 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
Refinery Operations
 
 
Tolling and Terminaling
 
 
Corporate and Other
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (in thousands)                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment contribution margin
 $(6,375)
 $959 
 $3,610 
 $4,168 
 $(164)
 $(165)
 $(2,929)
 $4,962 
General and administrative expenses(1)
  (1,045)
  (898)
  (268)
  (173)
  (1,052)
  (833)
 $(2,365)
 $(1,904)
Depreciation and amortization
  (883)
  (1,429)
  (956)
  (297)
  (153)
  (129)
 $(1,992)
 $(1,855)
Interest and other non-operating income (expenses), net
  (2,171)
  6,723 
  (1,985)
  (1,599)
  (778)
  (712)
 $(4,934)
 $4,412 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  (10,474)
  5,355 
  401 
  2,099 
  (2,147)
  (1,839)
  (12,220)
  5,615 
Income tax benefit
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  (15)
  - 
  (15)
  - 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 $(10,474)
 $5,355 
 $401 
 $2,099 
 $(2,162)
 $(1,839)
 $(12,235)
 $5,615 
 
(1)
General and administrative expenses within refinery operations include the LEH operating fee.
 
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 45
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Considering this period of extreme economic disruption, combined with the weaker commodity price environment, we remain focused on the safe and reliable operation of the Nixon facility and cash conservation. Our primary cash requirements relate to: (i) purchasing crude oil and condensate for the operation of the Nixon refinery, (ii) reimbursing LEH for direct operating expenses and paying the LEH operating fee under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement and (iii) servicing debt. In instances where we experience a working capital deficit, we have historically relied on Affiliates to meet our liquidity needs. While we believe that we can fund our operations through revenue from operations and Affiliate financing, we may not be able to, among other things, (i) maintain our current general and administrative spending levels; (ii) fund certain obligations as they become due; and (iii) respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated capital requirements. We cannot provide any assurance that financing will be available to us in the future on acceptable terms.
 
We had a working capital deficit of $70.6 million and $59.4 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Excluding the current portion of long-term debt, we had a working capital deficit of $24.8 million and $19.6 million at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, we received two small loans totaling $0.3 million in the aggregate under federal or other governmental programs to support our operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The future impact that COVID-19 will have on our business, cash flows, sources of liquidity, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments, including, among other things, volatility in the global capital markets, the ultimate geographic spread and severity of the virus, the consequences of governmental and other measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus, the development of effective treatments, the duration of the outbreak, actions taken by governmental authorities, customers, suppliers and other third parties, workforce availability, and the timing and extent to which normal economic and operating conditions resume. A sustained period of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may also result in significant financial constraints on producers, which could result in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. As a result, we may have to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
Debt Overview.
 
Total Debt
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
  (in thousands)
 
Veritex Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 $22,424 
 $21,776 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  9,299 
  9,031 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
  9,724 
  11,786 
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
  9,214 
  8,617 
Related-Party Debt
    
    
BDPL Loan Agreement (in default)
  6,654 
  6,174 
March Ingleside Note (in default)
  1,067 
  1,004 
March Carroll Note (in default)
  1,373 
  997 
June LEH Note (in default)
  5,733 
  - 
LE Term Loan Due 2050
  150 
    - 
NPS Term Loan Due 2050
  150 
  - 
Total Debt
  65,788 
  59,385 
 
    
    
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net
  (55,438)
  (51,301)
Less: Unamortized debt issue costs
  (1,781)
  (2,096)
Less: Accrued interest payable (in default)
  (8,269)
  (5,988)
 
 $300 
 $- 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.5 million in 9 Months 2020 compared to $11.3 million in 9 Months 2019. Net proceeds from the issuance of debt was $0.3 million in 9 Months 2020 compared to $12.4 million in 9 Months 2019.
 
Principal payments on long-term debt totaled $0.9 million in Q3 2020 compared to $0.8 million in Q3 2019. Principal payments on long-term debt totaled $2.4 million in 9 Months 2020 compared to $1.3 million in 9 Months 2019. As of the filing date of this report, we are current on required monthly payments under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, but other defaults remain outstanding as noted below. No payments have been made under the subordinated Notre Dame Debt.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 46
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
Debt Defaults. The majority of our debt is in default. Defaults under our secured loan agreements with third parties include Veritex financial covenant violations, a Pilot event of default and debt acceleration, and a Notre Dame Debt event of default. We also have defaults under secured and unsecured related-party debt. See Going Concern within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis section, as well as “Note (1),” “Note (3),” “Note (10),” and “Note (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate and third-party debt agreements, including debt guarantees, and defaults in our debt obligations.
 
Concentration of Customers. Our operations have a concentration of customers who are refined petroleum product wholesalers. This concentration of customers may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that these customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions including the uncertainties concerning COVID-19 and volatility in the global oil markets. Historically, we have not had any significant problems collecting our accounts receivable.
 
Contractual Obligations.
Related-Party
 
Agreement/Transaction
Parties
Type
Effective Date
Interest Rate
Key Terms
Amended and Restated Guaranty Fee
Agreement
Jonathan Carroll - LE
Debt
04/01/2017
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LE $25 million Veritex loan; payments 50% cash, 50% Common Stock
Amended and Restated Guaranty Fee
Agreement
Jonathan Carroll - LRM
Debt
04/01/2017
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LRM $10 million Veritex loan; payments 50% cash, 50% Common Stock
March Carroll Note (in default)
Jonathan Carroll – Blue Dolphin
Debt
03/31/2017
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; matured 01/01/2019; interest still accruing
March Ingleside Note (in default)
Ingleside – Blue Dolphin
Debt
03/31/2017
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to Ingleside under previous Amended and Restated Tank Lease Agreement; matured 01/01/2019; interest still accruing
June LEH Note (in default)
LEH – Blue Dolphin
Debt
03/31/2017
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to LEH under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement; reflects amounts owed to Jonathan Carroll under guaranty fee agreements; matured 01/01/2019; interest still accruing
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)
LEH - BDPL
Debt
08/15/2016
16.00%
2-year term; $4.0 million principal amount; $0.5 million annual payment; proceeds used for working capital; no financial maintenance covenants; secured by certain BDPL property
 
Third-Party Debt
 
 
 
 
Loan Description
 
 
 
Parties
Original Principal Amount
(in millions)
 
 
Maturity Date
 
Monthly Principal and Interest Payment
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Loan Purpose
Veritex Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
LE-Veritex
$25.0
Jun 2034
$0.2 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance loan; capital improvements
LRM Term Loan Due 2034
(in default)
LRM-Veritex
$10.0
Dec 2034
$0.1 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance bridge loan; capital improvements
Notre Dame Debt (in default)(2)(3)
LE-Kissick
$11.7
Jan 2018
No payments to date; payment rights subordinated
16.00%
Working capital; reduced balance of GEL Final Arbitration Award
Amended Pilot Line of Credit
(in default)
NPS-Pilot
$13.0
May 2020
---
14.00%
GEL Settlement Payment, NPS purchase of crude oil from Pilot, and working capital
SBA EIDLs
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2050(4)
LE-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
NPS Term Loan Due 2050(4)
NPS-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
(1)
Proceeds were placed in a disbursement account whereby Veritex makes payments for construction related expenses. Amounts held in the disbursement account are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash (current portion) and restricted cash, noncurrent. At September 30, 2020, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0.5 million. At December 31, 2019, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0.6 million.
(2)
LE originally entered into a loan agreement with Notre Dame Investors, Inc. in the principal amount of $8.0 million. The debt is currently held by John Kissick. Pursuant to a 2017 sixth amendment, the Notre Dame Debt was amended to increase the principal amount by $3.7 million; the additional principal was used to reduce the GEL Final Arbitration Award by $3.6 million.
(3)
Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034.
(4)
Payments are deferred for the first twelve (12) months of the loan; interest accrues during the deferral period. SBA EIDLs are not forgivable.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 47
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
BOEM Additional Financial Assurance (Supplemental Pipeline Bonds)
To cover the various obligations of lessees and rights-of-way holders operating in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BOEM evaluates an operator’s financial ability to carry out present and future obligations to determine whether the operator must provide additional security beyond the statutory bonding requirements. Such obligations include the cost of plugging and abandoning wells and decommissioning pipelines and platforms at the end of production or service activities. Once plugging and abandonment work has been completed, the collateral backing the financial assurance is released by BOEM.
 
BDPL has historically maintained $0.9 million in financial assurance to BOEM for the decommissioning of its trunk pipeline offshore in federal waters. Following an agency restructuring of the financial assurance program, in March 2018 BOEM ordered BDPL to provide additional financial assurance totaling approximately $4.8 million for five (5) existing pipeline rights-of-way within sixty (60) calendar days. In June 2018, BOEM issued BDPL INCs for each right-of-way that failed to comply. BDPL appealed the INCs to the IBLA, and the IBLA granted multiple extension requests that extended BDPL’s deadline for filing a statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. On August 9, 2019, BDPL timely filed its statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. Considering BDPL’s August 2019 meeting with BOEM and BSEE, BDPL requested a stay in the IBLA matter until August 2020. The Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior was agreeable to a 10-day extension while it conferred with BOEM on BDPL’s stay request. In late October 2019, BDPL filed a motion to request the 10-day extension, which motion was subsequently granted by the IBLA. The solicitor’s office consented to an additional 14-day extension for BDPL to file its reply, and BDPL filed a motion to request the 14-day extension in November 2019. The solicitor’s office indicated that BOEM would not consent to further extensions. However, the solicitor’s office signaled that BDPL’s adherence to the milestones identified in an August 15, 2019 meeting between management and BSEE may help in future discussions with BOEM related to the INCs. Decommissioning of these assets will significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of financial assurance required by BOEM, which may serve to partially or fully resolve the INCs. See “Note (16) – BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning”.
 
BDPL’s pending appeal of the BOEM INCs does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to provide additional financial assurance or of BOEM’s authority to impose financial penalties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bond) requirements. If BDPL is required by BOEM to provide significant additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) or is assessed significant penalties under the INCs, we will experience a significant and material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BOEM INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. At both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, BDPL maintained approximately $0.9 million in credit and cash-backed pipeline rights-of-way bonds issued to BOEM.
 
BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning
BDPL has pipelines and platform assets that are subject to BSEE’s idle iron regulations. Idle iron regulations mandate lessees and rights-of-way holders to permanently abandon and/or remove platforms and other structures when they are no longer useful for operations. Until such structures are abandoned or removed, lessees and rights-of-way holders are required to inspect and maintain the assets in accordance with regulatory requirements.
 
In December 2018, BSEE issued an INC to BDPL for failure to flush and fill Pipeline Segment No. 13101. Management met with BSEE on August 15, 2019 to address BDPL’s plans with respect to decommissioning its offshore pipelines and platform assets. BSEE proposed that BDPL re-submit permit applications for pipeline and platform decommissioning, along with a safe boarding plan for the platform, within six (6) months (no later than February 15, 2020), and develop and implement a safe boarding plan for submission with such permit applications. Further, BSEE proposed that BDPL complete approved, permitted work within twelve (12) months (no later than August 15, 2020).  BDPL timely submitted permit applications for decommissioning of the subject offshore pipelines and platform assets to BSEE on February 11, 2020 and the USACOE on March 25, 2020. Decommissioning of the offshore pipelines and platform assets is on hold due to financial constraints associated with COVID-19. We are also awaiting approval of regulatory permits on certain segments and/or fairways, which approvals are required prior to work commencement. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur.
 
In April 2020, BSEE issued another INC to BDPL for failure to perform the required structural surveys for the GA-288C Platform. BDPL requested an extension to the INC related to the structural platform surveys, and BSEE approved BDPL’s extension request. The required platform surveys were completed, and the INC was resolved in June 2020.
 
Lack of permit approvals does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to remedy the BSEE INCs or of BSEE’s authority to impose financial penalties. If BDPL fails to complete decommissioning of the offshore pipelines and platform assets and/or remedy the INCs within a timeframe determined to be prudent by BSEE, BDPL could be subject to regulatory oversight and enforcement, including but not limited to failure to correct an INC, civil penalties, and revocation of BDPL’s operator designation, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and liquidity.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BSEE INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, BDPL maintained $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, in AROs related to abandonment of these assets.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 48
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
 
 
 
Sources and Use of Cash.
 
Components of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In):




Operating activities
 $1,878 
 $832 
 $(2,196)
 $(10,335)
Investing activities
  (177)
  (964)
  (1,085)
  (1,458)
Financing activities
  (1,463)
  (655)
  3,451 
  11,308 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 $238 
 $(787)
 $170 
 $(485)
 
Cash Flow 2020 Compared to 2019
We had cash flow from operations of approximately $1.8 million for Q3 2020 compared to cash flow of approximately $0.8 million for Q3 2019. The approximate $1.0 million increase in cash flow from operations between the periods related to a decline in inventory levels and increases in accounts payable. The cash flow deficit for 9 Months 2020 primarily related to loss from operations. The cash flow deficit from operations for 9 Months 2019 was primarily the result of payments toward the accrued arbitration award with GEL.
 
2020 Capital Expenditures
During Q3 2020, capital expenditures totaled $0.2 million compared to $1.0 million during Q3 2019. During 9 Months 2020, capital expenditures totaled $1.1 million compared to $1.5 million during 9 Months 2019. Expenditures during 9 Months 2020 primarily related to:
 
Completion of Nixon Facility Expansion Project – We completed a 5-year expansion project involving the construction of nearly 1.0 million bbls of new petroleum storage tanks, smaller efficiency improvements to the refinery, and acquisition of refurbished refinery equipment for future deployment. The increase in petroleum storage capacity has helped with de-bottlenecking the Nixon refinery. In the future, additional petroleum storage capacity will allow for increased refinery throughput of up to approximately 30,000 bpd while deployment of various refurbished refinery equipment will help improve processing capacity and increase the Nixon refinery’s complexity. The total cost of the project, which was funded through the Veritex loans, was approximately $32.5 million.
 
Maintenance Turnaround and Repairs – We completed a 13-day, planned maintenance turnaround that primarily involved replacing a key component of the crude heater. We also made equipment repairs. These costs were expensed as maintenance and repair.
 
We account for our capital expenditures in accordance with GAAP. We also classify capital expenditures as ‘maintenance’ if it maintains capacity or throughput or as ‘expansion’ if it increases capacity or throughput capabilities. Although classification is generally a straightforward process, in certain circumstances the determination is a matter of management judgment and discretion.
 
We budget for maintenance capital expenditures throughout the year on a project-by-project basis. Projects are determined based on maintaining safe and efficient operations, meeting customer needs, complying with operating policies and applicable law, and producing economic benefits, such as increasing efficiency and/or lowering future expenses.
 
Future Expected Capital Expenditures
We remain focused on the safe and reliable operation of the Nixon facility. In view of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the weaker commodity price environment, we anticipate new capital expenditures to be minimal over the next twelve (12) months. However, capital spending using remaining funds under a loan from Veritex will continue until the funds are depleted. Unused amounts under the Veritex loans are reflected in restricted cash (current and non-current portions) on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note (10)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to borrowings for capital spending.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. None.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 49
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Accounting Standards.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies and recent accounting developments are described in “Note (2)” to our consolidated financial statements. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and certain developments in the global oil markets have impacted and continue to impact our business. Our business was designated as an essential business and, as such, has remained open. We have instituted various initiatives throughout the company as part of our business continuity programs, and we are working to mitigate risk when disruptions occur. The uncertainty around the availability and prices of crude oil, the prices and demand for our refined products, and the general business environment is expected to continue through the remainder of the year and beyond. Given diminished expectations for the global economy, and speculation regarding a prolonged slowdown and recession, we are unable to predict the ultimate economic impact of COVID-19 on our business.
 
The nature of our business requires that we make estimates and assumptions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted these estimates and assumptions and will continue to do so.
 
We assessed certain accounting matters that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 as of September 30, 2020 and through the filing date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory and related reserves, and the carrying value of long-lived assets.
 
New Accounting Standards and Disclosures
New accounting standards and disclosures are discussed in “Note (2)” to our consolidated financial statements.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision of, and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer and principal financial officer), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, based on our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer) concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective due to certain material weaknesses and/or significant deficiencies as described below:
 
Significant deficiency – There is currently not a process in place for formal review of manual journal entries.
 
Material weakness – The company currently lacks resources to handle complex accounting transactions. This can result in errors related to the recording, disclosure and presentation of consolidated financial information in quarterly, annual, and other filings.
 
 
These disclosure controls and procedures remained ineffective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Management continues to evaluate internal processes to take corrective actions. Corrective actions may include implementing formal policies, improving processes, documenting procedures, and better defining segregation of duties to improve financial reporting. These actions will be subject to ongoing senior management review, as well as Audit Committee oversight. Although we plan to complete remediation efforts as quickly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long it will take, and our initiatives may not prove to be successful in fully remediating the identified weakness and deficiency.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. See the above section “Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures” for a discussion related to current ineffective disclosure controls and procedures.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 50
 
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
BOEM Additional Financial Assurance (Supplemental Pipeline Bonds)
To cover the various obligations of lessees and rights-of-way holders operating in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BOEM evaluates an operator’s financial ability to carry out present and future obligations to determine whether the operator must provide additional security beyond the statutory bonding requirements. Such obligations include the cost of plugging and abandoning wells and decommissioning pipelines and platforms at the end of production or service activities. Once plugging and abandonment work has been completed, the collateral backing the financial assurance is released by BOEM.
 
BDPL has historically maintained $0.9 million in financial assurance to BOEM for the decommissioning of its trunk pipeline offshore in federal waters. Following an agency restructuring of the financial assurance program, in March 2018 BOEM ordered BDPL to provide additional financial assurance totaling approximately $4.8 million for five (5) existing pipeline rights-of-way within sixty (60) calendar days. In June 2018, BOEM issued BDPL INCs for each right-of-way that failed to comply. BDPL appealed the INCs to the IBLA, and the IBLA granted multiple extension requests that extended BDPL’s deadline for filing a statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. On August 9, 2019, BDPL timely filed its statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. Considering BDPL’s August 2019 meeting with BOEM and BSEE, BDPL requested a stay in the IBLA matter until August 2020. The Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior was agreeable to a 10-day extension while it conferred with BOEM on BDPL’s stay request. In late October 2019, BDPL filed a motion to request the 10-day extension, which motion was subsequently granted by the IBLA. The solicitor’s office consented to an additional 14-day extension for BDPL to file its reply, and BDPL filed a motion to request the 14-day extension in November 2019. The solicitor’s office indicated that BOEM would not consent to further extensions. However, the solicitor’s office signaled that BDPL’s adherence to the milestones identified in an August 15, 2019 meeting between management and BSEE may help in future discussions with BOEM related to the INCs. Decommissioning of these assets will significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of financial assurance required by BOEM, which may serve to partially or fully resolve the INCs. See “Note (16) – BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning”.
 
BDPL’s pending appeal of the BOEM INCs does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to provide additional financial assurance or of BOEM’s authority to impose financial penalties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bond) requirements. If BDPL is required by BOEM to provide significant additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) or is assessed significant penalties under the INCs, we will experience a significant and material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BOEM INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. At both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, BDPL maintained approximately $0.9 million in credit and cash-backed pipeline rights-of-way bonds issued to BOEM.
 
Resolved - GEL Settlement
As previously disclosed, GEL was awarded the GEL Final Arbitration Award in the aggregate amount of $31.3 million. In July 2018, the Lazarus Parties and GEL entered into the GEL Settlement Agreement. The GEL Settlement Agreement was subsequently amended five (5) times to extend the GEL Settlement Payment Date and/or modify certain terms related to the GEL Interim Payments or the GEL Settlement Payment. During the period September 2017 to August 2019, GEL received the following amounts from the Lazarus Parties to reduce the outstanding balance of the GEL Final Arbitration Award:
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Initial payment (September 2017)
 $3.7 
GEL Interim Payments (July 2018 to April 2019)
  8.0 
Settlement Payment (Multiple Payments May 7 to 10, 2019)
  10.0 
Deferred Interim Installment Payments (June 2019 to August 2019)
  0.5 
 
    
 
 $22.2 
 
The GEL Settlement Effective Date occurred on August 23, 2019. As a result of the GEL Settlement: (i) the mutual releases became effective, (ii) GEL filed the stipulation of dismissal of claims against LE, and (iii) Blue Dolphin recognized a $9.1 million gain on the extinguishment of debt on its consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2019. Until the GEL Settlement occurred, the debt was reflected on Blue Dolphin’s consolidated balance sheets as accrued arbitration award payable. At both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued arbitration award payable was $0.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 51
 
Legal Proceedings (Continued) and Risk Factors
 
 
Other Legal Matters
From time to time, we are involved in legal matters incidental to the routine operation of our business. Such legal matters include mechanic’s liens, contract-related disputes, and administrative proceedings. As of the filing date of this report, we were involved in a contract-related dispute with a counter-party. Management is working to resolve the dispute amicably, however, the potential outcome is unknown. Management does not believe that the contract-related dispute or other matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, earnings, or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that management's efforts will result in a manageable outcome. If Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, careful consideration should be given to the risk factors discussed under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Reports for the three month periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 as filed with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or by factors that we currently consider immaterial to our business. Except as noted below, there have been no material changes in our assessment of our risk factors from those set forth in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as well as our Quarterly Reports for the three month periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020.
 
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and actions taken in response thereto, as well as certain developments in the global oil markets have had, and will likely continue to have, material adverse consequences for general economic, financial and business conditions, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and those of our customers and suppliers.
 
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and actions taken in response thereto, have resulted in significant economic disruption globally, including in the United States. Governmental authorities around the world have taken actions, such as stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures have resulted in significant business and operational disruptions, including demand destruction, business closures, liquidity strains, supply chain challenges, travel restrictions, controls on in-person gathering, and limitations on workforce availability. In some countries, including the U.S., recent increases in COVID-19 cases have renewed fears of a second wave of COVID-19. As a result, some countries have reinstated government-imposed restrictions, although to a much lesser extent than in March and April 2020, in order to stem the spread of the virus. Heightened levels of uncertainty have renewed downward pressure on crude oil and other commodity prices, and supply and demand are expected to remain volatile into 2021.
 
Concerns over the negative effects of COVID-19 on economic and business prospects across the world have contributed to increased market and oil price volatility and have diminished expectations for the global economy. These factors, coupled with the emergence of decreasing business and consumer confidence and increasing unemployment resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak and the recent abrupt oil price decline, may precipitate a prolonged economic slowdown and recession. Our refinery utilization and operating margins and other aspects of our business have been adversely impacted by these developments. Any such prolonged period of economic slowdown or recession, or a protracted period of depressed prices for crude oil and our refined products or reduced margins for the refined products we produce and sell could have significant adverse consequences for our financial condition and the financial condition of our customers and suppliers, and could diminish our liquidity and negatively affect our ability to obtain adequate crude oil volumes and to market certain of our products at favorable prices, or at all.
 
Due to declines in the market prices of products held in our inventories, in future periods we may record an inventory write-down to cost of goods sold to value certain of our inventories at the lower of cost or market, which charge may be material. This expected inventory valuation write-down will have a negative effect on our earnings. Depending on future movements of refined product prices, future inventory valuation adjustments could have a negative or positive effect on our financial performance. In addition, a sustained period of low crude oil prices may also result in significant financial constraints on our crude oil supplier, which could result in long term crude oil supply constraints and higher transportation costs for our business. Such conditions could also result in an increased risk that our customers may be unable to fully fulfill their obligations in a timely manner, or at all. Any of the foregoing events or conditions, or other unforeseen consequences of COVID-19, could significantly adversely affect our business and financial condition and the business and financial condition of our customers.
 
The future impact that COVID-19 will have on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price will depend on future developments, including, among others, volatility in the global capital markets, the ultimate geographic spread and severity of the virus, the consequences of governmental and other measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus, the development of effective treatments, the duration of the outbreak, actions taken by governmental authorities, customers, suppliers and other third parties, workforce availability, and the timing and extent to which normal economic and operating conditions resume. A sustained period of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may also result in significant financial constraints on producers, which could result in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations.
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 52
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Exhibits
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
See “Part I, Item. 1. Financial Statements – Note (10)” and “Note (11)” for disclosures related to defaults on our debt.
 
ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5.  
OTHER INFORMATION
 
SBA EIDLs
 
On August 29, 2020, LE and NPS executed the standard loan documents required to secure an EIDL through the SBA for COVID-19 pandemic relief. The principal amount of the loans is $0.3 million in the aggregate. Proceeds were used for working capital purposes. Interest on each loan accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and will accrue from the date of loans. Installment payments, including principal and interest, total $.001 million per month in the aggregate and are due beginning twelve (12) months from the date of the loans. The balance of principal and interest is payable over a 30-year term. SBA EIDLs are not forgivable.
 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
 
Exhibits Index
 
No. 
Description 
 
 
Loan Authorization and Agreement between Nixon Product Storage, LLC and the Small Business Administration dated August 29, 2020.
Loan Authorization and Agreement between Lazarus Energy, LLC and the Small Business Administration dated August 29, 2020.
Jonathan P. Carroll Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Jonathan P. Carroll Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document.
101.CAL*
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
XBRL Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
 
*    
Filed herewith
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 53
 
Signature Page
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 16, 2020
 
By:
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL
 
 
 
Jonathan P. Carroll
Chief Executive Officer, President,
Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 54
 
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