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As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2021.
Registration No. 333-259740
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
Amendment No. 2
to
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Aris Water Solutions, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1389
87-1022110
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
9811 Katy Freeway, Suite 700
Houston, Texas 77024
(281) 501-3070
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
William A. Zartler
Founder and Executive Chairman
9811 Katy Freeway, Suite 700
Houston, Texas 77024
(281) 501-3070
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
Hillary H. Holmes
Andrew L. Fabens
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
811 Main Street, Suite 3000
Houston, Texas 77002
(346) 718-6600
David J. Miller
Trevor Lavelle
Latham & Watkins LLP
301 Congress Avenue, Suite 900
Austin, Texas 78701
(737) 910-7300
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
 
 
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
Amount
to be
Registered(1)
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share(2)
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(1)(2)
Amount of
Registration Fee(3)
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share
20,297,500
$18.00
$365,355,000
$33,868
(1) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Includes 2,647,500 additional shares of Class A common stock that the underwriters have the option to purchase.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(3) The Registrant previously paid $10,910 of the total registration fee in connection with a previous filing of this Registration Statement.
The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The securities described herein may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell such securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
(Subject to Completion, dated October 14, 2021)
17,650,000 Shares

Aris Water Solutions, Inc.
Class A Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of the Class A common stock of Aris Water Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation. We are offering 17,650,000 shares of our Class A common stock.
Currently, no public market exists for our Class A common stock. We expect the initial public offering price to be between $16.00 and $18.00 per share. We have been approved to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ARIS.”
Each share of Class A common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. Each share of Class B common stock has no economic rights but will entitle its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. Class A stockholders and Class B stockholders will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Through their ownership of all the Class B common stock and some Class A common stock, our Existing Owners (as defined herein) will own 67.0% of the combined voting power of our common stock immediately after this offering. See “Corporate Reorganization.”
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this and future filings. See “Risk Factors” and “Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company.”
Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 28 of this prospectus.
 
Per Share
Total
Initial public offering price
$     
$     
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
$
$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
$
$
(1)
See “Underwriting” for a description of all underwriting compensation payable in connection with this offering.
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 5% of the shares of our Class A common stock offered by this prospectus (excluding the shares of Class A common stock that may be issued upon the underwriters' exercise of their option to purchase additional shares) to individuals, including our officers, directors and employees, as well as friends and family members of our officers and directors. For more information regarding the directed share program, please read “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.”
The underwriters may also exercise an option to purchase up to an additional 2,647,500 shares of our Class A common stock from us, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The shares of Class A common stock will be ready for delivery on or about    , 2021.
Book-Running Managers
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
Citigroup
J.P. Morgan
Wells Fargo Securities
Barclays
Evercore ISI
Co-Managers
Capital One Securities
Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C.
Raymond James
 
 
Stifel
 
U.S. Capital Advisors
Prospectus Dated    , 2021.

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Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We and the underwriters are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, Class A common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus or any free writing prospectus is accurate only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or of any sale of shares of our Class A common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
For investors outside of the United States: We have not, and the underwriters have not, done anything that would permit this offering, or possession or distribution of this prospectus, in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of our Class A common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Please read “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Basis of Presentation
Aris Water Solutions, Inc., which we refer to as “Aris Inc.,” is a newly incorporated entity, has not engaged in any business or other activities except in connection with its formation and had no assets or liabilities during the periods presented in this prospectus. Accordingly, this prospectus includes certain historical consolidated financial and other data for Solaris Midstream Holdings, LLC, which we refer to as “Solaris LLC.” Following this offering, Solaris LLC will be the predecessor of Aris Inc. for financial reporting purposes. Immediately
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following this offering, Aris Inc. will be a holding company, and its sole material asset will be a controlling equity interest in Solaris LLC. As the sole managing member of Solaris LLC, Aris Inc. will operate and control all of the business and affairs of Solaris LLC and, through Solaris LLC and its subsidiaries, conduct our business. The Reorganization (as defined herein) will be accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Aris Inc. will recognize the assets and liabilities received in the Reorganization at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical financial statements of Solaris LLC. Aris Inc. will consolidate Solaris LLC on its consolidated financial statements and record a non-controlling interest related to the Solaris LLC Units (as defined herein) held by the Class B stockholders on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations. See “Corporate Reorganization.”
Industry and Market Data
Certain market and industry data and forecasts used in this prospectus have been obtained from the following independent industry publications or reports: (i) Enverus, Eagle Ford Play Fundamentals, May 2020; (ii) Rystad Energy, Water Management Report, Shale Intelligence, July 1, 2021; (iii) U.S. Energy Information Administration, Assumptions to the Annual Energy Outlook 2021: Oil and Gas Supply Module, February 2021; (iv) U.S. Energy Information Administration, Permian Basin, Part 2: Wolfcamp Shale Play of the Midland Basin, Geology review, August 2020; (v) Wood Mackenzie, Macro Oils Service, Oil supply forecast: 2021 Long-term outlook, May 2021; and (vi) Wood Mackenzie, Permian produced water: injecting simple solutions into complex situations, February 2019.
Some market data and statistical information contained in this prospectus are also based on management’s estimates and calculations, which are derived from our review and interpretation of publicly available industry publications, our internal research and our knowledge of the markets in which we currently, and will in the future, operate. This information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such information. Although we believe these third-party sources to be reliable, we have not independently verified the data obtained from these sources and we cannot assure you of the accuracy or completeness of the data. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and uncertainties as the other forward-looking statements in this prospectus. Statements as to our market position are based on market data currently available to us, as well as management’s estimates and assumptions regarding the size of our markets within our industry. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding our industry data presented herein, our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters can guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information contained in this prospectus. 
Trademarks and Trade Names
We own or have rights to various trademarks, service marks and trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. This prospectus may also contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this prospectus is not intended to, and does not imply, a relationship with us or an endorsement or sponsorship by or of us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ®, ™ or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information discussed in this prospectus. The summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information you should consider prior to making an investment decision with respect to our Class A common stock. Therefore, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making a decision to purchase shares of our Class A common stock. Some of the statements in this summary constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Except as otherwise indicated or required by the context, all references to “Solaris,” “we,” “our,” and “us” or similar terms refer to (i) Solaris Midstream Holdings, LLC (“Solaris LLC”) and its consolidated subsidiaries before the completion of our corporate reorganization in connection with this offering and (ii) Aris Water Solutions, Inc. (“Aris Inc.”) and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the completion of our corporate reorganization and thereafter. We currently conduct our business through Solaris LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Solaris Water Midstream, LLC (“Solaris Water”). References to “Trilantic” refer to TCP Solaris SPV LLC and references to “Yorktown” refer to Yorktown Energy Partners XI, L.P., each of which, along with ConocoPhillips, is a significant owner of Solaris. References to “Concho” refer to Concho Resources Inc., which was acquired by ConocoPhillips in January 2021. For the definitions of certain terms and abbreviations used in this prospectus, please read “Glossary of Terms” beginning on page A-1 of this prospectus.
Except as otherwise indicated, all information contained in this prospectus (i) assumes an initial public offering price of $17.00 per share of Class A common stock (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) and (ii) assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares.
Our Company
We are a leading, growth-oriented environmental infrastructure and solutions company that directly helps our customers reduce their water and carbon footprints. We deliver full-cycle water handling and recycling solutions that increase the sustainability of energy company operations. Our integrated pipelines and related infrastructure create long-term value by delivering high-capacity, comprehensive produced water management, recycling and supply solutions to operators in the core areas of the Permian Basin.
We provide critical environmental solutions to many of the most active and well-capitalized companies operating in the Permian Basin, including affiliates of ConocoPhillips, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation, Chevron Corporation and Mewbourne Oil Company. Operators are increasingly focused on minimizing their environmental impact as a measure of success with an emphasis on rapidly increasing the use of recycled produced water in their operations. Our expansive infrastructure, advanced logistics and water treatment methods allow us to reliably gather our customers’ produced water and recycle it for use in their operations. We believe our solutions make a significant contribution to the ability of our customers to achieve their sustainability-related objectives. Since inception, we have been committed to responsibly developing, operating and deploying technology to safely reduce our customers’ environmental footprint.
Our Commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership
Our business strategy and operations align with the increasing focus of local communities, regulators and stakeholders on ensuring the safety of oil and gas operations and minimizing environmental and local community impacts. We have a leading track record in safety, social and environmental stewardship in the areas in which we operate by setting and meeting ambitious sustainability targets. This leadership highlights the strong technical, operational and financial capabilities of our management team that has decades of experience operating and leading companies in the environmental, infrastructure, water treatment and energy industries. As further demonstration of our environmental leadership, we adopted a Sustainability-Linked Bond Framework in March 2021, which publishes our goals with respect to our water recycling operations. In accordance with this framework, we issued the first sustainability-linked notes in the produced water infrastructure industry. Please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Debt Agreements—Sustainability-Linked Notes.”
Our business provides reliable and sustainable water solutions that address the operational and environmental demands of the energy industry and actively reduce emissions. Through our significant investment in permanent pipeline infrastructure to safely gather and transport produced water, we minimize the need for produced water trucking, a major contributor of greenhouse gas emission, traffic congestion and road safety concerns in the
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communities in which we operate. Additionally, we are leaders in the evaluation, piloting and advancement of water treatment technologies, including the development of solutions for the use of treated produced water outside of the oil and gas industry. For example, we are piloting and developing proprietary processes for treating produced water for environmental, agricultural and industrial water demand, including evaluating the use of treated produced water as process water for carbon sequestration and direct air capture.
Our strong company culture includes commitments to our employees and our shareholders, which we believe will benefit all of our constituents. We have created a work environment that fosters a diverse and inclusive company culture with over 50% minority and/or female representation in our workforce as of June 30, 2021. Additionally, we prioritize safety in our operations through rigorous training, structured protocols and ongoing automation of our operations. Our prioritization of safety includes a commitment to safeguarding the communities in which we operate by giving to and volunteering with first responders.
We believe alignment of our management and our board of directors (our “Board”) with our shareholders, including the establishment of a diverse and independent Board, is conducive to creating long-term value. Additionally, through our management’s substantial initial ownership and our compensation and incentive programs that we are adopting in connection with this offering, our management team will remain highly motivated to continue creating shareholder value.
The Permian Basin
The Permian Basin is the leading basin in the United States with respect to drilling activity, oil production, oil production growth and economic returns to operators. It is one of the most prolific crude oil and natural gas basins in the world, spanning more than 75,000 square miles across West Texas and New Mexico. The Permian Basin has a history of over 100 years of crude oil and natural gas production and is characterized by high volumes of crude oil and liquids-rich natural gas production, multiple horizontal target horizons, extensive production history, long-lived reserves and high drilling success rates. Over 35 billion barrels of crude have been recovered in the basin since the first well was drilled in 1920 with more than 95 billion barrels of recoverable oil remaining, according to the EIA. In February 2021, the Permian accounted for 52% of onshore U.S. oil production, according to the EIA. The Midland and Delaware sub-basins of the Permian Basin boast among the lowest breakeven oil prices of any basins in the country, according to Enverus.

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We operate in one of the most active regions in the Permian Basin. During 2020 and first quarter 2021 annualized, completions in the New Mexico Delaware have grown at a significantly higher pace than the broader Permian Basin as operators increasingly shift focus to the region, as shown in the charts below.

Produced Water
Produced water naturally exists in underground formations and is brought to the surface during crude oil and natural gas production. Produced water is produced throughout the entire life of the well and is of particular importance to operators in the Permian Basin given the high produced water-to-oil ratio prevalent across the basin. Approximately two to five barrels of produced water are produced for every barrel of oil produced in the Permian Basin, according to Enverus. The Permian Basin is expected to produce over 17.1 million barrels of water a day in 2021 according to Rystad while only producing 4.2 million barrels a day of crude oil according to Wood Mackenzie. As a result, the total market for produced water gathering in terms of number of barrels is significantly larger than that of crude oil gathering. Additionally, produced water handling costs comprise up to 40% of producers’ total lease-level operating expenses in the Permian Basin according to Wood Mackenzie. Many of our customers have stated goals of managing produced water volumes in an environmentally- responsible and cost-effective manner, highlighting the importance of our water management expertise and integrated and extensive asset base. We believe they will increasingly outsource water management to integrated produced water infrastructure and recycling companies like us to manage their water-related needs in a cost and capital effective manner, creating new business development and acquisition opportunities for us.
Water Recycling
Recycling produced water displaces the use of scarce groundwater which would otherwise be used for oil and gas operations. Treatment of produced water is required prior to reuse, which involves the removal of residual hydrocarbons, reduction of free iron and other solids and removal of bacteria to customer specifications. We have made a significant investment in our vast network of produced water gathering pipelines and recycling centers, which has positioned us as a leading independent third-party provider of recycled produced water gathered on a proprietary network in the Permian Basin. The scale of our system allows us to gather significant produced water volumes across a wide geographic area from multiple customers. The increasing volumes of
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produced water aggregated on our systems provide differentiated support for our recycling operations and ensures that sufficient volumes of recycled water are available to our customers when and where needed. Our expansive asset base allows us to deliver cost-effective, high-capacity and reliable produced water recycling solutions to operators, encouraging and enabling their rapid adoption of the use of recycled produced water while minimizing the use of groundwater in energy production. Between July 2019 (the month which we began recycling at scale) and June 2021, we have recycled approximately 38 million barrels, or approximately 1.6 billion gallons, of produced water. Our innovative technologies and recycling capabilities provide our customers with a secure and sustainable alternative to fresh and other sources of groundwater. By reducing our customers’ dependence on groundwater, we contribute to their sustainability efforts and the sustainability of the broader energy industry while also providing benefits to our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate. Importantly, recycling enables us to collect multiple fees on the same barrel of produced water while our overall Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel improves as we increase produced water recycling as we are able to avoid certain costs associated with traditional produced water handling operations.
Full-Cycle Water Management
The volume of water required for hydraulic fracturing and the volume of produced water generated from oil and gas production are each expected to significantly increase in the Permian Basin. Additionally, energy producers are increasingly focused on maximizing sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact in the areas in which they operate. These trends represent significant challenges for energy producers. We believe energy producers will increasingly depend on our expansive integrated produced water gathering and recycling assets that are designed specifically to meet these challenges. By developing these partnerships and outsourcing full-cycle produced water management, energy producers can preserve capital for their core operations and ultimately lower water management costs. We provide access to a substantial and growing source of produced water that can be recycled to support energy production, enabling energy producers to lower their water management costs and do so in an environmentally-responsible way.
The figure below demonstrates the movement of produced water through our pipelines for handling or recycling and the multiple points at which we can collect fees on the same barrel of water:

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Our Operations and Assets
Our Operations
We manage our business through a single operating segment comprising two primary revenue streams, Produced Water Handling and Water Solutions. 
Our Produced Water Handling business gathers, transports and, unless recycled, handles produced water generated from oil and natural gas production. Our Produced Water Handling business is supported by long-term contracts with acreage dedications or minimum volume commitments (“MVCs”), primarily with large, investment-grade operators.
Our Water Solutions business develops and operates recycling facilities to treat, store and recycle produced water. By aggregating significant volumes of produced water from multiple customers on our connected pipeline networks, we can efficiently recycle large volumes of produced water and deliver this recycled water back to our customers in the time frames, volumes and specifications required by their operations. As needed, we also supplement our recycled produced water with groundwater to meet the demands of our customers’ operations. We also transfer groundwater on behalf of third-party purchasers and sellers.
Our revenues are primarily driven by gathering produced water volumes for our Produced Water Handling business and delivering recycled water and groundwater volumes to customers for our Water Solutions business. Our Produced Water Handling volumes have more than doubled in the past two years as we continue to win long-term contracts with premier operators. Our Water Solutions volumes have experienced similar growth as activity levels have returned following volatile macroeconomic conditions in 2020.

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Asset Overview
Our recognized operational capability is supported by our automated and high-capacity integrated pipeline network, which we view as a critical differentiator. We have constructed or acquired over 640 miles of produced water pipeline, 48 produced water handling facilities and 10 high-capacity produced water recycling facilities. Our systems provide an alternative to operators managing their own produced water infrastructure. Increasingly, customers are requesting longer-term agreements that will continue to enable us to expand our asset base. Our assets and operations are located entirely in the Delaware and Midland sub-basins of the broader Permian Basin.
The following map describes our assets as of June 30, 2021:

Our Assets
Our pipeline and water handling assets are comprised primarily of pipelines, pumps and handling and recycling facilities in the core of the Delaware and Midland Basins. These interconnected assets support both our Produced Water Handling and Water Solutions businesses. Our pipeline network consists of over 640 installed miles of gathering pipelines, which includes over 440 miles of larger diameter (12- to 24-inch) pipelines.
Our handling facilities, which are designed to process, store and/or dispose of produced water that is not recycled, are essential to our ability to deliver reliable and cost-effective water gathering services to existing and prospective customers across a large geographic footprint. As of June 30, 2021, we had acquired or constructed 48 produced water handling facilities which had over 1.2 million barrels per day of capacity.
As of June 30, 2021
Pipelines
(miles)
Number of
Water
Handling
Facilities
Water
Handling
Capacity
(kbwpd)
Installed
640
48
1,232
We have secured significant permits and rights-of-way for additional pipelines and water handling facilities. As of June 30, 2021, we had 225 miles of additional permitted pipeline rights-of-way and approved permits for
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an additional 48 produced water handling facilities with over 1.5 million barrels per day of permitted handling capacity. This significant backlog of permitted handling capacity provides us with valuable optionality and a competitive advantage as it allows us to react quickly to meet existing and new customer demand without potential permitting delays.
As of June 30, 2021
Pipelines
(miles)
Number of
Water
Handling
Facilities
Water
Handling
Capacity
(kbwpd)
Permitted Not Installed
225
48
1,530
Volumes (kbwpd)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Produced Water Handling Volumes
684
570
Our recycling facilities include water filtration, treatment, storage and redelivery assets. We construct our recycling facilities at strategic locations on our pipeline network where there is both significant customer demand for recycled produced water and high volumes of produced water available. We currently have 10 permanently installed facilities operational in the Delaware Basin with 550,000 barrels per day of treatment capacity and access to over 9.5 million barrels of owned or leased storage capacity.
As of June 30, 2021
Number of
Water
Recycling
Facilities
Water Recycling
Capacity
(kbwpd)
Active Facilities
10
550
We also have the option to rapidly expand our recycling footprint as needed by developing an additional 14 locations that are either permitted or in the process of being permitted. We operate and construct both fixed treatment facilities and modular treatment systems that we can quickly assemble to capitalize on market opportunities.
As of June 30, 2021
Number of
Water
Recycling
Facilities
Water Recycling
Capacity
(kbwpd)
Permitted or In Process Facilities
14
950
Volumes (kbwpd)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Recycled Produced Water Volumes Sold
88
44
Our Customers and Contracts
Customers 
We have long-term contracts with some of the most active and well-capitalized oil and gas operators in the Permian Basin which are increasingly focused on sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact of their operations. Since inception, we have consistently won new contracts and deepened relationships with existing customers, many of which have executed multiple contracts with us. As of June 30, 2021, we had entered into over 125 contracts for our Produced Water Handling and Water Solutions businesses with more than 35 different customers across approximately 550,000 dedicated acres. As of June 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining life of our Produced Water Handling acreage dedication contracts was approximately 10 years. Our five largest customers for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were affiliates of ConocoPhillips, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation and Chevron Corporation. These five customers represented approximately 76% of our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
Contracts — Produced Water Handling
As produced water volumes from oil and natural gas production in the Permian Basin have significantly grown in recent years, long-term contract structures like those used in the hydrocarbon midstream sector have been adopted for water services. In our Produced Water Handling business, we primarily enter into two types of
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contracts with our customers: acreage dedications and MVCs. These contractual arrangements are generally long-term. All produced water transported on our gathering pipeline infrastructure for handling or recycling is subject to fee-based contracts, which are generally subject to annual CPI-based adjustments.
Acreage dedications. Acreage dedications are term contracts pursuant to which a customer dedicates all water produced from current and future wells that they own or operate in a dedicated area to our system. In turn, we commit to gather and handle or recycle such produced water. As of June 30, 2021, our acreage dedications covered approximately 550,000 acres and had a weighted average remaining life of approximately 10 years.
MVCs. Under our MVC contracts, our customers guarantee to (i) deliver a certain minimum daily volume of produced water to our pipeline network at an agreed upon fee, or (ii) pay a deficiency fee if the minimum daily volume is not met for a specified period. As of June 30, 2021, our contracted aggregate MVCs totaled greater than 160,000 bwpd of produced water and the weighted average remaining life of our MVCs was over three years.
We also enter into spot arrangements whereby we can elect to gather and handle our customers’ produced water to the extent we have capacity on our systems when they request offtake capacity. We refer to these volumes as spot volumes. When producers have a need for produced water handling services at locations which are not otherwise contracted to us, we will enter into spot arrangements in order to utilize available capacity and increase volume throughput on our systems.
The following table provides an overview of our active contracts:
Percentage of Produced Water Handling Revenue(1)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Acreage Dedication
75%
71%
Minimum Volume Commitments
17%
21%
Spot Volumes
8%
8%
Total
100%
100%
(1)
Produced Water Handling Revenue does not include skim oil sales.
Acreage Dedications
As of
June 30, 2021
Acreage Under Contract (thousands of acres)
550
Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)
9.7
 
 
Minimum Volume Commitments
 
Volumetric Commitment (kbwpd)
162
Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)
3.6
Contracts — Water Solutions
Our Water Solutions contracts are primarily structured as spot contracts or acreage dedications where we agree to supply water, including recycled water, to our customers for their operations.
We believe our integrated business model, history of operational execution, asset footprint and commitment to produced water recycling are important to current and prospective customers and support our leading position in water recycling in the Permian Basin. We are increasingly entering into longer-term contracts with new and existing customers to provide them with recycled water and groundwater.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe the following strengths of our business position us to capitalize on continued demand growth for full-cycle water management services, reinforce our leadership position and distinguish us from our competitors:
Extensive infrastructure asset footprint in the Permian Basin provides a strong platform for growth
Our infrastructure assets are strategically located in the core areas of the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific crude oil and natural gas basins in the world. The acreage that our assets overlay has some of the highest returns of unconventional plays in the United States. We believe that the compelling economics underlying the
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acreage dedicated to our system makes such acreage core to our customers’ long-term development plans. Our customers are increasingly prioritizing the sustainability of their operations, and we believe that increased adoption of recycled water in their operations will help them achieve certain sustainability-focused goals. Our extensive asset base, which includes more than 640 miles of produced water pipelines, 48 water handling facilities and 10 high-capacity produced water recycling facilities, comprises the infrastructure network of choice for many of the leading operators in the Permian Basin.
We believe that to ensure a reliable supply of recycled produced water requires large scale assets with the capability to simultaneously gather produced water from and supply recycled produced water to multiple operators. Our infrastructure footprint is complementary to the operations of many blue-chip operators in the Permian Basin. We believe our long-term contracts with our strong customer base, together with our asset base, which required years to design, permit and construct, represent both significant barriers to entry for new entrants and a competitive advantage over existing competitors which may have smaller or more divided pipeline systems, operate in other basins or less prolific areas of the Permian, or who do not have the ability to provide full-cycle water management solutions.
Cash flow growth supported by long-term contracts with blue chip customers
We believe our customer base is the strongest amongst our peers, with four of our top five customers in 2020 rated as investment grade. We believe that this financial strength positions our customers well to execute on their near-term and long-term business objectives, provides the capital necessary to efficiently develop their upstream assets and supports our long-term financial outlook. We have dedications with all the top 10 oil producers in the Northern Delaware Basin. In addition, our top three customers accounted for approximately 28% of Northern Delaware oil production and approximately 21% of total Delaware and Midland production for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
As of June 30, 2021, we had entered into over 125 contracts for our Produced Water Handling and Water Solutions businesses with more than 35 different customers. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 92% of our Produced Water Handling revenues were attributable to acreage dedications or MVC contracts. We believe these arrangements provide a stable base of cash flows that support the prudent, organic growth of our operations. Our customers have guaranteed over 160,000 barrels per day of MVCs with a weighted average remaining life of over three years as of June 30, 2021.
Demonstrated leadership and innovation in recycling and sustainable water management
We believe our leadership in sustainable water management is valued by our customers and enables them to achieve certain sustainability-related objectives. We believe we are the leading independent third-party provider of recycled water gathered on a proprietary network in the Permian Basin and, upon completion of this offering, will be the only independent pure-play Permian infrastructure company in the public market. We reduce the carbon and water footprint of oil and gas operators by supplying them with meaningful quantities of recycled water across our expansive pipeline network and eliminating the need for trucks to haul water. Our goal is to maximize the amount of produced water we recycle as a percentage of the produced water we gather, providing significant economic and environmental benefits. By transporting our customers’ produced water by pipeline rather than traditional trucking methods, we contribute to a meaningful reduction of their carbon footprint and enable them to achieve certain environmental goals. We estimate that in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, we eliminated approximately 1.0 million and 1.8 million truck trips, respectively, and avoided the release of approximately 89,000 and 160,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the environment, respectively.
Through one of our subsidiaries, we are partnering with leading scientists and universities in the field of water treatment to identify, adapt and pilot innovative technologies for beneficial reuse of produced water. We are actively working with the U.S. Department of Energy and the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium to advance certain initiatives related to produced water management, treatment technologies and beneficial reuse. We have identified potential opportunities to treat and discharge produced water for beneficial use including supplementing irrigation water demand, recharging aquifer systems, providing irrigation for range grasses for carbon sequestration, and process water for direct air capture carbon sequestration. We are well-positioned to help the energy industry through continued research and development of technology related to the recycling and beneficial use of produced water. These initiatives are expected to provide long-term benefits to our customers, shareholders and the communities in which we operate.
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Strong financial profile with flexibility to support our growth objectives
Since inception in 2016, we have invested a significant amount of capital in organic growth projects and acquisitions to build scale and provide an attractive and resilient free cash flow profile. We are recognizing the benefits of these prior investments and focusing on continuing to deploy capital to the most accretive near and long-term growth opportunities. We conservatively manage our balance sheet with a leverage target of 2.5 to 3.5 times net debt to Adjusted EBITDA. We believe that our cash flows, undrawn credit facility and conservative leverage profile will provide us with the financial flexibility to fund attractive growth opportunities in the future.
Highly experienced, entrepreneurial management team incentivized for long-term value creation
Our proven management team has extensive expertise in water management and treatment, midstream, oilfield services and energy investing and an extensive history of shareholder value creation through organic development and M&A-related growth. Our executive management team has an average of over 30 years of experience and has founded and/or held executive positions in successful midstream, oilfield service, private equity and water management companies. We have deep domain knowledge and are recognized as leaders in our respective fields with strong relationships with existing and prospective customers, which we believe is core to our overall strategy.
As meaningful equity owners, our management team is committed to operational excellence and efficient business execution. Our management team has a strong track record of maximizing long-term value creation while limiting downside risk. We consistently operate our business in a way that creates long-term value by developing projects in a capital efficient manner, focusing on costs, execution, and system optimization while maintaining a safe operational environment. We believe that having offices in Houston, Texas, and in the Permian Basin in Midland, Texas and Carlsbad, New Mexico, enhances our ability to execute on our business plan, helping our team develop important local relationships with customers, service providers and landowners.
Our Business Strategies
Our primary objective is to maximize shareholder value by growing our business in a capital efficient manner while maintaining strong financial flexibility. We intend to accomplish this objective by executing the following strategies:
Utilize our integrated systems to maximize value for shareholders while generating multiple streams of revenue
We operate our assets as integrated, high-capacity infrastructure networks capable of gathering, recycling, redelivering and handling produced water. Our assets allow us to gather produced water at multiple points from multiple operators and recycle and redistribute such water to our customers. The connectivity and flexibility of our systems provide our customers with operational reliability and access to a high-volume supply of recycled water. The scale of our assets relative to our dedicated acreage and excess capacity built into our systems allows us to efficiently deploy capital across our system, resulting in highly accretive growth projects. Because our produced water handling and recycling services are integrated, we can generate revenue at multiple points for the same barrel of water, further enhancing our expected returns from capital deployed.
Focus on long-term relationships with blue chip customers under fee-based contracts to grow our cash flows
We intend to grow our cash flows by supporting our existing customers in their growth objectives while continuing our business development efforts to capture additional contracts from new or existing customers. Since inception, we have focused on strong business development as an integral to success and we have continually grown our relationships with the majority of our customers. In 2020 alone we added over 200,000 dedicated acres and established new water recycling relationships with five new customers. As we grow, we intend to maintain our focus on providing services under long-term, fee-based contracts in order to enhance the stability of our cash flows. We target long-term contracts with an average term of over 10 years. Additionally, many of our contracts include MVCs and/or acreage dedications, and we intend to enter into contracts with similar or more favorable provisions in the future as we continue to grow our business. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 92% of our Produced Water Handling revenues were attributable to acreage dedications or MVC contracts.
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Increase our recycled water throughput and reduce groundwater withdrawals to advance sustainability and improve our margins
We are committed to responsibly developing and operating our infrastructure and deploying technology to advance sustainability. We are a leader in helping operators in the Permian Basin transition away from using groundwater sources for completions and instead utilize a sustainable source of recycled water. Increasing the use of recycled water not only helps our customers achieve their sustainability goals but also allows us to collect multiple fees on the same barrel of water while improving our profit margins as we are able to avoid certain costs associated with standalone produced water handling. The ability to increase cost savings and improve margins provides us with a second leg of earnings growth beyond increasing our throughput volumes. Through our ambitious long-term targets, we will continue to facilitate greater recycled-produced water adoption across the industry. We have set internal goals that 85% and 98% of all water sold to our customers will be recycled produced water by 2025 and 2030, respectively.
Maximize shareholder value and capitalize on accretive expansion opportunities
We seek to maximize shareholder returns by prudently deploying capital to the most accretive growth opportunities, returning capital to shareholders where appropriate, and conservatively managing our balance sheet. Our business plan focuses on growing our free cash flows by supporting our customers’ regional production and sustainability goals through long-term, fee-based contracts. We believe growing our free cash flows over time will allow us flexibility to enhance shareholder returns by returning capital to shareholders, such as through dividends and share buybacks (to the extent determined by our Board).
We have a disciplined capital allocation process and evaluate all growth capital expenditures on a project-level returns basis. We maintain close relationships and open communication with our customers, which allows us to accelerate or delay our capital plans in real-time, maximizing our efficiency and return on capital deployed.
Our management has successfully permitted, developed, constructed and operated the assets needed to service growing total barrels handled, sold or transferred in the Permian Basin, while maintaining a conservative capital structure, sufficient liquidity and ample financial flexibility to meet our objectives and those of our customers. We intend to continue to pursue accretive growth projects that meet our return thresholds and strategically improve the value of our assets. Our integrated network provides accretive, organic growth opportunities where we expect to expand and enhance the value of our existing infrastructure.
In addition, we plan to evaluate and strategically pursue acquisitions that create synergies, strengthen our relationships with existing and prospective customers and meet our financial return thresholds while maintaining significant balance sheet flexibility.
Organizational Structure
Aris Inc. was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in May 2021. Following this offering and the related transactions, we will be a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of membership interests in Solaris LLC. Solaris LLC owns all of the outstanding equity interest in the subsidiaries through which we operate our assets. After the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this prospectus, we will be the sole managing member of Solaris LLC and will be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to Solaris LLC’s business and will consolidate financial results of Solaris LLC and its subsidiaries.
In connection with this offering, (a) all of the membership interests in Solaris LLC held by its existing owners, including those owned by ConocoPhillips, Trilantic, Yorktown and certain of our officers and directors and the other current members of Solaris LLC (collectively, the “Existing Owners”), will be converted into (i) a single class of units in Solaris LLC, which we refer to in this prospectus as “Solaris LLC Units,” representing in the aggregate 34,078,344 Solaris LLC Units, (ii) the right to receive the distributions of cash and shares of Class B common stock described in clause (c) and (d) below and (iii) in the case of certain Existing Owners, the right to receive shares of Class A common stock described in clause (b)(i), (b) Aris Inc. will (i) issue 1,771,656 shares of its Class A common stock to certain Existing Owners and (ii) issue and contribute 34,078,344 shares of its Class B common stock and all of the net proceeds of this offering it receives to Solaris LLC in exchange for a number of Solaris LLC Units equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued in the offering by Aris Inc. and the number of shares of Class A common stock issued to certain Existing Owners, as described in
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this clause (b) (in each case assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), (c) Solaris LLC will use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to distribute to the Existing Owners an aggregate amount of cash equal to 14,705,882 times the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock after underwriting discounts and commissions and (d) Solaris LLC will distribute to each of the Existing Owners one share of Class B common stock for each Solaris LLC Unit such Existing Owner holds. If we increase or decrease the number of shares of Class A common stock sold in this offering, (i) the number of Solaris LLC Units and shares of Class B common stock issued to our Existing Owners will correspondingly decrease or increase, respectively, and (ii) the amount of cash distributed to our Existing Owners will correspondingly increase or decrease, respectively. After giving effect to these transactions and the offering contemplated by this prospectus, Aris Inc. will own an approximate 36.3% interest in Solaris LLC (or 41.0% if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) and the Existing Owners will own an approximate 63.7% interest in Solaris LLC (or 59.0% if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full). In addition, certain Existing Owners will own approximately 9.1% of our Class A common stock (or 7.5% if the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full). Please see “Principal Stockholders.”
To the extent the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full or in part, Aris Inc. will contribute the net proceeds therefrom to Solaris LLC in exchange for an additional number of Solaris LLC Units equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued pursuant to the underwriters’ option. Solaris LLC will use any such net proceeds to redeem from the Existing Owners on a pro rata basis a number of Solaris LLC Units (together with an equivalent number of shares of our Class B common stock) equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.
Each share of Class B common stock has no economic rights but entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. We do not intend to list our Class B common stock on any exchange.
Following this offering, under the Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Solaris LLC (the “Solaris LLC Agreement”), each Existing Owner will, subject to certain limitations, have the right (the “Redemption Right”) to cause Solaris LLC to acquire all or a portion of its Solaris LLC Units for, at Solaris LLC’s election, (x) shares of our Class A common stock at a redemption ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each Solaris LLC Unit redeemed, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassification and other similar transactions, or (y) an equivalent amount of cash. Alternatively, upon the exercise of the Redemption Right, Aris Inc. (instead of Solaris LLC) will have the right (the “Call Right”) to acquire each tendered Solaris LLC Unit directly from the exchanging Existing Owner for, at Aris Inc.’s election, (x) one share of Class A common stock or (y) an equivalent amount of cash. In addition, upon a change of control of Aris Inc., Aris Inc. has the right to require each holder of Solaris LLC Units (other than Aris Inc.) to exercise its Redemption Right with respect to some or all of such unitholder’s Solaris LLC Units. In connection with any redemption of Solaris LLC Units pursuant to the Redemption Right or our Call Right, the corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Solaris LLC Agreement.” The Existing Owners will have the right, under certain circumstances, to cause us to register the offer and resale of their shares of Class A common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”
Aris Inc.’s acquisition or Solaris LLC's redemption, respectively, of Solaris LLC Units in connection with this offering or pursuant to an exercise of the Redemption Right or the Call Right are expected to result in adjustments to the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Solaris LLC, and, as the case may be, some or all of such adjustments will be allocated to Aris Inc. The adjustments allocated to Aris Inc. would not have been available to Aris Inc. absent the acquisition of Solaris LLC Units and are expected to reduce the amount of cash tax that Aris Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future.
We will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”) with the Existing Owners and permitted transferees (each such person, a “TRA Holder,” and together, the “TRA Holders”) at the closing of this offering. The Tax Receivable Agreement will generally provide for the payment by Aris Inc. to each TRA Holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax and franchise tax that Aris Inc. actually realizes (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local
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taxes) or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances in periods after this offering as a result of certain increases in tax basis that occur as a result of Aris Inc.’s acquisition or Solaris LLC's redemption, respectively, of all or a portion of such TRA Holder’s Solaris LLC Units in connection with this offering or pursuant to the exercise of the Redemption Right or the Call Right. Aris Inc. will retain the remaining 15% of these cash savings. For additional information regarding the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”
Because we are a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement is dependent on the ability of Solaris LLC to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient to cover our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock—We are a holding company. Our sole material asset after completion of this offering will be our equity interest in Solaris LLC and we will be accordingly dependent upon distributions from Solaris LLC to pay taxes, make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and cover our corporate and other overhead expenses.” If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and change of control events) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach), we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. On a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2021, we estimate the liability associated with this lump-sum payment would be approximately $210.4 million. Please see the pro forma financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus for more information and assumptions underlying this estimate.
The following diagram reflects our simplified ownership structure immediately prior to this offering and the transactions related thereto:

(1)
Includes ConocoPhillips, Trilantic, Yorktown, certain of our officers and directors and the other current members of Solaris LLC.
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The following diagram reflects our simplified ownership structure immediately following this offering and the transactions related thereto (assuming the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is not exercised):

(1)
Includes ConocoPhillips, Trilantic, Yorktown, certain of our officers and directors and the other current members of Solaris LLC. See “Corporate Reorganization.”
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an emerging growth company (“EGC”) as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). For so long as we remain an EGC, we are permitted, and have elected, to rely on exemptions from specified disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not EGCs. These exemptions include:
being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure;
not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting;
not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;
reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and
exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and obtaining stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
We may take advantage of these provisions for up to five years following completion of this offering or such earlier time when we are no longer an EGC. We will cease to be an EGC if we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenue, have more than $700 million in market value of our capital stock held by
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non-affiliates or issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some, but not all, of the available exemptions. We have taken advantage of some reduced reporting requirements in this prospectus. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you may hold stock. For a description of the qualifications and other requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and certain elections that we have made due to our status as an emerging growth company, see “Risk Factors—Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock—For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.”
The JOBS Act provides that an EGC may take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We intend to take advantage of all of the reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under Section 107 of the JOBS Act until we are no longer an emerging growth company. Our election to use the phase-in periods permitted by this election may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the longer phase-in periods under Section 107 of the JOBS Act and who will comply with new or revised financial accounting standards. If we were to subsequently elect instead to comply with these public company effective dates, such election would be irrevocable pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act.
Corporate Information
We were originally formed in 2016 as Solaris LLC, by our management, Trilantic, Yorktown and other investors to focus on developing sustainable built-for-purpose produced water infrastructure and produced water recycling solutions. Our principal executive offices are located at 9811 Katy Freeway, Suite 700, Houston, Texas 77024, and we have additional offices in Midland, Texas and Carlsbad, New Mexico. Our website address is www.ariswater.com. We expect to make our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) available, free of charge, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information contained on our website or linked therein or otherwise connected thereto does not constitute part of and is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Summary of Our Risk Factors
An investment in our Class A common stock involves risks. Among these important risks are the following:
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business depends on capital spending by the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin, which could be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely affect our business.
If oil prices or natural gas prices remain volatile or were to decline, the demand for our services could be adversely affected.
We operate in a highly competitive industry, which could negatively affect our ability to expand our operations.
Growing our business by constructing new transportation systems and facilities subjects us to construction risks.
We may be unable to attract and retain key members of management, qualified members of our Board and other key personnel.
We may be unable to implement price increases or maintain existing prices on our services.
Inherent risks associated with our operations may not be fully covered under our insurance policies.
The loss of one or more of our customers could adversely affect our business.
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Because a significant portion of our revenues is derived from ConocoPhillips, any development that materially and adversely affects ConocoPhillips’ operations, financial condition or market reputation could have a material adverse impact on us.
Our lack of diversification increases the risk of an investment in us and we are vulnerable to risks associated with operating primarily in one geographic area.
We could be harmed by a default of one of our customers.
We may be required to take write-downs of the carrying values of certain assets and goodwill.
Restrictive covenants under our debt instruments may limit our financial flexibility.
Our leverage may limit our ability to borrow additional funds, comply with the terms of our indebtedness or capitalize on business opportunities.
Increases in interest rates could adversely impact the price of our shares, our ability to issue equity or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
Restrictions on the ability to procure water could decrease the demand for our services.
Legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address seismic activity could restrict our ability to recycle or handle produced water.
Fuel conservation measures could reduce demand for our services.
We may be subject to claims for personal injury and property damage.
Unsatisfactory safety performance may negatively affect our customer relationships.
We are subject to environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant liabilities for penalties and other costs.
Climate change legislation, laws, and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our reputation.
A portion of our customers’ oil and gas leases are granted by the federal government, which may suspend or terminate such leases.
Laws and regulations related to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions that may reduce demand for our services.
Restrictions on drilling related to the protection of certain species of wildlife or their habitat could adversely affect our customer’s ability to conduct drilling and related activities in areas where we operate.
We may face increased obligations relating to the closing of our water handling facilities.
Delays or restrictions in obtaining or renewing permits by us for our operations or by our customers for their operations could impair our business.
Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock
Our sole material asset after completion of this offering will be our equity interest in Solaris LLC and we will be accordingly dependent upon distributions from Solaris LLC to pay taxes and other expenses.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management.
If we fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements that apply to other public companies.
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The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering.
Certain of our directors have significant duties with, and spend significant time serving, entities that may compete with us in seeking acquisitions and business opportunities and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating time or pursuing business opportunities.
Our governing organizational documents, as well as Delaware law, will contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals.
Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $12.13 per share.
We cannot assure you that we will pay any dividends on our Class A common stock, and our indebtedness could limit our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.
The underwriters of this offering may waive or release parties to the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering.
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our Class A common stock.
General Risks
A terrorist attack or political unrest in various energy producing regions could harm our business.
We are subject to cybersecurity risks and may not be able to keep pace with technological developments in our industry.
You should carefully read and consider the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 28 and the other information in this prospectus before investing in our Class A common stock.
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The Offering
Issuer
Aris Water Solutions, Inc.
Class A common stock offered by us
17,650,000 shares (or 20,297,500 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full).
Class A common stock outstanding immediately after this offering
19,421,656 shares (or 21,935,503 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full).
Class B common stock outstanding immediately after this offering
34,078,344 shares (or 31,564,497 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full), or one share for each Solaris LLC Unit held by the Existing Owners immediately following this offering. Class B shares are non-economic. When a Solaris LLC Unit is redeemed for a share of Class A common stock, a corresponding share of Class B common stock will be cancelled.
Voting power of Class A common stock after giving effect to this offering
36.3% (or (i) 41.0% if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full and (ii) 100% if all outstanding Solaris LLC Units held by the Existing Owners are redeemed (along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock) for newly issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis).
Voting power of Class B common stock after giving effect to this offering
63.7% (or (i) 59.0% if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full and (ii) 0% if all outstanding Solaris LLC Units held by the Existing Owners are redeemed (along with a corresponding number of shares of our Class B common stock) for newly issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis).
Voting rights
Each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. Each share of our Class B common stock entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders generally. Holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. See “Description of Capital Stock.”
Use of proceeds
We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $17.00 per share of Class A common stock (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this
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prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses of this offering and the Reorganization payable by us, will be approximately $280.2 million.
We intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering received by us to Solaris LLC in exchange for Solaris LLC Units.
Following such contribution, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to distribute approximately $236.3 million of the net proceeds to Existing Owners as part of the corporate reorganization being undertaken in connection with this offering. Solaris LLC will retain the remaining $43.9 million of the net proceeds. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no specific plan for these remaining net proceeds. However, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, working capital and potential acquisitions and strategic transactions. Please see “Use of Proceeds.”
Dividend policy
Depending on factors deemed relevant by our Board, following completion of this offering, our Board may elect to declare cash dividends on our Class A common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in our debt (as further discussed herein). The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board, which will be constituted upon completion of this offering and comprise a majority of independent directors. Our Board has not declared any dividends, and we do not expect to adopt a written dividend policy. Our Board may determine not to declare any cash dividends. Our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under any indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. Our Restated Credit Agreement (as defined herein) generally permits Solaris LLC to pay distributions to us if (i) such distributions are funded using only Available Cash (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement), (ii) Solaris LLC's leverage ratio (calculated pursuant to the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis and (iii) Solaris LLC has liquidity in excess of 15% of the existing commitments under the Restated Credit Agreement. If no loans are outstanding under our Restated Credit Agreement before or after such distribution, the leverage ratio specified in clause (ii) is increased to 4.00 to 1.00 and clause (iii) does not apply. The indenture that governs our notes generally permits Solaris LLC to pay distributions to us if Solaris LLC's Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in such
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indenture) is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such distribution. In addition, as long as Solaris LLC's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture) for the prior four fiscal quarters is not less than 2.00 to 1.00, the indenture permits Solaris LLC to make distributions to us so long as such distribution, together with other distributions, does not exceed a basket amount determined by adding (i) 50% of Solaris LLC's Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the indenture) taken as one period from January 1, 2021 to the most recently completed fiscal quarter, plus (ii) cash contributions to the equity of Solaris LLC and the fair market value of property acquired with Solaris LLC's equity interests or contributed to its common equity capital, plus (iii) certain other other items, which basket amount is reduced by distributions made pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test described in the immediately prior sentence. Solaris LLC also has the ability under the indenture to make distributions in an amount not in excess of $15.0 million since the date of the indenture. Holders of our Class B common stock will not be entitled to cash dividends.
Following the Reorganization and this offering, Aris Inc. will be a holding company and its sole material asset will be ownership of the Solaris LLC Units, of which it will be the managing member. Subject to funds being legally available for distribution, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to advance distributions to Aris Inc. in an amount intended to enable Aris Inc. to pay certain applicable taxes as well as advance distributions to allow Aris Inc. to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and any subsequent tax receivable agreements that we may enter into in connection with future acquisitions. If an advance is made to Aris Inc. to enable it to pay certain applicable taxes, Aris Inc. will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Solaris LLC to make advance distributions to each of the members of Solaris LLC. The advance distributions, if any, made to the members of Solaris LLC generally will be pro rata based on each member's ownership of Solaris LLC units, calculated based on the amount distributed to Aris Inc. If the amount of tax distributions to be made exceeds the amount of funds available for distribution, Aris Inc. will receive the full amount of its tax distribution before the other members receive any distribution and the balance, if any, of funds available for distribution will be distributed to the other members pro rata in accordance with each member's ownership of Solaris LLC units, calculated based on the amount distributed to Aris Inc. See “Dividend Policy.”
Redemption Rights of Existing Owners
Under the Solaris LLC Agreement, each Existing Owner will, subject to certain limitations, have the right, pursuant to the Redemption Right, to cause Solaris LLC
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to acquire all or a portion of its Solaris LLC Units for, at Solaris LLC’s election, (x) shares of our Class A common stock at a redemption ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each Solaris LLC Unit redeemed, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassification and other similar transactions, or (y) an equivalent amount of cash. Alternatively, upon the exercise of the Redemption Right, Aris Inc. (instead of Solaris LLC) will have the right, pursuant to the Call Right, to acquire each tendered Solaris LLC Unit directly from the redeeming Existing Owner for, at Aris Inc.’s election, (x) one share of Class A common stock or (y) an equivalent amount of cash. In addition, upon a change of control of Aris Inc., Aris Inc. has the right to require each holder of Solaris LLC Units (other than Aris Inc.) to exercise its Redemption Right with respect to some or all of such unitholder’s Solaris LLC Units. In connection with any redemption of Solaris LLC Units pursuant to the Redemption Right or our Call Right, the corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Solaris LLC Agreement.”
Tax Receivable Agreement
Aris Inc.’s acquisition or Solaris LLC's redemption, respectively, of Solaris LLC Units in connection with this offering or pursuant to an exercise of the Redemption Right or the Call Right, as the case may be, is expected to result in adjustments to the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Solaris LLC and some or all of such adjustments will be allocated to Aris Inc. These adjustments would not have been available to Aris Inc. absent its acquisition of Solaris LLC Units and are expected to reduce the amount of cash tax that Aris Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future.
In connection with the closing of this offering, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the TRA Holders which will generally provide for the payment by Aris Inc. to each TRA Holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax and franchise tax that Aris Inc. actually realizes or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances in periods after this offering as a result of certain tax basis increases and deemed interest deductions arising from these payments. We will retain the remaining 15% of these cash savings. If we experience a change of control or there is an early termination under the Tax Receivable Agreement, we could be required to make an immediate payment to TRA Holders under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”
Risk factors
You should carefully read and consider the information set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning
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on page 28, together with all of the other information set forth in this prospectus, before deciding whether to invest in our Class A common stock.
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 5% of the shares of our Class A common stock offered by this prospectus (excluding the shares of Class A common stock that may be issued upon the underwriters' exercise of their option to purchase additional shares) to individuals, including our officers, directors and employees, as well as friends and family members of our officers and directors. The sales of shares of our Class A common stock will be made by Raymond James & Associates, Inc. The number of shares of our Class A common stock available for sale to the general public, referred to as the general public shares, will be reduced to the extent that these persons purchase all or a portion of the reserved shares. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered by this prospectus. Likewise, to the extent demand by these persons exceeds the number of shares reserved for sale in the program, and there are remaining shares available for sale to these persons after the general public shares have first been offered for sale to the general public, then such remaining shares may be sold to these persons at the discretion of the underwriters. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act, in connection with sales of the directed shares. For more information regarding the directed share program, please read “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.”
Listing and trading symbol
We have been approved to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “ARIS.”
Unless otherwise noted, Class A common stock outstanding after the offering and other information based thereon in this prospectus does not reflect any of the following:
2,647,500 shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares;
5,350,000 shares of Class A common stock issuable under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), including: 
632,353 shares of Class A common stock underlying restricted stock units or other awards that may be granted to certain employees and non-employee directors pursuant to the 2021 Plan after the closing of this offering, the terms of which have not been decided; and
4,717,647 additional shares of Class A common stock to be reserved for future issuance of awards under the 2021 Plan; and
34,078,344 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance upon exchange of the Solaris LLC Units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) that will be outstanding immediately after this offering.
Throughout this prospectus, we present performance metrics and financial information regarding the business of Solaris LLC. This information is generally presented on an enterprise-wide basis. The public
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stockholders will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the economics of Solaris LLC’s operations through their ownership of our Class A common stock. Aris Inc.’s ownership of Solaris LLC Units initially will represent a minority share of Solaris LLC. The members of Solaris LLC initially will continue to hold a majority of the economic interest in the operations of Solaris LLC as non-controlling interest holders, through ownership of Solaris LLC Units. Prospective investors should be aware that the owners of the Class A common stock initially will be entitled only to a minority economic position, and therefore should evaluate performance metrics and financial information in this prospectus accordingly. As Solaris LLC Units are exchanged for Class A common stock over time (or, at our election, for cash), the percentage of the economic interest in Solaris LLC’s operations to which Solaris and the public stockholders are entitled will increase proportionately.
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Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data
Aris Inc. was formed in May 2021 and does not have historical financial operating results. The following table shows summary historical consolidated financial data of our accounting predecessor, Solaris LLC. The summary historical financial data set forth below as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary unaudited historical interim financial data set forth below as of and for each of the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and which, in the opinion of management, have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of this information. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements.
The summary historical financial data is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Corporate Reorganization,” our consolidated financial statements and related notes and our unaudited pro forma financial statements and related notes and other financial and operating information included elsewhere in this prospectus. Among other things, our historical consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the information in the following table. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period.
(Dollars in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2021
2020
2020
2019
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
Produced Water Handling
$85,810
$69,031
$141,659
$81,418
Water Solutions
16,963
15,061
29,813
37,375
Total revenues
102,773
84,092
171,472
118,793
Cost of revenue:
 
 
 
 
Direct operating costs
43,206
49,433
95,431
71,973
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
30,172
19,778
44,027
19,670
Total cost of revenue
73,378
69,211
139,458
91,643
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
General and administrative
10,012
8,648
18,663
15,299
(Gain) loss on disposal of asset, net
217
67
133
(5,100)
Transaction costs
77
3,099
3,389
1,010
Abandoned projects
1,356
1,133
2,125
2,444
Total operating expenses
11,662
12,947
24,310
13,653
Operating income
17,733
1,934
7,704
13,497
Other expense:
 
 
 
 
Other expense
380
176
Interest expense, net
9,975
3,265
7,674
260
Total other expense
10,355
3,265
7,674
436
Income (loss) before taxes
7,378
(1,331)
30
13,061
Income tax expense
2
6
23
1
Net income (loss)
$7,376
$(1,337)
$7
$13,060
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(Dollars in thousands, except per share and per barrel data) 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2021
2020
2020
2019
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Pro Forma Statement of Operations Data(1)
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net income(2)
$6,746
 
$4
 
Pro forma non-controlling interest(3)
4,712
 
(2,759)
 
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders(2)
2,055
 
(1,572)
 
Pro forma net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders(4)
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$0.11
 
$(0.08)
 
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
19,422
 
19,422
 
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$31,123
$14,986
$24,932
$7,083
Accounts receivable, net
25,928
22,893
21,561
33,523
Accounts receivable from affiliates
18,346
12,086
11,538
15,837
Total current assets
80,824
52,950
66,068
60,763
Total property, plant and equipment, net
649,980
596,074
618,188
481,790
Total assets
1,088,762
1,033,165
1,057,805
838,234
Total current liabilities
49,366
53,679
45,789
69,166
Long-term debt, net
391,115
280,000
297,000
220,000
Total liabilities
447,445
339,418
349,512
292,726
Total mezzanine equity
72,391
74,378
Total members’ equity
641,317
621,356
633,915
545,508
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$30,690
$40,911
$67,771
$4,149
Investing activities
(42,353)
(92,581)
(139,589)
(228,368)
Financing activities
17,854
59,572
89,667
223,959
Non-GAAP Measures:
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA(5)
$54,029
$35,919
$73,896
$47,199
Adjusted Operating Margin(5)
$63,820
$43,780
$91,020
$62,431
Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel(5)
$0.41
$0.36
$0.36
$0.35
Operating Data (kbwpd):
 
 
 
 
Produced Water Handling Volumes
684
562
570
343
Recycled Produced Water Volumes Sold
88
29
44
20
Groundwater Water Volumes Sold
51
65
61
77
Total Water Solutions Volumes Sold
139
94
105
97
Groundwater Water Volumes Transferred
43
11
11
49
Total Water Solutions Volumes Sold or Transferred
182
105
116
146
Total Volumes
866
667
686
489
(1)
For additional information regarding our pro forma information, please see the pro forma financial statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
(2)
Pro forma net income reflects a pro forma income tax expense of $0.6 million and $3 thousand, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, associated with the income tax effects of the corporate reorganization described under “Corporate Reorganization” and this offering. Aris Inc. is a corporation and is subject to U.S. federal and State of Texas income tax. Our predecessor, Solaris LLC, was not subject to U.S. federal income tax at an entity level. As a result, the consolidated net loss in our historical financial statements does not reflect the tax expense we would have incurred if we were subject to U.S. federal income tax at an entity level during such periods.
(3)
Reflects the pro forma adjustment to non-controlling interest and net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders to reflect the ownership of Solaris LLC Units by each of the Existing Owners.
(4)
Pro forma net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders and weighted average shares outstanding reflect the estimated number of shares of Class A common stock we expect to have outstanding upon the completion of our corporate reorganization described under “Corporate Reorganization.” Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding used to compute pro forma earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 does not take into account any time-based restricted stock unit awards that may be granted after the closing of this offering since the terms of any such awards have not been determined.
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(5)
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel are non-GAAP financial measures. Please read “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures of each. 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain non-GAAP performance measures to evaluate current and past performance and prospects for the future to supplement our GAAP financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are important factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the performance and liquidity measures included below.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), plus interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion expense, plus any impairment charges, abandoned project charges or asset write-offs, plus non-cash losses on the sale of assets or subsidiaries, losses on sale of assets, and non-recurring, extraordinary or unusual expenses or charges, including temporary power costs, litigation expenses, severance expenses and transaction costs, less any gains on sale of assets.
Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel
We define Adjusted Operating Margin as gross margin plus depreciation, amortization and accretion expense and plus temporary power costs. We define Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel as Adjusted Operating Margin divided by the total number of barrels handled, sold or transferred.
We believe this presentation is used by investors and professional research analysts for the valuation, comparison, rating, and investment recommendations of companies within our industry. Additionally, we use this information for comparative purposes within our industry. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as measures of liquidity or as alternatives to net income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel as defined by us may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and should be considered in conjunction with net income (loss) and other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as gross margin, operating income or cash flows from operating activities. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income as determined in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2021
2020
2021
2020
2020
2019
 
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
 
 
Net income (loss)
$4,561
$(931)
$7,376
$(1,337)
$7
$13,060
Interest expense, net
7,324
1,675
9,975
3,265
7,674
260
Income tax expense
2
2
2
6
23
1
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
15,215
10,289
30,172
19,778
44,027
19,670
Abandoned projects
1,145
498
1,356
1,133
2,125
2,444
Temporary power costs(1)
1,604
3,898
4,253
9,121
14,979
15,611
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net(2)
173
67
217
67
(5,173)
Settled litigation(3)
440
597
1,482
316
Transaction costs(4)
15
1,352
77
3,099
3,389
1,010
Other(5)
601
190
601
190
190
Adjusted EBITDA
$30,640
$17,480
$54,029
$35,919
$73,896
$47,199
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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of gross margin as determined in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per barrel data)
2021
2020
2021
2020
2020
2019
 
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
 
 
Gross margin(6)
$18,917
$7,193
$29,395
$14,881
$32,014
$27,150
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
15,215
10,289
30,172
19,778
44,027
19,670
Temporary power costs(1)
1,604
3,898
4,253
9,121
14,979
15,611
Adjusted Operating Margin
$35,736
$21,380
$63,820
$43,780
$91,020
$62,431
Total Volumes (mmbw)
84
55
157
120
251
178
Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel
$0.42
$0.39
$0.41
$0.36
$0.36
$0.35
(1)
In the past, to secure long-term produced water handling contracts we constructed assets in advance of grid power infrastructure availability. As a result, we rented temporary power generation equipment that would not be necessary if grid power connections were available. Temporary power costs are calculated by taking temporary power and rental expenses incurred during the period and subtracting estimated expenses that would have been incurred during such period had permanent grid power been available. Power infrastructure and permanent power availability rapidly expanded in the Permian Basin in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 and we made significant progress in reducing these expenses. Our temporary power expenses have been substantially eliminated as of the end of the second quarter of 2021.
(2)
Includes gains and losses on sale of assets.
(3)
Litigation is primarily related to a dispute regarding rights-of-way that was successfully settled in arbitration. Amounts represent legal expenses solely related to this dispute.
(4)
Represents certain transaction expenses primarily related to certain advisory and legal expenses associated with a recapitalization process that was terminated in first quarter 2020 and the Concho Acquisitions (as defined herein).
(5)
Represents severance charges and loss on debt modification.
(6)
The following table sets forth the calculation of our gross margin for each of the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
2019
 
(unaudited)
(unaudited)
 
 
Revenues
$56,584
$37,645
$102,773
$84,092
$171,472
$118,793
Cost of revenue
(37,667)
(30,452)
(73,378)
(69,211)
(139,458)
(91,643)
Gross margin (GAAP)
$18,917
$7,193
$29,395
$14,881
$32,014
$27,150
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. The risks described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial individually or in the aggregate may also impair our business operations. You should carefully consider the information in this prospectus, including the matters addressed under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the following risks before making an investment decision. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially adversely affected. The trading price of our Class A common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business depends on capital spending by the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin and reductions in capital spending as a result of the spread of COVID-19 or otherwise could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Demand for our services is directly affected by current and anticipated oil and natural gas prices and related capital spending by our customers to explore for, develop and produce oil and gas in the Permian Basin. Our Produced Water Handling revenues are substantially dependent upon oil, natural gas and NGL production from our customers’ upstream activity. Our Water Solutions revenues are substantially dependent upon the number of wells drilled and completed by our customers and the amount of water used in completing each well. In addition, there is a natural decline in production from existing wells that are connected to our gathering systems. Although we expect that our customers will continue to devote substantial resources to the development of oil and gas reserves, we have no control over this activity and our customers have the ability to reduce or curtail such development at their discretion. Prices for oil and gas historically have been extremely volatile and are expected to continue to be volatile, particularly in light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, Saudi Arabia and Russia failed to reach a decision to cut production of oil and gas along with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”). Subsequently, Saudi Arabia significantly reduced the prices at which it sells oil and announced plans to increase production. These events, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to a sharp drop in prices for oil in the first quarter of 2020 continuing into the second quarter of 2020. In April 2020, OPEC and Russia (together with OPEC and other allied producing countries, “OPEC+”) agreed to curtail oil production by approximately 10 million barrels per day. Further, some U.S. producers chose to shut-in or choke back production on specific wells to reduce production, but the impact of these cuts on the market price for oil and natural gas remains uncertain. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the average West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) spot price was $39.16, versus an average price of $62.21 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. While oil prices have improved since their lows in April 2020, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated impacts to oil demand will result in continued uncertainty around the near-term price of oil.
If oil and gas prices decline, our customers may further reduce their exploration, development and production activities and demand lower rates for our services or delay, modify, or terminate their use of our services. Volatility or weakness in oil prices or natural gas prices (or the perception that oil prices or natural gas prices will decrease) affects the spending patterns of our customers and may result in the drilling or completion of fewer new wells or lower production spending on existing wells. This, in turn, could lead to lower demand for our services and may cause lower rates and lower utilization of our assets. For example, multiple leading international and national oil companies, as well as public and private independent oil and gas producers, have reduced capital expenditures in 2020, and most of our customers have reduced their capital expenditures budget for 2021. Even in an environment of stronger oil and gas prices, fewer oil and gas completions in our market areas as a result of decreased capital spending may have a negative long-term impact on our business. Any of these conditions or events could adversely affect our operating results, as they did in 2020 and may continue to do so in 2021. If our customers fail to maintain or increase their capital spending and demand for our services, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
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Industry conditions are influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, including:
the severity and duration of world health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, related economic repercussions and the resulting severe disruption in the oil and gas industry and negative impact on demand for oil and gas, which negatively impacts the demand for our services;
domestic and foreign economic conditions and supply of and demand for oil and gas;
the level of prices, and expectations regarding future prices, of oil and gas;
the level of global oil and gas exploration and production and storage capacity;
operational challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, including logistical challenges resulting from limited worksite access, remote work arrangements, performance of contracts and supply chain disruption;
recommendations of, or restrictions imposed by, government and health authorities, including travel bans, quarantines, and shelter-in-place orders to address the COVID-19 pandemic;
actions by the members of OPEC+ with respect to oil production levels and announcements of potential changes in such levels, including the ability of the OPEC+ countries to agree on and comply with supply limitations;
governmental regulations, including environmental restrictions and the policies of governments regarding the exploration for and production and development of their oil and gas reserves;
taxation and royalty charges;
political and economic conditions in oil and gas producing countries;
global weather conditions, pandemics and natural disasters;
worldwide political, military and economic conditions;
the cost of producing and delivering oil and gas;
the discovery rates of new oil and gas reserves and the availability of commercially viable geographic areas in which to explore and produce crude oil and natural gas;
activities by non-governmental organizations to limit certain sources of funding for the energy sector or restrict the exploration, development and production of oil and gas;
the ability of oil and gas producers to access capital;
technical advances affecting production efficiencies and overall energy consumption; and
the potential acceleration of the development of alternative fuels.
The widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The global or national outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may cause disruptions to our business and operational plans, which may include (i) shortages of qualified employees in a given area, (ii) unavailability of contractors and subcontractors, (iii) interruption of supplies from third parties upon which we rely, (iv) recommendations of, or restrictions imposed by, government and health authorities, including quarantines, to address the COVID-19 pandemic, (v) restrictions that we and our contractors and subcontractors impose, including facility shutdowns or access restrictions, to ensure the safety of employees, and (vi) reductions, delays or cancellations of planned operations by our customers. Additionally, these disruptions could negatively impact our financial results.
Further, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns regarding its global spread have negatively impacted the global economy, reduced global oil demand, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial and commodities markets, which could lead to our customers curtailing existing production due to lack of downstream demand or storage capacity as well as reducing or eliminating the number of wells completed in the near to medium term. Additionally, a significant majority of states as well as
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local jurisdictions have imposed, and others in the future may impose, “stay-at-home” orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar government orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19. Such orders or restrictions, and the perception that such orders or restrictions could occur, have resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects.
The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives, will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of COVID-19 and related restrictions on travel and general mobility, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. An extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption, as well as significantly decreased demand for oil and gas, could materially affect our business, results of operations, access to sources of liquidity and financial condition, and we have experienced the negative impacts of such disruption since March 2020.
If oil prices or natural gas prices remain volatile or were to decline, the demand for our services could be adversely affected.
The volume of water we process is driven in large part by the level of crude oil production, which is primarily determined by current and anticipated oil and natural gas prices and the related levels of capital spending and drilling activity in the areas in which we have operations. In addition, a portion of our profitability in our Produced Water Handling business is generated from the sale of crude oil that we recover when processing produced water, and lower crude oil prices have an adverse impact on these profits. Volatility or weakness in oil prices or natural gas prices (or the perception that oil prices or natural gas prices will decrease) affects the spending patterns of our customers and may result in the drilling or completion of fewer new wells or lower production spending on existing wells. This, in turn, could lead to lower demand for our services and may cause lower rates and lower utilization of our assets. If oil prices or natural gas prices decline, or if completions activity is reduced, the demand for our services and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Prices for oil and gas historically have been extremely volatile and are expected to continue to be volatile. During 2020, WTI prices ranged from a low of $(36.98) to a high of $63.27 per barrel. In the first six months of 2021, WTI prices ranged from $47.47 to $74.21 per barrel. If the prices of oil and natural gas decline, our operations, financial condition, cash flows and level of expenditures may be materially and adversely affected.
The crude oil and natural gas production industry tends to run in cycles and may, at any time, cycle into a downturn; if that occurs, the rate at which it returns to former levels, if ever, will be uncertain. Prior adverse changes in the global economic environment and capital markets and declines in prices for crude oil and natural gas have caused many customers to reduce capital budgets for future periods and have caused decreased demand for crude oil and natural gas. Limitations on the availability of capital, or higher costs of capital, for financing expenditures have caused and may continue to cause customers to make additional reductions to capital budgets in the future even if commodity prices increase from current levels. These cuts in spending may curtail drilling programs and other discretionary spending, which could result in a reduction in business opportunities and demand for our services, the rates we can charge and our utilization. In addition, certain of our customers could become unable to satisfy their contractual commitments, including to us, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operation. These unprecedented conditions also make it more difficult for us to forecast future results.
We operate in a highly competitive industry, which may intensify as our competitors expand their water supply, produced water recycling, and produced water handling operations, thereby causing us to lose market share, and which could negatively affect our ability to expand our operations.
The Produced Water Handling and Water Solutions businesses are highly competitive and include numerous companies capable of competing effectively in our markets on a local basis. In our Water Solutions business, we compete with landowners, water supply and transfer companies, and companies who engage in the sale or treatment of produced water. Our Produced Water Handling business is in direct and indirect competition with other businesses, including water handling and other produced water treatment businesses. Some of our larger diversified competitors have a similarly broad geographic scope, as well as greater financial and other resources than us, while others focus on specific basins only and may have locally competitive cost efficiencies as a result.
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Additionally, there may be new companies that enter the water solutions business, or our existing and potential customers may develop their own water solutions businesses. Our ability to maintain current revenue and cash flows, and our ability to expand our operations, could be adversely affected by the activities of our competitors and our customers. If our competitors substantially increase the resources they devote to the development and marketing of competitive services or substantially decrease the prices at which they offer their services, we may be unable to effectively compete. If our existing and potential customers develop their own water solutions businesses, we may not be able to effectively replace that revenue. All of these competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive, and in certain businesses we compete with other companies that have greater resources than us. Many of our larger competitors provide a broader base of services on a regional, national or worldwide basis. These companies may have a greater ability to continue providing water infrastructure services during periods of low commodity prices, to contract for equipment, to secure trained personnel, to secure contracts and permits and to absorb the burden of present and future federal, state, provincial, local and other laws and regulations (as applicable). Any inability to compete effectively with larger companies could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Growing our business by constructing new transportation systems and facilities subjects us to construction risks and risks that supplies for such systems and facilities will not be available upon completion thereof.
One of the ways we intend to grow our business is through the construction of expansions to our systems and/or the construction of new produced water pipelines, treatment facilities and water handling facilities. These expansion projects require the expenditure of significant amounts of capital, which may exceed our resources, and involve numerous regulatory, environmental, political and legal uncertainties, including political opposition by landowners, environmental activists and others. There can be no assurance that we will complete these projects on schedule, or at all, or at the budgeted cost. Our revenues may not increase upon the expenditure of funds on a particular project. Moreover, we may undertake expansion projects to capture anticipated future growth in production in a region in which anticipated production growth does not materialize or for which we are unable to acquire new customers. As a result, our new facilities and infrastructure may not be able to attract enough demand for our services to achieve our expected investment return, which could materially and adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
We may face opposition to the operation of our water pipelines and facilities from various groups.
We may face opposition to the operation of our water pipelines and facilities from environmental groups, landowners, tribal groups, local groups and other advocates. Such opposition could take many forms, including organized protests, attempts to block or sabotage our operations, intervention in regulatory or administrative proceedings involving our assets, or lawsuits or other actions designed to prevent, disrupt or delay the operation of our assets and business. For example, repairing our pipelines often involves securing consent from individual landowners to access their property and provide us with sufficient temporary space to allow us to conduct repairs. One or more landowners may resist our efforts to make needed repairs, which could lead to an interruption in the operation of the affected pipeline or facility for a period of time that is significantly longer than would have otherwise been the case. In addition, acts of sabotage or eco-terrorism could cause significant damage or injury to people, property or the environment or lead to extended interruptions of our operations. Any such event that interrupts the revenues generated by our operations, or which causes us to make significant expenditures not covered by insurance, could reduce our cash available for paying distributions to our partners and, accordingly, adversely affect our financial condition and the market price of our securities.
The fees charged to customers under our agreements for the gathering, transportation or handling of produced water may not escalate sufficiently to cover increases in costs and the agreements may be suspended in some circumstances, which would affect our profitability.
Our costs may increase more rapidly than the fees that we charge to customers pursuant to our contracts with them. Additionally, some customers’ obligations under their agreements with us may be permanently or temporarily reduced upon the occurrence of certain events, some of which are beyond our control, including force majeure events wherein the supply of produced water is curtailed or cut off. Force majeure events include (but are not limited to) revolutions, wars, acts of enemies, embargoes, import or export restrictions, strikes,
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lockouts, fires, storms, floods, acts of God, explosions, mechanical or physical failures of our equipment or facilities of our customers. If the escalation of fees is insufficient to cover increased costs, or if any customer suspends or terminates its contracts with us, our profitability could be materially affected.
The ability to attract and retain key members of management, qualified Board members and other key personnel is critical to the success of our business and may be challenging.
Our success will depend to a large extent upon the efforts and abilities of our senior management team and having experienced individuals serving on our Board who are also knowledgeable about our operations and our industry. The success of our business also depends on other key personnel. The ability to attract and retain these key personnel may be difficult in light of the volatility of our business. Acquiring and keeping personnel could prove more difficult or cost substantially more than estimated. These factors could cause us to incur greater costs or prevent us from pursuing our business strategy as quickly as we would otherwise wish to do. If executives or other key personnel resign, retire or are terminated, or their service is otherwise interrupted, we may not be able to replace them adequately or in a timely manner and we could experience significant declines in productivity.
Our industry has experienced a high rate of employee turnover. Any difficulty we experience replacing or adding personnel could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
We are dependent upon the available labor pool of skilled employees and may not be able to find enough skilled labor to meet our needs, which could have a negative effect on our growth. We are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wage, overtime and other working conditions. Our services require skilled workers who can perform physically demanding work. As a result of our industry volatility, pronounced declines in drilling and completions activity, as well as the demanding nature of the work, many workers have left the oilfield services sector to pursue employment in different fields. If we are unable to retain or meet the growing demand for skilled technical personnel, our operating results and our ability to execute our growth strategies may be adversely affected.
Constraints in the supply of equipment used in providing services to our customers and replacement parts for such could affect our ability to execute our growth strategies.
Equipment used in providing services to our customers is normally readily available. Market conditions could trigger constraints in the supply chain of certain equipment or replacement parts for such equipment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The growth of our business through acquisitions may expose us to various risks, including those relating to difficulties in identifying suitable, accretive acquisition opportunities and integrating businesses, assets and personnel, as well as difficulties in obtaining financing for targeted acquisitions and the potential for increased leverage or debt service requirements.
As a component of our business strategy, we intend to pursue selected, accretive acquisitions of complementary assets, businesses and technologies. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including:
unanticipated costs and assumption of liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of the acquired business, including but not limited to environmental liabilities;
difficulties in integrating the operations and assets of the acquired business and the acquired personnel;
limitations on our ability to properly assess and maintain an effective internal control environment over an acquired business;
potential losses of key employees and customers of the acquired business;
risks of entering markets in which we have limited prior experience; and
increases in our expenses and working capital requirements.
In evaluating acquisitions, we generally prepare one or more financial cases based on a number of business, industry, economic, legal, regulatory and other assumptions applicable to the proposed transaction. Although we expect a reasonable basis will exist for those assumptions, the assumptions will generally involve current estimates of future conditions. Realization of many of the assumptions will be beyond our control. Moreover, the
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uncertainty and risk of inaccuracy associated with any financial projection will increase with the length of the forecasted period. Some acquisitions may not be accretive in the near term and will be accretive in the long-term only if we are able to timely and effectively integrate the underlying assets and such assets perform at or near the levels anticipated in our acquisition projections.
The process of integrating an acquired business may involve unforeseen costs and delays or other operational, technical and financial difficulties and may require a significant amount of time and resources. Our failure to successfully incorporate the acquired business and assets into our existing operations or to minimize any unforeseen operational difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, there is intense competition for acquisition opportunities in our industry. Competition for acquisitions may increase the cost of, or cause us to refrain from, completing acquisitions.
In addition, we may not have sufficient capital resources to complete any additional acquisitions. We may incur substantial indebtedness to finance future acquisitions and also may issue equity, debt or convertible securities in connection with such acquisitions. Debt service requirements could represent a significant burden on our results of operations and financial condition and the issuance of additional equity or convertible securities could be dilutive to our existing equity holders. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms. Even if we have access to the necessary capital, we may be unable to continue to identify suitable acquisition opportunities, negotiate acceptable terms or successfully acquire identified targets.
Our operations are subject to inherent risks in the oil and gas industry, some of which are beyond our control. These risks may be self-insured, or may not be fully covered under our insurance policies.
Our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry, such as, but not limited to, accidents and releases of produced water into the environment. These conditions can cause:
disruption in operations;
substantial repair or remediate costs;
personal injury or loss of human life;
significant damage to or destruction of property, plant and equipment;
environmental pollution, including groundwater contamination;
impairment or suspension of operations; and
substantial revenue loss.
The occurrence of a significant event or adverse claim in excess of the insurance coverage that we maintain or that is not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition. Any interruption in our services due to pipeline breakdowns or necessary maintenance or repairs could reduce sales revenues and earnings. Litigation arising from a catastrophic occurrence at a location where our equipment and services are being used may result in our being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting large claims.
We do not have insurance against all foreseeable risks, either because insurance is not available or because of the high premium costs. The occurrence of an event not fully insured against or the failure of an insurer to meet its insurance obligations could result in substantial losses. In addition, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable. Insurance may not be available to cover any or all of the risks to which we are subject, or, even if available, it may be inadequate, or insurance premiums or other costs could rise significantly in the future so as to make such insurance prohibitively expensive.
There is uncertainty related to the future profitability of the oil and natural gas industry broadly.
Although we are not directly engaged in the extraction of oil and natural gas, produced water is a natural byproduct of crude oil and natural gas production. The negative sentiment toward the oil and natural gas industry compared to other industries has led to lower oil and gas representation in certain key equity market indices. Some investors, including certain pension funds, university endowments and family foundations, have stated policies to reduce or eliminate their investments in the oil and gas sector based on social and environment considerations. Many political and regulatory authorities, along with certain financing sources and well-funded
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environmental activist groups, are devoting substantial resources and efforts to minimize or eliminate the use of oil and natural gas as a source of electricity, domestically and internationally, thereby reducing the demand and pricing for ancillary services and potentially materially and adversely impacting our future financial results, liquidity, ability to raise capital and growth prospects.
Climate issues continue to attract public and scientific attention, and increasing government attention is being paid to global climate issues and to emissions of greenhouse gas (“GHGs”), including emissions of carbon dioxide from oil and natural gas combustion. Concerns about the environmental impacts of the oil and natural gas industry, including impacts on global climate issues, are resulting in increased regulation of GHG emissions, unfavorable lending policies toward the financing of the oil and natural gas operations and divestment efforts affecting the investment community, which could adversely affect demand for our services. In addition, increasing attention to the risks of climate change has resulted in an increased possibility of lawsuits brought by public and private entities against oil and natural gas operators. If any of our customers are targeted by any such litigation and incur liability, which, to the extent that societal pressures or political or other factors are involved, could be imposed without regard to our causation of or contribution to the asserted damage or to other mitigating factors, demand for our services could be adversely effected.
A loss of one or more significant customers could materially or adversely affect our results of operations.
We expect to continue to depend on key customers to support our revenues for the foreseeable future. During times when the oil and natural gas markets weaken, our customers are more likely to experience financial difficulties, including being unable to access debt or equity financing, which could result in a reduction in our customers’ spending for our services. Our five largest customers for the six months ended June 30, 2021 represented approximately 76% of our revenues. The loss of key customers, failure to renew contracts upon expiration, or a sustained decrease in demand by key customers could result in a substantial loss of revenues and could have a material and adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations.
Because a significant portion of our revenues is derived from ConocoPhillips, any development that materially and adversely affects ConocoPhillips’ operations, financial condition or market reputation could have a material adverse impact on us.
ConocoPhillips is our largest customer, is a significant shareholder in us and is expected to play a significant role in our success. Accordingly, we are indirectly subject to the business risks of ConocoPhillips. Because a significant portion of our revenues is derived from ConocoPhillips, any development that materially and adversely affects ConocoPhillips’ operations, financial condition or market reputation could have a material adverse impact on us. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, ConocoPhillips and its affiliates accounted for approximately 51% and 38% of our revenues, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, ConocoPhillips and its affiliates accounted for approximately 35% of our accounts receivable.
Our lack of diversification increases the risk of an investment in us and we are vulnerable to risks associated with operating primarily in one geographic area.
All of our operations are in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, making us vulnerable to risks associated with operating in one geographic area. Due to the concentrated nature of our business activities, a number of our properties could experience any of the same conditions at the same time, resulting in a relatively greater impact on our results of operations than they might have on other companies that are more diversified. In particular, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of regional supply and demand factors, availability of equipment, facilities, personnel or services, significant governmental regulation, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, water shortages or other drought related conditions. Such delays or interruptions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Seasonal weather conditions and natural or man-made disasters could severely disrupt normal operations and have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
We operate in the Permian Basin which may be adversely affected by seasonal weather conditions and natural or man-made disasters. During periods of heavy snow, ice, rain or extreme weather conditions such as high winds and tornados or after other natural disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires, we may be unable to access our assets and our facilities may be damaged, thereby reducing our ability to provide services and
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generate revenues. In addition, hurricanes or other severe weather in the Gulf Coast region could seriously disrupt the supply of products and cause serious shortages in various areas, including the areas in which we operate. Such disruptions could potentially have a material adverse impact on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We engage in transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest that could have an adverse effect on us.
We have historically entered into a number of transactions with related parties. In particular, we have entered into a water gathering and handling agreement with ConocoPhillips, which upon completion of this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) will own approximately 28.9% of our Class B common stock and an approximate 18.4% interest in Solaris LLC (representing approximately 18.4% of our combined economic interest and voting power), and certain of the Board members of Solaris LLC are affiliated with ConocoPhillips. Related party transactions create the possibility of conflicts of interest with regard to our management. Such a conflict could cause an individual in our management to seek to advance his or her economic interests above ours. Further, the appearance of conflicts of interest created by related party transactions could impair the confidence of our investors. Notwithstanding this, it is possible that a conflict of interest could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. While the indenture that governs our 7.625% Senior Sustainability-Linked Notes due 2026 (the “notes”) places restrictions on our ability to transact with ConocoPhillips, those restrictions are subject to significant exceptions.
The default by customers and counterparties could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 
The deterioration in the financial condition of one or more of our significant customers or counterparties could result in their failure to perform under the terms of their agreement with us or default in the payment owed to us. Our customers and counterparties include crude oil and natural gas producers, equipment suppliers and groundwater suppliers whose creditworthiness may be suddenly and disparately impacted by, among other factors, commodity price volatility, deteriorating energy market conditions, and public and regulatory opposition to energy producing activities. Additionally, we depend on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues. In 2020, approximately 79% of our total consolidated revenues was generated from five of our customers. The concentration of credit risk may be affected by changes in economic or other conditions within our industry and may accordingly affect our overall credit risk. While we have credit approval procedures and policies in place, we are unable to completely eliminate the performance and credit risk to us associated with doing business with these parties. In a low commodity price environment, certain of our customers have been or could be negatively impacted, causing them significant economic stress resulting, in some cases, in a customer bankruptcy filing or an effort to renegotiate our contracts. The deterioration in the creditworthiness of our customers and the resulting increase in nonpayment and/or nonperformance by them could cause us to write down or write off accounts receivables or tangible and intangible assets. Such write-downs or write-offs could negatively affect our operating results in the periods in which they occur, and, if significant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. To the extent one or more of our key customers commences bankruptcy proceedings, our contracts with the customers may be subject to rejection under applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code or, if we so agree, may be renegotiated. Further, during any such bankruptcy proceeding, prior to assumption, rejection or renegotiation of such contracts, the bankruptcy court may temporarily authorize the payment of value for our services less than contractually required, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. The resolution of our outstanding claims against such a customer or counterparty is dependent on the terms of the plan of reorganization but may include our claims being converted to equity in the reorganized entity and in addition to impacting our business, financial condition and results of operations could require us to incur impairment charges against the associated assets or the write down of our goodwill.
Volumes of crude oil recovered during the produced water treatment process can vary. Any significant reduction in residual crude oil content in produced water we treat will affect our recovery of crude oil and, therefore, our profitability.
A portion of our profitability in our Produced Water Handling business is generated from the sale of crude oil that we recover when processing produced water. Our ability to recover sufficient volumes of crude oil is
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dependent upon the residual crude oil content in the produced water we treat, which is, among other things, a function of water temperature. Generally, where water temperature is higher, residual crude oil content is lower. Thus, our crude oil recovery during the winter season is substantially higher than our recovery during the summer season. Additionally, residual crude oil content will decrease, if, among other things, producers begin recovering higher levels of crude oil in produced water prior to delivering such water to us for treatment. Any reduction in residual crude oil content in the produced water we treat could affect our profitability.
We may not be able to keep pace with technological developments in our industry.
The oil and gas industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological advancements and introductions of new products and services using new technologies. As others use or develop new technologies, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive pressures may force us to implement those new technologies at substantial cost. In addition, other water companies may have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and may allow them to implement new technologies before we can. We may not be able to respond to these competitive pressures and implement new technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. If one or more of the technologies we use now or in the future were to become obsolete or if we are unable to use the most advanced commercially available technology, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
We may be required to take write-downs of the carrying values of our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets.
We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of their carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets. Based on specific market factors and circumstances at the time of prospective impairment reviews and the continuing evaluation of development plans, economics and other factors, we may be required to write down the carrying value of our long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets.
We may be required to take a write-down of the carrying value of goodwill.
We conduct our annual goodwill impairment assessment during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if an event or circumstance indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit may exceed the fair value. When possible impairment is indicated, we value the implied goodwill to compare it with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recorded. The fair value of goodwill is based on estimates and assumptions applied by us such as revenue growth rates, gross margins, weighted average costs of capital, market multiples, and future market conditions and as affected by numerous factors, including the general economic environment and levels of exploration and production activity of oil and gas companies, our financial performance and trends, and our strategies and business plans, among others. As a result of this annual impairment assessment, we may be required to write down the carrying value of goodwill.
We previously identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, which may result in material misstatements of our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations. 
Prior to this offering, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and procedures. We have not completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm has not conducted an audit of our internal control over financial reporting. We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 caused by the misapplication of accounting principles related to the estimate of amortization in connection with our intangibles. We are taking steps to remediate this material weakness and are implementing additional controls around identifying and determining the appropriate amount of amortization to record in connection with intangible assets. A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal controls such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement in financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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Although we are taking steps to remediate the material weakness and the error amount was fully reflected and adjusted in our 2020 year-end financial statements, we can give no assurance that additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future. Our failure to design, implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our financial statements that could result in a restatement of our financial statements and cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Please see “—Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock—The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.”
Our debt instruments have restrictive covenants that could limit our financial flexibility.
Our Credit Facility and the indenture that governs our notes contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility is subject to compliance with certain financial covenants, including leverage and interest coverage ratios. Our Credit Facility and the indenture that governs our senior notes include other restrictions that, among other things limit our ability to:
incur indebtedness;
grant liens;
engage in mergers, consolidations and liquidations;
make asset dispositions, restricted payments and investments;
enter into transactions with affiliates; and
amend, modify or prepay certain indebtedness.
Our business plan and our compliance with these covenants are based on a number of assumptions, the most important of which is relatively stable oil and gas production, including our customers’ planned development and production activity remaining consistent with their communications with us, relatively predictable costs for our capital improvements, a materially consistent legal and regulatory environment, and increased demand for recycled water along with margin improvements. The significant deterioration of oil and gas production or our customers’ development activity from current levels, higher capital expenditures or reduced recycling and higher operating costs could lead to lower revenues, cash flows and earnings, which in turn could lead to a default under certain financial covenants contained in the Credit Facility. Our leverage may also make our results of operations more susceptible to adverse economic and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate and may place us at a competitive disadvantage as compared to our competitors that have less debt. Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Debt Agreements.”
Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts. We may not have sufficient working capital to satisfy our debt obligations in the event of an acceleration of all or a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our leverage may limit our ability to borrow additional funds, comply with the terms of our indebtedness or capitalize on business opportunities.
Our leverage may adversely affect our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements, future acquisitions, construction or development activities, or to otherwise fully realize the value of our assets and opportunities because of the need to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness or to comply with any restrictive terms of our indebtedness. Other companies with which we compete may have greater liquidity, more unencumbered assets, less indebtedness, greater access to credit and other financial resources, lower cost structures, more effective risk management policies and procedures, greater ability to incur losses, longer-standing relationships with customers, greater potential for profitability from retail sales or greater flexibility in the timing of their sale of generation capacity and ancillary services than we do.
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Constructing and maintaining water infrastructure used in the oil and gas industry requires significant capital. We may require additional capital in the future to develop and construct water handling, sourcing, transfer and other related infrastructure to execute our growth strategy. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash capital expenditures were approximately $140.0 million and $183.0 million, respectively. Historically, we have financed these investments through cash flows from operations, external borrowings and equity capital contributions. These sources of capital may not be available to us in the future. The inability to obtain additional financing to operate our business or capitalize on business opportunities, whether because of the restrictions set forth above or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increases in interest rates could adversely impact the price of our shares, our ability to issue equity or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes.
Interest rates on future borrowings, credit facilities and debt offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly. Changes in interest rates, either positive or negative, may affect the yield requirements of investors who invest in our shares, and a rising interest rate environment could have an adverse impact on the price of our shares, our ability to issue equity or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes.
Our business is difficult to evaluate because we have a limited operating history.
We were formed in May 2021 and do not have historical financial operating results. For purposes of this prospectus, our accounting predecessor is Solaris LLC, which was formed in November 2015. Except as expressly noted otherwise, our historical financial information and operational data described in this prospectus is that of Solaris LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries. As a result, there is only limited historical financial and operating information available upon which to base your evaluation of our performance.
Risks Related to Our Legal and Regulatory Environment
Restrictions on the ability to procure water or changes in water sourcing requirements could decrease the demand for our services.
Our business includes water transfer for use in our customers’ oil and gas E&P activities. Our access to the water we supply may be limited due to reasons such as prolonged drought or our inability to acquire or maintain water sourcing permits or other rights. In addition, some state and local governmental authorities have begun to monitor or restrict the use of water subject to their jurisdiction for hydraulic fracturing to ensure adequate local water supply. For instance, some states require E&P companies to report certain information regarding the water they use for hydraulic fracturing and to monitor the quality of groundwater surrounding some wells stimulated by hydraulic fracturing. Any such decrease in the availability of water, or demand for water services, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address seismic activity could restrict our ability to recycle or handle produced water gathered from our E&P customers and, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We recycle or handle produced water gathered from oil and gas producing customers that result from their drilling and production operations. We operate pursuant to permits issued to us primarily by state oil and gas authorities overseeing such disposal activities. While these permits are issued pursuant to existing laws and regulations, these legal requirements are subject to change, which could result in the imposition of more stringent permitting or operating constraints or new monitoring and reporting requirements owing to, among other things, concerns of the public or governmental authorities regarding such disposal activities. One such concern relates to recent seismic events in the U.S. near underground disposal wells used for the disposal by injection of produced water resulting from oil and gas activities. Developing research suggests that the link between seismic activity and saltwater disposal may vary by region and that only a very small fraction of the tens of thousands of injection wells have been suspected to be, or have been, the likely cause of induced seismicity. In March 2016, the United States Geological Survey identified Texas and New Mexico as being among the states with areas of increased rates of induced seismicity that could be attributed to fluid injection or oil and natural gas extraction. In response to concerns regarding induced seismicity, regulators in some states have imposed, or are considering imposing, additional requirements in the permitting of produced water disposal wells to assess any relationship
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between seismicity and the use of such wells. For example, the Texas Railroad Commission adopted new rules governing the permitting or re-permitting of wells used to dispose of produced water and other fluids resulting from the production of oil and natural gas in order to address these seismic activity concerns within the state. Among other things, these rules require companies seeking permits for disposal wells to provide seismic activity data in permit applications, provide for more frequent monitoring and reporting for certain wells and allow the state to modify, suspend or terminate permits on grounds that a disposal well is likely to be, or determined to be, causing seismic activity. States may issue orders to temporarily shut down or to curtail the injection depth of existing wells in the vicinity of seismic events. Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could also lead to greater opposition, including litigation to limit or prohibit oil and natural gas activities utilizing injection wells for produced water disposal.
Additional consequences of this seismic activity are lawsuits alleging that disposal well operations have caused damage to neighboring properties or otherwise violated state and federal rules regulating waste disposal. These developments could result in additional regulation and restrictions on the use of injection wells. Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could lead to greater opposition to oil and gas activities utilizing injection wells for waste disposal. The adoption and implementation of any new laws, regulations or directives that restrict our ability to recycle or handle produced water gathered from our customers by limiting, volumes, disposal rates, disposal well locations or otherwise, or requiring us to shut down disposal wells, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the future we may face increased obligations relating to the closing of our produced water handling facilities and may be required to provide an increased level of financial assurance to guarantee the appropriate closure activities occur for a produced water facility. 
Obtaining a permit to own or operate produced water handling facilities generally requires us to establish performance bonds, letters of credit or other forms of financial assurance to address clean-up and closure obligations. As we acquire additional produced water handling facilities or construct additional produced water handling facilities, these obligations will increase. Additionally, in the future, regulatory agencies may require us to increase the amount of our closure bonds at existing produced water handling facilities. We have accrued approximately $5.6 million of asset retirement obligations related to our future closure obligations of our produced water handling facilities as of June 30, 2021. Moreover, actual costs could exceed our current expectations, as a result of, among other things, federal, state or local government regulatory action, increased costs charged by service providers that assist in closing produced water handling facilities and additional environmental remediation requirements. The obligation to satisfy increased regulatory requirements associated with our produced water handling facilities could result in an increase of our operating costs and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our sales of groundwater and our gathering, handling and recycling of produced water expose us to potential regulatory risks.
There are unique risks associated with recycling and/or handling produced water and the legal requirements related to handling produced water, or the disposal of produced water into a non-producing geologic formation by means of underground injection wells, are subject to change based on concerns of the public or governmental authorities. There remains substantial uncertainty regarding the disposal of produced water by means of underground injection wells, which could result in substantial additional liabilities or costs to us that cannot be predicted. These include liabilities related to the handling, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release and use of radioactive materials, which could be in produced water received from our oil and nature gas producer customers, and uncertainties regarding the ultimate, and potential exposure to, technical and financial risks associated with modifying or decommissioning produced water handling facilities. Federal or state regulatory agencies could require the shutdown of produced water handling facilities for safety reasons or refuse to permit restart of any facility after unplanned or planned outages. New or amended safety and regulatory requirements may give rise to additional operation and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Additionally, aging equipment may require more capital expenditures to keep each of these produced water handling facilities operating efficiently or in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This equipment is also likely to require periodic upgrading and improvement in order to maintain compliance and probability. Although the safety
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record of produced water handling generally has been very good, accidents and other unforeseen problems have occurred. The consequences of a major incident could be severe and include loss of life and property damage. Any resulting liability from a major environmental or catastrophic incident could exceed our resources, including insurance coverage.
Fuel conservation measures could reduce demand for oil and natural gas which would, in turn, reduce the demand for our services.
Fuel conservation measures, alternative fuel requirements and increasing consumer demand for alternatives to oil and natural gas could reduce demand for oil and natural gas. The impact of the changing demand for oil and natural gas may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, prospects, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, the increased competitiveness of alternative energy sources (such as wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, fuel cells and biofuels) could reduce demand for hydrocarbons and therefore for our services, which would lead to a reduction in our revenues.
We may be subject to claims for personal injury and property damage, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We operate with most of our customers under water gathering agreements and endeavor to allocate potential liabilities and risks between the parties in these agreements. Generally, under our water gathering agreements, including those relating to our services, we assume responsibility for, including control and removal of, pollution or contamination which originates above the surface and from our equipment or services. Our customers generally assume responsibility for, including control and removal of, all other pollution or contamination which may occur during operations, including that which may result from seepage or any other uncontrolled flow of drilling fluids. We may have liability in such cases if we are negligent or commit willful acts. Generally, our customers also agree to indemnify us against claims arising from their employees’ personal injury or death to the extent that, in the case of our operations, their employees are injured or their properties are damaged by such operations unless resulting from our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Similarly, we generally agree to indemnify our customers for liabilities arising from personal injury to or death of any of our employees, unless resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct of the customer. In addition, our customers generally agree to indemnify us for loss or destruction of customer-owned property or equipment and in turn, we agree to indemnify our customers for loss or destruction of property or equipment we own. However, despite this general allocation of risk, we might not succeed in enforcing such contractual allocation, might incur an unforeseen liability falling outside the scope of such allocation or may be required to enter into a water gathering agreement with terms that vary from the above allocations of risk. As a result, we may incur substantial losses which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Unsatisfactory safety performance may negatively affect our customer relationships and, to the extent we fail to retain existing customers or attract new customers, adversely impact our revenues.
Our ability to retain existing customers and attract new business is dependent on many factors, including our ability to demonstrate that we can reliably and safely operate our business and stay current on constantly changing rules, regulations, training and laws. Existing and potential customers consider the safety record of their service providers to be of high importance in their decision to engage third-party services. If one or more accidents were to occur at one of our operating sites, the affected customer may seek to terminate or cancel its use of our facilities or services and may be less likely to continue to use our services, which could cause us to lose substantial revenues. Further, our ability to attract new customers may be impaired if they elect not to purchase our third-party services because they view our safety record as unacceptable. In addition, it is possible that we will experience numerous or particularly severe accidents in the future, causing our safety record to deteriorate. This may be more likely as we continue to grow, if we experience high employee turnover or labor shortage, or add inexperienced personnel.
We are subject to environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant liabilities for penalties, damages or costs of remediation or compliance.
Our operations and the operations of our customers are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations in the U.S. relating to protection of natural resources and the environment, health and safety aspects of our operations and waste management, including the disposal of waste and other materials. These laws and
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regulations may impose numerous obligations on our operations and the operations of our customers, including the acquisition of permits to take fresh water from surface and underground sources, construct pipelines or containment facilities, drill wells or conduct other regulated activities, the incurrence of capital expenditures to mitigate or prevent releases of materials from our facilities or from customer locations where we are providing services, the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations, and the application of specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection. Any failure on our part or the part of our customers to comply with these laws and regulations could result in the impairment or cancellation of operations, assessment of sanctions, including administrative, civil and criminal penalties, injunctions, reputational damage, the imposition of investigatory, remedial, and corrective action obligations or the incurrence of capital expenditures; the occurrence of restrictions, delays or cancellations in the permitting, development or expansion of projects; and the issuance of injunctions restricting or prohibiting some or all of our activities in a particular area.
Our business activities present risks of incurring significant environmental regulatory compliance costs and liabilities, including costs and liabilities resulting from our handling of byproducts of the oil and natural gas production process, because of air emissions and produced water discharges related to our operations. Our businesses include the operation of recycling facilities and oilfield waste disposal injection wells that pose risks of environmental liability, including leakage or accidental spills from the wells to surface or subsurface soils, surface water or groundwater. In addition, private parties, including the owners of properties upon which we perform services and facilities where our wastes are taken for recycling or disposal, also may have the right to pursue legal actions to enforce compliance as well as to seek damages for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations or for personal injury or property or natural resource damages. Some environmental laws and regulations may impose strict and/or joint and several liability, which means that in some situations we could be exposed to liability as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions (such as environmental contamination) caused by, prior operators or other third parties. Remedial costs and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws and costs associated with changes in environmental laws and regulations could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Over time, laws and regulations protecting the environment generally have the tendency to become more stringent, potentially leading to material increases in costs for future environmental compliance and remediation. The adoption of any new laws or regulations, amendment of existing laws and regulations, changes in interpretation of legal requirements or increased enforcement could restrict, delay or cancel exploratory or developmental drilling for oil and gas and could limit well servicing opportunities. We may not be able to recover some or any of our costs of compliance with these laws and regulations from insurance.
Climate change legislation, laws and regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases or prohibiting, restricting, or delaying oil and gas development on public lands, or legal or other action taken by public or private entities related to climate change could force our customers to incur increased capital and operating costs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our reputation.
In December 2009, the EPA determined that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other GHGs endanger public health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. Based on these findings, the EPA began adopting and implementing regulations to restrict emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the CAA. For more information on GHG regulation, please read “Business—Regulation—Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Matters.”
While Congress has from time to time considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, there has not been significant activity in the form of adopted legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs in recent years. In the absence of Congressional action, many states have established rules aimed at reducing or tracking GHG emissions, including GHG cap and trade programs. Most of these cap and trade programs work by requiring major sources of emissions, such as electric power plants, or major producers of fuels, such as refineries and natural gas processing plants, to acquire and surrender emission allowances. The number of allowances available for purchase is reduced each year in an effort to achieve the overall GHG emission reduction goal. 
In January 2021, President Biden issued an executive order that established an Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (“Working Group”), which is called on to, among other things, develop
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methodologies for calculating the “social cost of carbon,” “social cost of nitrous oxide” and “social cost of methane.” Final recommendations from the Working Group are due no later than January 2022. The Working Group published an interim updated technical guidance document in February 2021 which set interim cost values for the applicable greenhouse gas emissions. President Biden issued another executive order in January 2021 focused specifically on addressing climate change (the 2021 Climate Change Executive Order). Among other things, the 2021 Climate Change Executive Order directed the Secretary of the Interior to pause new oil and natural gas leasing on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review of the federal permitting and leasing practices, consider whether to adjust royalties associated with coal, oil, and gas resources extracted from public lands and offshore waters, or take other appropriate action, to account for corresponding climate costs. The 2021 Climate Change Executive Order also directs the federal government to identify “fossil fuel subsidies” to take steps to ensure that, to the extent consistent with applicable law, federal funding is not directly subsidizing fossil fuels. In June 2021, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Louisiana issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the pause of new oil and natural gas leasing on public lands or in offshore waters while litigation challenging that aspect of the 2021 Climate Change Executive Order is pending.
In February 2021, the United States rejoined the Paris Agreement, and in the future, the United States may also choose to adhere to other international agreements targeting GHG reductions. President Biden updated the United States’ nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement by setting a target for the United States to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% from 2005 levels by 2030, and is likely to further take executive action or support legislation in furtherance of achieving these GHG emissions goals. The adoption of legislation or regulatory programs or other government action to reduce emissions of GHGs or restrict, delay or prohibit oil and gas development on public lands could require our customers and us to incur increased operating costs, such as costs to purchase and operate emissions control systems, to acquire emissions allowances or to comply with new regulatory or reporting requirements, or prevent us from conducting operations in certain areas. Any such legislation or regulatory programs could also increase the cost of consuming, and thereby reduce demand for, the oil and gas our customers produce. These risks are likely to be enhanced with President Biden taking office and Democrats gaining control of Congress. Please read “Business—Regulation—Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Matters.” Consequently, legislation and regulatory programs to reduce emissions of GHGs could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other climatic events. If such climactic events were to occur more frequently or with greater intensity, our customers’ exploration and development activities could be adversely affected, as these events could cause a loss of production from temporary cessation of activity or damaged facilities and equipment. If any such events were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on the demand for our services and our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For a more complete discussion of environmental laws and regulations intended to address climate change and their impact on our business and operations, please read “Business—Regulation—Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Matters.”
There have also been efforts in recent years to influence the investment community, including investment advisors and certain sovereign wealth, pension and endowment funds, as well as other stakeholders, promoting divestment of fossil fuel equities and pressuring lenders to limit funding to companies engaged in the extraction of fossil fuel reserves. Such environmental activism and initiatives aimed at limiting climate change and reducing air pollution could reduce the demand for our services and interfere with our customers’ business activities and operations.
A portion of our customers’ oil and gas leases are granted by the federal government. To the extent such leases are suspended or terminated, or we or our customers are unable to obtain permits or right-of-way grants required for operations on such leases, our operations could be materially affected.
A portion of our customers’ leases in New Mexico are granted by the federal government and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”), a federal agency. Operations conducted by us and our customers on federal oil and gas leases must comply with numerous additional statutory and regulatory restrictions, including permitting obligations. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior (via various of its agencies, including the BLM and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue) has certain authority over our activities on
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federal and tribal lands. These leases contain relatively standardized terms requiring compliance with detailed regulations. Under certain circumstances, the BLM may require operations on federal leases to be suspended or terminated, or may deny permits or right-of-way grants required for operations on such leases. Any such suspension or termination, or inability to obtain required permits or right-of-way grants, could materially and adversely affect our interests.
Additionally, as noted above, the Biden Administration has taken several actions to curtail oil and gas activities on federal lands. For example, in the 2021 Climate Change Executive Order, the Biden Administration, among other things, instructed the Secretary of the Interior to pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or in offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of federal oil and natural gas permitting and leasing practices. Following that executive order, the Acting Secretary for the Department of the Interior issued an order imposing a 60-day pause on the issuance of new leases, permits and right-of-way grants for oil and gas drilling on public lands, unless approved by senior officials at the Department of the Interior. In March 2021, the Biden Administration announced that career staff at the Department of the Interior would resume processing oil and gas drilling permits, and an ongoing review of the oil and gas program is being undertaken by the Department of the Interior; however, in June 2021, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Louisiana issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the pause of new oil and natural gas leases while litigation challenging that aspect of the 2021 Climate Change Executive Order is ongoing. The order did not apply to existing operations under valid leases or to operations on tribal lands, which the federal government merely holds in trust. We cannot guarantee that further action will not be taken that could curtail or limit oil and gas development on federal land.
Federal state and local legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, as well as governmental reviews of such activities, could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions, delays or cancellations in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells that may reduce demand for our services and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
We do not conduct hydraulic fracturing operations, but many of our customers’ crude oil and natural gas production operations require hydraulic fracturing as part of the well completion process. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or other propping agents and chemicals under pressure into rock formations to stimulate oil and gas production. The EPA released the final results of its comprehensive research study on the potential adverse impacts that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water resources in December 2016. The EPA concluded that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances, including large volume spills and inadequate mechanical integrity of wells. The results of the EPA’s study could spur action towards federal legislation and regulation of hydraulic fracturing or similar production operations. In past sessions, Congress has considered, but did not pass, legislation to amend the SDWA to remove the SDWA’s exemption granted to most hydraulic fracturing operations (other than operations using fluids containing diesel) and to require reporting and disclosure of chemicals used by oil and gas companies in the hydraulic fracturing process. The EPA has issued SDWA permitting guidance for hydraulic fracturing operations involving the use of diesel fuel in fracturing fluids in those states where the EPA is the permitting authority. The EPA has also issued final regulations under the CAA establishing performance standards for new and modified sources in the oil and gas sector, including standards for the capture of VOCs released during hydraulic fracturing; and final rules in June 2016 to prohibit the discharge of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing operations to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants. The Trump Administration’s rescission of the federal BLM’s rules regarding wellbore integrity and handling of flowback water, on the other hand, is currently under judicial review. In addition, Congress has not adopted legislation to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing; however, President Biden could seek to pursue legislative, regulatory or executive initiatives that restrict hydraulic fracturing activities on federal lands.
In addition, a number of states and local regulatory authorities and federal politicians are considering or have implemented more stringent regulatory requirements applicable to hydraulic fracturing, including bans/moratoria on drilling that effectively prohibit further production of oil and gas through the use of hydraulic fracturing or similar operations. Texas has adopted regulations that require the disclosure of information regarding the substances used in the hydraulic fracturing process, and the Texas Railroad Commission has also adopted rules governing well casing, cementing and other standards for ensuring that hydraulic fracturing operations do not contaminate nearby water resources. Moreover, the legal requirements related to the disposal of produced water into a non-producing geologic formation by means of underground injection wells are subject to
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change based on concerns of the public or governmental authorities regarding such disposal activities. In light of concerns about seismic activity being triggered by the injection of produced waters into underground wells, Texas regulators have asserted regulatory authority to limit injection activities in certain wells in an effort to reduce seismic activity. A 2015 U.S. Geological Survey report identified areas of increased rates of induced seismicity that could be attributed to fluid injection or oil and gas extraction. Another consequence of seismic events may be lawsuits alleging that disposal well operations have caused damage to neighboring properties or otherwise violated state and federal rules regulating waste disposal. These developments could result in additional regulation and restrictions on the use of injection wells by us. Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could also lead to greater opposition, including litigation to limit or prohibit oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids activities utilizing injection wells for produced water disposal.
The adoption of new laws or regulations imposing reporting or operational obligations on, or otherwise limiting or prohibiting, the hydraulic fracturing process could make it more difficult for our customers to complete oil and gas wells in unconventional plays. In addition, if hydraulic fracturing becomes regulated at the federal level as a result of federal legislation or regulatory initiatives by the EPA, hydraulic fracturing activities could become subject to additional permitting requirements, and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in cost, which could adversely affect the demand for our services and results of operations. These risks are likely to be enhanced with President Biden taking office and Democrats gaining control of Congress.
Restrictions on drilling and related activities intended to protect certain species of wildlife or their habitat may adversely affect our customers’ ability to conduct drilling and related activities in some of the areas where we operate.
Various federal and state statutes prohibit certain actions that harm endangered or threatened species and their habitats, migratory birds, wetlands and natural resources. These statutes include the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Clean Water Act, CERCLA and the OPA. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may designate critical habitat and suitable habitat areas that it believes are necessary for survival of threatened or endangered species. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation could result in further material restrictions to federal land use and private land use and could delay or prohibit our customers’ land access or oil and gas development. If adverse impact to species or damages to wetlands, habitat or natural resources occur or may occur as result of our or our customers’ activities, government entities or, at times, private parties may act to prevent such activities or seek damages for harm to species, habitat or natural resources resulting from our activities or our customers’ drilling, construction or releases of oil, wastes, hazardous substances or other regulated materials, which could reduce the demand for our services.
For example, there have been repeated calls for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) to list the dunes sagebrush lizard, which is found only in the active and semi-stable shinnery oak dunes of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent portions of Texas, including areas where we operate. Similar calls have been made for the lesser prairie-chicken, which can also be found in areas where we operate and was a candidate species for listing under the ESA by the USFWS for many years. However, in June 2012, the USFWS declined to list the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered under the ESA in part due to oil and gas operators and private landowners in the Permian Basin entering into Candidate Conservation Agreements, whereby parties voluntarily agree to implement mitigation measures, such as habitat avoidance or time and manner operating restrictions so as not to adversely impact the dunes sagebrush lizard habitat. Recently, there have been renewed calls to review protections currently in place for the dunes sagebrush lizard and, in October 2019, environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the USFWS to compel the agency to list the species under the ESA. Environmental groups filed a similar lawsuit in June 2019 for the USFWS’ alleged failure to act on a petition to list the lesser prairie-chicken. As a result of settlements in these suits, the USFWS agreed to act on the petition to list the dunes sagebrush lizard by June 30, 2020. On July 16, 2020, the USFWS issued its finding that substantial scientific or commercial information exists to suggest that listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard may be warranted under the ESA, and initiated its twelve-month review. On June 1, 2021, USFWS proposed to list two distinct population segments of the lesser prairie-chicken under the ESA. To the extent species are listed under the ESA or similar state laws, or previously unprotected species are designated as threatened or endangered in areas where our properties are located, operations on those properties could incur increased costs arising from species protection measures and face delays or limitations with respect to production activities thereon.
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Delays or restrictions in obtaining or renewing permits by us for our operations or by our customers for their operations could impair our business.
Our operations and the operations of our oil and gas producing customers typically require that we and our customers obtain and maintain a number of permits from one or more governmental agencies in order to perform drilling and completion activities, secure water rights, construct impoundments tanks, and construct and operate pipelines, handling facilities and recycling facilities. Many of these permits require a significant amount of monitoring, record keeping and reporting in order to demonstrate compliance with the underlying permit. Noncompliance or incomplete documentation of our compliance status may result in the imposition of fines, penalties and injunctive relief. Such permits are typically issued by state agencies, but federal and local governmental permits may also be required. As of June 30, 2021, we had permits for (i) 225 miles of pipelines, (ii) 48 produced water handling facilities and (iii) four recycling facilities that, in each case, have not been constructed. We may not be able to achieve commercial operations on any particular permitted site. A decision by a governmental agency to deny or delay the renewal of any of these permits or other approval, or to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or other approval, could adversely affect our ability to initiate or complete construction of any of these pipelines or facilities and we can provide no assurance that we will complete these projects on schedule, or at all. Additionally, these permits were issued pursuant to existing laws and regulations that are subject to change, which could result in the imposition of more stringent requirements and impair our ability to initiate or complete the construction of these pipelines and facilities.
In addition, some of our customers’ drilling and completion activities in the U.S. may take place on federal land or Native American lands, requiring leases and other approvals from the federal government or Native American tribes to conduct such drilling and completion activities. Under certain circumstances, federal agencies may cancel proposed leases for federal lands and refuse to grant or delay required approvals. Therefore, our customers’ operations in certain areas of the U.S. may be interrupted or suspended for varying lengths of time, causing a loss of revenue to us and adversely affecting our results of operations in support of those customers.
Risks Related to this Offering and Our Class A Common Stock
We are a holding company. Our sole material asset after completion of this offering will be our equity interest in Solaris LLC and we will be accordingly dependent upon distributions from Solaris LLC to pay taxes, make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and cover our corporate and other overhead expenses.
We are a holding company and will have no material assets other than our equity interest in Solaris LLC. Please see “Corporate Reorganization.” We will have no independent means of generating revenue. To the extent Solaris LLC has available cash, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to make (i) generally pro rata advance distributions to Aris Inc. in an amount at least sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes, (ii) non-pro rata advance distributions to allow us to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement we will enter into with the TRA Holders and any subsequent tax receivable agreements that we may enter into in connection with future acquisitions and (iii) non-pro rata payments to us to reimburse us for our corporate and other overhead expenses. To the extent that we need funds and Solaris LLC or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions or payments under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of our credit facility, the indenture governing our notes or any future financing arrangements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, our liquidity and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Moreover, because we will have no independent means of generating revenue, our ability to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement is dependent on the ability of Solaris LLC to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient to cover our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. This ability, in turn, may depend on the ability of Solaris LLC’s subsidiaries to make distributions to it. The ability of Solaris LLC, its subsidiaries and other entities in which it directly or indirectly holds an equity interest to make such distributions will be subject to, among other things, (i) the applicable provisions of Delaware law (or other applicable jurisdiction) that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution and (ii) restrictions in relevant debt instruments issued by Solaris LLC or its subsidiaries and/other entities in which it directly or indirectly holds an equity interest. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid.
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The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.
As a public company, we will need to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), related regulations of the SEC and the requirements of the NYSE, with which we are not required to comply as a private company. Complying with these statutes, regulations and requirements will occupy a significant amount of time of our Board and management and will significantly increase our costs and expenses. We will need to:
institute a more comprehensive compliance function;
comply with rules promulgated by the NYSE;
continue to prepare and distribute periodic public reports in compliance with our obligations under the federal securities laws;
establish new internal policies, such as those relating to insider trading; and
involve and retain to a greater degree outside counsel and accountants in the above activities.
Furthermore, while we generally must comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, we are not required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls until our first annual report subsequent to our ceasing to be an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act. Accordingly, we may not be required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls until as late as our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Once it is required to do so, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed. Compliance with these requirements may strain our resources, increase our costs and distract management, and we may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.
In addition, we expect that being a public company subject to these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our Board or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating these rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
If we fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our Class A common stock.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. We cannot be certain that our efforts to develop and maintain our internal controls will be successful, that we will be able to maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future or that we will be able to comply with our obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Any failure to develop or maintain effective internal controls, or difficulties encountered in implementing or improving our internal controls, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Ineffective internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our Class A common stock.
For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including those relating to accounting standards and disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.
We are classified as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years, unlike other public companies, we will not
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be required to, among other things: (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) comply with any new requirements if adopted by the PCAOB requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer; (iii) provide certain disclosures regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies; or (iv) hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation. We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, although we will lose that status sooner if we have more than $1.07 billion of revenues in a fiscal year, have more than $700.0 million in market value of our Class A common stock held by non-affiliates, or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.
To the extent that we rely on any of the exemptions available to emerging growth companies, you will receive less information about our executive compensation and internal control over financial reporting than issuers that are not emerging growth companies. If some investors find our Class A common stock to be less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. In addition, an active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained, and our stock price may be volatile.
Prior to this offering, our Class A common stock was not traded on any market. An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained after this offering. Active, liquid and orderly trading markets usually result in less price volatility and more efficiency in carrying out investors’ purchase and sale orders. The market price of our Class A common stock could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our Class A common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between us and the representatives of the underwriters, based on numerous factors which we discuss in “Underwriting,” and may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. Consequently, you may not be able to sell shares of our Class A common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price paid by you in this offering.
The following factors could affect our stock price:
quarterly variations in our financial and operating results;
the public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;
strategic actions by our competitors;
changes in revenue or earnings estimates, or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage, by equity research analysts;
speculation in the press or investment community;
the failure of research analysts to cover our Class A common stock;
sales of our Class A common stock by us or other stockholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;
changes in accounting principles, policies, guidance, interpretations or standards;
additions or departures of key management personnel;
actions by our stockholders;
general market conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices;
domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance; and
the realization of any risks described under this “Risk Factors” section.
The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies
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following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our principal stockholders will collectively hold a substantial majority of the voting power of our common stock.
Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Upon completion of this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), the Existing Owners will own approximately 9.1% of our Class A common stock, 100.0% of our Class B common stock and a 63.7% interest in Solaris LLC (representing 67.0% of our combined economic interest and voting power) of which, (i) ConocoPhillips will own approximately 28.9% of our Class B common stock and an approximate 18.4% interest in Solaris LLC (representing approximately 18.4% of our combined economic interest and voting power), (ii) Trilantic will own approximately 9.1% of our Class A common stock, 22.7% of our Class B common stock and an approximate 14.5% interest in Solaris LLC (representing approximately 17.8% of our combined economic interest and voting power) and (iii) Yorktown will own approximately 22.5% of our Class B common stock and an approximate 14.3% interest in Solaris LLC (representing approximately 14.3% of our combined economic interest and voting power).
Although the Existing Owners are entitled to act separately in their own respective interests with respect to their ownership in us, if the Existing Owners choose to act in concert, they will together have the ability to elect all of the members of our Board, and thereby to control our management and affairs. In addition, they will be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including mergers and other material transactions, and will be able to cause or prevent a change in the composition of our Board or a change in control of our company that could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their Class A common stock as part of a sale of our company. The existence of significant stockholders may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers, delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in management, or limiting the ability of our other stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our company.
In addition, we have agreed to enter into a director nomination agreement with affiliates of ConocoPhillips, Trilantic and Yorktown in connection with the closing of this offering. The director nomination agreement will provide such holders with the right, but not the obligation, to nominate directors for election to our Board as follows: (i) ConocoPhillips will have the right to nominate one nominee for election to our Board for so long as ConocoPhillips and its affiliates beneficially own at least 12.5% of the voting power of our common stock and such nominee will be a Class III director; (ii) Trilantic will have the right to nominate one nominee for election to our Board for so long as Trilantic and its affiliates beneficially own at least 12.5% of the voting power of our common stock and such nominee will be a Class I director; and (iii) Yorktown will have the right to nominate one nominee for election to our Board for so long as Yorktown and its affiliates beneficially own at least 12.5% of the voting power of our common stock and such nominee will be a Class I director. In addition, each of ConocoPhillips, Trilantic and Yorktown will be entitled to designate the successor for its respective Board designee whose Board service terminates prior to the end of the director’s term. The rights of each of ConocoPhillips, Trilantic and Yorktown will terminate on the date when such holder ceases to beneficially own at least 12.5% of the voting power of our common stock (or earlier upon written notice by such holder agreeing to terminate its rights under the agreement).
So long as the Existing Owners continue to control a significant amount of our common stock, each will continue to be able to strongly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, regardless of whether or not other stockholders believe that a potential transaction is in their own best interests. In any of these matters, the interests of the Existing Owners may differ or conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. In addition, certain of our Existing Owners and their respective affiliates may, from time to time, acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with our business, as well as businesses that are significant existing or potential customers. Such Existing Owners and their respective affiliates may acquire or seek to acquire assets
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that we seek to acquire and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us or may be more expensive for us to pursue. Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock to the extent investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of a company with controlling stockholders.
Certain of our directors have significant duties with, and spend significant time serving, entities that may compete with us in seeking acquisitions and business opportunities and, accordingly, may have conflicts of interest in allocating time or pursuing business opportunities.
Certain of our directors hold positions of responsibility with other entities (including affiliated entities) that are in the oil and natural gas industry. These directors may become aware of business opportunities that may be appropriate for presentation to us as well as to the other entities with which they are or may become affiliated. Due to these existing and potential future affiliations, they may present potential business opportunities to other entities prior to presenting them to us, which could cause additional conflicts of interest. They may also decide that certain opportunities are more appropriate for other entities with which they are affiliated, and as a result, they may elect not to present those opportunities to us. These conflicts may not be resolved in our favor. For additional discussion of our directors’ business affiliations and the potential conflicts of interest of which our stockholders should be aware, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
Certain Designated Parties are not limited in their ability to compete with us, and the corporate opportunity provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation could enable such Designated Parties and their respective affiliates to benefit from corporate opportunities that might otherwise be available to us.
Our governing documents will provide that Yorktown, Trilantic and COG Operating LLC and their respective interests in other entities and affiliates (collectively, the “Designated Parties”) are not restricted from owning assets or engaging in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us.
In particular, subject to the limitations of applicable law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will, among other things:
permit such Designated Parties to conduct business that competes with us and to make investments in any kind of property in which we may make investments; and
provide that if such Designated Parties, or any employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of such Designated Parties who is also one of our directors, becomes aware of a potential business opportunity, transaction or other matter, they will have no duty to communicate or offer that opportunity to us.
The Designated Parties may become aware, from time to time, of certain business opportunities (such as acquisition opportunities) and may direct such opportunities to other businesses in which they have invested, in which case we may not become aware of or otherwise have the ability to pursue such opportunity. Furthermore, such businesses may choose to compete with us for these opportunities, possibly causing these opportunities to not be available to us or causing them to be more expensive for us to pursue. 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as Delaware law, will contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock and could deprive our investors of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize our Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval in one or more series, designate the number of shares constituting any series, and fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price or prices and liquidation preferences of such series. If our Board elects to issue preferred stock, it could be more difficult for a third party to acquire us. In addition, some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change of control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:
dividing our Board into three classes of directors, with each class serving staggered three-year terms;
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providing that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, shall, except as otherwise required by law or, if applicable, the rights of holders of a series of preferred stock, only be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum (prior to such time, vacancies may also be filled by stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares);
permitting any action by stockholders to be taken only at an annual meeting or special meeting rather than by a written consent of the stockholders, subject to the rights of any series of preferred stock with respect to such rights;
permitting special meetings of our stockholders to be called only by our Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships;
requiring the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% in voting power of all then outstanding common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to remove any or all of the directors from office at any time, and directors will be removable only for “cause”;
prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
establishing advance notice provisions for stockholder proposals and nominations for elections to the Board to be acted upon at meetings of stockholders;
Requiring the approval of the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of all then outstanding common stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, to amend certain provisions of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws; and
providing that the Board is expressly authorized to adopt, or to alter or repeal our bylaws.
In addition, we will be a Delaware corporation and governed by the DGCL. In general, Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover law, prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock, which person or group is considered an interested stockholder under the DGCL, for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. We intend to elect in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203. However, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions that have the same effect as Section 203, except that they will provide the Designated Parties, their affiliates, and their respective successors (other than our company), as well as their direct and indirect transferees, will not be deemed to be “interested stockholders,” regardless of the percentage of our voting stock owned by them, and accordingly will not be subject to such restrictions. In addition, certain change of control events have the effect of accelerating the payment due under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which could be substantial and accordingly serve as a disincentive to a potential acquirer of our company. Please see “—In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.”
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, and the federal district courts as the exclusive forum for Securities Act claims, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain what such stockholders believe to be a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we select or consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, all complaints asserting any internal corporate claims (defined as claims, including claims in the right of our Company: (i) that are based upon a violation of a duty by a current or former director, officer, employee, or stockholder in such capacity; or (ii) as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) confers jurisdiction upon the Court of Chancery), to the fullest extent permitted by law, and subject to applicable jurisdictional requirements, shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have, or declines to accept, subject matter jurisdiction, another state court or a federal court located within the State of Delaware). Further, unless we select or consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Our choice of forum
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provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described in the preceding sentence. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $12.13 per share.
Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $17.00 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), purchasers of our Class A common stock in this offering will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of $12.13 per share in the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock from the initial public offering price, and our as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 after giving effect to this offering would be $4.87 per share. This dilution is due in large part to earlier investors having paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares. See “Dilution.”
We cannot assure you that we will pay any dividends on our Class A common stock. Our indebtedness could limit our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.
Any payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board, which will be constituted upon completion of this offering and comprise a majority of independent directors. Our Board has not declared any dividends, and we do not expect to adopt a written dividend policy. Our Board may determine not to declare any cash dividends. Although our Board may elect to declare cash dividends on our Class A common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in our debt, there can be no assurance it will do so. In addition, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under any indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur, including the Restated Credit Agreement and the indenture that governs our notes. For more information about these restrictions, see “Dividend Policy.” There can be no assurance that we will pay a dividend in the future or continue to pay any dividend if we do commence paying dividends. You should make any investment in our Class A common stock without reliance on payment of any future dividend.
Future sales of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could reduce our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.
We may sell additional shares of our Class A common stock in subsequent offerings. In addition, subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the Existing Owners may redeem their Solaris LLC Units (together with a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock) for shares of Class A common stock (on a one-for-one basis, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassification and other similar transactions) and then sell those shares of Class A common stock. After the completion of this offering, we will have 21,935,503 outstanding shares of Class A common stock and 31,564,497 outstanding shares of Class B common stock. This includes 2,647,500 shares of Class A common stock that we may sell in this offering if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is fully exercised, which may be resold immediately in the public market. Following the completion of this offering, the Existing Owners will own 34,078,344 shares of Class B common stock (or 31,564,497 shares of Class B common stock if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full), representing approximately 63.7% (or 59.0% if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full) of our total outstanding common stock. All such shares are restricted from immediate resale under the federal securities laws and are subject to the lock-up agreements between such parties and the underwriters described in “Underwriting,” but may be sold into the
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market in the future. We expect that certain of the Existing Owners will be party to a registration rights agreement with us that will require us to effect the registration of their shares in certain circumstances no earlier than the expiration of the lock-up period contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with this offering. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”
In connection with this offering, we intend to file a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-8 providing for the registration of 5,350,000 shares of our Class A common stock issued or reserved for issuance under our 2021 Plan. Subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, the expiration of lock-up agreements and the requirements of Rule 144, shares registered under the registration statement on Form S-8 may be made available for resale immediately in the public market without restriction.
We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A common stock or securities convertible into Class A common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock will have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A common stock.
The underwriters of this offering may waive or release parties to the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering, which could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.
We, all of our directors and executive officers and certain of the Existing Owners have entered or will enter into lock-up agreements pursuant to which we and they will be subject to certain restrictions with respect to the sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock for a period of 180 days following the date of this prospectus. The underwriters, at any time and without notice, may release all or any portion of the Class A common stock subject to the foregoing lock-up agreements. See “Underwriting” for more information on these agreements. If the restrictions under the lock-up agreements are waived, then the Class A common stock, subject to compliance with the Securities Act or exceptions therefrom, will be available for sale into the public markets, which could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline and impair our ability to raise capital.
A portion of the proceeds from this offering will be used to make a distribution to the Existing Owners and will not be available to fund our operations.
As described in “Use of Proceeds,” Solaris LLC intends to use approximately $236.3 million of the proceeds from this offering to make a distribution to the Existing Owners. Consequently, such portion of the proceeds from this offering will not be available to fund our operations, capital expenditures or acquisition opportunities. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Aris Inc. will be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for certain tax benefits that it may claim, and the amounts of such payments could be significant.
In connection with the closing of this offering, Aris Inc. will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the TRA Holders. This agreement will generally provide for the payment by Aris Inc. to each TRA Holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax and franchise tax that Aris Inc. actually realizes (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances in periods after this offering as a result of certain increases in tax basis and deemed interest deductions arising from these payments. Aris Inc. will retain the remaining 15% of these cash savings.
The term of the Tax Receivable Agreement will commence upon the completion of this offering and will continue until all tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement have been utilized or expired, unless we exercise our right to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement (or the Tax Receivable Agreement is terminated due to other circumstances, including our breach of a material obligation thereunder or certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combination or other changes of control), and we make the termination payment specified in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are Aris Inc.’s obligations and not obligations of Solaris LLC, and we expect that the payments we will be required to make under the Tax Receivable
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Agreement will be substantial over the life of the agreement. We could also be required to make a lump-sum payment as discussed in the next risk factor. Estimating the amount and timing of payments that may become due under the Tax Receivable Agreement is by its nature imprecise. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in tax generally are calculated by comparing our actual tax liability (determined by using the actual applicable U.S. federal income tax rate and an assumed combined state and local income and franchise tax rate) to the amount we would have been required to pay had we not been able to utilize any of the tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The actual increase in tax basis that may result in cash tax savings to Aris, Inc. under the Tax Receivable Agreement, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of any acquisition or redemption of Solaris LLC Units, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of each acquisition or redemption, the extent to which such acquisition or redemption is a taxable transaction, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, the U.S. federal income tax rates then applicable, and the portion of our payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement give rise to depreciable or amortizable tax basis.
The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be conditioned upon a holder of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement having a continued ownership interest in us. For additional information regarding the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”
In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and change of control events) or the Tax Receivable Agreement terminates early (at our election or as a result of our breach), we would be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. This payment would equal the present value of hypothetical future payments that could be required to be paid under the Tax Receivable Agreement (determined by applying a discount rate of one-year London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 200 basis points). The calculation of hypothetical future payments will be based upon certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, including that (i) we have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement (including having sufficient taxable income to utilize any accumulated net operating loss carryforwards in the manner described in the Tax Receivable Agreement) and (ii) any Solaris LLC Units (other than those held by Aris Inc.) outstanding on the termination date are deemed to be redeemed on the termination date. On a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2021, we estimate the liability associated with this lump-sum payment would be $210.4 million. Any early termination payment may be made significantly in advance of, and may materially exceed, the actual realization, if any, of the future tax benefits to which the termination payment relates.
If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement) or the Tax Receivable Agreement otherwise terminates early, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales or other forms of business combinations or changes of control.
Please read “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”
In the event that our payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are accelerated upon certain mergers, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control, the consideration payable to holders of our Class A common stock could be substantially reduced.
If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations and change of control events) Aris Inc. would be obligated to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment, and such payment may be significantly in advance of, and may materially exceed, the actual realization, if any, of the future tax benefits to which the payment relates. As a result of this payment obligation, holders of our Class A common stock could receive substantially less consideration in connection with a change of control transaction than they would receive in the absence of such obligation. Further, our payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be
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conditioned upon the TRA Holders’ having a continued interest in us or Solaris LLC. Accordingly, the TRA Holders’ interests may conflict with those of the holders of our Class A common stock. Please read “—In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.”
We will not be reimbursed for any payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits are subsequently disallowed.
Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that we will determine. The TRA Holders will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreement if any tax benefits that have given rise to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are subsequently disallowed, except that excess payments made to any TRA Holder will be netted against payments that would otherwise be made to such TRA Holder, if any, after our determination of such excess. As a result, in such circumstances, we could make payments that are greater than our actual cash tax savings, if any, and may not be able to recoup those payments, which could adversely affect our liquidity.
We may be required to pay additional taxes because of the U.S. federal partnership audit rules and potentially also state and local tax rules.
Under the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of entities such as limited liability companies that are taxed as partnerships (which generally are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017), subject to certain exceptions, audit adjustments to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of an entity (and any holder’s share thereof) is determined, and taxes, interest, and penalties attributable thereto, are assessed and collected, at the entity level. It is possible that these rules could result in Solaris LLC (or any of its applicable subsidiaries or other entities in which Solaris LLC directly or indirectly invests that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) being required to pay additional taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as a member of Solaris LLC (or such other entities), could be required to indirectly bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest, and penalties even though we may not otherwise have been required to pay additional corporate-level taxes as a result of the related audit adjustment. Audit adjustments for state or local tax purposes could similarly result in Solaris LLC (or any of its applicable subsidiaries or other entities in which Solaris LLC directly or indirectly invests) being required to pay or indirectly bear the economic burden of state or local taxes and associated interest, and penalties.
Under certain circumstances, Solaris LLC or an entity in which Solaris LLC directly or indirectly invests may be eligible to make an election to cause members of Solaris LLC (or such other entity) to take into account the amount of any tax understatement, including any interest and penalties, in accordance with such member’s share in Solaris LLC in the year under audit. We will decide whether or not to cause Solaris LLC to make this election; however, there are circumstances in which the election may not be available and, in the case of an entity in which Solaris LLC directly or indirectly invests, such decision may be outside of our control. If Solaris LLC or an entity in which Solaris LLC directly or indirectly invests does not make this election, the then-current members of Solaris LLC (including Aris Inc.) could economically bear the burden of the understatement.
If Solaris LLC were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Aris Inc. and Solaris LLC might be subject to potentially significant tax inefficiencies. 
We intend to operate such that Solaris LLC does not become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A “publicly traded partnership” is an entity like a limited liability company treated as a partnership for tax purposes and the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. Under certain circumstances, exchanges of Solaris LLC units pursuant to certain transfers of Solaris LLC units could cause Solaris LLC to be treated like a publicly traded partnership. From time to time the U.S. Congress has considered legislation to change the tax treatment of partnerships and there can be no assurance that any such legislation will not be enacted or if enacted will not be adverse to us.
If Solaris LLC were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, significant tax inefficiencies might result for Aris Inc. and Solaris LLC, including as a result of Aris Inc.’s inability to file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with Solaris LLC.
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Aris Inc. depends on distributions from Solaris LLC to pay any dividends, if declared, taxes and other expenses.
Aris Inc. is a holding company and its only business is to act as the managing member of Solaris LLC. Aris Inc. does not have any independent means of generating revenue. We anticipate that Solaris LLC will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax, except as otherwise described above regarding partnership audit rules. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to the members of Solaris LLC. Accordingly, Aris Inc. will be required to pay income taxes on its allocable share of any net taxable income of Solaris LLC. Subject to funds being available for distribution, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to make tax distributions to Aris Inc. in an amount intended to enable Aris Inc. to pay certain applicable taxes. In addition, Solaris LLC will reimburse Aris Inc. for corporate and other overhead expenses. If the amount of tax distributions to be made exceeds the amount of funds available for distribution, Aris Inc. shall receive the full amount of its tax distribution before the other members receive any distribution and the balance, if any, of funds available for distribution shall be distributed to the other members. To the extent that Aris Inc. needs funds, and Solaris LLC is restricted from making such distributions under applicable laws or regulations, or is otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially and adversely affect Aris Inc.’s ability to pay dividends and taxes and other expenses and affect our liquidity and financial condition.
The IRS might challenge the tax basis step-ups and other tax benefits we received in connection with our IPO and the related transactions and in connection with future acquisitions of Solaris LLC units.
Solaris LLC units held directly by the members of Solaris LLC other than Aris Inc., including members of our senior leadership team, may in the future be exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock or, at our election, cash. Similar to our initial purchase of Solaris LLC units, those exchanges may also result in increases in the tax basis of the assets of Solaris LLC that otherwise would not have been available. These increases in tax basis are expected to increase (for tax purposes) Aris Inc.’s depreciation and amortization and, together with other tax benefits, reduce the amount of tax that Aris Inc. would otherwise be required to pay, although it is possible that the IRS might challenge all or part of that tax basis increases or other tax benefits, and a court might sustain such a challenge. Aris Inc.’s ability to achieve benefits from any tax basis increases or other tax benefits will depend upon a number of factors, as discussed below, including the timing and amount of our future income.
In certain circumstances, Solaris LLC will be required to make distributions to us and the other members of Solaris LLC, and the distributions that Solaris LLC will be required to make may be substantial.
Solaris LLC is expected to continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, taxable income will be allocated to members, including Aris Inc. Pursuant to the Solaris LLC operating agreement and subject to funds being available for distribution, Solaris LLC will make tax distributions to Aris Inc. to help Aris Inc. pay taxes on its allocable share of Solaris LLC's net taxable income. If an advance is made to Aris Inc. to enable it to pay certain applicable taxes, Aris Inc. will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Solaris LLC to make advance distributions to each of the members of Solaris LLC. The advance distributions, if any, made to the members of Solaris LLC generally will be pro rata based on each member's ownership of Solaris LLC units, calculated based on the amount distributed to Aris Inc.
Funds used by Solaris LLC to satisfy its tax distribution obligations will not be available for reinvestment in our business. Moreover, the tax distributions Solaris LLC will be required to make may be substantial, and may significantly exceed (as a percentage of Solaris LLC’s income) the overall effective tax rate applicable to a similarly situated corporate taxpayer. In addition, because these payments will be calculated based on the anticipated tax liability of Aris Inc. at the time of each distribution, these payments may significantly exceed the actual tax liability for many of the members of Solaris LLC (including Aris Inc.).
We may receive distributions significantly in excess of our tax liabilities. We may choose to manage these excess distributions through a number of different approaches, including through the payment of dividends to our Class A common stockholders or by applying them to other corporate purposes.
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We may be required to fund withholding tax upon certain exchanges of Solaris LLC Units into shares of Class A common stock by non-U.S. holders.
In the event of a transfer by a non-U.S. transferor of an interest in an entity like a limited liability company treated as a partnership for tax purposes and that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, the transferee generally must withhold tax in an amount equal to ten percent of the amount realized (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) by the transferor on such transfer absent an exception. Holders of Solaris LLC Units may include non-U.S. holders. The members holding Solaris LLC Units generally will be entitled to exchange such Solaris LLC Units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or, at our election, for cash. To the extent withholding is required and we elect to deliver shares of Class A common stock (rather than cash), we may not have sufficient cash to satisfy such withholding obligation, and, we may be required to incur additional indebtedness or sell shares of our Class A common stock in the open market to raise additional cash in order to satisfy our withholding tax obligations.
We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our Class A common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our Class A common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our Board may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our Class A common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the Class A common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline.
General Risk Factors
We may be adversely affected by uncertainty in the global financial markets and a worldwide economic downturn.
Our future results may be impacted by uncertainty caused by a worldwide economic downturn, continued volatility or deterioration in the debt and equity capital markets, inflation, deflation or other adverse economic conditions that may negatively affect us or parties with whom we do business resulting in a reduction in our customers’ spending and their non-payment or inability to perform obligations owed to us, such as the failure of customers to honor their commitments. Additionally, credit market conditions may change, slowing our collection efforts as customers may experience increased difficulty in obtaining requisite financing, potentially leading to lost revenue and higher than normal accounts receivable. In the event of the financial distress or bankruptcy of a customer, we could lose all or a portion of such outstanding accounts receivable associated with that customer. Further, if a customer was to enter into bankruptcy, it could also result in the cancellation of all or a portion of our service contracts with such customer at significant expense to us.
The current global economic environment may adversely impact our ability to issue debt. Any economic uncertainty may cause institutional investors to respond to their borrowers by increasing interest rates, enacting tighter lending standards or refusing to refinance existing debt upon its maturity or on terms similar to the expiring debt. Due to the above-listed factors, we cannot be certain that additional funding will be available if needed and, to the extent required, on acceptable terms.
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The risk of terrorism and political unrest in various energy producing regions may adversely affect the economy and the price and availability of oil and natural gas.
The occurrence or threat of terrorist attacks in any of the major energy producing regions of the world or elsewhere, anti-terrorist efforts and other armed conflicts involving the U.S. or other countries, including continued hostilities in the Middle East, may adversely affect the U.S. and global economies and could result in disruptions in the supply of crude oil and natural gas. Such disruptions could have a material impact on both availability and price of oil and natural gas and could prevent us from meeting our financial and other obligations. Additionally, destructive forms of protest and opposition by extremists and other disruptions, including acts of sabotage or eco-terrorism, against oil and natural gas development and production activities could potentially result in personal injury to persons, damages to property, natural resources or the environment, or lead to extended interruptions of our or our customers’ operations. If any of these events occur, the resulting political instability and societal disruption could reduce overall demand for oil and gas, potentially putting downward pressure on demand for our services and causing a reduction in our revenues. Oil and gas related facilities could be direct targets of terrorist attacks, and our operations could be adversely impacted if infrastructure integral to our customers’ operations is destroyed or damaged. Costs for insurance and other security may increase as a result of these threats, and some insurance coverage may become more difficult to obtain, if available at all.
We are subject to cybersecurity attacks on any of our facilities or those of third parties. A cyber incident could occur and result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
The oil and gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct certain processing activities. For example, we depend on digital technologies to perform many of our services and to process and record financial and operating data. At the same time, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks or unintentional events, have increased. The U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate that energy assets might be specific targets of cybersecurity threats. Our technologies, systems and networks, and those of our vendors, suppliers and other business partners, may become the target of cyber attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, or other disruption of business operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period. Our financial results could also be adversely affected if an employee causes our systems to fail, either as a result of inadvertent error or by deliberately tampering with or manipulating our systems. In addition, dependence upon automated systems may further increase the risk related to operational system flaws, and employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. Our systems for protecting against cybersecurity risks may not be sufficient. As cyber incidents continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber incidents. Our insurance coverage for cyber attacks may not be sufficient to cover all the losses we may experience as a result of such cyber attacks.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this prospectus, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “guidance,” “preliminary,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “continue,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “forecast,” “future,” “potential,” “may,” “possible,” “could” and variations of such words or similar expressions.
You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus, including, but not limited to, the following:
the severity and duration of world health events, including the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, which has caused reduced demand for oil and natural gas, economic slowdowns, governmental actions, stay-at-home orders, and interruptions to our operations or our exploration and production (“E&P”) customers’ operations;
operational challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, including logistical challenges, protecting the health and well-being of our employees, remote work arrangements, performance of contracts and supply chain disruptions;
the potential deterioration of our customers’ financial condition, including defaults resulting from actual or potential insolvencies;
the level of capital spending and development by oil and gas companies, including significant recent reductions and potential additional reductions in capital expenditures by oil and gas producers in response to commodity prices and dramatically reduced demand;
the impact of current and future laws, rulings and federal and state governmental regulations, including those related to hydraulic fracturing, accessing water, handling of produced water, carbon pricing, taxation or emissions, drilling and right-of-way access on federal lands and various other matters;
the degree to which consolidation among our customers may affect spending on U.S. drilling and completions in the near-term;
our reliance on a limited number of customers and a particular region for substantially all of our revenues;
our ability to successfully implement our business plan;
regional impacts to our business, including our infrastructure assets within the Delaware Basin and Midland Basin formations of the Permian Basin;
our access to capital to fund expansions, acquisitions and our working capital needs and our ability to obtain debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms;
our ability to renew or replace expiring contracts on acceptable terms;
our ability to comply with covenants contained in our debt instruments;
changes in general economic conditions and commodity prices;
our customers’ ability to complete and produce new wells;
risks related to acquisitions and organic growth projects, including our ability to realize their expected benefits;
capacity constraints on regional oil, natural gas and water gathering, processing and pipeline systems that result in a slowdown or delay in drilling and completion activity, and thus a slowdown or delay in the demand for our services;
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our ability to retain key management and employees and to hire and retain skilled labor;
our health, safety and environmental performance;
the impact of competition on our operations;
the degree to which our E&P customers may elect to operate their water-management services in-house rather than outsource these services to companies like us;
delays or restrictions in obtaining, utilizing or maintaining permits by us or our customers;
constraints in supply or availability of equipment used in our business;
advances in technologies or practices that reduce the amount of water used or produced in the oil and gas production process, thereby reducing demand for our services;
changes in global political or economic conditions, generally, and in the markets we serve;
physical, electronic and cybersecurity breaches;
accidents, weather, seasonality or other events affecting our business;
changes in tax laws, regulations or policies;
the effects of litigation; and
plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this report that are not historical.
Many of the factors that will determine our future results are beyond the ability of management to control or predict. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this prospectus occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic may give rise to risks that are currently unknown or amplify the risks associated with many of the foregoing events or factors.
In addition, statements that “we believe” or “we estimate” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us and assumptions made by us as of the date of this prospectus. And while we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this prospectus to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $17.00 per share of Class A common stock (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of this offering and the Reorganization payable by us, will be approximately $280.2 million.
Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $17.00 per share of Class A common stock (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) would increase or decrease the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $16.6 million, assuming that the number of shares of Class A common stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of this offering and the Reorganization payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease of one million in the number of shares of Class A common stock offered by us would increase or decrease the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $16.0 million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price of $17.00 per share and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of this offering and the Reorganization payable by us.
The principal purposes of this offering are to increase our financial flexibility, create a public market for our Class A common stock, and facilitate our future access to the capital markets.
We intend to contribute approximately $280.2 million of the net proceeds from this offering in exchange for newly issued Solaris LLC Units from Solaris LLC, at a per-unit price equal to the per-share price paid by the underwriters for shares of our Class A common stock in this offering. Accordingly, we will not retain any of this portion of the proceeds.
Following such contribution, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to distribute approximately $236.3 million of the net proceeds to Existing Owners as part of the corporate reorganization being undertaken in connection with this offering. Solaris LLC will retain the remaining $43.9 million of the net proceeds. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no specific plan for these remaining net proceeds received by us. However, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, working capital and potential acquisitions and strategic transactions.
The following table shows the application of the expected proceeds from this offering (in millions):
Distributions to Existing Owners
$236.3
Underwriting discounts and commissions
18.0
Offering expenses
1.9
Retained proceeds
43.9
Total gross proceeds
$300.1
To the extent the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full or in part, Aris Inc. will contribute the net proceeds therefrom to Solaris LLC in exchange for an additional number of Solaris LLC Units equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued pursuant to the underwriters’ option. Solaris LLC will use any such net proceeds to redeem from the Existing Owners on a pro rata basis a number of Solaris LLC Units (together with an equivalent number of shares of our Class B common stock) equal to the number of shares of Class A common stock issued pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.
The expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions. We cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the proceeds of this offering or the amounts that we will actually spend on the uses set forth above. Accordingly, our management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds of this offering. The timing and amount of our actual expenditures will be based on many factors, including cash flows from operations and the anticipated growth of our business.
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DIVIDEND POLICY
Depending on factors deemed relevant by our Board, following completion of this offering, our Board may elect to declare cash dividends on our Class A common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in our debt (as further discussed herein). The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board, which will be constituted upon completion of this offering and comprise a majority of independent directors, from time to time. Our Board has not declared any dividends, and we do not expect to adopt a written dividend policy. Our Board may determine not to declare any cash dividends. Please read “Risk Factors—We cannot assure you that we will pay any dividends on our Class A common stock. Our indebtedness could limit our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.” To the extent we pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock, under the terms of our organizational documents, Solaris LLC will pay an equivalent cash distribution on the Solaris LLC Units, and each share of Class A common stock and each Solaris LLC Unit will receive the same cash amount.
Our ability to pay any dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under any existing and future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. Our Restated Credit Agreement generally permits Solaris LLC to pay distributions to us if (i) such distributions are funded using only Available Cash (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement), (ii) Solaris LLC's leverage ratio (calculated pursuant to the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis and (iii) Solaris LLC has liquidity in excess of 15% of the existing commitments under the Restated Credit Agreement. If no loans are outstanding under our Restated Credit Agreement before or after such distribution, the leverage ratio specified in clause (ii) is increased to 4.00 to 1.00 and clause (iii) does not apply. After giving effect to this offering and the use of proceeds therefrom, Solaris LLC would satisfy such requirements under the Restated Credit Agreement.
The indenture that governs our notes generally permits Solaris LLC to pay distributions to us if Solaris LLC's Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in such indenture) is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such distribution. In addition, as long as Solaris LLC's Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture) for the prior four fiscal quarters is not less than 2.00 to 1.00, the indenture permits Solaris LLC to make distributions to us so long as such distribution, together with other distributions, does not exceed a basket amount determined by adding (i) 50% of Solaris LLC's Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the indenture) taken as one period from January 1, 2021 to the most recently completed fiscal quarter, plus (ii) cash contributions to the equity of Solaris LLC and the fair market value of property acquired with Solaris LLC's equity interests or contributed to its common equity capital, plus (iii) certain other others items, which basket amount is reduced by distributions made pursuant to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio test described in the immediately prior sentence. Solaris LLC also has the ability under the indenture to make distributions in an amount not in excess of $15.0 million since the date of the indenture. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Debt Agreements.”
Following the Reorganization and this offering, Aris Inc. will be a holding company and its sole asset will be ownership of the Solaris LLC Units, of which it will be the managing member. Subject to funds being legally available, we intend to cause Solaris LLC to make (i) generally pro rata advance distributions to Aris Inc. in an amount at least sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes, and (ii) non-pro rata advance distributions to allow us to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and any subsequent tax receivable agreements that we may enter into in connection with future acquisitions, and (iii) non-pro rata payments to Aris Inc. to reimburse it for corporate and other overhead expenses. If an advance is made to Aris Inc. to enable it to pay certain applicable taxes, Aris Inc. will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Solaris LLC to make advance distributions to each of the members of Solaris LLC. The advance distributions, if any, made to the members of Solaris LLC generally will be pro rata based on each member's ownership of Solaris LLC units, calculated based on the amount distributed to Aris Inc. If the amount of tax distributions to be made exceeds the amount of funds available for distribution, Aris Inc. will receive a portion of its tax distribution (such portion determined based on the tax rate applicable to Aris Inc. rather than the assumed tax rate on which tax distributions are generally based) before the other members receive any distribution and the balance, if any, of funds available for tax distributions will be distributed to the other members. Holders of our Class B common stock will not be entitled to dividends distributed by Aris Inc. but will share in the distributions made by Solaris LLC on a pro rata basis.
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CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of June 30, 2021:
on an actual basis; and
on an as adjusted basis after giving effect to (i) the transactions described under “Corporate Reorganization,” (ii) the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in this offering at the assumed initial offering price of $17.00 per share (the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), and (iii) the application of the net proceeds from this offering as set forth under “Use of Proceeds.”
The table below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Description of Capital Stock,” our consolidated financial statements and related notes and our unaudited pro forma financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
As of June 30, 2021
(Dollars in thousands, except par values)
Actual
As Adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents
$31,123
$71,773(1)
Long-term debt:
 
 
Credit Facility
$
$
7.625% Senior Sustainability-Linked Notes
400,000
$400,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs
(8,885)
(8,885)
Total long-term debt
$391,115
$391,115
Members’/Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
Members’ equity
$641,317
$
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding (Actual); 600,000,000 shares authorized, 19,421,656 shares issued and outstanding (As Adjusted)
194
Class B common stock, no par value; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding (Actual); 180,000,000 shares authorized, 34,078,344 shares issued and outstanding (As Adjusted)
Additional paid-in capital
181,806
Total members’/stockholders’ equity
$641,317
$182,000
Non-controlling interest
434,345
Total capitalization
$1,032,432
$1,007,460
(1)
Includes the effect of an expected payment of a transaction bonus of $3.25 million to officers and other employees in connection with this offering paid out of cash on hand.
The information presented above assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. The table does not reflect shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2021 Plan, which we plan to adopt in connection with this offering.
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DILUTION
Purchasers of the Class A common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of the Class A common stock for accounting purposes. Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 was approximately $285.5 million, or $5.34 per share of Class A common stock. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our tangible net worth (tangible assets less total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the closing of this offering (assuming that 100% of our Class B common stock has been redeemed for Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis). After giving effect to the transactions described under “Corporate Reorganization” and the sale of the shares in this offering and further assuming the receipt of the estimated net proceeds (after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses), our adjusted pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 would have been approximately $260.5 million, or $4.87 per share. This represents an immediate decrease in the net tangible book value of $0.47 per share to our Existing Owners and an immediate dilution (i.e., the difference between the offering price and the adjusted pro forma net tangible book value after this offering) to new investors purchasing shares in this offering of $12.13 per share. The following table illustrates the per share dilution to new investors purchasing shares in this offering (assuming that 100% of our Class B common stock has been redeemed for Class A common stock):
Initial public offering price per share
   
$17.00
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2021 (after giving effect to our corporate reorganization)
$5.34
 
Decrease per share attributable to new investors in this offering
(0.47)
 
As adjusted pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving further effect to this offering
 
4.87
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering(1)
 
$12.13
(1)
If the initial public offering price were to increase or decrease by $1.00 per share, then dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering would equal $11.84 or $12.43, respectively.
The following table summarizes, on an adjusted pro forma basis as of June 30, 2021, the total number of shares of Class A common stock owned by our Existing Owners (assuming that 100% of our Class B common stock has been redeemed for Class A common stock) and to be owned by new investors, the total consideration paid, and the average price per share paid by our Existing Owners and to be paid by new investors in this offering at $17.00, calculated before deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions.
 
Shares Acquired(1)
Total Consideration(2)
Average
Price
Per Share
 
Number
Percent
Amount
Percent
Existing Owners
35,850
67.0%
$623,334
67.5%
$17.39
New investors in this offering
17,650
33.0%
300,050
32.5%
$17.00
Total
53,500
100.0%
$923,384
100.0%
$17.26
(1)
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, our Existing Owners would own approximately 62.1% and our new investors in this offering would own approximately 37.9% of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering.
(2)
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, the total consideration paid by our new investors would be approximately $345,000 (or 35.6%).
The data in the table excludes 5,350,000 shares of Class A common stock initially reserved for issuance under our 2021 Plan, including the 632,353 restricted stock units or other awards that may be granted to certain employees and non-employee directors after the closing of this offering, the terms of which have not been decided.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion of our historical performance, financial condition and future prospects in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, our historical financial statements. This discussion includes forward-looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by our management. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. For further information on items that could impact our future operating performance or financial condition, see the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this prospectus. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Our Predecessor and Aris Inc.
Aris Inc. was formed in May 2021 and does not have historical financial operating results. For purposes of this prospectus, our accounting predecessor is Solaris LLC. Solaris LLC was formed in November 2015. Following this offering and the transactions related thereto, Aris Inc. will become a holding company whose sole material asset will consist of Solaris LLC Units. After the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this prospectus, Aris Inc. will be the managing member of Solaris LLC and will be responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to Solaris LLC’s business and will consolidate the financial results of Solaris LLC and its subsidiaries.
Business Overview
We are a leading, growth-oriented environmental infrastructure and solutions company that directly helps our customers reduce their water and carbon footprints. We deliver full-cycle water handling and recycling solutions that increase the sustainability of energy company operations. Our integrated pipelines and related infrastructure create long-term value by delivering high-capacity, comprehensive produced water management, recycling and supply solutions to operators in the core areas of the Permian Basin.
How We Generate Revenue
We manage our business through a single operating segment comprising two primary revenue streams, Produced Water Handling and Water Solutions. Our Produced Water Handling revenues are driven by the volumes of produced water we gather from our customers, and our Water Solutions revenues are driven by the quantities of recycled produced water and groundwater delivered to our customers to support their well completion operations. Under our contracts with our customers, we receive a fixed fee per barrel of produced water received from our customers, which water is either handled or recycled, and a fixed fee per barrel of recycled water or groundwater sold to our customers. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 17% and 21% of our Produced Water Handling revenues were attributable to minimum volume commitments and 75% and 71% were attributable to acreage dedications, respectively. We also earned approximately 8% and 8% of our Produced Water Handling revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, from spot volumes from which we earn additional revenue to the extent we have excess capacity and our customers request offtake capacity.
Costs of Conducting Our Business
Operating Expenses
We incur operating costs primarily as a function of the number of barrels of water received, handled and treated. The major categories of operating costs are landowner royalties, power expenses for handling and treatment facilities, direct labor, chemicals for water treatment, water filtration expenses and repair and maintenance of facilities. We seek to minimize, to the extent appropriate for safe and reliable operations, expenses directly tied to operating and maintaining our assets.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses are costs incurred for overhead, including payroll and benefits for our corporate staff, costs of maintaining our offices, costs of managing our permitting operations, IT expenses, audit and other fees for professional services.
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Public Company Costs
We expect to incur incremental, non-recurring costs related to our transition to a publicly traded corporation, including the costs of this initial public offering. We also expect to incur additional recurring expenses as a publicly traded corporation, including costs associated with compliance under the Exchange Act, annual and quarterly reports to common stockholders, registrar and transfer agent fees, national stock exchange fees, audit fees, incremental director and officer liability insurance costs and director and officer compensation.
How We Evaluate Our Results of Operations
We use a variety of financial and operational metrics to evaluate our performance. These metrics help us identify factors and trends that impact our operating results, cash flows and financial condition. The key metrics we use to evaluate our business are provided below.
Produced Water Handling Volumes
We continually seek to bring additional produced water volumes onto our system to maintain or increase throughput on our systems. These volumes are a primary revenue driver and serve as a water source for our Water Solutions business. Changes in produced water handling throughput are driven primarily by the level of production and pace of completions activity on our contracted acreage. We define Produced Water Handling Volumes as all produced water barrels received from customers and any barrels that are deficient under minimum volume commitment agreements.
Water Solutions Barrels Sold and Transferred
Our recycled water and groundwater sales are primarily driven by our customers’ completion activities. We continually seek to gain market share and expand our customer base for recycled water and groundwater sales in the Permian Basin. Our access to abundant produced water volumes and the scale of our systems allows us to distribute recycled water for our customers’ completion activities in an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally conscious manner. We define Water Solutions Barrels Sold and Transferred as the total of all recycled water and groundwater barrels sold plus groundwater barrels transferred on behalf of third parties.
Revenue
We analyze our revenue and assess our performance by comparing actual revenue to our internal projections and across periods. We examine revenue per barrel of water handled or sold to evaluate pricing trends and customer mix impacts. We also assess incremental changes in revenue compared to incremental changes in direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses to identify potential areas for improvement and to determine whether our performance is meeting our expectations.
We generate revenue by providing fee-based services related to produced water handling and water solutions.
The services related to produced water are fee-based arrangements which are based on the volume of water that flows through our systems and facilities. Revenues from produced water handling consist primarily of per barrel fees charged to our customers for the use of our transportation and water handling services. For our produced water handling contracts, revenue is recognized over time utilizing the output method based on the volume of produced water accepted from the customer.
The sale of recycled produced water and groundwater are priced based on negotiated rates with our customers. For contracts that involve recycled produced water and groundwater, revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer.
Adjusted EBITDA
We use Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure to assess the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash to pay interest costs, support indebtedness and return capital to equity holders. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus: interest expense; income taxes; depreciation, amortization and accretion expense; asset impairment and abandoned project charges; losses on the sale of assets; loss on debt modification; and non-recurring or unusual expenses or charges (including temporary power costs), less any gains on sale of assets. Please read “Prospectus Summary—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information regarding this financial measure, including a reconciliation to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.
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Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel
Our Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel are dependent upon the volume of produced water we gather and handle, the volume of recycled water and groundwater we sell and transfer, the fees we charge for such services, and the recurring operating expenses we incur to perform such services. We define Adjusted Operating Margin as Gross Margin plus depreciation, amortization and accretion and temporary power costs. We define Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel as Adjusted Operating Margin divided by total volumes handled, sold or transferred. Adjusted Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin per Barrel are non-GAAP financial measures. Please read “Prospectus Summary—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures of each.
Temporary Power Costs
In the past, we constructed assets in advance of permanent grid power infrastructure availability to secure long-term produced water handling contracts. As a result, we rented temporary power generation equipment that would not be necessary if grid power connections were available. We estimate that the incremental impact of these temporary power expenses was $4.3 million and $9.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $15.0 million and $15.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These estimates are calculated by taking temporary power and temporary rental expenses incurred during the period and subtracting estimated expenses that would have been incurred during such period had permanent grid power been available. Power infrastructure and permanent power availability rapidly expanded in the Permian Basin in 2020 and the first half of 2021, and accordingly, we made significant progress in reducing these expenses. Temporary power costs represented approximately 4% of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 11% of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 8.7% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 13.1% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Our temporary power expenses have been substantially eliminated as of the end of the second quarter of 2021. Our large customer base now provides us with the lead time to request power loads earlier in the permitting stage of facility construction. Also, in 2020 and in the first half of 2021, significantly more operational in-basin power infrastructure was constructed, enhancing overall permanent grid power availability. As a result, we remove temporary power costs when calculating Adjusted Operating Margin to accurately assess long-term profitability and cash flow on a basis consistent with our expected long-term projections.
Adjusted Operating Margin
We seek to maximize our Adjusted Operating Margin in part by minimizing, to the extent appropriate, expenses directly tied to operating our assets. Landowner royalties, utilities, direct labor costs, chemical costs, repair and maintenance costs, and contract services comprise the most significant portion of our expenses. Our operating expenses are largely variable and as such, generally fluctuate in direct correlation with throughput volumes.
Our Adjusted Operating Margin is incrementally benefited from increased Water Solutions recycling sales. When produced water is recycled, we recognize cost savings from reduced landowner royalties, reduced pumping costs, lower chemical treatment and filtration costs, and reduced power consumption. In 2021, we anticipate a significant increase in recycled produced water sales and the percentage of total produced water volumes that are recycled. As a result, we expect continuing margin improvement associated with recycling activity. Additionally, we expect to realize improved Adjusted Operating Margins from increased system utilization which spreads our fixed costs across a larger revenue base.
(Dollars in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2021
2020
2020
2019
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
Produced Water Handling
$85,810
$69,031
$141,659
$81,418
Water Solutions
16,963
15,061
29,813
37,375
Total revenues
102,773
84,092
171,472
118,793
Cost of revenue:
 
 
 
 
Direct operating costs
43,206
49,433
95,431
71,973
Depreciation, amortization and accretion