UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
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 NUMBER 1-33926
TRECORA RESOURCES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
75-1256622
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. employer incorporation or
organization)
identification no.)

1650 Hwy 6 South, Suite 190
77478
Sugar Land, Texas
(Zip code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (281) 980-5522

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if
changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   X    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   X    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 _ X__

Non-accelerated filer ____ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   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 Act).
Yes    No   X_

Number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock (par value $0.10 per share), outstanding at May 1, 2018: 24,322,625.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item Number and Description
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
     
19
     
26
     
26
 
 
 
 
26
     
26
     
27

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

TRECORA RESOURCES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
MARCH 31,
2018
(unaudited)
   
DECEMBER 31,
2017
 
ASSETS
 
(thousands of dollars)
 
  Current Assets
           
  Cash
 
$
2,568
   
$
3,028
 
  Trade receivables, net
   
27,421
     
25,779
 
  Insurance receivable
   
742
     
--
 
  Inventories
   
15,691
     
18,450
 
  Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
5,131
     
4,424
 
  Taxes receivable
   
5,481
     
5,584
 
          Total current assets
   
57,034
     
57,265
 
                 
  Plant, pipeline and equipment , net
   
190,139
     
181,742
 
                 
  Goodwill
   
21,798
     
21,798
 
  Intangible assets, net
   
20,343
     
20,808
 
  Investment in AMAK
   
45,224
     
45,125
 
  Mineral properties in the United States
   
588
     
588
 
                 
     TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
335,126
   
$
327,326
 
LIABILITIES
               
  Current Liabilities
               
    Accounts payable
 
$
14,888
   
$
18,347
 
    Accrued liabilities
   
4,229
     
3,961
 
    Current portion of post-retirement benefit
   
302
     
305
 
    Current portion of long-term debt
   
8,061
     
8,061
 
    Current portion of other liabilities
   
889
     
870
 
          Total current liabilities
   
28,369
     
31,544
 
                 
  Long-term debt , net of current portion
   
99,031
     
91,021
 
  Post-retirement benefit, net of current portion
   
897
     
897
 
  Other liabilities, net of current portion
   
1,374
     
1,611
 
  Deferred income taxes
   
17,670
     
17,242
 
     Total liabilities
   
147,341
     
142,315
 
                 
EQUITY
               
  Common stock ‑authorized 40 million shares of $.10 par value; issued 24.5 million in 2018 and 2017 and outstanding 24.3 million shares in 2018 and 2017
   
2,451
     
2,451
 
  Additional paid-in capital
   
56,422
     
56,012
 
  Common stock in treasury, at cost
   
(184
)
   
(196
)
  Retained earnings
   
128,807
     
126,455
 
  Total Trecora Resources Stockholders' Equity
   
187,496
     
184,722
 
  Noncontrolling Interest
   
289
     
289
 
   Total equity
   
187,785
     
185,011
 
                 
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
335,126
   
$
327,326
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

TRECORA RESOURCES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)


   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
   
MARCH 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
REVENUES
           
  Petrochemical and Product Sales
 
$
66,699
   
$
50,899
 
  Processing Fees
   
5,042
     
4,643
 
     
71,741
     
55,542
 
                 
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
               
  Cost of  Sales and Processing
               
    (including depreciation and amortization of  $2,830 and $2,383,  respectively)
   
61,601
     
44,924
 
                 
    GROSS PROFIT
   
10,140
     
10,618
 
                 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
               
  General and Administrative
   
6,335
     
6,221
 
  Depreciation
   
196
     
205
 
     
6,531
     
6,426
 
                 
OPERATING INCOME
   
3,609
     
4,192
 
                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
               
  Interest Income
   
7
     
2
 
  Interest Expense
   
(878
)
   
(636
)
  Equity in Earnings (Losses) of AMAK
   
230
     
(966
)
  Miscellaneous Expense
   
(26
)
   
(44
)
     
(667
)
   
(1,644
)
                 
  INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
2,942
     
2,548
 
                 
  INCOME TAXES
   
590
     
1,061
 
                 
  NET INCOME
   
2,352
     
1,487
 
                 
  NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
   
--
     
--
 
                 
 NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO TRECORA RESOURCES
 
$
2,352
   
$
1,487
 
                 
Basic Earnings per Common Share
               
  Net Income Attributable to Trecora Resources (dollars)
 
$
0.10
   
$
0.06
 
                 
  Basic Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
   
24,343
     
24,240
 
                 
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
               
  Net Income Attributable to Trecora Resources (dollars)
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.06
 
                 
  Diluted Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
   
25,231
     
25,054
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

TRECORA RESOURCES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

   
TRECORA RESOURCES STOCKHOLDERS
             
   
COMMON STOCK
   
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN
   
TREASURY
   
RETAINED
         
NON-
CONTROLLING
   
TOTAL
 
   
SHARES
   
AMOUNT
   
CAPITAL
   
STOCK
   
EARNINGS
   
TOTAL
   
INTEREST
   
EQUITY
 
   
(thousands)
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
JANUARY 1, 2018
   
24,311
   
$
2,451
   
$
56,012
   
$
(196
)
 
$
126,455
   
$
184,722
   
$
289
   
$
185,011
 
                                                                 
Stock Options
                                                               
  Issued to Directors
   
-
     
-
     
(10
)
   
-
     
-
     
(10
)
   
-
     
(10
)
  Issued to Employees
   
-
     
-
     
154
     
-
     
-
     
154
     
-
     
154
 
Restricted Stock Units
                                                               
  Issued to Directors
   
-
     
-
     
93
     
-
     
-
     
93
     
-
     
93
 
  Issued to Employees
   
-
     
-
     
349
     
-
     
-
     
349
     
-
     
349
 
Common Stock
                                                               
  Issued to Directors
   
-
     
-
     
(63
)
   
24
     
-
     
(39
)
   
-
     
(39
)
  Issued to Employees
   
-
     
-
     
(39
)
   
44
     
-
     
5
     
-
     
5
 
  Stock Exchange (see Notes 8 & 16)
   
-
     
-
     
(65
)
   
(65
)
   
-
     
(130
)
   
-
     
(130
)
Warrants
   
-
     
-
     
(9
)
   
9
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net Income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,352
     
2,352
     
-
     
2,352
 
                                                                 
MARCH 31, 2018
   
24,311
   
$
2,451
   
$
56,422
   
$
(184
)
 
$
128,807
   
$
187,496
   
$
289
   
$
187,785
 


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

TRECORA RESOURCES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
   
MARCH 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
  Net Income
 
$
2,352
   
$
1,487
 
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income
               
    To Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
               
    Depreciation and Amortization
   
2,561
     
2,123
 
    Amortization of Intangible Assets
   
465
     
465
 
    Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments
   
-
     
(24
)
    Share-based Compensation
   
592
     
633
 
    Deferred Income Taxes
   
428
     
1,178
 
    Postretirement Obligation
   
(3
)
   
(2
)
    Equity in (Earnings) Losses of AMAK
   
(230
)
   
966
 
    Bad Debt Expense
   
128
     
-
 
    Amortization of Loan Fees
   
93
     
68
 
  Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
               
    Increase in Trade Receivables
   
(1,770
)
   
(2,056
)
    Increase in Insurance Receivables
   
(742
)
   
-
 
    (Increase) Decrease in Taxes Receivable
   
102
     
(160
)
    Decrease in Inventories
   
2,759
     
2,914
 
    (Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
   
(803
)
   
79
 
    Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
   
(3,190
)
   
989
 
    Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities
   
(7
)
   
70
 
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
   
2,735
     
8,730
 
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
  Additions to Plant, Pipeline and Equipment
   
(11,028
)
   
(13,881
)
  Advances to AMAK, net
   
(44
)
   
(26
)
    Cash Used in Investing Activities
   
(11,072
)
   
(13,907
)
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
  Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Stock-based Compensation
   
(40
)
   
-
 
  Addition to Long-Term Debt
   
10,000
     
5,000
 
  Repayment of Long-Term Debt
   
(2,083
)
   
(4,167
)
    Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
7,877
     
833
 
                 
NET DECREASE IN CASH
   
(460
)
   
(4,344
)
                 
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
3,028
     
8,389
 
                 
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
2,568
   
$
4,045
 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     
  Cash payments for interest
 
$
1,124
   
$
936
 
  Cash payments for taxes, net of refunds
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash items:
               
  Capital expansion amortized to depreciation expense
 
$
210
   
$
161
 
  Stock exchange (Notes 8 & 16)
 
$
130
   
$
-
 


See notes to consolidated financial statements.
TRECORA RESOURCES AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


1. GENERAL

Organization

Trecora Resources (the "Company"), was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1967. Our principal business activities are the manufacturing of various specialty hydrocarbons and synthetic waxes and the provision of custom processing services.   Unless the context requires otherwise, references to "we," "us," "our," and the "Company" are intended to mean Trecora Resources and its subsidiaries.

This document includes the following abbreviations:
(1)
TREC – Trecora Resources
(2)
TOCCO – Texas Oil & Chemical Co. II, Inc. – Wholly owned subsidiary of TREC and parent of SHR and TC
(3)
SHR – South Hampton Resources, Inc. – Petrochemical segment and parent of GSPL
(4)
GSPL – Gulf State Pipe Line Co, Inc. – Pipeline support for the petrochemical segment
(5)
TC – Trecora Chemical, Inc. – Specialty wax segment
(6)
AMAK – Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Company – Mining equity investment – 33% ownership
(7)
PEVM – Pioche Ely Valley Mines, Inc. – Inactive mine - 55% ownership

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, these unaudited financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The unaudited condensed financial statements included in this document have been prepared on the same basis as the annual condensed financial statements and in management's opinion reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.  We have made estimates and judgments affecting the amounts reported in this document.  The actual results that we experience may differ materially from our estimates.  In the opinion of management, the disclosures included in these financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of results for the year ending December 31, 2018.

We currently operate in two segments, specialty petrochemical products and specialty synthetic waxes.  All revenue originates from United States' sources, and all long-lived assets owned are located in the United States.

In addition, we own a 33% interest in AMAK, a Saudi Arabian closed joint stock company which owns, operates and is developing mining assets in Saudi Arabia.  We account for our investment under the equity method of accounting.   See Note 16.

Revenue Recognition

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC Topic 606 ("ASC 606"),  Revenue from Contracts with Customers and its amendments   with a date of the initial application of January 1, 2018. As a result, the Company has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as detailed below.  ASC 606 outlines a single comprehensive model for an entity to use in accounting for revenue arising from all contracts with customers except where revenues are in scope of another accounting standard. ASC 606 superseded the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, " Revenue Recognition", and most industry specific guidance. ASC Topic 606 sets forth a five-step model for determining when and how revenue is recognized. Under the model, an entity is required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services. ASC 606 also requires certain additional revenue-related disclosures.
 
 
The Company applied the modified retrospective approach under ASC 606 which allows for the cumulative effect of adopting the new guidance on the date of initial application. Use of the modified retrospective approach means the Company's comparative periods prior to initial application are not restated. The initial application was applied to all contracts at the date of the initial application.   The Company has determined that the adjustments using the modified retrospective approach did not have a material impact on the date of the initial application along with the disclosure of the effect on prior periods.

Accounting Policy

Beginning on January 1, 2018, revenue is measured based on a consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. In evaluating when a customer has control of the asset we primarily consider whether the transfer of legal title and physical delivery has occurred, whether the customer has significant risks and rewards of ownership, and whether the customer has accepted delivery and a right to payment exists. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by the Company from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of product sales and processing. The Company does not offer material rights of return or service-type warranties.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 the Company recognized revenue according to FASB ASC Topic 605, " Revenue Recognition" , ("ASC 605"), when (1) the customer accepted delivery of the product and title had been transferred or when the service was performed and the Company had no significant obligations remaining to be performed; (2) a final understanding as to specific nature and terms of the agreed upon transaction had occurred; (3) price was fixed and determinable; and (4) collection was assured.  Product sales generally met these criteria, and revenue was recognized, when the product was delivered or title was transferred to the customer.  Sales revenue was presented net of discounts, allowances, and sales taxes.  Freight costs billed to customers were recorded as a component of revenue.  Revenues received in advance of future sales of products or prior to the performance of services were presented as deferred revenues. Shipping and handling costs were classified as cost of product sales and processing and were expensed as incurred.
Nature of goods and services

The following is a description of principal activities – separated by reportable segments – from which the Company generates its revenue. For more detailed information about reportable segments, disaggregation of revenues, and contract balance disclosures, see Note 14.

Petrochemical segment
The petrochemical segment of the Company produces eight high purity hydrocarbons and other petroleum based products including isopentane, normal pentane, isohexane and hexane. These products are used in the production of polyethylene, packaging, polypropylene, expandable polystyrene, poly-iso/urethane foams, crude oil from the Canadian tar sands, and in the catalyst support industry. SHR's petrochemical products are typically transported to customers by rail car, tank truck, iso-container and ship.
Product Sales - The Company sells individual (distinct) products to its customers on a stand-alone basis (point-of-sale) without any further integration.  There is no significant modification of any one or more products sold to fulfill another promised product or service within any of the Company's product sale transactions.  The amount of consideration received for product sales is stated within the executed invoice with the customer. Payment is typically due and collected 30 to 60 days subsequent to point of sale.
Processing Fees - The Company's promised services consist of processing customer supplied feedstocks into custom products including, if requested, services for forming, packaging, and arranging shipping.  Pursuant to Tolling Agreements the customer retains title to the feedstocks and processed products.  The performance obligation in each Tolling Agreement transaction is the processing of customer provided feedstocks into custom products and is satisfied over time.   The amount of consideration received for product sales is stated within the executed invoice with the customer. Payment is typically due and collected within 30 days subsequent to point of sale.

Specialty Wax segment
The specialty wax segment of the Company manufactures and sells specialty polyethylene and poly alpha olefin waxes and also provides custom processing services for customers.
Product Sales - The Company sells individual (distinct) products to its customers on a stand-alone basis (point-of-sale)
 
without any further integration.  There is no significant modification of any one or more products sold to fulfill another promised product or service within any of the Company's product sale transactions.  The amount of consideration received for product sales is stated within the executed invoice with the customer. Payment is typically due and collected within 30 days subsequent to point of sale.
Processing Fees - The Company's promised services consist of processing customer supplied feedstocks into custom products including, if requested, services for forming, packaging, and arranging shipping.  Pursuant to Tolling Agreements and Purchase Order Arrangements, the customer typically retains title to the feedstocks and processed products.  The performance obligation in each Tolling Agreement transaction and Purchase Order Arrangement is the processing of customer provided feedstocks into custom products and is satisfied over time.   The amount of consideration received for product sales is stated within the executed invoice with the customer. Payment is typically due and collected within 30 days subsequent to point of sale.

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers  ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605,  Revenue Recognition  and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Accounting Standards Codification, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 606,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers . ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU provides alternative methods of retrospective adoption and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company completed its assessment of the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 across all revenue streams.  This included reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements under the new standard.  We completed contract reviews and validated results of applying the new revenue guidance (Note 1). 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02,  Leases (Topic 842),  to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing all lease transactions (with terms in excess of 12 months) on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a right-of-use asset (as defined). The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted.   Upon adoption, the lessee will apply the new standard retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively using a cumulative effect adjustment in the year of adoption.  The Company has several lease agreements for which the amendments will require the Company to recognize a lease liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset which will represent its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The Company is currently reviewing the amendments to ensure it is fully compliant by the adoption date and does not expect to early adopt. As permitted by the amendments, the Company is anticipating electing an accounting policy to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The Company is in the process of fully evaluating the amendments and will subsequently implement new processes. In addition, the Company will change its current accounting policies to comply with the amendments with such changes as mentioned above.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02,  Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 was issued to address the income tax accounting treatment of the stranded tax effects within other comprehensive income due to the prohibition of backward tracing due to an income tax rate change that was initially recorded in other comprehensive income due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on December 22, 2017, which changed the Company's income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The amendments to the ASU changed US GAAP whereby an entity may elect to reclassify the stranded tax effect from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The amendments of the ASU may be adopted in total or in part using a full retrospective or modified retrospective method. The amendments of the ASU are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the effect of ASU 2018-02 on its consolidated financial statements.



 
3. TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables, net, consisted of the following:

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Trade receivables
 
$
27,849
   
$
26,079
 
Less allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(428
)
   
(300
)
    Trade receivables, net
 
$
27,421
   
$
25,779
 

Trade receivables serves as collateral for our amended and restated credit agreement. See Note 10.

4. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS

Prepaid expenses and other assets consisted of the following:

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Prepaid license
 
$
1,919
   
$
1,919
 
Prepaid catalyst
   
723
     
779
 
Prepaid insurance
   
92
     
-
 
Spare parts
   
1,100
     
954
 
Other prepaid expenses and assets
   
1,297
     
772
 
    Total
 
$
5,131
   
$
4,424
 

5. INVENTORIES

Inventories included the following:

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Raw material
 
$
2,612
   
$
3,703
 
Work in process
   
51
     
27
 
Finished products
   
13,028
     
14,720
 
    Total inventory
 
$
15,691
   
$
18,450
 

Inventory serves as collateral for our amended and restated credit agreement.  See Note 10.

Inventory included petrochemical products in transit valued at approximately $4.0 million and $3.7 million at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

6. PLANT, PIPELINE AND EQUIPMENT

Plant, pipeline and equipment consisted of the following:

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Platinum catalyst metal
 
$
1,612
   
$
1,612
 
Land
   
5,428
     
5,428
 
Plant, pipeline and equipment
   
188,529
     
186,946
 
Construction in progress
   
60,441
     
50,996
 
Total plant, pipeline and equipment
   
256,010
     
244,982
 
  Less accumulated depreciation
   
(65,871
)
   
(63,240
)
Net plant, pipeline and equipment
 
$
190,139
   
$
181,742
 

Plant, pipeline, and equipment serve as collateral for our amended and restated credit agreement. See Note 10.

Interest capitalized for construction was approximately $304,000 and $374,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Labor capitalized for construction was approximately $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Construction in progress during the first three months of 2018 included equipment purchased for various equipment updates at the TC facility; new reformer unit, tankage upgrades, and an addition to the rail spur at SHR.

Amortization relating to the platinum catalyst which is included in cost of sales was approximately $0 and $25,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Goodwill and intangible assets were recorded in relation to the acquisition of TC on October 1, 2014.

The following tables summarize the gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets by major class (in thousands):

   
March 31, 2018
 
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
 
Customer relationships
 
$
16,852
   
$
(3,932
)
 
$
12,920
 
Non-compete agreements
   
94
     
(66
)
   
28
 
Licenses and permits
   
1,471
     
(416
)
   
1,055
 
Developed technology
   
6,131
     
(2,146
)
   
3,985
 
     
24,548
     
(6,560
)
   
17,988
 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (Indefinite-lived)
                       
Emissions Allowance
   
197
     
-
     
197
 
Trade name
   
2,158
     
-
     
2,158
 
Total
 
$
26,903
   
$
(6,560
)
 
$
20,343
 

   
December 31, 2017
 
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization (Definite-lived)
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
 
Customer relationships
 
$
16,852
   
$
(3,651
)
 
$
13,201
 
Non-compete agreements
   
94
     
(61
)
   
33
 
Licenses and permits
   
1,471
     
(390
)
   
1,081
 
Developed technology
   
6,131
     
(1,993
)
   
4,138
 
     
24,548
     
(6,095
)
   
18,453
 
Intangible assets not subject to amortization (Indefinite-lived)
                       
Emissions Allowance
   
197
     
-
     
197
 
Trade name
   
2,158
     
-
     
2,158
 
Total
 
$
26,903
   
$
(6,095
)
 
$
20,808
 

Amortization expense for intangible assets included in cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, was approximately $465,000 and $465,000, respectively.

Based on identified intangible assets that are subject to amortization as of March 31, 2018, we expect future amortization expenses for each period to be as follows (in thousands):

   
Total
   
Remainder of 2018
   
2019
   
2020
   
2021
   
2022
   
2023
   
Thereafter
 
Customer relationships
 
$
12,920
   
$
843
   
$
1,123
   
$
1,123
     
1,123
     
1,123
     
1,123
   
$
6,462
 
Non-compete agreements
   
28
     
14
     
14
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Licenses and permits
   
1,055
     
79
     
106
     
106
     
101
     
86
     
86
     
491
 
Developed technology
   
3,985
     
460
     
613
     
613
     
613
     
613
     
613
     
460
 
Total future amortization expense
 
$
17,988
   
$
1,396
   
$
1,856
   
$
1,842
   
$
1,837
   
$
1,822
   
$
1,822
   
$
7,413
 


8. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO TRECORA RESOURCES

The following table (in thousands, except per share amounts) sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Trecora Resources for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 
               
Per Share
               
Per Share
 
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
 
Basic Net Income per Share:
                                   
Net Income Attributable to Trecora Resources
 
$
2,352
     
24,343
   
$
0.10
   
$
1,487
     
24,240
   
$
0.06
 
                                                 
Unvested restricted stock units
           
403
                     
321
         
Dilutive stock options outstanding
           
485
                     
493
         
                                                 
Diluted Net Income per Share:
                                               
Net Income Attributable to Trecora Resources
 
$
2,352
     
25,231
   
$
0.09
   
$
1,487
     
25,054
   
$
0.06
 

At March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, 1,242,160 and 1,344,087 potential common stock shares, respectively were issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants.

In first quarter 2018, we completed an exchange of shares with some Saudi Arabian shareholders whereby they traded 65,000 shares of TREC stock in exchange for 24,489 shares of our AMAK stock.  The 65,000 shares were accounted for as treasury stock.

9. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Accrued state taxes
 
$
332
   
$
272
 
Accrued property taxes
   
703
     
-
 
Accrued payroll
   
983
     
1,407
 
Accrued interest
   
31
     
30
 
Accrued officer compensation
   
300
     
500
 
Other
   
1,880
     
1,752
 
    Total
 
$
4,229
   
$
3,961
 

10. LIABILITIES AND LONG-TERM DEBT

On October 1, 2014, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("ARC") with the lenders which from time to time are parties to the ARC and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as Lead Arranger. On March 28, 2017, we entered into a Second Amendment to the ARC with terms which increase the Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio financial covenant of 3.25x to 4.00x at March 31, 2017, and 4.25x at June 30, 2017, before stepping down to 3.75x at September 30, 2017, 3.50x at December 31, 2017, and reverting to the original financial covenant of 3.25x at March 31, 2018.

For Fiscal Quarter Ending
Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio
March 31, 2017
4.00 to 1.00
June 30, 2017
4.25 to 1.00
September 30, 2017
3.75 to 1.00
December 31, 2017
3.50 to 1.00
March 31, 2018 and each fiscal quarter thereafter
3.25 to 1.00
   


The Second Amendment also reduces the Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.25x to 1.10x at March 31, 2017, 1.05x at June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017, 1.10x at December 31, 2017, before reverting to the original financial covenant of 1.25x at March 31, 2018.

For Fiscal Quarter Ending
Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
March 31, 2017
1.10 to 1.00
June 30, 2017
1.05 to 1.00
September 30, 2017
1.05 to 1.00
December 31, 2017
1.10 to 1.00
March 31, 2018 and each fiscal quarter thereafter
1.25 to 1.00

Also, under the terms of the Second Amendment, two additional levels of pricing were added – levels 4 and 5.

Level
Consolidated Leverage Ratio
LIBOR Margin
Base Rate Margin
Commitment Fee
1
Less than 1.50 to 1.00
2.00%
1.00%
0.25%
2
Greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00 but less than 2.00 to 1.00
2.25%
1.25%
0.25%
3
Greater than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00 but less than 3.00 to 1.00
2.50%
1.50%
0.375%
4
Greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00 but less than 3.50 to 1.00
2.75%
1.75%
0.375%
5
Greater than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00
3.00%
2.00%
0.375%

We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2018.

On July 25, 2017, TOCCO, SHR, GSPL, and TC (SHR, GSPL and TC collectively, the "Guarantors") entered into a Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("3rd Amendment") with the lenders which from time to time are parties to the Amended and Restated Credit  Agreement (collectively, the "Lenders") and Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.  The 3rd Amendment increased the Revolving Facility from $40.0 million to $60.0 million.  There were no other changes to the Revolving Facility.  Under the ARC as amended, we have a $60.0 million revolving line of credit which matures on October 1, 2019.  As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, there was a long-term amount of $45.0 million and $35.0 million outstanding, respectively.  The interest rate on the loan varies according to several options.  Interest on the loan is paid monthly and a commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.375% is due quarterly on the unused portion of the loan.  At March 31, 2018, approximately $14.9 million was available to be drawn; however, only $10.0 million could be drawn while maintaining compliance with our covenants.

Under the ARC, we also borrowed $70.0 million in a single advance term loan (the "Acquisition Loan") to partially finance the acquisition of TC.  Interest on the Acquisition Loan is payable quarterly using a ten-year commercial style amortization.  Principal is also payable on the last business day of each March, June, September and December in an amount equal to $1.8 million, provided that the final installment on the September 30, 2019, maturity date shall be in an amount equal to the then outstanding unpaid principal balance of the Acquisition Loan.  At March 31, 2018, there was a short-term amount of $7.0 million and a long-term amount of $38.5 million outstanding.  At December 31, 2017, there was a short-term amount of $7.0 million and a long-term amount of $40.3 million outstanding.

Under the ARC, we also had the right to borrow $25.0 million in a multiple advance loan ("Term Loans").  Borrowing availability under the Term Loans ended on December 31, 2015.  The Term Loans converted from a multiple advance loan to a "mini-perm" loan once certain obligations were fulfilled such as certification that construction of D-Train was completed in a good and workmanlike manner, receipt of applicable permits and releases from governmental authorities, and receipt of releases of liens from the contractor and each subcontractor and supplier.  Interest on the Term Loans is paid monthly.  Principal is also payable on the last business day of each March, June, September and December in an amount equal to $0.3 million, provided that the final installment on the September 30, 2019, maturity date shall be in an amount equal to the then outstanding unpaid principal balance of the Term Loans. At March 31, 2018, there was a short-term amount of $1.3 million and a long-term amount of $15.7 million outstanding.  At December 31, 2017, there was a short-term amount of $1.3 million and a long-term amount of $16.0 million outstanding.
 

 
Debt issuance costs of approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the periods ended March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, have been netted against outstanding loan balances.   The interest rate on all of the above loans varies according to several options as defined in the ARC.  At March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the rate was 4.38% and 4.07%, respectively.

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and debt issuance costs of our long-term debt (in thousands):

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
             
Acquisition loan
 
$
45,500
   
$
47,250
 
Term loan
   
17,000
     
17,333
 
Revolving facility
   
45,000
     
35,000
 
Total
   
107,500
     
99,583
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(408
)
   
(501
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
107,092
   
$
99,082
 
                 
Less current portion including loan fees
   
8,061
     
8,061
 
                 
Total long-term debt, less current portion including loan fees
 
$
99,031
   
$
91,021
 

11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The carrying value of cash, trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of variable rate long term debt reflects recent market transactions and approximate carrying value.  We used other observable inputs that would qualify as Level 2 inputs to make our assessment of the approximate fair value of our cash, trade receivables,  accounts payable, accrued liabilities, other liabilities and variable rate long term debt.  The fair value of the derivative instruments are described below.

Interest Rate Swap

In March 2008 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America related to a $10.0 million term loan secured by plant, pipeline and equipment.  The interest rate swap was designed to minimize the effect of changes in the London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") rate.  We had designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ; however, due to the ARC, we felt that the hedge was no longer entirely effective.  Due to the time required to make the determination and the immateriality of the hedge, we began treating it as ineffective as of October 1, 2014.

We assessed the fair value of the interest rate swap using a present value model that includes quoted LIBOR rates and the nonperformance risk of the Company and Bank of America based on the Credit Default Swap Market (Level 2 of fair value hierarchy).

We have consistently applied valuation techniques in all periods presented and believe we have obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts we hold. The agreement terminated in December 2017; therefore, there was no outstanding liability at March 31, 2018, or December 31, 2017.  See discussion of our derivative instruments in Note 12.

12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Interest Rate Swap

On March 21, 2008, SHR entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America related to the $10.0 million (later increased to $14 million) term loan secured by plant, pipeline and equipment. The effective date of the interest rate swap agreement was August 15, 2008, and terminated on December 15, 2017.  We received credit for payments of variable rate interest made on the term loan at the loan's variable rates, which are based upon the LIBOR, and paid Bank of America an interest rate of 5.83% less the credit on the interest rate swap.  We originally designated the transaction as a cash flow hedge according to ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging.  Beginning on August 15, 2008, the derivative instrument was reported at fair value with any changes in fair value reported within other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company's Statement of Stockholders' Equity.  We entered into the interest rate swap to minimize the effect of changes in the LIBOR rate.
 

 
Due to the new debt agreements associated with the Acquisition, we believed that the hedge was no longer entirely effective.  Due to the time required to make the determination and the immateriality of the hedge, we began treating the interest rate swap as ineffective as of October 1, 2014.

13. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation of approximately $592,000 and $633,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, was recognized.

Restricted Stock Awards

On January 17, 2018, we awarded 251 shares of restricted stock to an officer at a grant date price of $13.85.  The stock was immediately vested.  Compensation expense recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018, was $5,000.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

On February 20, 2018, we awarded approximately 102,000 shares of restricted stock units to officers at a grant date price of $12.15.  One-half of the restricted stock units vest ratably over three years.  The other half vests at the end of three years based upon the performance metrics of return on invested capital and earnings per share growth.  The number of shares actually granted will be adjusted based upon relative performance to our peers.  Compensation expense recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018, was approximately $36,000.

Officer compensation of approximately $112,000 and $0 during the three months March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock unit awards granted to officers vesting through 2020.

Director compensation of approximately $84,000 and $81,000 during the three months March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock unit awards granted to directors vesting through 2020.

Officer compensation of approximately $97,000 and $105,000 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, related to restricted stock unit awards granted to officers.  One-half of the restricted stock units vest ratably over three years.  The other half vests at the end of the three years based upon the performance metrics of return on invested capital and earnings per share growth.  The number of shares actually granted will be adjusted based upon relative performance to our peers.

Employee compensation of approximately $104,000 and $108,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock units with a four year vesting period which was awarded to officers.  This restricted stock vests through 2019.

Restricted stock units activity in the first three months of 2018 was as follows:

   
Shares of Restricted
Stock Units
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Price per Share
 
             
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
   
387,702
   
$
11.39
 
   Granted
   
102,317
   
$
12.15
 
   Forfeited
   
(34,585
)
 
$
10.97
 
   Vested
   
(51,998
)
 
$
12.34
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2018
   
403,436
   
$
11.50
 



 
Stock Option and Warrant Awards

A summary of the status of our stock option awards and warrants is presented below:

   
Number of Stock Options & Warrants
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
                   
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
   
1,323,587
   
$
7.82
       
   Granted
   
--
     
--
       
   Exercised
   
(81,427
)
   
6.26
       
   Forfeited
   
--
     
--
       
Outstanding at March 31, 2018
   
1,242,160
   
$
7.93
     
4.1
 
Exercisable at March 31, 2018
   
1,042,160
   
$
8.80
     
4.7
 

The fair value of the options granted were calculated using the Black Scholes option valuation model with the assumptions as disclosed in prior quarterly and annual filings.

Directors' compensation of approximately $0 and $30,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, was recognized related to options to purchase shares vesting through 2017.

Employee compensation of approximately $154,000 and $309,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, was recognized related to options with a four- year vesting period which were awarded to officers and key employees.  These options vest through 2018.

Post-retirement compensation of approximately $0 and $0 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, related to options awarded to Mr. Hatem El Khalidi in July 2009.  On May 9, 2010, the Board of Directors determined that Mr. El Khalidi forfeited these options and other retirement benefits when he made various demands against the Company and other AMAK Saudi shareholders which would benefit him personally and were not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.  The Company is litigating its right to withdraw the options and benefits and as such, these options and benefits continue to be shown as outstanding.  See further discussion in Note 18.

See the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for additional information.

14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We operate through business segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of our products as well as the manner in which the information is used internally by our key decision maker, who is our Chief Executive Officer.  Segment data may include rounding differences.

Our specialty petrochemical segment includes SHR and GSPL.  Our specialty synthetic wax segment is TC.  We also separately identify our corporate overhead which includes financing and administrative activities such as legal, accounting, consulting, investor relations, officer and director compensation, corporate insurance, and other administrative costs.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
   
Petrochemical
   
Specialty Wax
   
Corporate
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Product sales
 
$
60,285
   
$
6,383
   
$
-
   
$
31
   
$
66,699
 
Processing fees
   
2,028
     
3,212
     
-
     
(198
)
   
5,042
 
Total revenues
   
62,313
     
9,595
     
-
     
(167
)
   
71,741
 
Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization
   
8,393
     
390
     
(2,148
)
   
-
     
6,635
 
Operating profit (loss)
   
6,679
     
(914
)
   
(2,156
)
   
-
     
3,609
 
Profit (loss) before taxes
   
6,054
     
(1,181
)
   
(1,931
)
   
-
     
2,942
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,714
     
1,304
     
8
     
-
     
3,026
 
Capital expenditures
   
10,283
     
745
     
-
     
-
     
11,028
 
 

 

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
   
Petrochemical
   
Specialty Wax
   
Corporate
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Product sales
 
$
44,391
   
$
6,508
   
$
-
     
-
   
$
50,899
 
Processing fees
   
1,488
     
3,155
     
-
     
-
     
4,643
 
Total revenues
   
45,879
     
9,663
     
-
     
-
     
55,542
 
Operating profit (loss) before depreciation and amortization
   
8,214
     
745
     
(2,179
)
   
-
     
6,780
 
Operating profit (loss)
   
6,658
     
(271
)
   
(2,195
)
   
-
     
4,192
 
Profit (loss) before taxes
   
6,005
     
(290
)
   
(3,167
)
   
-
     
2,548
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,556
     
1,016
     
16
     
-
     
2,588
 
Capital expenditures
   
8,756
     
5,125
     
-
     
-
     
13,881
 

   
March 31, 2018
 
   
Petrochemical
   
Specialty Wax
   
Corporate
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Trade receivables, product sales
 
$
21,495
   
$
3,127
   
$
-
   
$
25
   
$
24,647
 
Trade receivables, processing fees
   
1,018
     
1,841
     
-
     
(85
)
   
2,774
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
   
-
     
42,141
     
-
     
-
     
42,141
 
Total assets
   
275,063
     
117,297
     
97,543
     
(154,777
)
   
335,126
 

   
December 31, 2017
 
   
Petrochemical
   
Specialty Wax
   
Corporate
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Trade receivables, product sales
 
$
20,211
   
$
2,671
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
22.882
 
Trade receivables, processing fees
   
983
     
1,914
     
-
     
-
     
2,897
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
   
-
     
42,606
     
-
     
-
     
42,606
 
Total assets
   
265,213
     
117,579
     
97,880
     
(153,346
)
   
327,326
 

15. INCOME TAXES

We file an income tax return in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and a margin tax return in Texas. We received notification from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") in November 2016 that the December 31, 2014, tax return was selected for audit.  In April 2017 the audit was expanded to include the year ended December 31, 2015, to review the refund claim related to research and development activities.  We received notification from the IRS in March 2018 that audit was complete and acceptance of the refund claims resulting from the R&D credit for approximately $350,000.  We also received notification that Texas will audit our R&D credit calculations for 2014 and 2015.  We are in the process of submitting additional documentation to Texas.  We do not expect any changes related to the Texas audit.  Tax returns for various jurisdictions remain open for examination for the years 2014 through 2017.  As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, we recognized no adjustment for uncertain tax positions.  As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions have been accrued.

The effective tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily as a result of state tax expense and stock based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2018.  The effective tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily as a result of state tax expense and stock option based compensation offset by the manufacturing deduction for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets where realization is not certain.

On December 22, 2017, Public Law No. 115-97 known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted. The TCJA includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% for tax years effective January 1, 2018. The TCJA also implements a territorial tax system, provides for a one-time deemed repatriation tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, eliminates the alternative minimum tax (AMT), makes AMT credit carryforwards refundable, and permits the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017. In addition the TJCA creates prospective changes beginning in 2018, including repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction, acceleration of tax revenue recognition, capitalization of research and development expenditures, additional limitations on executive compensation and limitations on the deductibility of interest.

We have elected to recognize the income tax effects of the TCJA in our financial statements in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118), which provides guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740  Income Taxes , in the reporting period in which the TCJA was signed into law. Under SAB 118 when a Company does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA it will recognize provisional amounts if a reasonable estimate can be made. If a reasonable estimate cannot be made, then no impact is recognized for the effect of the TCJA. SAB 118 permits an up to one year measurement period to finalize the measurement of the impact of the TCJA.

We have recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the acceleration of depreciation and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the we have made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions we may take as a result of the TCJA . We did not identify items for which the income tax effects of the TCJA have not been completed and a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017.

Subsequent to quarter end, we received income tax refunds of approximately $4.4 million that were listed as income tax receivable at March 31, 2018.

16. POST-RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

In January 2008 an amended retirement agreement was entered into with Mr. Hatem El Khalidi; however, on May 9, 2010, the Board of Directors terminated the agreement due to actions of Mr. El Khalidi.  See Notes 13 and 18.  All amounts which have not met termination dates remain recorded until a resolution is achieved. As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, approximately $1.0 million remained outstanding and was included in post-retirement benefits.

In July 2015 we entered into a retirement agreement with former CEO, Nicholas Carter.  As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, remained outstanding and was included in post-retirement obligations.

See the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for additional information.

17. INVESTMENT IN AMAK

In first quarter 2018, we completed an exchange of shares with some Saudi Arabian shareholders whereby they traded 65,000 shares of TREC stock in exchange for 24,489 shares of our AMAK stock.  The 65,000 shares were accounted for as treasury stock.  This transaction reduced our ownership percentage from 33.44% to 33.41%.

As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had a non-controlling equity interest of 33.4% in AMAK of approximately $45.2 million and $45.1 million, respectively. This investment is accounted for under the equity method. There were no events or changes in circumstances that may have an adverse effect on the fair value of our investment in AMAK at March 31, 2018.

AMAK's financial statements were prepared in the functional currency of AMAK which is the Saudi Riyal (SR).  In June 1986 the SR was officially pegged to the U. S. Dollar (USD) at a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD to 3.75 SR.

The summarized results of operation and financial position for AMAK are as follows:

Results of Operations

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Sales
 
$
14,087
   
$
2,256
 
Gross profit (loss)
   
1,581
     
(1,307
)
General, administrative and other expenses
   
1,900
     
2,589
 
Net Loss
 
$
(319
)
 
$
(3,896
)


Depreciation and amortization was $7.7 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively.  Therefore, net income before depreciation and amortization was as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Net income (loss) before depreciation and amortization
 
$
7,382
   
$
(3,369
)

Financial Position
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
       
Current assets
 
$
33,273
   
$
23,333
 
Noncurrent assets
   
228,733
     
237,875
 
Total assets
 
$
262,006
   
$
261,208
 
                 
Current liabilities
 
$
22,873
   
$
24,439
 
Long term liabilities
   
71,520
     
68,837
 
Shareholders' equity
   
167,613
     
167,932
 
   
$
262,006
   
$
261,208
 

The equity in the income or loss of AMAK reflected on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, is comprised of the following:

   
Three months ended
March 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
AMAK Net Loss
 
$
(319
)
 
$
(3,896
)
                 
Company's share of loss reported by AMAK
 
$
(107
)
 
$
(1,303
)
Amortization of difference between Company's investment in AMAK and Company's share of net assets of AMAK
   
337
     
337
 
Equity in earnings (loss) of AMAK
 
$
230
   
$
(966
)


See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for additional information.

At March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, we had a receivable from AMAK of approximately $165,000 and $121,000, respectively, relating to unreimbursed travel and Board expenses which are included in prepaid and other assets.  We did not advance any cash to AMAK during 2018.

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Consulting fees of approximately $27,000 were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017, from IHS Global FZ LLC of which Company director Gary K Adams held the position of Chief Advisor – Chemicals until April 1, 2017.

Consulting fees of approximately $31,000 and $19,000 were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, from our Executive Chairman, Nicholas Carter.  Due to his history and experience with the Company and to provide continuity after his retirement, a three year consulting agreement was entered into with Mr. Carter in July 2015.  In March 2018, a new consulting agreement was entered into with Mr. Carter effective through December 31, 2018, unless otherwise agreed by the Company and Mr. Carter.


19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Guarantees

On October 24, 2010, we executed a limited Guarantee in favor of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund ("SIDF") whereby we agreed to guaranty up to 41% of the SIDF loan to AMAK in the principal amount of 330.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$88.0 million) (the "Loan"). The term of the loan is through June 2019.  As a condition of the Loan, SIDF required all shareholders of AMAK to execute personal or corporate Guarantees; as a result, our guarantee is for approximately 135.33 million Saudi Riyals (US$36.1 million). The loan was necessary to continue construction of the AMAK facilities and provide working capital needs.  We received no consideration in connection with extending the guarantee and did so to maintain and enhance the value of its investment.  The total amount outstanding to the SIDF at March 31, 2018, was 305.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$81.3 million).  AMAK has not made certain scheduled payments on their loan.  They obtained a waiver from SIDF regarding the missed payments and are currently working with SIDF to renegotiate the terms and repayment schedule of the loan agreement.  We do not believe that these events will result in any performance under our guarantee.

Operating Lease Commitments

We have operating leases for the rental of railcars, office space, and equipment with expiration dates through 2026.  Rental expense for these operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, was $1.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Litigation

On March 21, 2011, Mr. El Khalidi filed suit against the Company in Texas alleging breach of contract and other claims.  The 88th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas dismissed all claims and counterclaims for want of prosecution in this matter on July 24, 2013.  The Ninth Court of Appeals subsequently affirmed the dismissal for want of prosecution and the Supreme Court of Texas denied Mr. El Khalidi's petition for review.  On May 1, 2014, Mr. El Khalidi refiled his lawsuit against the Company for breach of contract and defamation in the 356th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas.  The case was transferred to the 88th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas.  The Trial Court dismissed all of Mr. El Khalidi's claims and causes of action with prejudice and the Ninth Court of Appeals affirmed. Mr. El Khalidi filed a petition for review with the Supreme Court of Texas, which was denied April 6, 2018.  Mr. El Khalidi filed a motion for rehearing of his petition for review with the Supreme Court of Texas on April 23, 2018.  Liabilities of approximately $1.0 million remain recorded, and the options will continue to accrue in accordance with their own terms until all matters are resolved.

The Company is periodically named in legal actions arising from normal business activities.  We evaluate the merits of these actions and, if we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we will establish the necessary reserves.  We are not currently involved in legal proceedings that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. We may become involved in material legal proceedings in the future.

Supplier Agreements

From time to time, we may incur shortfall fees due to feedstock purchases being below the minimum amounts prescribed by our agreements with our suppliers.  Shortfall fee expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, were $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Environmental Remediation

Amounts charged to expense for various activities related to environmental monitoring, compliance, and improvements were approximately $149,000 and $165,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively.







ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

FORWARD LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information and discussion contained herein, statements contained in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: a downturn in the economic environment; the Company's failure to meet growth and productivity objectives; fluctuations in revenues and purchases; impact of local legal, economic, political and health conditions; adverse effects from environmental matters, tax matters and the Company's pension plans; ineffective internal controls; the Company's use of accounting estimates; competitive conditions; the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel and its reliance on critical skills; impact of relationships with critical suppliers; currency fluctuations; impact of changes in market liquidity conditions and customer credit risk on receivables; the Company's ability to successfully manage acquisitions and alliances; general economic conditions domestically and internationally; insufficient cash flows from operating activities; difficulties in obtaining financing; outstanding debt and other financial and legal obligations; industry cycles; specialty petrochemical product and mineral prices; feedstock availability; technological developments; regulatory changes; foreign government instability; foreign legal and political concepts; and foreign currency fluctuations, as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including this release, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control.

Overview

The following discussion and analysis of our financial results, as well as the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial statements to which they refer, are the responsibility of our management.  Our accounting and financial reporting fairly reflect our business model which is based on the safe manufacturing and marketing of petrochemical products and synthetic waxes.  Our business model involves the manufacture and sale of tangible products and the provision of custom processing services.  Our consistent approach to providing high purity products and quality services to our customers has helped to maintain our current position as a preferred supplier of various petrochemical products.

The discussion and analysis of financial condition and the results of operations which appears below should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements which appear in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

We believe we are well-positioned to benefit from capital investments that we have recently completed or that are in progress.  As a result of the D-Train expansion which was completed in 2014, we now have sufficient pentane capacity to readily maintain our share of market growth for the foreseeable future.  Both the advanced reformer unit and the hydrogenation/distillation project will provide increased revenue and gross margin.  While petrochemical prices are volatile on a short-term basis and volumes depend on the demand of our customers' products and overall customer efficiency, our investment decisions are based on our long-term business outlook. 

In February 2018, while commissioning the new advanced reformer, the unit overheated and ignited a fire. The response team quickly extinguished the fire without injury, and there was no environmental impact.  However, there was damage to all six heaters in the unit, and the damaged equipment is being replaced. Our best estimate of the start-up is in third quarter 2018.  Insurance adjustors have been to the site multiple times, and we expect that our insurers will cover any costs over our $1 million deductible.

We continue to emphasize operational excellence and our competitive advantages achieved through our high quality products and outstanding customer service and responsiveness.  We believe these attributes are an important differentiation from our competitors.

Review of First Quarter 2018 Results

We reported first quarter 2018 earnings of $2.4 million up from $1.5 million from first quarter 2017. Diluted earnings per share of $0.09 were reported for 2018, up from $0.06 in 2017.  Sales volume of our petrochemical products increased 34.4%, and sales revenue from our petrochemical products increased 35.8% as compared to first quarter 2017.  Prime product petrochemical sales volumes (which exclude by-product sales) were up 27.1% over first quarter 2017.  Wax sales revenue
 
was down 1.9% compared to first quarter 2017.  Gross profit margin decreased to 14.1% of sales in first quarter 2018 from 19.2% in first quarter 2017.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We include in this Quarterly Report the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income and provide reconciliations from our most directly comparable financial measures to those measures.

We define EBITDA as net income plus interest expense including derivative gains and losses, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.  We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus share-based compensation, plus or minus equity in AMAK's earnings and losses or gains from equity issuances and plus or minus gains or losses on acquisitions.  We define Adjusted Net Income as net income plus or minus tax effected equity in AMAK's earnings and losses and plus or minus tax effected gains or losses on acquisitions.  These measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under U.S. GAAP and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss), nor as an indicator of cash flows reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These measures are used as supplemental financial measures by management and external users of our financial statements such as investors, banks, research analysts and others.  We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful as they exclude transactions not related to our core cash operating activities.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, our most directly comparable GAAP financial performance measure for each of the periods presented, to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Net Income.

   
Three months ended
March 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
Net Income
 
$
2,352
   
$
1,487
 
                 
    Interest expense
   
878
     
636
 
    Depreciation and amortization
   
3,026
     
2,588
 
    Income tax expense
   
590
     
1,061
 
EBITDA
 
$
6,846
   
$
5,772
 
                 
    Share-based compensation
   
592
     
633
 
    Equity in (earnings) losses of AMAK
   
(230
)
   
966
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
7,208
   
$
7,371
 
                 
Net Income
 
$
2,352
   
$
1,487
 
                 
        Equity in (earnings) losses of AMAK
 
$
(230
)
 
$
966
 
    Taxes at statutory rate of 21% for  2018 and 35% for 2017
   
48
     
(338
)
    Tax effected equity in (earnings) losses
   
(182
)
   
628
 
Adjusted Net Income
 
$
2,170
   
$
2,115
 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working Capital

Our approximate working capital days are summarized as follows:

   
March 31, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
   
March 31, 2017
 
Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable
   
34.4
     
38.4
     
39.3
 
Days sales outstanding in inventory
   
19.7
     
27.5
     
24.2
 
Days sales outstanding in accounts payable
   
18.7
     
27.3
     
21.2
 
Days of working capital
   
35.4
     
38.5
     
42.4
 

Our days sales outstanding in accounts receivable decreased due to an increase in sales volume during January which were paid before quarter end and are therefore, not reflected in accounts receivable.  Our days sales outstanding in inventory decreased also due to the increase in sales volume which reduced inventory on hand.  Our days sales outstanding in accounts payable decreased due to construction expenses for the new advanced reformer unit nearing completion.  Since days of working capital is calculated using the above three metrics, it decreased for the reasons discussed.

Cash decreased $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to a decrease of $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  Our total available liquidity which includes cash and available revolving borrowing capacity under the ARC was approximately $17.4 million and $37.9 million at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The change in cash is summarized as follows:

   
2018
   
2017
 
Net cash provided by (used in)
 
(thousands of dollars)
 
Operating activities
 
$
2,735
   
$
8,730
 
Investing activities
   
(11,072
)
   
(13,907
)
Financing activities
   
7,877
     
833
 
Decrease in cash
 
$
(460
)
 
$
(4,344
)
Cash
 
$
2,568
   
$
4,045
 

Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $2.7 million for the first three months of 2018, $6.0 million lower than 2017.    For the first three months of 2018 net income increased by approximately $0.9 million as compared to the corresponding period of 2017.  Major non-cash items affecting 2018 income included increases in deferred taxes of $0.4 million, depreciation of $2.6 million and equity in earnings of AMAK of $0.2 million.  Major non-cash items affecting 2017 income included increases in deferred taxes of $1.2 million, depreciation of $2.1 million, and equity in losses of AMAK of approximately $1.0 million.

Factors leading to a decrease in cash provided by operating activities included:

·
Insurance receivable increased approximately $0.7 million (due to a claim filed for the new advanced reformer fire)   as compared to no receivable in 2017;

·
Prepaid and other assets increased approximately $0.8 million (primarily due to the inventorying of spare parts) as compared to a decrease of approximately $0.1 million in 2017 (primarily due to a reduction in prepaid insurance); and

·
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $3.2 million (due to decreased construction expenditures) as compared to an increase of approximately $1.0 million in 2017 (due to increased construction expenditures).

Investing Activities

Cash used by investing activities during the first three months of 2018 was approximately $11.1 million, representing a decrease of approximately $2.8 million over the corresponding period of 2017.   During the first three months of 2018, the primary use of capital expenditures was for the the new advanced reformer unit and the addition of a rail spur at our loading facility.  During the first three months of 2017, we continued to purchase equipment for the hydrogenation/distillation unit and the new advanced reformer unit along with some tankage and various other facility improvements.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities during the first three months of 2018 was approximately $7.9 million versus cash provided of $0.8 million during the corresponding period of 2017.  During 2018, we made principal payments on our acquisition loan of $1.8 million and our term debt of $0.3 million.  We drew $10.0 million on our line of credit to fund ongoing capital projects.  During 2017, we made principal payments on our acquisition loan of $3.5 million and our term debt of $0.7 million.  We drew $5.0 million on our line of credit to fund ongoing capital projects.

Anticipated Cash Needs

We believe that the Company is capable of supporting its operating requirements and capital expenditures through internally generated funds supplemented with borrowings under our ARC.




Results of Operations

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017

Specialty Petrochemical Segment

   
2018
   
2017
   
Change
   
%Change
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Petrochemical Product Sales
 
$
60,285
   
$
44,391
   
$
15,894
     
35.8
%
Processing
   
2,028
     
1,488
     
540
     
36.3
%
Gross Revenue
 
$
62,313
   
$
45,879
   
$
16,434
     
35.8
%
                                 
Volume of Sales (gallons)
                               
  Petrochemical Products
   
23,289
     
17,324
     
5,965
     
34.4
%
  Prime Product Sales
   
17,651
     
13,892
     
3,759
     
27.1
%
                                 
  Cost of Sales
 
$
52,649
   
$
36,358
   
$
16,291
     
44.8
%
  Gross Margin
   
15.5
%
   
20.8
%
   
(5.3
%)
   
(25.3
%)
  Total Operating Expense**
   
15,843
     
12,969
     
2,874
     
22.2
%
  Natural Gas Expense**
   
1,248
     
1,084
     
164
     
15.1
%
  Operating Labor Costs**
   
3,759
     
3,243
     
516
     
15.9
%
  Transportation Costs**
   
7,320
     
5,696
     
1,624
     
28.5
%
  General & Administrative Expense
   
2,820
     
2,696
     
124
     
4.6
%
  Depreciation and Amortization*
   
1,714
     
1,556
     
158
     
10.2
%
  Capital Expenditures
 
$
10,283
   
$
8,756
   
$
1,527
     
17.4
%
*Includes $1,548 and $1,389 for 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in operating expense
** Included in cost of sales

Gross Revenue

Gross Revenue increased during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017 by 35.8% primarily due to an increase in the volume of 34.4%, an increase in the average selling price of 1.3% and an increase in processing revenue of 36.3%.

Petrochemical Product Sales

Petrochemical product sales increased by 35.8% during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017 due to an increase in the volume sold of 34.4% and an increase in the average selling price of 1.3%.  Prime product volume increased 27.1% in first quarter 2018 as compared to first quarter 2017.  Due to the need to produce additional prime products to support the increase in sales volume, our by-product volume increased 64.3%.  It should be noted that by-product margins are significantly lower than margins for our prime products.  By-product margins in the first quarter of 2018 were lower compared to first quarter of 2017 mainly due to higher feedstock costs which were only partially offset by higher prices for certain components in the by-products.  Our average selling price increased for two reasons.  First, by-product selling prices were significantly higher in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017; and second, a large portion of our prime product sales  are contracted with pricing formulas which are tied to prior month Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) prices which is our primary feedstock.  Feedstock prices were higher in first quarter 2018 as compared to first quarter 2017.  Foreign sales volume increased to 24.9% of total petrochemical volume from 19.6% in first quarter 2017.

Processing

Processing revenues increased 36.3% during first quarter 2018 from 2017 due to some improvement in volumes processed and first step processing for a project that was completed at TC.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales increased 44.8% during first quarter 2018 from 2017 primarily due to the increase in feedstock cost and volume.  Our average feedstock cost per gallon increased 17.4% over first quarter 2017 primarily due to an approximately 29% increase in the benchmark price of Mont Belvieu natural gasoline, which was partially offset by lower shortfall fees and other delivery costs.  The increase in feedstock costs compressed margins especially for the spot or non-formula portion of prime product sales.  These are sales which do not have pricing formulas tied to feedstock costs.  Due to competitive reasons, we were unable to recover the majority of the increase in feedstock costs through price increases.  The decrease in gross margin percentage from 20.8% to 15.5% was due to higher feedstock costs and higher operating expenses.

Volume processed increased 37.8% over first quarter 2017.  We use natural gasoline as feedstock which is the heavier liquid remaining after ethane, propane and butanes are removed from liquids produced by natural gas wells.  The material is a commodity product in the oil/petrochemical markets and generally is readily available.  The price of natural gasoline normally correlates approximately 90% with the price of crude oil.  We expect our advanced reformer unit which is due online in third quarter 2018 to enable us to convert the less valuable components in our feed into higher value products, thereby allowing us to sell our by-products at higher prices. The contract pricing formulas used to sell the majority of our prime products typically have a 30 day trailing feed cost basis; and therefore, are slightly favorable during periods of rapidly falling feedstock prices but are unfavorable when prices rise as we experienced in the quarter. 

Total Operating Expense

Total Operating Expense increased 22.2% during first quarter 2018 from 2017.  Natural gas, labor, and transportation are the largest individual expenses in this category.

The cost of natural gas purchased increased 15.1% in 2018 from 2017 due to an increase in volume consumed.  Volume increased to approximately 441,000 MMBTU from about 320,000 MMBTU.  Volume increased due to production to support increased sales and usage associated with commissioning the new advanced reformer unit.

Labor costs were higher by 15.9% in 2018 from 2017 primarily due to overtime associated with a shutdown and operations training for the new advanced reformer unit.

Transportation costs were higher by 28.5% primarily due to an increase in third party freight costs associated with governmental mandates which took effect in the first quarter of 2018, an increase in the number of railcars which were shipped, and an increase in all shipments.

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative costs for first quarter 2018 increased from 2017 by 4.6% primarily due to an increase in administrative salaries. We made adjustments in the second half of 2017 and first quarter of 2018 in an effort to become more competitive with our support staff's compensation.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased 10.2% during first quarter 2018 from 2017 primarily due to 2017 capital expenditures increasing our depreciable base.

Capital Expenditures

Capital Expenditures increased 17.4% during first quarter 2018 from 2017 primarily due to the new advanced reformer unit project and the addition of a rail spur at our loading facility.  See additional detail above under "Investing Activities".  We expect the advanced reformer unit to come online in the third quarter of 2018.

Specialty Wax Segment

   
2018
   
2017
   
Change
   
%Change
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Product Sales
 
$
6,383
   
$
6,508
   
$
(125
)
   
(1.9
%)
Processing
   
3,212
     
3,155
     
57
     
1.8
%
Gross Revenue
 
$
9,595
   
$
9,663
   
$
(68
)
   
(0.7
%)
                                 
  Volume of wax sales (thousand pounds)
   
9,541
     
10,664
     
(1,123
)
   
(10.5
%)
                                 
  Cost of Sales
 
$
9,119
   
$
8,566
   
$
553
     
6.5
%
  Gross Margin
   
5.0
%
   
11.4
%
   
(6.4
%)
   
(56.3
%)
  General & Administrative Expense
   
1,368
     
1,347
     
21
     
1.6
%
  Depreciation and Amortization*
   
1,304
     
1,016
     
288
     
28.3
%
  Capital Expenditures
 
$
745
   
$
5,125
   
$
(4,380
)
   
(85.5
%)
*Includes $1,282 and $995 for 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in cost of sales

 
Product Sales

Product sales revenue decreased 1.9% during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017 as wax sales were lower due to supply constraints on third party waxes that we distribute in Latin America as well as, our marketing strategy to enhance pricing and improve sales mix.  As a result, average wax pricing was about 9% higher than the same period a year ago.  Responding to customer demand, we sold record volumes of our higher value waxes including our products for the Hot Melt Adhesives ("HMA") and PVC Lubricant markets.   These products are characterized by generally higher margins and growth rates.

Processing

Processing revenues increased 1.8% during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017 and nearly 15% from the fourth quarter of 2017 when we experienced significant plant operating problems.  In the first quarter of 2018, we made good progress in correcting operational issues including the difficulties we experienced with hydrogenation unit.  B Plant revenues in the first quarter of 2018 were about $1.25 million, a record level since we acquired it in mid-2016.  Significant opportunities for improving our operational efficiencies remain.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales increased 6.5% during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017 primarily due to increases in operations labor, freight, equipment maintenance, storage and utilities.

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative costs increased 1.6% during first quarter 2018 from 2017 primarily due to an increase in our bad debt allowance partially offset by  decreases in other compensation expense, profit sharing and management fees.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased 28.3% during first quarter 2018 from 2017 primarily due to the hydrogenation/distillation unit coming online.

Capital Expenditures

Capital Expenditures decreased 85.5% during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017 primarily due to a decrease in expenditures for construction in progress including the hydrogenation/distillation project.  The project came online in second and third quarters 2017.

Corporate Segment

   
2018
   
2017
   
Change
   
%Change
 
   
(in thousands)
       
General & Administrative Expense
 
$
2,147
   
$
2,178
   
$
(31
)
   
(1.4
%)
Equity in earnings (losses) of AMAK
   
230
     
(966
)
   
1,196
     
(123.8
%)

General and Administrative Expenses

General corporate expenses decreased slightly during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017.

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of AMAK

Equity in earnings (losses) of AMAK increased during first quarter 2018 from first quarter 2017.








AMAK Summarized Income Statement

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Sales
 
$
14,087
   
$
2,256
 
                 
Gross income (loss)
   
1,581
     
(1,307
)
General, administrative and other expenses
   
1,900
     
2,589
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(319
)
 
$
(3,896
)

AMAK continues to make progress in throughput rates, concentrate quality and recoveries.  The precious metals circuit continues to experience downtime issues, and the first gold/silver smelting is now expected next quarter.

Approximately 10,000 dry metric tons (dmt) of copper and zinc concentrate were shipped in the quarter as compared to no shipments of copper and zinc concentrate in the first quarter of 2017.  The mine incurred a small loss in the quarter but delivered significantly positive EBITDA.

Guarantee of Saudi Industrial Development Fund ("SIDF") Loan to AMAK

As discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, as a condition of the Loan from the SIDF in the principal amount of 330.0 million SR (US$88.0 million) to AMAK, we were required to execute a Guarantee of up to 41% of the Loan.  The decision to provide a limited corporate guarantee in favor of AMAK was difficult as we considered numerous facts and circumstances.  One of the factors considered was that without the US$88.0 million from the SIDF, construction activity on the project would likely have ceased.  Another factor considered was that prior to making a firm commitment regarding funding, the SIDF performed its own exhaustive due diligence of the project and obviously reached the conclusion that the project is viable and capable of servicing the debt.  Yet another factor considered was our ability to reach agreement with various AMAK Saudi shareholders whereby they agreed to use best efforts to have their personal guarantees stand ahead of and pay required payments to SIDF before our corporate guarantee.  Finally, we researched numerous loans made by the SIDF to others and were unable to find a single instance where the SIDF actually called a guarantee or foreclosed on a project.  Based on the above, we determined that it was in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to provide the limited corporate guarantee to facilitate completion of the mining project in a timely manner.   We also determined that the stand-in-front agreement in conjunction with the actual value of plant and equipment on the ground should act in concert to minimize any exposure arising from the corporate guarantee.  The total amount outstanding to the SIDF at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, was 305.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$81.3 million).

Contractual Obligations

On October 1, 2014, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the lenders which from time to time are parties to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the "Lenders") and Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as Lead Arranger.  A second amendment was entered into on March 28, 2017 and a third amendment on July 25, 2017.  Refer to Note 9 on page 10 of this Form 10-Q for a detailed discussion.

Our contractual obligations are summarized in  Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"  in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. Other than our obligations under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, there have been no material changes to the contractual obligation amounts disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Inventories - Finished products and feedstock are recorded at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out method (FIFO); or net realizable value for SHR.  For TC, inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value as follows:  (1) raw material cost is calculated using the weighted-average cost method and (2) product inventory cost is calculated using the specific cost method.

Other critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period reported. By their nature, these estimates, assumptions and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We base our estimates, assumptions and judgments on historical experience, market trends and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are reviewed on an ongoing basis and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our critical accounting policies have been discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. We believe there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates compared to those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Recent and New Accounting Standards

See Note 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of recent accounting guidance.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Derivative Instrument Risk

See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Risk
 
See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

There have been no material changes in the Company's exposure to market risk from the disclosure included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures . Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the participation of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
(b)
Changes in internal control . There were  no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is periodically named in legal actions arising from normal business activities. The Company evaluates the merits of these actions and, if it determines that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, the Company will establish the necessary reserves. We are not currently involved in legal proceedings that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. We may become involved in material legal proceedings in the future.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.




ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

The following documents are filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Report. Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith and exhibits marked with a double asterisk (**) are furnished herewith.

Exhibit
Number
Description
10(a)*
10(b)*
31.1**
31.2**
32.1**
32.2**
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase  Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



DATE:  May 4, 2018   TRECORA RESOURCES


                                                 By: /s/Sami Ahmad
                                                 Sami Ahmad
                                                 Chief Financial Officer

28

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a – 14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Simon Upfill-Brown, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Trecora Resources;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the consolidated financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have:

(a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's independent registered public accounting firm and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 4, 2018    /s/ Simon Upfill-Brown
                                      Simon Upfill-Brown
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a – 14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Sami Ahmad, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Trecora Resources;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the consolidated financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have:

(a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's independent registered public accounting firm and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


Date:   May 4, 2018   /s/ Sami Ahmad
                                          Sami Ahmad
                                          Chief Financial Officer
 

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18. U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Trecora Resources (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Simon Upfill-Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer's knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Simon Upfill-Brown
Simon Upfill-Brown
President and Chief Executive Officer

May 4, 2018

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18. U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Trecora Resources (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Sami Ahmad, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer's knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


/s/ Sami Ahmad
Sami Ahmad
Chief Financial Officer

May  4, 2018

FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT (this "First Amendment"), effective as of 7 March, 2018, is made and entered into by and between Trecora Resources, a Delaware corporation ("Company"), and Peter Loggenberg, PhD.   ("Loggenberg").
WHEREAS, an Employment Contract (the "Agreement") was entered into by and between Company and Loggenberg effective as of October 1, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Company and Loggenberg now desire to amend such Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, Company and Loggenberg agree as follows:
1.   Article I of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
" ARTICLE I
EMPLOYMENT

Company hereby agrees to employ Loggenberg as its Chief Sustainability Officer, and Loggenberg hereby accepts such employment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the terms of employment applicable to regular employees of the Company.  In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between the terms of this Agreement and terms of employment applicable to regular employees, the terms of this Agreement shall control."
2.   Article II of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
" ARTICLE II
DUTIES OF LOGGENBERG

The duties of Loggenberg shall include the performance of all duties described in Exhibit "A," which is incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes, and such other duties and projects as may be assigned by a superior officer of Company, or the board of directors of the Company.  Loggenberg will not, during the term of this Agreement, directly or indirectly engage in any other business, either as an employee, employer, consultant, principal, officer, director, advisor, or in any other capacity, either with or without compensation, except for the excluded activities set forth in the Oct 1 2014 Agreement, without the prior written consent of Company.  In addition to the duties described herein, Loggenberg is authorized and directed to do the following:

1

2.1   design, develop and implement corporate sustainability strategies to ensure business practices, products and services that: (a) address changing needs of customers by finding new applications and innovative solutions; (b) are compliant with applicable safety and environmental regulations; (c) are efficient, environmentally friendly and focused on cost improvement (energy use, water use, waste, etc.); (d) drive continuous improvement in all aspects of discovery; (e) add economic value to the Company through understanding/connecting all functional aspects and stakeholders for new opportunities; and (f) address working conditions of all stakeholders and have a positive impact on society;
2.2   using market input, initiate and drive annual research and development strategies and research and development budget in the areas of new product development, new technology applications, alternative materials sourcing, etc.;
2.3   identify and lead potential global chemical industry merger and acquisition targets that fit the Company's strategic objectives and assist with relevant due diligence;
2.4   promote and explain the Company's sustainability philosophy to internal and external audiences;
2.5   research, stay current and look for new opportunities within the specialty chemicals marketplace;
2.6   serve as an internal sustainability consultant to educate colleagues on emerging trends, programs and issues in sustainability;
2.7   monitor legislative and regulatory activity and communicate potential impact on Company operations;
2.8   evaluate and monitor effectiveness of sustainability programs;
2.9   indirectly supervise and assure collaboration between the various team members engaged in sustainability activities; and
2.10   perform other duties as assigned consistent with activities of a Chief Sustainability Officer.
3.   Miscellaneous .  With the exception of those terms and conditions specifically modified and amended herein, the herein referenced October 1, 2014 Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with all its terms and conditions.  In the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of this First Amendment and the terms and provisions of the Agreement, the terms and provisions of this First Amendment shall supersede and control.
 
2

4.   Counterparts .  This First Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of such counterparts shall constitute one agreement.  To facilitate execution of this First Amendment, the parties may execute and exchange facsimile counterparts of the signature pages and facsimile counterparts shall serve as originals.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Amendment to be executed in multiple original counterparts, all as of the day and year first above written.
COMPANY:

TRECORA RESOURCES,
a Delaware corporation

By: /s/ Simon Upfill-Brown
       Simon Upfill-Brown,
       its President and CEO


LOGGENBERG:

/s/ Peter M. Loggenberg
Peter Loggenberg

3

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Consulting Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into this 20th day of March 2018 by and between Trecora Resources ("Trecora"), a Delaware corporation, and Nicholas N. Carter ("Carter"), a Texas resident, referred to collectively as the "Parties."

1.   Carter's Services. Trecora retains Carter, as an independent contractor, to provide certain consulting services, including providing guidance to Trecora's Chief Executive Officer and other areas as may be mutually agreed upon ("Consulting Services").  The Parties acknowledge that Carter is a member of Trecora's Board of Directors (the "Board").  Carter's status as a member of the Board is not contemplated under the terms of this Agreement, and this Agreement has no effect on Carter's status as a member of the Board.

2.   Consideration.   In consideration for the Consulting Services to be performed by Carter under this Agreement, Trecora agrees to pay to Carter a monthly fee of six-thousand two-hundred and fifty dollars ($6,250.00) in return for Carter's provision of up to forty (40) hours of Consulting Services per month.  In addition, Trecora agrees to pay Carter $156.00 for each hour of Consulting Services in excess of forty (40) hours per month.

Trecora will reimburse Carter for all reasonable expenses incurred by Carter in performing the Consulting Services provided, however, that any travel related expenses must be approved in advance by the President of Trecora.  Carter shall submit written documentation and receipts to Trecora on a monthly basis, itemizing the charges and dates on which expenses were incurred.

Carter will submit a written invoice to Trecora on a monthly basis for his provision of the Consulting Services.  Trecora shall pay Carter the amounts due pursuant to this Agreement within thirty (30) days after the invoice is received by Trecora.  In the event Trecora disputes any portion of an invoice, Trecora shall submit payment for any undisputed balance due pending resolution of any disputed amounts.

3.   Independent Contractor.   Nothing herein shall be construed to create an employer- employee relationship between Trecora and Carter.  Carter acknowledges that he shall at all times be deemed to be an independent contractor of Trecora.  Carter is not an employee, servant, partner or agent of Trecora for any purpose whatsoever, and is not entitled to paid vacation days, sick days, holidays or any other benefits provided to Trecora employees.  The consideration set forth in Section 2 shall be the sole consideration due Carter for the Consulting Services rendered under this Agreement.  Carter will not represent to be or hold himself out as an employee of Trecora.

4.   Term and Termination.   The term of this Agreement will commence on the date of execution and will end on December 31, 2018, and may be extended by mutual agreement of the Parties.  Either party may terminate this Agreement for any reason at any time during the term by written notice directed to the other party given thirty (30) days in advance of the termination date.
 

 
Page 1 of 7

5.   Method of Performing Services. Trecora understands and agrees that Carter shall render Consulting Services in whatever manner deemed appropriate by Carter.  During the term of this Agreement, Carter agrees to perform the Consulting Services on a professional best-efforts basis, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with the highest applicable industry standards.
(a)   Trecora shall not control or direct, nor shall Trecora have any right to control or direct, the result of or the details, methods, manner or means by which Carter performs his business or Consulting Services, except that Carter shall coordinate Consulting Services with Trecora, shall provide Consulting Services in accordance with generally accepted industry standards and in compliance with all international, federal, state, and local laws.
(b)   Carter has and will at all times retain the exclusive right to control and direct the method, details, and means of performing the Consulting Services.  Trecora shall not specify the amount of time required to perform individual aspects of the Consulting Services.  Carter's services are not exclusive to Trecora, and Carter may render services for other business entities.
(c)   Any and all personnel hired by Carter, as subcontractors, contractors, employees, consultants, agents or otherwise (collectively "Independent Staff") shall be the responsibility of Carter.  Carter will inform all Independent Staff in writing at the time that such Independent Staff are hired by Carter, that such Independent Staff are not employees of Trecora and that Trecora has no present or future obligation to employ such Independent Staff or provide such Independent Staff with any compensation or employment benefits.  Carter will be solely responsible for the acts of such Independent Staff, and the Independent Staff will conduct their activities at Carter's risk, expense and supervision.  Carter warrants and covenants that the Independent Staff shall be subject to all of the obligations applicable to Carter pursuant to this Agreement and that each member of the Independent Staff shall agree to such terms in writing.

(d)   Carter agrees to conduct business and supervise his Independent Staff so as to maintain and to increase the goodwill and reputation of Trecora, and Carter agrees to act in an ethical manner and to conform to and abide by all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.  Carter agrees to indemnify and hold Trecora harmless from any claims, lawsuits, allegations, or liability, including costs of court and attorney fees, arising out of Carter's failure to comply with any applicable international, federal, state or local law, regulation, or statute.

6.   Inability to Bind the Company.   Neither Carter nor any of his Independent Staff shall, under any circumstances, have any authority to act for or to bind Trecora or enter into any agreements, written or otherwise, on behalf of Trecora, o r to sign the name of Trecora or to otherwise represent that Trecora is in any way responsible for his acts or omissions, unless expressly agreed to by Trecora's Chief Executive Officer.

7.   Taxes.   The Parties agree that Trecora will not withhold, deduct, or pay income tax, social security or other taxes or amounts for Carter's benefit or for the benefit of his Independent Staff.  Carter is solely responsible for and assumes full responsibility for (as applicable) the payment of FICA, FUTA and income taxes and compliance with any other international, federal, state, or local law, rules and regulations.  Carter is also solely responsible for and assumes full responsibility for filing all tax returns, tax declarations and tax schedules, and for the payment of all taxes as required by law, including without limitation, local, state and federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, unemployment compensation taxes and any other international, federal,
 
Page 2 of 7

state, or local taxes, fees or withholdings due for him.  Carter will be responsible for withholding, accruing and paying all income, social security and other taxes and amounts required by law for all payments to Independent Staff, if any, as well as all statutory insurance and other benefits required by law for Carter and the Independent Staff and all other benefits promised to the Independent Staff by Carter, if any.  Carter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Trecora from any claims, lawsuits, allegations, or liability, including costs of court and attorney fees, arising out of Carter's failure to pay or withhold any taxes or other required withholdings for Carter or his Independent Staff.

8.   Returning the Company's Property.   Carter agrees that, on termination of this Agreement, Carter shall return to Trecora all Confidential Information (as set forth in Section 10) and will deliver to Trecora (and will not keep in his or their possession, recreate or deliver to anyone else) any and all Trecora property including devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items developed during the performance of Consulting Services for Trecora or otherwise belonging to Trecora.

9.   Intellectual Property.   Carter agrees that all inventions, patents, formulas, processes, designs, diagrams, drawings, flow charts, programs, methods, apparatus, software, firmware, circuitry, ideas, improvements, discoveries, systems, techniques, devices, models, prototypes, copyrightable works, mask works, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, software programs, hardware improvements, business slogans, written materials, and other things of value conceived, reduced to practice, made or learned by Carter, either alone or with others, while performing Consulting Services for Trecora under this Agreement that relate to Trecora's business and/or the business of affiliates of Trecora using Trecora's time, data, facilities and/or materials (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Intellectual Property") belong to and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Trecora forever.  Carter hereby assigns to Trecora all of Carter's right, title, and interest to all such Intellectual Property.

Carter agrees, without additional compensation, to cooperate and do all lawful things requested by Trecora to protect Trecora ownership rights in all Intellectual Property.  After termination of this Agreement, Trecora shall compensate Carter at a reasonable rate for the time actually spent by Carter in response to such requests.  If Trecora is unable for any reason to secure Carter's signature on any document needed, Carter hereby irrevocably designates Trecora and its duly authorized officers and agents as Carter's agent to act for and on Carter's behalf to do all lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this paragraph with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Carter.

The provisions of Section 9 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement (for whatever cause or reason).

Page 3 of 7



10.   Confidential Information.
10.1 Definition of Confidential Information.   During Carter's independent contractor relationship under this Agreement, Trecora shall provide to Carter confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information regarding Trecora, and/or affiliates of Trecora, that Carter has not previously had access to or knowledge of before the execution of this Agreement including, without limitation, Intellectual Property, technical information, business and marketing plans, strategies, financing, plans, business policies and practices of Trecora, and/or affiliates of Trecora, know-how, specialized training, mailing lists, client lists, potential client lists, pricing information, or other forms of information considered by Trecora to be confidential, proprietary, or in the nature of trade secrets (hereafter collectively referred to as "Confidential Information") that Trecora and its affiliates desire to protect.  In exchange for Trecora's promises to provide Carter with Confidential Information, Carter shall not during the period of this Agreement or at any time thereafter, disclose to anyone, publish, or use for any purpose, any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property, except as properly required in the ordinary course of Trecora's business or as directed and authorized by Trecora.  Confidential Information does not include information that is (i) in the public domain or becomes part of the public domain through no fault of Carter or (ii) was known by Carter prior to Carter's association with Trecora, as evidenced by written records existing at that time.
10.2  Nonuse/Nondisclosure of Confidential Information.   Carter shall use his best efforts and diligence both during and after termination of this Agreement to protect the confidential, trade secret, or proprietary character of all Confidential Information and shall not, directly or indirectly, disclose or use for his own purposes or those of any other person, company, business entity, or other organization whatsoever, and agrees to hold in strictest confidence any Confidential Information relating to or belonging to Trecora or any information which has been given to Carter in confidence, except when given express permission to do so by Trecora.  Carter will not disclose Trecora's Confidential Information to any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, other entity, organization, or other third party (other than in conjunction with the performance of his duties as a contractor of Trecora) without the prior written consent of Trecora and shall not use or attempt to use any such information in any manner other than in connection with his performance of Consulting Services for Trecora under this Agreement, unless required by law to disclose such information, in which case Carter shall provide Trecora with written notice of such requirement as far in advance of such anticipated disclosure as possible.  Further, Carter agrees that any disclosure of Confidential Information is to persons who are aware of and agree that the Confidential Information must be kept confidential and who agree in writing to abide by the provisions set forth in Section 10 of this Agreement.
10.3  Confidential Information of Third Parties.   Carter represents and warrants to Trecora that:  (a) Carter is not bound by any agreement, whether formal or informal, verbal or
 
Page 4 of 7

written, that would preclude Carter from entering into this Agreement with Trecora, (b) Carter will not use or disclose any confidential information, proprietary information, or trade secrets of any previous employer or other third party in the performance of his Consulting Services under this Agreement; and (c) Carter has not taken and will not take any confidential information, proprietary information, or trade secrets of any previous employer or other third party for use in the performance of his Consulting Services under this Agreement.
10.4   This Agreement does not supersede any prior or other confidentiality duties Carter owes to Trecora (whether under written agreements, Trecora policies, applicable law, or any other means), but is in addition thereto, and any such prior confidentiality duties continue unabated.
10.5   The provisions of Section 10 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement (for whatever cause or reason).
11.   LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.   NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, NEITHER TRECORA, NOR CARTER NOR THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTNERS, OWNERS, OFFICERS, MANAGERS, GENERAL PARTNERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATES (OR THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTNERS, OWNERS, OFFICERS, MANAGERS, GENERAL PARTNERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS), SHALL BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR TO ITS PARTNERS, OWNERS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, MANAGERS, GENERAL PARTNERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS OR TO ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE INSURERS, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER CONNECTED WITH OR RESULTING FROM PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANYTHING DONE IN CONNECTION HEREWITH (OTHER THAN PAYMENTS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED AND PROPERLY DUE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIMS OR DAMAGES ARE BASED UPON BREACH OF WARRANTY, BREACH OF DUTY (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER OF COMPANY, CONSULTANT OR OTHERS), STRICT LIABILITY, CONTRACT, OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, AND REGARDLESS WHETHER SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  THE FOREGOING SHALL EXPRESSLY SURVIVE THE EXPIRATION OR EARLY TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

12.   Insider Trading.   Carter agrees that he is subject to Trecora's Insider Trading Policy and other Trecora policies and procedures relating to insider trading, including restrictions on trading outside of designated window periods.  The above is subject, of course, to the general prohibitions on trading if Carter is in possession of material non-public information.

13.   Notice.   Any notice or communication permitted or required by this Agreement shall be deemed effective when personally delivered or deposited, postage prepaid, in the first class mail of the United States properly or sent via electronic means, addressed to the appropriate party at the address set forth below:
 
Page 5 of 7



Notices to Carter:                 Nicholas N. Carter
7760 Rosewood Drive
Lumberton, Texas 77657
Phone: (409) 782-2869
Email: ncarter@trecora.com

Notices to Trecora:              Simon Upfill-Brown
Trecora Resources
1650 Highway 6 South, Suite 190
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Phone: (281) 980-5522
Email: supfillbrown@trecora.com

14.   General Provisions.

14.1  Entire Agreement and Amendments.   This Agreement (including any attachments hereto) contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein, and no oral statements or prior written matter not specifically incorporated herein shall be of any force and effect.  No variation, modification or changes in the Agreement shall be binding on either party hereto unless set forth in a written document executed by all parties or a duly authorized agent, officer or representative thereof.

14.2  Assignment.   Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to permit the assignment by Carter of any of his rights or obligations hereunder, and such assignment is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Trecora.

14.3  Governing Law, Severability.   This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas and venue shall be within the courts of competent jurisdiction in Harris County, Texas.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

14.4  Waiver.   The waiver by either party of a breach or violation of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof.

14.5  Drafting.  The parties acknowledge that each party and its counsel have reviewed and revised this Agreement and that the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or any amendments or exhibits hereto.  It is agreed that all parties have closely read this Agreement and that all requirements of conspicuousness are agreed satisfied or are waived.


WHEREFORE, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.


Page 6 of 7



Trecora:

Trecora Resources



By:  /s/ Simon Upfill-Brown
    Simon Upfill-Brown,
its CEO

Carter:



By:  /s/ Nicholas N. Carter
Nicholas N. Carter

Page 7 of 7