e424b1
Filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
Registration No. 333-141687
PROSPECTUS
10,000,000 Common
Units
Representing Limited Partner
Interests
Spectra Energy Partners, LP is a limited partnership recently
formed by Spectra Energy Corp. This is the initial public
offering of our common units. Prior to this offering, there has
been no public market for our common units. The common units
have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol SEP.
Investing in our common units involves risks. Please read
Risk Factors beginning on page 21.
These risks include the following:
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We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the
establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses,
including cost reimbursements to our general partner, to enable
us to make cash distributions to holders of our common units and
subordinated units at the initial distribution rate under our
cash distribution policy.
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Two of our three primary assets are controlled by Spectra Energy
Corp and other third parties who are responsible for the
management and operations of those assets. As a result we cannot
control the amount of cash we will receive from them and we may
be required to contribute significant cash to fund their
operations.
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Our natural gas transportation and storage operations are
subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to
establish transportation and storage rates that would allow us
to recover the full cost of operating our pipelines, including a
reasonable return, and our ability to make distributions to you.
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Spectra Energy Corp controls our general partner, which has sole
responsibility for conducting our business and managing our
operations. Our general partner and its affiliates, including
Spectra Energy Corp, have conflicts of interest with us and
limited fiduciary duties, and they may favor their own interests
to your detriment.
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Affiliates of our general partner, including Spectra Energy
Corp, DCP Midstream, LLC and DCP Midstream Partners, LP, are not
limited in their ability to compete with us, which could limit
our commercial activities or our ability to acquire additional
assets or businesses.
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If you are not an (1) individual or entity subject to
U.S. federal income taxation on the income generated by us
or (2) entity not subject to U.S. federal taxation on
the income generated by us, but all of whose owners are subject
to such taxation, you will not be entitled to receive
distributions or allocations of income or loss on your common
units and your common units will be subject to redemption at a
price that may be below the current market price.
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Holders of our common units have limited voting rights and are
not entitled to elect our general partner or its directors.
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You will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $9.38
in tangible net book value per common unit.
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You may be required to pay taxes on income from us even if you
do not receive any cash distributions from us.
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Per Common Unit
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Total
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Initial public offering price
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$22.000
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$220,000,000
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Underwriting discount(1)
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$1.375
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$13,750,000
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Proceeds to Spectra Energy
Partners, LP (before expenses)
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$20.625
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$206,250,000
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(1)
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Excludes an aggregate structuring
fee equal to 0.25% of the gross proceeds of this offering, or
approximately $550,000, payable to Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
and Lehman Brothers Inc.
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We have granted the underwriters a
30-day
option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 common
units from us on the same terms and conditions as set forth
above if the underwriters sell more than 10,000,000 common
units in this offering.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the common units through the
facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about
July 2, 2007.
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A.G.
Edwards |
Raymond
James |
June 26, 2007
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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1
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F-1
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A-1
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B-1
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C-1
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D-1
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You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not,
authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If
anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information,
you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are
not, making an offer to sell these securities in any
jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted. You should
assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is
accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.
Until July 21, 2007 (25 days after the date of this
prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade our common
units, whether or not participating in this offering, may be
required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the
dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or
subscriptions.
iv
SUMMARY
This summary provides a brief overview of information
contained elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read the
entire prospectus carefully, including Risk Factors
beginning on page 21 and the historical and pro forma
financial statements. Unless indicated otherwise, the
information presented in this prospectus assumes that the
underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional
units. We include a glossary of some of the terms used in this
prospectus as Appendix D. References in this prospectus to
Spectra Energy Partners, LP, we,
our, us or like terms when used in a
historical context refer to the businesses that Spectra Energy
Corp is contributing to Spectra Energy Partners, LP in
connection with this offering. When used in the present tense or
prospectively, those terms refer to Spectra Energy Partners, LP
and its subsidiaries. References to our general
partner refer to Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP
and/or
Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of Spectra
Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP, as appropriate. References to
Spectra Energy when used with respect to periods
prior to January 1, 2007 refer to Spectra Energy Capital,
LLC and when used with respect to periods after that date or
prospectively refer to Spectra Energy Corp, the ultimate parent
company of our general partner. References to East
Tennessee and Gulfstream refer to East
Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC and Gulfstream Natural Gas System,
L.L.C., respectively. References to Market Hub refer
to Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC and its successor, Market
Hub Partners Holding, a Delaware general partnership.
Spectra
Energy Partners, LP
Overview
We are a growth-oriented Delaware limited partnership recently
formed by Spectra Energy to own and operate natural gas
transportation and storage assets. Our initial assets consist of
interests in two interstate natural gas pipeline systems located
in the southeastern United States with over 2,100 miles of
pipelines, interests in two natural gas storage facilities in
Texas and Louisiana with aggregate working gas storage capacity
of approximately 35 billion cubic feet, or Bcf, and a liquefied
natural gas, or LNG, storage facility in Tennessee.
We intend to utilize the significant experience of Spectra
Energys management team to execute our growth strategy,
including the acquisition and construction of additional energy
assets. Spectra Energy, which is comprised of the former natural
gas businesses of Duke Energy Corporation, became a stand-alone
publicly traded company in January 2007. At December 31,
2006, Spectra Energy had approximately 17,500 miles of
natural gas transportation pipelines and approximately
265 Bcf of natural gas storage capacity (including the
assets to be contributed to us).
Our
Assets
East Tennessee System. We own and operate 100%
of the approximately
1,400-mile
East Tennessee interstate natural gas transportation system,
which extends from central Tennessee eastward into southwest
Virginia and northern North Carolina, and southward into
northern Georgia. East Tennessee supports the growing energy
demands of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United
States through its connection to 19 receipt points and more than
175 delivery points and its market delivery capability of
approximately 1.3 Bcf/d of natural gas. East Tennessee also
owns and operates an LNG storage facility in Kingsport,
Tennessee with natural gas storage capacity that can be used for
system operations or sold to the market, or working gas storage
capacity, of approximately 1.0 Bcf and regasification capability
of 150 million cubic feet per day, or MMcf/d.
Gulfstream System. We own a 24.5% interest in
the approximately
690-mile
Gulfstream interstate natural gas transportation system, which
extends from Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama across
the Gulf of Mexico and into Florida. Gulfstream supports the
fast growing south and central Florida markets through its
connection to seven receipt points and 19 delivery points and
its market delivery capability of approximately 1.1 Bcf/d
of natural gas. Subsidiaries of Spectra Energy and The Williams
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Companies, Inc. own the remaining 25.5% and 50.0% interests in
Gulfstream, respectively, and jointly operate the system.
Market Hub System. We own a 50.0% interest in
Market Hub, which owns and operates two high-deliverability salt
cavern natural gas storage facilities located in Acadia Parish,
Louisiana and Liberty County, Texas. These two facilities have
aggregate working gas storage capacity of approximately
35 Bcf and interconnect with 12 major natural gas pipeline
systems. Market Hubs storage facilities offer access to
natural gas supplies from Texas, Louisiana and growing imports
of LNG to the Gulf Coast, and each facility interconnects with
Spectra Energys Texas Eastern System. A subsidiary of
Spectra Energy owns the remaining 50.0% interest in Market Hub
and operates the system.
Our
Operations
We transport and store natural gas for a broad mix of customers,
including local gas distribution companies, or LDCs, municipal
utilities, interstate and intrastate pipelines, direct
industrial users, electric power generators and natural gas
marketers and producers. In addition to serving directly
connected Southeastern markets, our pipeline and storage systems
have access to customers in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern and
Midwestern regions of the United States through numerous
interconnections with major pipelines. Our rates are regulated
under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, rate-making
policies, and, in the case of our storage facility in Texas, by
the Texas Railroad Commission, or TRC.
We provide a significant portion of our transportation and
storage services through firm contracts that obligate our
customers to pay us monthly capacity reservation fees, which are
fixed charges owed to us regardless of the actual pipeline or
storage capacity utilized by a customer. When a customer
utilizes the capacity it has reserved under these contracts, we
also collect a variable fee based on the volume of natural gas
actually transported or stored. This enables us to recover our
variable costs. These fees are typically a small percentage of
the total fees we receive from our firm contracts. We also
derive a smaller portion of our revenues through interruptible
contracts under which our customers pay fees based on their
actual utilization of our assets for transportation and storage
services and other related services. Customers who have executed
interruptible contracts are not assured capacity in our pipeline
and storage facilities. To the extent that physical capacity
that is contracted for firm service is not being fully utilized,
we can contract such capacity for interruptible service. The
table below sets forth certain information regarding our assets,
our contracts and our revenues, as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2006:
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Weighted
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Revenue Composition %
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% of Physical
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Average
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Firm Contracts
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Capacity
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Remaining
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Capacity
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Subscribed
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Contract
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Our Ownership
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Reservation
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Variable
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Interruptible
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Under Firm
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Life (in
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Asset
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Interest
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Fees
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Fees
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Contracts
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Contracts
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years)(1)
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East Tennessee
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100.0
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%
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97.7
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1.7
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0.6
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%
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89.7
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9.3
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Gulfstream
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24.5
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85.6
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2.9
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11.5
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%
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68.8
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20.2
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Market Hub
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50.0
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%
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90.0
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0.0
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10.0
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100.0
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%
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2.4
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(1) |
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The average life of each contract is calculated based on the
average annual contract revenue for such contracts
remaining life. |
The high percentage of our earnings derived from capacity
reservation fees mitigates the risk to us of earnings
fluctuations caused by changing supply and demand conditions.
For additional information about our contracts, please see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations How We Evaluate
Our Operations and Business
Regulation.
Our
Relationship with Spectra Energy
One of our principal attributes is our relationship with Spectra
Energy, which will own our general partner and a significant
interest in us following this offering. Spectra Energy is
comprised of the former natural gas businesses of Duke Energy
Corporation and became a stand-alone publicly traded company in
2
January 2007. Spectra Energy owns and operates a large and
diversified portfolio of complementary natural gas-related
energy assets and is one of North Americas leading
midstream natural gas companies. Spectra Energy, which trades on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SE,
serves three key links in the natural gas value chain: gathering
and processing, transportation and storage and distribution.
Through its interests in five U.S. pipeline systems
(including East Tennessee and Gulfstream) and three Canadian
pipeline systems, Spectra Energy owns and operates one of the
largest long-haul natural gas pipeline networks in North America
consisting of approximately 17,500 miles of transportation
pipelines. In addition, Spectra Energy is one of the largest
operators of natural gas storage in North America with eleven
storage facilities with total working gas capacity of
approximately 265 Bcf (including East Tennessees LNG
facility and Market Hub), and owns a 50.0% interest in DCP
Midstream, LLC (previously known as Duke Energy Field Services,
LLC), which is the largest natural gas liquids producer in North
America. DCP Midstream, LLC owns the general partner interest
and a 40.7% limited partner interest in DCP Midstream Partners,
LP, which is a midstream master limited partnership.
Upon the completion of this offering, Spectra Energy will own
our 2% general partner interest, all of our incentive
distribution rights and an 83.2% limited partner interest in us.
We will enter into an omnibus agreement with Spectra Energy, our
general partner and certain of their affiliates that will govern
our relationship with them regarding certain reimbursement and
indemnification matters. Please read Certain Relationships
and Related Party Transactions Omnibus
Agreement. While our relationship with Spectra Energy and
its subsidiaries is a significant attribute, it may also be a
source of conflicts. For example, neither Spectra Energy nor any
of its affiliates are prohibited from competing with us. Spectra
Energy and its affiliates may acquire, construct or dispose of
assets in the future without any obligation to offer us the
opportunity to purchase or construct those assets. Please read
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties.
Summary
of Risk Factors
An investment in our common units involves risks. The following
list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Please read carefully
these and other risks described under Risk Factors.
Risks
Related to Our Business
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We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the
establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses,
including cost reimbursements to our general partner, to enable
us to make cash distributions to holders of our common units and
subordinated units at the initial distribution rate under our
cash distribution policy.
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On a pro forma basis we would not have had sufficient cash
available for distribution to pay the full minimum quarterly
distribution on all units for the year ended December 31,
2006. Please read Our Cash Distribution Policy and
Restrictions on Distributions.
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Gulfstream and Market Hub are controlled by Spectra Energy and
other third parties who are responsible for the management and
operations of those assets. As a result we cannot control the
amount of cash we will receive from Gulfstream and Market Hub
and we may be required to contribute significant cash to fund
their operations.
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Our natural gas transportation and storage operations are
subject to regulation by FERC, which could have an adverse
impact on our ability to establish transportation and storage
rates that would allow us to recover the full cost of operating
our pipelines, including a reasonable return, and our ability to
make distributions to you.
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Certain of our transportation services are subject to long-term,
fixed-price negotiated rate contracts that are not
subject to adjustment, even if our cost to perform such services
exceeds the revenues received from such contracts, and, as a
result, our costs could exceed our revenues received under such
contracts.
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3
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The assumptions underlying the minimum estimated cash available
for distribution we include in Our Cash Distribution
Policy and Restrictions on Distributions are inherently
uncertain and are subject to significant business, economic,
financial, regulatory and competitive risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
estimated.
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If third-party pipelines and other facilities interconnected to
our natural gas pipelines and facilities become unavailable to
transport natural gas, our revenues and cash available for
distribution could be adversely affected.
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Any significant decrease in supplies of natural gas in our areas
of operation could adversely affect our business and operating
results and reduce our cash available for distribution to
unitholders.
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We may not be able to maintain or replace expiring gas
transportation and storage contracts at favorable rates.
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We depend on certain key customers for a significant portion of
our revenues. The loss of any of these key customers could
result in a decline in our revenues and cash available to make
distributions to you.
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Risks
Inherent in an Investment in Us
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Spectra Energy controls our general partner, which has sole
responsibility for conducting our business and managing our
operations. Spectra Energy has conflicts of interest, and it may
favor its own interests to your detriment.
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|
|
|
Affiliates of our general partner, including Spectra Energy, DCP
Midstream, LLC and DCP Midstream Partners, LP, are not limited
in their ability to compete with us, which could limit our
commercial activities or our ability to acquire additional
assets or businesses.
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|
|
|
If you are not an (1) individual or entity subject to
U.S. federal income taxation on the income generated by us
or (2) entity not subject to U.S. federal taxation on
the income generated by us, but all of whose owners are subject
to such taxation, you will not be entitled to receive
distributions or allocations of income or loss on your common
units and your common units will be subject to redemption at a
price that may be below the current market price.
|
|
|
|
Cost reimbursements to our general partner and its affiliates
for services provided, which will be determined by our general
partner, will be substantial and will reduce our cash available
for distribution to you.
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|
|
|
Our partnership agreement limits our general partners
fiduciary duties to holders of our common units and subordinated
units and restricts the remedies available to holders of our
common units and subordinated units for actions taken by our
general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of
fiduciary duty.
|
Tax
Risks to Common Unitholders
|
|
|
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|
Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes, as well as our not being subject to
a material amount of entity-level taxation by individual states.
If the Internal Revenue Service treats us as a corporation or we
become subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation for
state tax purposes, it would substantially reduce the amount of
cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
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|
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|
An Internal Revenue Service contest of the federal income tax
positions we take may adversely affect the market for our common
units, and the cost of any Internal Revenue Service contest will
reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
|
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|
|
You may be required to pay taxes on income from us even if you
do not receive any cash distributions from us.
|
|
|
|
Tax gain or loss on disposition of common units could be more or
less than expected.
|
4
Formation
Transactions and Partnership Structure
General
At the closing of this offering the following transactions will
occur:
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy or its subsidiaries will contribute certain of
their assets to us or our subsidiaries;
|
|
|
|
we will issue to a subsidiary of Spectra Energy
34,629,880 common units and 21,638,730 subordinated
units, representing an aggregate 83.2% limited partner interest
in us;
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|
|
|
we will issue to Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP, a
subsidiary of Spectra Energy, a 2% general partner interest in
us and all of our incentive distribution rights, which will
entitle our general partner to increasing percentages of the
cash we distribute in excess of $0.345 per unit per quarter
(115% of the minimum quarterly distribution);
|
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|
|
we will issue 10,000,000 common units to the public in this
offering, representing a 14.8% limited partner interest in us,
and will use the proceeds as described in Use of
Proceeds;
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|
|
we expect to borrow $163.1 million in term debt and
$125 million in revolving debt under our $500 million
credit facility; and
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|
|
we will enter into an omnibus agreement with Spectra Energy, our
general partner and certain of their affiliates pursuant to
which:
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|
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|
we will reimburse Spectra Energy for the payment of certain
operating expenses and for providing various general and
administrative services; and
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|
|
|
Spectra Energy will indemnify us for certain environmental and
tax liabilities and title and
right-of-way
defects.
|
Management
of Spectra Energy Partners, LP
Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP, our general partner, has
sole responsibility for conducting our business and for managing
our operations. Because our general partner is a limited
partnership, its general partner, Spectra Energy Partners GP,
LLC, will conduct our business and operations, and the board of
directors and officers of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC will
make decisions on our behalf. Spectra Energy will elect all
seven members to the board of directors of Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC, with at least three directors meeting the
independence standards established by the New York Stock
Exchange. For more information about these individuals, please
read Management Directors and Executive
Officers.
As is common with publicly traded limited partnerships and in
order to maximize operational flexibility, we will conduct our
operations through subsidiaries. We will have one direct
operating subsidiary initially, Spectra Energy Partners OLP, LP,
a limited partnership that will conduct business through itself
and its subsidiaries.
5
Organizational
Structure and Ownership
The following diagram depicts our organizational structure after
giving effect to this offering and the related transactions
assuming no exercise of the underwriters option to
purchase additional common units.
|
|
|
|
|
Public Common Units
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
Spectra Energy Common and
Subordinated Units
|
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|
83.2
|
%
|
General Partner Units
|
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
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|
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Total
|
|
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100.0
|
%
|
6
Principal
Executive Offices and Internet Address
Our principal executive offices are located at
5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056 and our
telephone number is
(713) 627-5400.
Our website is located at www.spectraenergypartners.com and will
be activated in connection with the closing of this offering. We
expect to make our periodic reports and other information filed
with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission,
which we refer to as the 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 on our website or any other
website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus
and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
Summary
of Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties
General. Our general partner has a legal duty
to manage us in a manner beneficial to holders of our common
units and subordinated units. This legal duty originates in
statutes and judicial decisions and is commonly referred to as a
fiduciary duty. However, because our general partner
is owned by Spectra Energy, the officers and directors of our
general partner also have fiduciary duties to manage our general
partner in a manner beneficial to Spectra Energy. As a result of
this relationship, conflicts of interest may arise in the future
between us and holders of our common units and subordinated
units, on the one hand, and our general partner and its
affiliates on the other hand.
Partnership Agreement Modifications to Fiduciary
Duties. Our partnership agreement limits the
liability and reduces the fiduciary duties of our general
partner to holders of our common units and subordinated units.
Our partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available
to holders of our common units and subordinated units for
actions that might otherwise constitute a breach of our general
partners fiduciary duties owed to holders of our common
units and subordinated units. Our partnership agreement also
provides that affiliates of our general partner, including
Spectra Energy and its affiliates, are not restricted from
competing with us. By purchasing a common unit, the purchaser
agrees to be bound by the terms of our partnership agreement
and, pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement, each
holder of common units consents to various actions contemplated
in the partnership agreement and conflicts of interest that
might otherwise be considered a breach of fiduciary or other
duties under applicable state law.
For a more detailed description of the conflicts of interest and
fiduciary duties of our general partner, please read
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties.
7
The
Offering
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|
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Common units offered to the public |
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10,000,000 common units. |
|
Common units subject to the underwriters option to
purchase additional common units
|
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If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional
units in full, we will issue 1,500,000 additional common units
to the public and redeem the same number of common units from a
subsidiary of Spectra Energy, which will be deemed to be a
selling unitholder in this offering. Please read Selling
Unitholder. |
|
Units outstanding after this offering |
|
44,629,880 common units and 21,638,730 subordinated units,
representing 66% and 32%, respectively, limited partner
interests in us. The general partner will own
1,352,421 general partner units. |
|
Use of proceeds |
|
We intend to use the net proceeds of approximately
$206.3 million from this offering, after deducting
$13.8 million of underwriting discounts, but before paying
offering expenses and structuring fees of approximately $550,000
to be paid to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Lehman Brothers
Inc. for evaluation, analysis and structuring of our
partnership, to: |
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|
purchase approximately $163.1 million of
qualifying investment grade securities, which will be assigned
as collateral to secure the term loan portion of our credit
facility;
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pay approximately $7.2 million of expenses
associated with the offering and related formation transactions;
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distribute $26.0 million in cash to
subsidiaries of Spectra Energy as reimbursement for capital
expenditures incurred by subsidiaries of Spectra Energy prior to
this offering related to the assets to be contributed to us upon
the closing of this offering, which distribution will be made in
partial consideration of the assets contributed to us upon the
closing of this offering; and
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use the remaining amount of $10.0 million to
fund working capital.
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We also anticipate that we will borrow approximately
$163.1 million in term debt and $125 million in
revolving debt upon the closing of this offering, and we will
distribute the aggregate amount of the proceeds of such
borrowings to subsidiaries of Spectra Energy, which distribution
will be made in partial consideration of the assets contributed
to us upon the closing of this offering. |
|
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|
If the underwriters option to purchase additional common
units is exercised in full, we will (1) use the net
proceeds of approximately $30.9 million to purchase an
equivalent amount of qualifying investment grade securities,
which will be assigned as collateral to secure the additional
term loan borrowings described below and (2) borrow an
additional amount under the term loan portion of our credit
facility equal to the net proceeds to be received from the
exercise of the underwriters option. The proceeds of the
additional term loan borrowings will be used to redeem from a
subsidiary of Spectra Energy a number of common units equal to
the number of common units |
8
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issued upon exercise of the underwriters option, at a
price per common unit equal to the proceeds per common unit
before expenses but after underwriting discounts and a
structuring fee. |
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Cash distributions |
|
We will make an initial quarterly distribution of $0.30 per
common unit ($1.20 per common unit on an annualized basis)
to the extent we have sufficient cash from operations after
establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses,
including payments to our general partner and its affiliates.
Our ability to pay cash distributions at this initial
distribution rate is subject to various restrictions and other
factors described in more detail under the caption Our
Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on Distributions. |
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We will pay investors in this offering a prorated distribution
for the first quarter during which we are a publicly traded
partnership. Such distribution will cover the period from the
closing date of this offering to and including
September 30, 2007. We expect to pay this cash distribution
on or about November 15, 2007. |
|
|
|
Our partnership agreement requires us to distribute all of our
cash on hand at the end of each quarter, less reserves
established by our general partner. We refer to this cash as
available cash, and we define its meaning in our
partnership agreement and in the glossary of terms attached as
Appendix D. Our partnership agreement also requires that we
distribute all of our available cash from operating surplus each
quarter in the following manner: |
|
|
|
first, 98% to the holders of common units and
2% to our general partner, until each common unit has received a
minimum quarterly distribution of $0.30 plus any arrearages from
prior quarters;
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|
second, 98% to the holders of subordinated
units and 2% to our general partner, until each subordinated
unit has received a minimum quarterly distribution of
$0.30; and
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|
|
third, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and
2% to our general partner, until each unit has received a
distribution of $0.345.
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|
If cash distributions to our unitholders exceed $0.345 per
common unit in any quarter, our general partner will receive, in
addition to distributions on its 2% general partner interest,
increasing percentages, up to 50%, of the cash we distribute in
excess of that amount. We refer to these distributions as
incentive distributions. Please read
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions. |
|
|
|
The amount of pro forma available cash generated during the year
ended December 31, 2006 would have been sufficient to allow
us to pay the full minimum quarterly distribution on all of our
common units, but only approximately 47% of the minimum
quarterly distribution on our subordinated units during that
period. The amount of pro forma available cash generated during
the twelve months ended March 31, 2007 would have been
sufficient to allow us to pay the full minimum quarterly
distribution on all of our common and subordinated units. For a
calculation of our ability to make distributions to unitholders
based on our pro forma results for 2006 and the twelve months
ended March 31, |
9
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|
2007, please read Our Cash Distribution Policy and
Restrictions on Distributions Unaudited Pro Forma
Cash Available for Distribution for the Year Ended
December 31, 2006 and the Twelve Months Ended
March 31, 2007. |
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We believe that, based on the estimates contained and the
assumptions listed under the caption Our Cash Distribution
Policy and Restrictions on Distributions Minimum
Estimated Cash Available for Distribution for the Twelve-Month
Period Ending June 30, 2008, we will have sufficient
cash available for distribution to make cash distributions for
the four quarters ending June 30, 2008 at the initial
distribution rate of $0.30 per common unit per quarter
($1.20 per common unit on an annualized basis) on all
common units and subordinated units. |
|
Subordinated units |
|
A subsidiary of Spectra Energy will initially own all of our
subordinated units. The principal difference between our common
units and subordinated units is that in any quarter during the
subordination period, holders of the subordinated units are
entitled to receive the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.30
per unit only after the common units have received the minimum
quarterly distribution plus any arrearages in the payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution from prior quarters. Subordinated
units will not accrue arrearages. The subordination period will
end on the first business day after we have earned and paid at
least $0.30 on each outstanding limited partner unit and general
partner unit for any three consecutive,
non-overlapping
four quarter periods ending on or after June 30, 2010. The
subordination period also will end upon the removal of our
general partner other than for cause if the units held by our
general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of
such removal. |
|
|
|
When the subordination period ends, all remaining subordinated
units will convert into common units on a
one-for-one
basis, and the common units will no longer be entitled to
arrearages. Please read Provisions of Our Partnership
Agreement Related to Cash Distributions
Subordination Period. |
|
Early conversion of subordinated units
|
|
Alternatively, the subordination period will end on the first
business day after we have earned and paid at least $1.80 (150%
of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on each
outstanding limited partner unit and general partner unit for
any four quarter period ending on or after June 30, 2008.
Please read Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement
Related to Cash Distributions Subordination
Period. |
|
General Partners right to reset the target distribution
levels
|
|
Our general partner has the right, at a time when there are no
subordinated units outstanding and it has received incentive
distributions at the highest level to which it is entitled (48%)
for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters, to reset
the initial cash target distribution levels at higher levels
based on the distribution at the time of the exercise of the
reset election. Following a reset election by our general
partner, the minimum |
10
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|
|
|
|
quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal
to the average cash distribution amount per common unit for the
two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset
election (such amount is referred to as the reset
minimum quarterly distribution) and the target
distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher
levels based on the same percentage increases above the reset
minimum quarterly distribution amount as in our current target
distribution levels. |
|
|
|
In connection with resetting these target distribution levels,
our general partner will be entitled to receive Class B
units. The Class B units will be entitled to the same cash
distributions per unit as our common units and will be
convertible into an equal number of common units. The number of
Class B units to be issued will be equal to that number of
common units whose aggregate quarterly cash distributions
equaled the average of the distributions to our general partner
on the incentive distribution rights in the prior two quarters.
For a more detailed description of our general partners
right to reset the target distribution levels upon which the
incentive distribution payments are based and the concurrent
right of our general partner to receive Class B units in
connection with this reset, please see Provisions of Our
Partnership Agreement Related to Cash Distributions
General Partners Right to Reset Incentive Distribution
Levels. |
|
Issuance of additional units |
|
We can issue an unlimited number of units without the consent of
our unitholders. Please read Units Eligible for Future
Sale and The Partnership Agreement
Issuance of Additional Securities. |
|
Limited voting rights |
|
Our general partner will manage and operate us. Unlike the
holders of common stock in a corporation, you will have only
limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. You
will have no right to elect our general partner or the directors
of its general partner on an annual or other continuing basis.
Our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the
holders of at least
662/3%
of the outstanding units, including any units owned by our
general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single
class. Upon consummation of this offering, our general partner
and its affiliates will own an aggregate of approximately 84.9%
of our common and subordinated units. This will give Spectra
Energy the ability to prevent our general partners
involuntary removal. Please read The Partnership
Agreement Voting Rights. |
|
Limited call right |
|
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the outstanding common units, our general partner
has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all of the
remaining common units at a price not less than the then-current
market price of the common units. |
|
Eligible Holders and redemption |
|
Only Eligible Holders will be entitled to receive distributions
or be allocated income or loss from us. Eligible Holders are: |
|
|
|
individuals or entities subject to United States
federal income taxation on the income generated by us; or
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11
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entities not subject to United States federal
taxation on the income generated by us, so long as all of the
entitys owners are subject to such taxation.
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We have the right, which we may assign to any of our affiliates,
but not the obligation, to redeem all of the common and
subordinated units of any holder that is not an Eligible Holder
or that has failed to certify or has falsely certified that such
holder is an Eligible Holder. The purchase price for such
redemption would be equal to the lower of the holders
purchase price and the then-current market price of the units.
The redemption price will be paid in cash or by delivery of a
promissory note, as determined by our general partner. |
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|
|
Please read Description of the Common Units
Transfer of Common Units and The Partnership
Agreement Non-Taxpaying Assignees; Redemption. |
|
Estimated ratio of taxable income to distributions
|
|
We estimate that if you own the common units you purchase in
this offering through the record date for distributions for the
period ending December 31, 2010, you will be allocated, on
a cumulative basis, an amount of federal taxable income for that
period that will be 20% or less of the cash distributed to you
with respect to that period. For example, if you receive an
annual distribution of $1.20 per unit, we estimate that
your average allocable federal taxable income per year will be
no more than $0.24 per unit. Please read Material Tax
Consequences Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership Ratio of Taxable Income to
Distributions. |
|
Material tax consequences |
|
For a discussion of other material federal income tax
consequences that may be relevant to prospective unitholders who
are individual citizens or residents of the United States,
please read Material Tax Consequences. |
|
Exchange listing |
|
The common units have been approved for listing on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol SEP. |
12
Summary
Historical and Pro Forma Financial and Operating Data
The following table shows (i) summary combined historical
financial and operating data of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor, (ii) summary combined pro forma financial data
of Spectra Energy Partners and (iii) summary historical
financial and operating data of Gulfstream and Market Hub for
the periods and as of the dates indicated. The summary combined
historical financial data of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor
as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and
2006 are derived from the historical audited combined financial
statements, and as of and for the three months ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007 are derived from the historical
unaudited combined financial statements, of Spectra Energy
Partners Predecessor, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
The table should also be read together with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
The summary historical financial data of Gulfstream and Market
Hub as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005
and 2006 are derived from the audited financial statements
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and as of and for the
three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 are derived from
the historical unaudited combined financial statements, of
Gulfstream and Market Hub, respectively.
The summary combined pro forma financial data of Spectra Energy
Partners as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006,
and as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are
derived from the unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements of Spectra Energy Partners included elsewhere in this
prospectus. The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if
certain transactions to be effected at the closing of this
offering had taken place on March 31, 2007, in the case of
the pro forma balance sheet, and as of January 1, 2006, in
the case of the pro forma statements of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2006, and for the three months ended
March 31, 2007. These transactions include:
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessees and Market Hubs distribution of
accounts receivable of $11.7 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, to Spectra Energy;
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners receipt of $220 million in
gross proceeds from the issuance and sale of 10,000,000 common
units to the public;
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners borrowings under its new
$500 million credit facility of $163.1 million in term
debt and $125 million in revolving debt; and
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners use of proceeds and borrowings to
pay transaction expenses and underwriting commissions, reimburse
subsidiaries of Spectra Energy for certain capital expenditures,
fund working capital and invest in qualifying investment grade
securities (as permitted under our credit agreement).
|
The following table includes the following non-generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) financial measures:
|
|
|
|
|
Our historical and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA;
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA for both our 24.5% ownership interest in
Gulfstream and our 50.0% ownership interest in Market Hub;
|
|
|
|
Our historical and pro forma cash available for
distribution; and
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution for both our 24.5% ownership
interest in Gulfstream and our 50.0% ownership interest in
Market Hub.
|
These measures are presented because such information is
relevant to, and will be used by, management, industry analysts,
investors, lenders and rating agencies to assess the financial
performance and operating results of our fundamental business
activities. Our 24.5% ownership interest in Gulfstream and our
50.0% ownership interest in Market Hub are not consolidated in
our pro forma financial results, but are accounted for using the
equity method of accounting. In order to evaluate our Adjusted
EBITDA for the cash impact of our investments in Gulfstream and
Market Hub on our results, we calculate Adjusted EBITDA and cash
available for distribution separately for us and our ownership
interests in Gulfstream and
13
Market Hub. We expect distributions we receive from Gulfstream
and Market Hub to represent a significant portion of the cash we
distribute to our unitholders. The limited liability company
agreement for Gulfstream and the general partnership agreement
for Market Hub provide for quarterly distributions of available
cash to their members. Please read How We Make Cash
Distributions General Limitations on
Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash
Distribution Policy for more information on the manner in
which Gulfstream and Market Hub distribute cash to their members.
We define our Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest
expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization less our
equity in earnings of Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest income
and other income (expenses), net, which primarily consists of
non-cash allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC,
and certain other items such as insurance recoveries.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define Adjusted EBITDA as net
income plus interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and
amortization less interest income and other income, net, which
primarily consists of non-cash AFUDC and certain other items
such as insurance recoveries. Our equity share of
Gulfstreams Adjusted EBITDA is 24.5%, and our equity share
of Market Hubs Adjusted EBITDA is 50.0%.
We define our cash available for distribution as our Adjusted
EBITDA plus cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and
Market Hub, less net cash paid for interest expense and
maintenance capital expenditures. Our cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances. Our pro forma cash available for distribution for the
year ended December 31, 2006, and for the twelve-month
period ended March 31, 2007 includes our anticipated
incremental general and administrative expense of being a
publicly traded partnership.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define cash available for
distribution as Adjusted EBITDA less net cash paid for interest
expense and maintenance capital expenditures. Cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances.
For a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly
comparable financial measures calculated and presented in
accordance with GAAP, please read
Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except per unit and operating data)
|
|
|
Statement of Operations
Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$
|
81,716
|
|
|
$
|
80,003
|
|
|
$
|
82,609
|
|
|
$
|
22,221
|
|
|
$
|
26,433
|
|
|
$
|
82,609
|
|
|
$
|
26,433
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance, and other
|
|
|
26,081
|
|
|
|
24,648
|
|
|
|
21,831
|
|
|
|
10,486
|
|
|
|
6,905
|
|
|
|
21,831
|
|
|
|
6,905
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
518
|
|
|
|
5,264
|
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
1,607
|
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
48,091
|
|
|
|
53,552
|
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
16,847
|
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
33,625
|
|
|
|
26,451
|
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
5,374
|
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
35,495
|
|
|
|
46,287
|
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
7,059
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
2,170
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(8,258
|
)
|
|
|
(8,506
|
)
|
|
|
(8,151
|
)
|
|
|
(2,067
|
)
|
|
|
(2,156
|
)
|
|
|
(24,900
|
)
|
|
|
(6,343
|
)
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(9,202
|
)
|
|
|
(7,834
|
)
|
|
|
(10,741
|
)
|
|
|
(1,212
|
)
|
|
|
(4,733
|
)
|
|
|
(453
|
)
|
|
|
(209
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
63,789
|
|
|
$
|
21,701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per limited
partners unit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
Subordinated unit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.41
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except per unit and operating data)
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (at period
end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,302,974
|
|
|
$
|
1,202,772
|
|
|
$
|
1,284,582
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,445,636
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
602,226
|
|
|
|
616,316
|
|
|
|
691,820
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
Investment in unconsolidated
affiliates
|
|
|
553,731
|
|
|
|
422,340
|
|
|
|
442,793
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,068
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
441,409
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
438,050
|
|
Total parent net equity
|
|
|
1,024,753
|
|
|
|
895,696
|
|
|
|
989,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
987,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
971,982
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
83,987
|
|
|
$
|
93,272
|
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
17,099
|
|
|
$
|
22,478
|
|
|
$
|
64,459
|
|
|
$
|
24,976
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
55,117
|
|
|
|
50,091
|
|
|
|
56,601
|
|
|
|
10,128
|
|
|
|
19,655
|
|
|
|
56,601
|
|
|
|
19,655
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a publicly-traded partnership(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
12,955
|
|
|
|
8,566
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
|
|
8,232
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
1,354
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
Cash available for distribution(a)
|
|
|
73,784
|
|
|
|
77,526
|
|
|
|
80,377
|
|
|
|
21,284
|
|
|
|
35,734
|
|
|
|
67,225
|
|
|
|
30,195
|
|
Expansion capital expenditures
|
|
|
27,590
|
|
|
|
51,083
|
|
|
|
74,977
|
|
|
|
9,655
|
|
|
|
1,198
|
|
|
|
74,977
|
|
|
|
1,198
|
|
Gulfstream our 24.5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
18,771
|
|
|
|
24,999
|
|
|
|
24,712
|
|
|
|
8,373
|
|
|
|
8,171
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
18,699
|
|
|
|
29,583
|
|
|
|
36,060
|
|
|
|
7,190
|
|
|
|
8,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
1,555
|
|
|
|
3,869
|
|
|
|
12,109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
234
|
|
|
|
151
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution(a)
|
|
|
17,097
|
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expansion capital expenditures
|
|
|
30,356
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
5,149
|
|
|
|
1,642
|
|
|
|
5,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Hub our 50.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
21,452
|
|
|
|
31,139
|
|
|
|
84,386
|
|
|
|
4,702
|
|
|
|
8,358
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
27,027
|
|
|
|
32,552
|
|
|
|
24,286
|
|
|
|
5,677
|
|
|
|
8,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
5,823
|
|
|
|
13,799
|
|
|
|
4,763
|
|
|
|
665
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution(a)
|
|
|
21,204
|
|
|
|
18,753
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expansion capital expenditures
|
|
|
2,677
|
|
|
|
5,195
|
|
|
|
22,279
|
|
|
|
3,341
|
|
|
|
18,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
1.263
|
|
|
|
1.280
|
|
|
|
1.319
|
|
|
|
1.279
|
|
|
|
1.319
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracted firm capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
1.147
|
|
|
|
1.114
|
|
|
|
1.183
|
|
|
|
1.113
|
|
|
|
1.182
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transported volumes (Bcf)
|
|
|
121.7
|
|
|
|
133.1
|
|
|
|
143.7
|
|
|
|
40.9
|
|
|
|
55.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream 100%
basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
1.063
|
|
|
|
1.063
|
|
|
|
1.063
|
|
|
|
1.077
|
|
|
|
1.077
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracted firm capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
0.296
|
|
|
|
0.731
|
|
|
|
0.731
|
|
|
|
0.723
|
|
|
|
0.723
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transported volumes (Bcf)
|
|
|
110.7
|
|
|
|
179.7
|
|
|
|
251.3
|
|
|
|
47.5
|
|
|
|
47.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Hub 100%
basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Storage capacity (Bcf)
|
|
|
28.7
|
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
|
34.8
|
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
|
34.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
Cash available for distribution of
Spectra Energy Partners includes cash available for distribution
from Gulfstream and Market Hub.
|
|
(b)
|
|
Upon completion of this offering,
we anticipate incurring incremental general and administrative
expense of approximately $5.5 million per year as a result
of being a publicly-traded limited partnership. The unaudited
pro forma combined financial statements do not reflect
these expenses.
|
15
Non-GAAP Financial
Measures
We define our Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest
expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization less our
equity in earnings of Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest income
and other income (expenses), net, which primarily consists of
non-cash allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC,
and certain other items such as insurance recoveries.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define Adjusted EBITDA as net
income plus interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and
amortization less interest income and other income, net, which
primarily consists of non-cash AFUDC and certain other items
such as insurance recoveries. Our equity share of
Gulfstreams Adjusted EBITDA is 24.5%, and our equity share
of Market Hubs Adjusted EBITDA is 50.0%.
We define our cash available for distribution as our Adjusted
EBITDA plus cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and
Market Hub, less net cash paid for interest expense and
maintenance capital expenditures. Our cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances. Our pro forma cash available for distribution for the
year ended December 31, 2006 and the three months ended
March 31, 2007 includes our anticipated incremental general
and administrative expense of being a publicly traded
partnership.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define cash available for
distribution as Adjusted EBITDA less net cash paid for interest
expense and maintenance capital expenditures. Cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances.
Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution are used as
supplemental financial measures by management and by external
users of our financial statements, such as investors and
commercial banks, to assess:
|
|
|
|
|
the financial performance of our assets without regard to
financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay
interest on our indebtedness and to make distributions to our
partners; and
|
|
|
|
our operating performance and return on invested capital as
compared to those of other publicly traded limited partnerships
that own energy infrastructure assets, without regard to their
financing methods and capital structure.
|
Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution should not
be considered alternatives to net income, operating income, net
cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of
financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with
GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution
exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income and
operating income and these measures may vary among other
companies. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for
distribution as presented may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures of other companies. Furthermore, while cash
available for distribution is a measure we use to assess our
ability to make distributions to our unitholders, cash available
for distribution should not be viewed as indicative of the
actual amount of cash that we have available for distributions
or that we plan to distribute for a given period.
16
The following tables present reconciliations of the non-GAAP
financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for
distribution for each of us, Gulfstream and Market Hub to their
respective GAAP financial measures of net income and net cash
provided (used) by operating activities on a historical basis
and on a pro forma basis as adjusted for this offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
63,789
|
|
|
$
|
21,701
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
24,900
|
|
|
|
6,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
9,202
|
|
|
|
7,834
|
|
|
|
10,741
|
|
|
|
1,212
|
|
|
|
4,733
|
|
|
|
453
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
2,170
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Gulfstream
|
|
|
11,081
|
|
|
|
16,611
|
|
|
|
16,763
|
|
|
|
2,331
|
|
|
|
4,188
|
|
|
|
16,763
|
|
|
|
4,188
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Market Hub
|
|
|
24,414
|
|
|
|
29,676
|
|
|
|
24,342
|
|
|
|
4,728
|
|
|
|
7,197
|
|
|
|
24,342
|
|
|
|
7,197
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
55,117
|
|
|
$
|
50,091
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
10,128
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Gulfstream
|
|
|
17,097
|
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Market Hub
|
|
|
21,204
|
|
|
|
18,753
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a public company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
(income), net
|
|
|
12,955
|
|
|
|
8,566
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
|
|
8,232
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
1,354
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution
|
|
$
|
73,784
|
|
|
$
|
77,526
|
|
|
$
|
80,377
|
|
|
$
|
21,284
|
|
|
$
|
35,734
|
|
|
$
|
67,225
|
|
|
$
|
30,195
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
83,987
|
|
|
$
|
93,272
|
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
17,099
|
|
|
$
|
22,478
|
|
|
$
|
64,459
|
|
|
$
|
24,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(24
|
)
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
(8,657
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,170
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
24,900
|
|
|
|
6,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(21,963
|
)
|
|
|
3,465
|
|
|
|
(2,072
|
)
|
|
|
(3,822
|
)
|
|
|
3,448
|
|
|
|
(12,360
|
)
|
|
|
(1,076
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from Market
Hub
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(354
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(354
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from
Gulfstream
|
|
|
(13,720
|
)
|
|
|
(29,645
|
)
|
|
|
(20,335
|
)
|
|
|
(5,635
|
)
|
|
|
(3,675
|
)
|
|
|
(20,335
|
)
|
|
|
(3,675
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating working
capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
848
|
|
|
|
(934
|
)
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
1,734
|
|
|
|
1,714
|
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
1,714
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(12,837
|
)
|
|
|
(6,189
|
)
|
|
|
878
|
|
|
|
313
|
|
|
|
(439
|
)
|
|
|
878
|
|
|
|
(439
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
4,787
|
|
|
|
(1,687
|
)
|
|
|
798
|
|
|
|
1,907
|
|
|
|
(516
|
)
|
|
|
798
|
|
|
|
(516
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes accrued
|
|
|
1,438
|
|
|
|
(7,527
|
)
|
|
|
3,345
|
|
|
|
3,668
|
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
|
|
3,345
|
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
3,197
|
|
|
|
(1,617
|
)
|
|
|
8,927
|
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
|
(3,310
|
)
|
|
|
8,927
|
|
|
|
(3,310
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other, including changes in
noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
|
|
1,130
|
|
|
|
(7,507
|
)
|
|
|
(5,300
|
)
|
|
|
(11,695
|
)
|
|
|
(105
|
)
|
|
|
(5,300
|
)
|
|
|
(105
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
55,117
|
|
|
$
|
50,091
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
10,128
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Gulfstream
|
|
|
17,097
|
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Market Hub
|
|
|
21,204
|
|
|
|
18,753
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a public company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
(income), net
|
|
|
12,955
|
|
|
|
8,566
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
|
|
8,232
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
1,354
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution
|
|
$
|
73,784
|
|
|
$
|
77,526
|
|
|
$
|
80,377
|
|
|
$
|
21,284
|
|
|
$
|
35,734
|
|
|
$
|
67,225
|
|
|
$
|
30,195
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
|
$
|
67,800
|
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
9,495
|
|
|
$
|
17,094
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
9,092
|
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
|
12,124
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
25,354
|
|
|
|
29,190
|
|
|
|
30,406
|
|
|
|
7,585
|
|
|
|
7,623
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
3,353
|
|
|
|
1,783
|
|
|
|
431
|
|
|
|
(56
|
)
|
|
|
494
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
76,321
|
|
|
$
|
120,747
|
|
|
$
|
147,184
|
|
|
$
|
29,347
|
|
|
$
|
36,347
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
24.5%
|
|
$
|
18,699
|
|
|
$
|
29,583
|
|
|
$
|
36,060
|
|
|
$
|
7,190
|
|
|
$
|
8,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
6,349
|
|
|
|
15,794
|
|
|
|
49,423
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
955
|
|
|
|
617
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
69,782
|
|
|
$
|
103,998
|
|
|
$
|
97,144
|
|
|
$
|
29,266
|
|
|
$
|
36,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 24.5%
|
|
$
|
17,097
|
|
|
$
|
25,480
|
|
|
$
|
23,800
|
|
|
$
|
7,170
|
|
|
$
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
76,617
|
|
|
$
|
111,858
|
|
|
$
|
107,083
|
|
|
$
|
34,176
|
|
|
$
|
33,353
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
9,092
|
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
|
12,124
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(5,571
|
)
|
|
|
(4,962
|
)
|
|
|
493
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
(494
|
)
|
Changes in operating working
capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(420
|
)
|
|
|
9,698
|
|
|
|
(3,772
|
)
|
|
|
(457
|
)
|
|
|
(278
|
)
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(3,575
|
)
|
|
|
143
|
|
|
|
545
|
|
|
|
(38
|
)
|
|
|
(938
|
)
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(102
|
)
|
|
|
2,066
|
|
|
|
(994
|
)
|
|
|
(305
|
)
|
|
|
166
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
1,264
|
|
|
|
(4,861
|
)
|
|
|
(8,050
|
)
|
|
|
(3,247
|
)
|
|
|
6,515
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
(1,573
|
)
|
|
|
(6,709
|
)
|
|
|
687
|
|
|
|
(12,367
|
)
|
|
|
(12,366
|
)
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
|
(5,830
|
)
|
|
|
875
|
|
|
|
(165
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel tracker liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,962
|
)
|
|
|
2,260
|
|
|
|
(592
|
)
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
(223
|
)
|
|
|
(2,940
|
)
|
|
|
(3,197
|
)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(0
|
)
|
Other, including changes in
noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
|
|
640
|
|
|
|
(294
|
)
|
|
|
2,467
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
(1,628
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
76,321
|
|
|
$
|
120,747
|
|
|
$
|
147,184
|
|
|
$
|
29,347
|
|
|
$
|
36,347
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
24.5%
|
|
$
|
18,699
|
|
|
$
|
29,583
|
|
|
$
|
36,060
|
|
|
$
|
7,190
|
|
|
$
|
8,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
6,349
|
|
|
|
15,794
|
|
|
|
49,423
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
955
|
|
|
|
617
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%(a)
|
|
$
|
69,782
|
|
|
$
|
103,998
|
|
|
$
|
97,144
|
|
|
$
|
29,266
|
|
|
$
|
36,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 24.5%
|
|
$
|
17,097
|
|
|
$
|
25,480
|
|
|
$
|
23,800
|
|
|
$
|
7,170
|
|
|
$
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
Actual member distributions for the
years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were
approximately $56.0 million, $121.0 million and
$83.0 million, respectively. In addition, there was a
$621.0 million return of capital in 2005.
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
48,829
|
|
|
$
|
59,353
|
|
|
$
|
48,684
|
|
|
$
|
9,457
|
|
|
$
|
14,515
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,636
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
1,023
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
6,788
|
|
|
|
6,938
|
|
|
|
7,815
|
|
|
|
1,866
|
|
|
|
2,077
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
1,533
|
|
|
|
1,146
|
|
|
|
10,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
54,054
|
|
|
$
|
65,104
|
|
|
$
|
48,571
|
|
|
$
|
11,354
|
|
|
$
|
17,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
50.0%
|
|
$
|
27,027
|
|
|
$
|
32,552
|
|
|
$
|
24,286
|
|
|
$
|
5,677
|
|
|
$
|
8,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
11,646
|
|
|
|
27,599
|
|
|
|
9,528
|
|
|
|
665
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
42,408
|
|
|
$
|
37,505
|
|
|
$
|
39,000
|
|
|
$
|
10,689
|
|
|
$
|
16,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 50.0%
|
|
$
|
21,204
|
|
|
$
|
18,753
|
|
|
$
|
19,500
|
|
|
$
|
5,345
|
|
|
$
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
42,904
|
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
168,771
|
|
|
$
|
9,403
|
|
|
$
|
16,715
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
(30
|
)
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,636
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
1,023
|
|
Other
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
Changes in operating working
capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
36,682
|
|
|
|
(16,306
|
)
|
|
|
(5,944
|
)
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
|
(7,349
|
)
|
Inventory
|
|
|
808
|
|
|
|
3,137
|
|
|
|
(6,113
|
)
|
|
|
(335
|
)
|
|
|
183
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(260
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,891
|
|
|
|
2,106
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(1,593
|
)
|
|
|
363
|
|
|
|
(4,804
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
214
|
|
|
|
506
|
|
|
|
(379
|
)
|
|
|
(945
|
)
|
|
|
582
|
|
Collateral liabilities
|
|
|
(1,799
|
)
|
|
|
(491
|
)
|
|
|
(56,341
|
)
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(22,852
|
)
|
|
|
14,587
|
|
|
|
(2,638
|
)
|
|
|
799
|
|
|
|
3,687
|
|
Other, including changes in
noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
|
|
(26
|
)
|
|
|
1,081
|
|
|
|
(46,606
|
)
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
|
668
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
54,054
|
|
|
$
|
65,104
|
|
|
$
|
48,571
|
|
|
$
|
11,354
|
|
|
$
|
17,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
50.0%
|
|
$
|
27,027
|
|
|
$
|
32,552
|
|
|
$
|
24,286
|
|
|
$
|
5,677
|
|
|
$
|
8,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
11,646
|
|
|
|
27,599
|
|
|
|
9,528
|
|
|
|
665
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
42,408
|
|
|
$
|
37,505
|
|
|
$
|
39,000
|
|
|
$
|
10,689
|
|
|
$
|
16,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 50.0%
|
|
$
|
21,204
|
|
|
$
|
18,753
|
|
|
$
|
19,500
|
|
|
$
|
5,345
|
|
|
$
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
RISK
FACTORS
Limited partner interests are inherently different from
capital stock of a corporation, although many of the business
risks to which we are subject are similar to those that would be
faced by a corporation engaged in similar businesses. You should
consider carefully the following risk factors together with all
of the other information included in this prospectus in
evaluating an investment in our common units.
If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, we
might not be able to make distributions on our common units, the
trading price of our common units could decline and you could
lose all or part of your investment.
Risks
Related to Our Business
We may
not have sufficient cash from operations following the
establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses,
including cost reimbursements to our general partner, to enable
us to make cash distributions to holders of our common units and
subordinated units at the initial distribution rate under our
cash distribution policy.
In order to make cash distributions at our initial distribution
rate of $0.30 per common unit per complete quarter, or
$1.20 per unit per year, we will require available cash of
approximately $20.3 million per quarter, or
$81.1 million per year, based on the number of common units
and subordinated units outstanding immediately after completion
of this offering, whether or not the underwriters exercise their
option to purchase additional common units. We may not have
sufficient available cash from operating surplus each quarter to
enable us to make cash distributions at the initial distribution
rate under our cash distribution policy. The amount of cash we
can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount
of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate
based on, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
the rates we charge for our transportation and storage services
and the volumes of natural gas our customers transport and store;
|
|
|
|
the overall demand for natural gas in the Southeastern and
Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States and the quantities of
natural gas available for transport, especially from the Gulf of
Mexico, Appalachian and Mid-Continent areas;
|
|
|
|
regulatory action affecting the demand for natural gas, the
supply of natural gas, the rates we can charge, how we contract
for services, our existing contracts, our operating costs and
our operating flexibility;
|
|
|
|
regulatory and economic limitations on the development of LNG
import terminals in the Gulf Coast region;
|
|
|
|
successful development of LNG import terminals in the eastern or
northeastern United States, which could reduce the need for
natural gas to be transported on the East Tennessee pipeline
system and for the development of additional natural gas storage
capacity in the Gulf Coast region; and
|
|
|
|
the level of our operating and maintenance and general and
administrative costs.
|
In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available
for distribution will depend on other factors, some of which are
beyond our control, including:
|
|
|
|
|
the level of capital expenditures we make to complete
construction projects;
|
|
|
|
our debt service requirements and other liabilities;
|
|
|
|
fluctuations in our working capital needs;
|
|
|
|
our ability to borrow funds and access capital markets;
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
restrictions on distributions contained in our debt
agreements; and
|
|
|
|
the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner.
|
For a description of additional restrictions and factors that
may affect our ability to make cash distributions, please read
Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on
Distributions.
On a
pro forma basis we would not have had sufficient cash available
for distribution to pay the full minimum quarterly distribution
on all units for the year ended December 31,
2006.
The amount of available cash we need to pay the minimum
quarterly distribution for four quarters on all of our units to
be outstanding immediately after this offering is approximately
$81.1 million. The amount of pro forma available cash
generated during the year ended December 31, 2006 would
have been sufficient to allow us to pay the full minimum
quarterly distribution on all of our common units, but only
approximately 47% of the minimum quarterly distribution on our
subordinated units during that period. The amount of pro forma
available cash generated during the twelve months ended
March 31, 2007 would have been sufficient to allow us to
pay the full minimum quarterly distribution on all of our common
and subordinated units. For a calculation of our ability to make
distributions to unitholders based on our pro forma results for
2006 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2007, please
read Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on
Distributions.
The
assumptions underlying our minimum estimated cash available for
distribution we include in Our Cash Distribution Policy
and Restrictions on Distributions are inherently uncertain
and are subject to significant business, economic, financial,
regulatory and competitive risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those
estimated.
Our estimate of cash available for distribution set forth in
Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on
Distributions has been prepared by management and we have
not received an opinion or report on it from our or any other
independent auditor. The assumptions underlying this estimate
are inherently uncertain and are subject to significant
business, economic, financial, regulatory and competitive risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those assumed. If we do not achieve our
anticipated results, we may not be able to pay the full minimum
quarterly distribution or any amount on our common units or
subordinated units, in which event the market price of our
common units may decline materially.
Gulfstream
and Market Hub are controlled by Spectra Energy and other third
parties who are responsible for the management and operations of
those assets. As a result we cannot control the amount of cash
we will receive from Gulfstream and Market Hub and we may be
required to contribute significant cash to fund their
operations.
Market Hub and Gulfstream are expected to generate approximately
half of the cash we distribute to you and our performance is
substantially dependant on their distributions to us. Spectra
Energy will operate Market Hub and the operation of Gulfstream
is shared between Spectra Energy and The Williams Companies.
Accordingly, we do not control the amount of cash distributed to
us nor do we control ongoing operational decisions, including
the incurrence of capital expenditures that we may be required
to fund. More specifically:
|
|
|
|
|
We have limited ability to influence decisions with respect to
the operation of Market Hub and Gulfstream, including decisions
with respect to incurrence of expenses and distributions to us;
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream and Market Hub may establish reserves for working
capital and maintenance capital expenditures which would reduce
cash otherwise available for distribution to us;
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream and Market Hub may incur additional indebtedness, and
related principal and interest payments that reduce cash
otherwise available for distribution to us;
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
Market Hub and Gulfstream may require us to make additional
capital contributions to fund working and maintenance capital
expenditures, as well as to fund expansion capital expenditures,
our funding of which would reduce the amount of cash otherwise
available for distribution to you.
|
Our lack of control over the operation of Market Hub and
Gulfstream may mean that we do not receive the amount of cash we
expect to be distributed to us and may require us to provide
additional capital, and these contributions may be material.
This lack of control may significantly and adversely affect our
ability to distribute cash to you. For a more complete
description of the agreements governing the management and
operation of Market Hub and Gulfstream, please see Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
Our
natural gas transportation and storage operations are subject to
regulation by FERC, which could have an adverse impact on our
ability to establish transportation and storage rates that would
allow us to recover the full cost of operating our pipelines,
including a reasonable return, and our ability to make
distributions to you.
Our interstate natural gas transportation and storage operations
are subject to federal, state and local regulatory authorities.
Specifically, our natural gas pipeline systems and certain of
our storage facilities and related assets are subject to
regulation by FERC. The federal regulation extends to such
matters as:
|
|
|
|
|
rates, operating terms and conditions of service;
|
|
|
|
the types of services we may offer to our customers;
|
|
|
|
construction of new facilities;
|
|
|
|
acquisition, extension or abandonment of services or facilities;
|
|
|
|
accounts and records; and
|
|
|
|
relationships with affiliated companies involved in certain
aspects of the natural gas business.
|
Under the Natural Gas Act (NGA), FERC has authority
to regulate natural gas companies that provide natural gas
pipeline transportation services in interstate commerce. Its
authority to regulate those services includes the rates charged
for the services, terms and conditions of service, certification
and construction of new facilities, the extension or abandonment
of services and facilities, the maintenance of accounts and
records, the acquisition and disposition of facilities, the
initiation and discontinuation of services, and various other
matters. Natural gas companies may not charge rates that have
been determined not to be just and reasonable by FERC. In
addition, FERC prohibits natural gas companies from unduly
preferring or unreasonably discriminating against any person
with respect to pipeline rates or terms and conditions of
service.
The rates and terms and conditions for our interstate pipeline
and storage services are set forth in FERC-approved tariffs.
Pursuant to FERCs jurisdiction over rates, existing rates
may be challenged by complaint and proposed rate increases may
be challenged by protest. Any successful complaint or protest
against our rates, or the loss of our market-based rate
authority for our storage facilities, could have an adverse
impact on our revenues associated with providing transportation
and storage services.
Prior to commencing construction of expansions of interstate
pipeline and storage facilities, a natural gas company must
obtain certificate authorization from FERC. Applications are
pending before FERC for certificate authorization for
Gulfstreams Phase IV project and for Market
Hubs expansion project designed to increase working gas
storage capacity at the Egan storage facility from 24 Bcf
to 32 Bcf. Any refusal by FERC to issue certificate
authorization for one or more of these projects may mean that we
cannot pursue these projects or that they are constructed in a
manner and with capacities that we do not currently anticipate.
Such refusal or modification could materially and negatively
impact the additional revenues expected from these projects.
Should we fail to comply with all applicable FERC administered
statutes, rules, regulations and orders, we could be subject to
substantial penalties and fines. Under the Energy Policy Act of
2005, FERC has civil penalty authority under the NGA to impose
penalties for current violations of up to $1,000,000 per day for
each violation. See Business
Regulation FERC Regulation Energy Policy
Act of 2005.
23
Finally, we cannot give any assurance regarding the likely
future regulations under which we will operate our natural gas
transportation and storage businesses or the effect such
regulation could have on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and ability to make distributions to you.
The
outcome of certain rate cases involving FERC policy statements
is uncertain and could affect our ability to include an income
tax allowance in our cost of service based rates, which would in
turn impact our revenues.
In May 2005, FERC issued a policy statement permitting the
inclusion of an income tax allowance in the cost of
service-based rates of a pipeline organized as a tax pass
through partnership entity to reflect actual or potential income
tax liability on public utility income, if the pipeline proves
that the ultimate owner of its interests has an actual or
potential income tax liability on such income. The policy
statement also provides that whether a pipelines owners
have such actual or potential income tax liability will be
reviewed by FERC on a
case-by-case
basis. In August 2005, FERC dismissed requests for rehearing of
its new policy statement. On December 16, 2005, FERC issued
its first significant case-specific review of the income tax
allowance issue in another pipeline partnerships rate
case. FERC reaffirmed its new income tax allowance policy and
directed the subject pipeline to provide certain evidence
necessary for the pipeline to determine its income tax
allowance. The new tax allowance policy and the
December 16, 2005 order were appealed to the United States
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (the
D.C. Circuit). The D.C. Circuit issued an order on
May 29, 2007 in which it denied these appeals and fully
upheld FERCs new tax allowance policy and the application
of that policy in the December 16, 2005 order. We have no
way of knowing whether any party will seek rehearing or appeal
of the D.C. Circuits decision. However, it is possible
that a party could request rehearing of the decision
and/or
petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme
Court.
On December 8, 2006, FERC issued a new order addressing
rates on another pipeline. In the new order, FERC refined its
income tax allowance policy, and notably raised a new issue
regarding the implication of the policy statement for publicly
traded partnerships. It noted that the tax deferral features of
a publicly traded partnership may cause some investors to
receive, for some indeterminate duration, cash distributions in
excess of their taxable income, which FERC characterized as a
tax savings. FERC stated that it is concerned that
this created an opportunity for those investors to earn an
additional return, funded by ratepayers. Responding to this
concern, FERC chose to adjust the pipelines equity rate of
return downward based on the percentage by which the publicly
traded partnerships cash flow exceeded taxable income. On
February 7, 2007, the pipeline asked FERC to reconsider
this ruling.
The ultimate outcome of these proceedings is not certain and
could result in changes to FERCs treatment of income tax
allowances in cost of service. Depending upon how the policy
statement on income tax allowances is applied in practice to
pipelines organized as pass through entities, these decisions
might adversely affect us. Under FERCs current income tax
allowance policy, if any of our FERC-regulated pipelines and
storage facilities were to file a rate case, we would be
required to establish that the inclusion of an income tax
allowance in our cost of service is just and reasonable. While
we have established the Eligible Holder certification
requirement, we can provide no assurance that such certification
will be effective to establish that our unitholders, or our
unitholders owners, are subject to United States federal
income taxation on the income generated by us. If we are unable
to do so, FERC could disallow a substantial portion of our
interstate pipelines income tax allowances, and the level
of the affected facilitys maximum lawful rates could
decrease from current levels.
Certain
of our transportation services are subject to long-term,
fixed-price negotiated rate contracts that are not
subject to adjustment, even if our cost to perform such services
exceeds the revenues received from such contracts, and, as a
result, our costs could exceed our revenues received under such
contracts.
Under FERC policy, a regulated service provider and a customer
may mutually agree to sign a contract for service at a
negotiated rate which may be above or below the FERC
regulated recourse rate for that service. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, all of
Gulfstreams firm revenues were derived from such
negotiated rate contracts and approximately 30% of
East Tennessees firm revenues were derived
24
from capacity reservation charges under negotiated
rate contracts. These negotiated rate
contracts are not subject to adjustment for increased costs
which could be produced by inflation or other factors relating
to the specific facilities being used to perform the services.
It is possible that Gulfstreams and East Tennessees
costs to perform services under these negotiated
rate contracts will exceed the negotiated rates. If this
occurs, it could decrease cash flow from Gulfstream and East
Tennessee. See Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations How
We Evaluate Our Operations Contract Mix.
Market
Hubs right to charge market-based rates at
certain of its facilities is subject to the continued existence
of certain conditions related to the competitive position of
Market Hub and, if those conditions change, the right to charge
market-based rates could be
terminated.
Certain of the rates charged by Market Hub are regulated by FERC
pursuant to its market-based rate policy, which
allows regulated storage companies to charge rates above those
which would be permitted under traditional
cost-of-service
regulation. The right of Market Hub to charge market-based
rates is based upon determinations by FERC that it does
not have market power in the relevant market areas
it serves. This determination of a lack of market power is
subject to review and revision by FERC if circumstances change
relating to Market Hubs market power. In the event there
were an adverse determination concerning market
power with respect to Market Hub, its rates could become
subject to
cost-of-service
regulation which could have adverse consequences for the cash
flow of Market Hub.
Increased
competition from alternative natural gas transportation and
storage options and alternative fuel sources could have a
significant financial impact on us.
We compete primarily with other interstate and intrastate
pipelines and storage facilities in the transportation and
storage of natural gas. Some of our competitors have greater
financial resources and access to greater supplies of natural
gas than we do. Some of these competitors may expand or
construct transportation and storage systems that would create
additional competition for the services we provide to our
customers. Moreover, Spectra Energy and its affiliates are not
limited in their ability to compete with us. Further, natural
gas also competes with other forms of energy available to our
customers, including electricity, coal and fuel oils.
The principal elements of competition among natural gas
transportation and storage assets are rates, terms of service,
access to natural gas supplies, flexibility and reliability.
FERCs policies promoting competition in natural gas
markets are having the effect of increasing the natural gas
transportation and storage options for our traditional customer
base. As a result, we could experience some turnback
of firm capacity as existing agreements expire. If East
Tennessee, Gulfstream or Market Hub are unable to remarket this
capacity or can remarket it only at substantially discounted
rates compared to previous contracts, they may have to bear the
costs associated with the turned back capacity. Increased
competition could reduce the volumes of natural gas transported
or stored by our systems or, in cases where we do not have
long-term fixed rate contracts, could force us to lower our
transportation or storage rates. Competition could intensify the
negative impact of factors that significantly decrease demand
for natural gas in the markets served by our pipeline systems,
such as competing or alternative forms of energy, a recession or
other adverse economic conditions, weather, higher fuel costs
and taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that
directly or indirectly increase the cost or limit the use of
natural gas. Our ability to renew or replace existing contracts
at rates sufficient to maintain current revenues and cash flows
could be adversely affected by the activities of our
competitors. All of these competitive pressures could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations, and ability to make distributions to you.
Any
significant decrease in supplies of natural gas in our areas of
operation could adversely affect our business and operating
results and reduce our cash available for distribution to
unitholders.
All of our businesses are dependent on the continued
availability of natural gas production and reserves. Low prices
for natural gas or regulatory limitations could adversely affect
development of additional reserves and production that is
accessible by our pipeline and storage assets. Production from
existing wells and
25
natural gas supply basins with access to our pipelines will
naturally decline over time. Additionally, the amount of natural
gas reserves underlying these wells may also be less than
anticipated, and the rate at which production from these
reserves declines may be greater than anticipated. Accordingly,
to maintain or increase the volume of natural gas transported,
or throughput, on our pipelines and cash flows associated with
the transportation of gas, our customers must continually obtain
new supplies of natural gas.
If new supplies of natural gas are not obtained to replace the
natural decline in volumes from existing supply basins, the
overall volume of natural gas transported and stored on our
systems would decline, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business financial condition, results of
operations and ability to make distributions to you.
The
failure of LNG import terminals to be successfully developed in
the Gulf Coast region or the successful development of LNG
import terminals outside our areas of operations could reduce
the demand for our services.
Imported LNG is expected to be a significant component of future
natural gas supply to the United States. Much of this increase
in LNG supplies is expected to be imported through new LNG
facilities to be developed over the next decade, and the Gulf
Coast region is expected to be the region that will attract a
majority of these projects. According to FERCs Office of
Energy Policy, as of February 2007, there were two LNG terminals
operating on the Gulf Coast, and 14 out of a total of 15
additional LNG terminals proposed for construction in the Gulf
Coast region had been approved. We cannot predict which, if any,
of these projects will be constructed. We may not realize
expected increases in future natural gas supply available for
transportation and storage on our systems due to factors
including;
|
|
|
|
|
new projects may fail to be developed;
|
|
|
|
new projects may not be developed at their announced capacity;
|
|
|
|
development of new projects may be significantly delayed;
|
|
|
|
new projects may be built in locations that are not connected to
our systems; or
|
|
|
|
|
new projects may not influence sources of
supply on our systems.
|
|
Similarly, the development of new, or expansion of existing, LNG
facilities outside our areas of operations, or in an area with a
direct connection into the Florida market served by Gulfstream,
could reduce the need for customers to transport natural gas
from the Gulf Coast and Appalachian regions, as well as other
supply basins connected to our pipelines. This could reduce the
amount of natural gas transported by our pipelines and the
demand for our storage facilities.
If the expected increase in natural gas supply from imported LNG
is not realized in our areas of operation, the future overall
volume of natural gas transported and stored on our systems
could decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and ability
to make distributions to you.
We may
not be able to maintain or replace expiring natural gas
transportation and storage contracts at favorable
rates.
Our primary exposure to market risk occurs at the time existing
transportation and storage contracts expire and are subject to
renegotiation and renewal. A portion of the revenue generated by
our systems in 2006 is attributable to firm capacity reservation
fees that are set to expire on or prior to December 31,
2010. For Gulfstream, East Tennessee and Market Hub those
portions were 0%, 44%, and 66%, respectively. Upon expiration,
we may not be able to extend contracts with existing customers
or obtain replacement contracts at favorable rates or on a
long-term basis.
The extension or replacement of existing contracts depends on a
number of factors beyond our control, including:
|
|
|
|
|
the level of existing and new competition to deliver natural gas
to our markets;
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
the growth in demand for natural gas in our markets;
|
|
|
|
whether the market will continue to support long-term contracts;
|
|
|
|
whether our business strategy continues to be
successful; and
|
|
|
|
the effects of state regulation on customer contracting
practices.
|
Any failure to extend or replace a significant portion of our
existing contracts may have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and ability
to make distributions to you.
We
depend on certain key customers for a significant portion of our
revenues. The loss of any of these key customers could result in
a decline in our revenues and cash available to make
distributions to you.
We rely on a limited number of customers for a significant
portion of revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2006,
the three largest customers for East Tennessee were Atmos Energy
Corporation, KGen Partners, and AGL Resources, for Gulfstream
were Florida Power & Light Company, Florida Power
Corporation (d/b/a Progress Energy Florida, Inc.) and Tampa
Electric Company and its affiliates and for Market Hub were
Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Conectiv, Inc. and
Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P., an affiliate. These customers
accounted for approximately 41%, 82% and 28% of the operating
revenues for East Tennessee, Gulfstream and Market Hub,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2006. While
most of these customers are subject to long-term contracts, the
loss of all or even a portion of the contracted volumes of these
customers, as a result of competition, creditworthiness,
inability to negotiate extensions or replacements of contracts
or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations and ability to make
distributions to you, unless we are able to contract for
comparable volumes from other customers at favorable rates.
If
third-party pipelines and other facilities interconnected to our
pipelines and facilities become unavailable to transport natural
gas, our revenues and cash available to make distributions to
you could be adversely affected.
We depend upon third-party pipelines and other facilities that
provide delivery options to and from our pipelines and storage
facilities. For example, our East Tennessee pipeline can receive
over 950 MMcf/d from a major pipeline connection with
Spectra Energys Texas Eastern pipeline near Hartsville and
Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, and can deliver approximately
700 MMcf/d to an interconnect with the Transco pipeline
near Eden, North Carolina, while the Gulfstream pipeline can
deliver approximately 500 MMcf/d to two interconnects with
Florida Gas Transmission within the Florida peninsula.
Similarly, both of the Market Hub storage facilities have
interconnections with the Texas Eastern pipeline and many
others. Because we do not own these third party pipelines or
facilities, their continuing operation is not within our
control. If these or any other pipeline connection were to
become unavailable for current or future volumes of natural gas
due to repairs, damage to the facility, lack of capacity or any
other reason, our ability to operate efficiently and continue
shipping natural gas to end markets could be restricted, thereby
reducing our revenues. Any temporary or permanent interruption
at any key pipeline interconnect which caused a material
reduction in volumes transported on our pipelines or stored at
our facilities could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, financial condition and ability
to make distributions to you.
Neither
Gulfstream nor Market Hub is prohibited from incurring
indebtedness, which may affect our ability to make distributions
to you.
Neither of Gulfstream or Market Hub is prohibited from incurring
indebtedness by the terms of their respective limited liability
company agreement and general partnership agreement. As of the
date of this offering, Gulfstream has $850 million in
outstanding senior notes, none of which indebtedness is
consolidated on our balance sheet. Please read
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and
Capital Resources Investing Activities. If
Gulfstream were to incur significant additional indebtedness, or
if Market Hub were to incur significant indebtedness, it
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could inhibit their respective abilities to make distributions
to us. An inability by either of Gulfstream or Market Hub to
make distributions to us would materially and adversely affect
our ability to make distributions to you because we expect
distributions we receive from each of them to represent a
substantial portion of the cash we distribute to our unitholders.
If we
do not complete expansion projects or make and integrate
acquisitions, our future growth may be limited.
A principal focus of our strategy is to continue to grow the
cash distributions on our units by expanding our business. Our
ability to grow depends on our ability to complete expansion
projects and make acquisitions that result in an increase in
cash generated from operations per unit. We may be unable to
complete successful, accretive expansion projects or
acquisitions for any of the following reasons:
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we are unable to identify attractive expansion projects or
acquisition candidates or we are outbid by competitors;
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we are unable to obtain necessary rights of way or government
approvals;
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an inability to integrate successfully the businesses we build
or acquire;
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we are unable to raise financing for such expansions projects or
acquisitions on economically acceptable terms;
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mistaken assumptions about volumes, reserves, revenues and
costs, including synergies and potential growth; or
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we are unable to secure adequate customer commitments to use the
newly expanded or acquired facilities.
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Acquisitions
or expansion projects that appear to be accretive may
nevertheless reduce our cash from operations on a per unit
basis.
Even if we make acquisitions or complete expansion projects that
we believe will be accretive, these acquisitions or expansion
projects may nevertheless reduce our cash from operations on a
per unit basis. Any acquisition or expansion project involves
potential risks, including, among other things:
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a decrease in our liquidity as a result of our using a
significant portion of our available cash or borrowing capacity
to finance the project or acquisition;
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an inability to complete expansion projects on schedule or
within the budgeted cost due to the unavailability of required
construction personnel or materials, accidents, weather
conditions or an inability to obtain necessary permits;
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an inability to receive cash flows from a newly built or
acquired asset until it is operational;
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unforeseen difficulties operating in new product areas or new
geographic areas; and
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customer losses at the acquired business.
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If any expansion projects or acquisitions we ultimately complete
are not accretive to our distributable cash flow per unit, our
ability to make distributions to you may be reduced.
The
amount of cash we have available for distribution to holders of
our common units and subordinated units depends primarily on our
cash flow and not solely on profitability, which may prevent us
from making cash distributions during periods when we record net
income.
You should be aware that the amount of cash we have available
for distribution depends primarily upon our cash flow, including
cash flow from financial reserves and working capital or other
borrowings, and not solely on profitability, which will be
affected by non-cash items. As a result, we may make cash
28
distributions during periods when we record net losses for
financial accounting purposes and may not make cash
distributions during periods when we record net earnings for
financial accounting purposes.
Significant
prolonged changes in natural gas prices could affect supply and
demand, reducing throughput on our systems and adversely
affecting our revenues and cash available to make distributions
to you over the long-term.
Higher natural gas prices over the long-term could result in a
decline in the demand for natural gas and, therefore, in the
throughput on our systems. Also, lower natural gas prices over
the long-term could result in a decline in the production of
natural gas resulting in reduced throughput on our systems. In
addition, prolonged reduced price volatility could reduce the
revenues generated by our parking and lending and interruptible
storage services. As a result, significant prolonged changes in
natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations and ability to make
distributions to you.
Our
operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations
that may expose us to significant costs and
liabilities.
Our natural gas transportation and storage activities are
subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations. We may incur substantial
costs in order to conduct our operations in compliance with
these laws and regulations. For instance, we may be required to
obtain and maintain permits and other approvals issued by
various federal, state and local governmental authorities; limit
or prevent releases of materials from our operations in
accordance with these permits and approvals; install pollution
control equipment; and incur potentially substantial liabilities
for any pollution or contamination that may result from our
operations. Moreover, new, stricter environmental laws,
regulations or enforcement policies could be implemented that
significantly increase our compliance costs or the cost of any
remediation of environmental contamination that may become
necessary, and these costs could be material.
Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations, or
the permits issued under them, may result in the assessment of
administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of
remedial obligations and the issuance of injunctions limiting or
preventing some or all of our operations. In addition, strict
joint and several liability may be imposed under certain
environmental laws, which could cause us to become liable for
the conduct of others or for consequences of our own actions
that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time
those actions were taken. Private parties may also have the
right to pursue legal actions against us to enforce compliance,
as well as to seek damages for non-compliance, with
environmental laws and regulations or for personal injury or
property damage that may result from environmental and other
impacts of our operations. We may not be able to recover some or
any of these costs through insurance or increased revenues,
which may have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations, financial condition and ability to make
cash distributions to you. Please read
Business Environmental Regulation for
more information.
We may
incur significant costs and liabilities as a result of pipeline
integrity management program testing and any necessary pipeline
repair, or preventative or remedial measures.
The United States Department of Transportation, or DOT, has
adopted regulations requiring pipeline operators to develop
integrity management programs for transportation pipelines
located where a leak or rupture could do the most harm in
high consequence areas. The regulations require
operators to:
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perform ongoing assessments of pipeline integrity;
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identify and characterize applicable threats to pipeline
segments that could impact a high consequence area;
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improve data collection, integration and analysis;
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repair and remediate the pipeline as necessary; and
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implement preventive and mitigating actions.
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We currently estimate that we will incur costs of approximately
$44.2 million between 2007 and 2012 to implement pipeline
integrity management program testing along certain segments of
the East Tennessee pipeline and at the Market Hub facilities.
These estimates do not include the costs, if any, of repairs,
remediation or preventative or mitigating actions that may be
determined to be necessary as a result of the testing program,
which could be substantial. Additionally, our actual
implementation costs may be materially higher than we estimate
if the increased industry-wide demand for the associated
contractors and service providers causes their rates to
materially increase. Should we fail to comply with DOT
regulations, we could be subject to penalties and fines. Please
read Business Safety and Maintenance for
more information.
We do
not own all of the land on which our pipelines and facilities
are located, which could disrupt our operations.
We do not own all of the land on which our pipelines and
facilities have been constructed, and we are therefore subject
to the possibility of more onerous terms
and/or
increased costs to retain necessary land use if we do not have
valid
rights-of-way
or if such
rights-of-way
lapse or terminate. We obtain the rights to construct and
operate our pipelines on land owned by third parties and
governmental agencies for a specific period of time. Our loss of
these rights, through our inability to renew
right-of-way
contracts or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition and
our ability to make cash distributions to you.
Our
operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen
interruptions.
Our operations are subject to many hazards inherent in the
storage and transportation of natural gas, including:
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damage to pipelines, facilities and related equipment caused by
hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural
disasters, explosions and acts of terrorism;
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inadvertent damage from third parties, including from
construction, farm and utility equipment;
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leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbons or losses of natural
gas as a result of the malfunction of equipment or facilities;
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collapse of storage caverns;
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operator error;
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environmental pollution;
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explosions and blowouts;
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risks related to underwater pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico,
which are susceptible to damage from shifting as a result of
water currents, as seen in the Gulf of Mexico following
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as damage from vessels;
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risks related to pipeline traversing areas in Florida where
karst conditions exist. Karst conditions refers to terrain,
usually found where limestone or other carbonate rock is
present, that may subside or result in a sinkhole collapse when
the underlying water table changes; and
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risks related to operating in a marine environment.
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These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal
injury
and/or loss
of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and
equipment and pollution or other environmental damage and may
result in curtailment or suspension of our related operations. A
natural disaster or other hazard affecting the areas in which we
operate could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
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We do
not insure against all potential losses and could be seriously
harmed by unexpected liabilities.
We are not fully insured against all risks inherent to our
business. We are not insured against all environmental accidents
that might occur. If a significant accident or event occurs that
is not fully insured, it could adversely affect our operations
and financial condition. In addition, we may not be able to
maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at
reasonable rates. Changes in the insurance markets subsequent to
the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita have made it more difficult for us to obtain
certain types of coverage, and we may elect to self insure a
portion of our asset portfolio. In addition, we do not maintain
offshore business interruption insurance. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to obtain the levels or types of
insurance we would otherwise have obtained prior to these market
changes or that the insurance coverage we do obtain will not
contain large deductibles or fail to cover certain hazards or
cover all potential losses. The occurrence of any operating
risks not fully covered by insurance could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and ability to make distributions to you.
Our
debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional
financing and in pursuing other business
opportunities.
At the closing of this offering we expect to borrow
approximately $163.1 million in term debt and
$125 million in revolving debt under our new
$500 million credit facility. Following this offering, we
will continue to have the ability to incur additional debt,
subject to limitations in our credit facility. Our level of debt
could have important consequences to us, including the following:
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our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other
purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available
on favorable terms;
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we will need a substantial portion of our cash flow to make
principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, reducing
the funds that would otherwise be available for operation,
future business opportunities and distributions to
unitholders; and
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our debt level could make us more vulnerable than our
competitors with less debt to competitive pressures or a
downturn in our business or the economy generally.
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Our ability to service our debt will depend upon, among other
things, our future financial and operating performance, which
will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and
financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which
are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to service debt
under our revolving credit facility will depend on market
interest rates, since we anticipate that the interest rates
applicable to our borrowings will fluctuate with movements in
interest rate markets. If our operating results are not
sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we
will be forced to take actions such as reducing distributions,
reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions,
investments or capital expenditures, selling assets,
restructuring or refinancing our debt, or seeking additional
equity capital. We may not be able to effect any of these
actions on satisfactory terms, or at all.
Restrictions
in our credit facility may interrupt distributions to us from
our subsidiaries, which will limit our ability to make
distributions to you and may limit our ability to capitalize on
acquisition and other business opportunities.
We are a holding company with no business operations. As such,
we depend upon the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries
and the distribution of that cash to us in order to meet our
obligations and to allow us to make distributions to our
unitholders. The operating and financial restrictions and
covenants in our credit facility and any future financing
agreements could restrict our ability to finance future
operations or capital needs or to expand or pursue our business
activities. For example, our credit facility contains covenants,
some of which may be modified or eliminated upon our receipt of
an investment grade rating, that restrict or limit our
ability to:
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make distributions if any default or event of default occurs;
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make other restricted distributions or dividends on account of
the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation
or termination of partnership interests;
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incur additional indebtedness or guarantee other indebtedness;
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grant liens or make certain negative pledges;
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make certain loans or investments;
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engage in transactions with affiliates;
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make any material change to the nature of our business from the
midstream energy business;
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make a disposition of assets; or
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enter into a merger, consolidate, liquidate, wind up or dissolve.
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Furthermore, our credit facility contains covenants requiring us
to maintain certain financial ratios and tests. Our ability to
comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our
credit facility may be affected by events beyond our control,
including prevailing economic, financial and industry
conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate,
our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If
we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests
in our credit facility, the lenders will be able to accelerate
the maturity of all borrowings under the credit facility and
demand repayment of amounts outstanding, our lenders
commitment to make further loans to us may terminate, and our
operating partnership will be prohibited from making any
distribution to us and, ultimately, to you. We might not have,
or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated
payments. Any subsequent replacement of our credit facility or
any new indebtedness could have similar or greater restrictions.
Please read Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Capital Requirements. Any interruption of distributions to
us from our subsidiaries may limit our ability to satisfy our
obligations and to make distributions to you.
The
credit and risk profile of our general partner and its owner,
Spectra Energy, could adversely affect our credit ratings and
risk profile, which could increase our borrowing costs or hinder
our ability to raise capital.
The credit and business risk profiles of our general partner and
Spectra Energy may be factors considered in credit evaluations
of us. This is because our general partner controls our business
activities, including our cash distribution policy and
acquisition strategy and business risk profile. Another factor
that may be considered is the financial condition of Spectra
Energy, including the degree of its financial leverage and its
dependence on cash flow from the partnership to service its
indebtedness.
If we were to seek a credit rating in the future, our credit
rating may be adversely affected by the leverage of our general
partner or Spectra Energy, as credit rating agencies such as
Standard & Poors Ratings Services and
Moodys Investors Service may consider the leverage and
credit profile of Spectra Energy and its affiliates because of
their ownership interest in and control of us and the strong
operational links between Spectra Energy and us. Any adverse
effect on our credit rating would increase our cost of borrowing
or hinder our ability to raise financing in the capital markets,
which would impair our ability to grow our business and make
distributions to unitholders.
Terrorist
attacks, and the threat of terrorist attacks, have resulted in
increased costs to our business. Continued hostilities in the
Middle East or other sustained military campaigns may adversely
impact our results of operations.
The long-term impact of terrorist attacks and the threat of
future terrorist attacks on our industry in general, and on us
in particular, is not known at this time. However, the United
States government has issued warnings that energy assets,
including our nations pipeline infrastructure, may be the
future target of terrorist organizations. Increased security
measures taken by us as a precaution against possible terrorist
attacks have resulted in increased costs to our business.
Uncertainty surrounding continued hostilities in the
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Middle East or other sustained military campaigns may affect our
operations in unpredictable ways, including the possibility that
infrastructure facilities could be direct targets of, or
indirect casualties of, an act of terror. Any terrorist attack
on our facilities or pipelines or those of our customers could
have a material adverse effect on our business.
Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist
attacks may make certain types of insurance more difficult for
us to obtain. Moreover, the insurance that may be available to
us may be significantly more expensive than our existing
insurance coverage. Instability in the financial markets as a
result of terrorism or war could also affect our ability to
raise capital.
If we
fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal
controls, we may not be able to report our financial results
accurately, or prevent fraud which could have an adverse effect
on our business and would likely have a negative effect on the
trading price of our common units.
Prior to this offering, our subsidiaries and equity investees
were wholly- or partially-owned by Spectra Energy and we have
not previously filed reports with the SEC. We will become
subject to the public reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 upon the completion of this offering. We
produce our combined financial statements in accordance with the
requirements of GAAP, but our internal accounting controls may
not currently meet all standards applicable to companies with
publicly traded securities. Effective internal controls are
necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports to
prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a publicly traded
partnership. Our efforts to develop and maintain our internal
controls may not be successful, and we may be unable to maintain
adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in
the future, including compliance with the obligations under
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which we
refer to as Section 404. For example, Section 404 will
require us, among other things, annually to review and report
on, and our independent registered public accounting firm
annually to attest to, our internal control over financial
reporting. Any failure to develop or maintain effective
controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation or
other effective improvement of our internal controls could harm
our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting
obligations. Ineffective internal controls subject us to
regulatory scrutiny and a loss of confidence in our reported
financial information, which could have an adverse effect on our
business and would likely have a negative effect on the trading
price of our common units.
Risks
Inherent in an Investment in Us
Spectra
Energy controls our general partner, which has sole
responsibility for conducting our business and managing our
operations. Our general partner and its affiliates, including
Spectra Energy, have conflicts of interest with us and limited
fiduciary duties, and may favor their own interests to your
detriment.
Following this offering, Spectra Energy will own and control our
general partner. Some of our general partners directors,
and some of its executive officers, are directors or officers of
Spectra Energy or its affiliates. Although our general partner
has a fiduciary duty to manage us in a manner beneficial to us
and our unitholders, the directors and officers of our general
partner have a fiduciary duty to manage our general partner in a
manner beneficial to Spectra Energy. Therefore, conflicts of
interest may arise between Spectra Energy and its affiliates,
including our general partner, on the one hand, and us and our
unitholders, on the other hand. In resolving these conflicts of
interest, our general partner may favor its own interests and
the interests of its affiliates over the interests of our
unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the
following situations:
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neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement
requires Spectra Energy to pursue a business strategy that
favors us. Spectra Energys directors and officers have a
fiduciary duty to make these decisions in the best interests of
the owners of Spectra Energy, which may be contrary to our
interests;
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our general partner is allowed to take into account the
interests of parties other than us, such as Spectra Energy and
its affiliates, in resolving conflicts of interest;
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Spectra Energy and its affiliates are not limited in their
ability to compete with us. Please read
Spectra Energy and its affiliates are not
limited in their ability to compete with us;
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our general partner may make a determination to receive a
quantity of our Class B units in exchange for resetting the
target distribution levels related to its incentive distribution
rights without the approval of the conflicts committee of our
general partner or our unitholders. Please read Provisions
of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions;
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some officers of Spectra Energy who provide services to us also
will devote significant time to the business of Spectra Energy,
and will be compensated by Spectra Energy for the services
rendered to it;
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our general partner has limited its liability and reduced its
fiduciary duties, and has also restricted the remedies available
to our unitholders for actions that, without the limitations,
might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty. By purchasing
common units, unitholders will be deemed to have consented to
some actions and conflicts of interest that might otherwise
constitute a breach of fiduciary or other duties under
applicable law;
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our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset
purchases and sales, borrowings, issuance of additional
partnership securities and reserves, each of which can affect
the amount of cash that is distributed to unitholders;
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our general partner determines the amount and timing of any
capital expenditures and, based on the applicable facts and
circumstances, whether a capital expenditure is classified as a
maintenance capital expenditure, which reduces operating
surplus, or an expansion capital expenditure, which does not
reduce operating surplus. This determination can affect the
amount of cash that is distributed to our unitholders and the
ability of the subordinated units to convert to common units;
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our general partner determines which costs incurred by it and
its affiliates are reimbursable by us;
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in some instances, our general partner may cause us to borrow
funds in order to permit the payment of cash distributions, even
if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make a
distribution on the subordinated units, to make incentive
distributions or to accelerate the expiration of the
subordination period;
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our partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner
from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services
rendered to us or entering into additional contractual
arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf;
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our general partner intends to limit its liability regarding our
contractual and other obligations and, in some circumstances, is
entitled to be indemnified by us;
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our general partner may exercise its limited right to call and
purchase common units if it and its affiliates own more than 80%
of the common units;
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our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed
to us by our general partner and its affiliates; and
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our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel,
accountants or others to perform services for us.
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Please read Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary
Duties.
Affiliates
of our general partner, including Spectra Energy, DCP Midstream,
LLC and DCP Midstream Partners, LP, are not limited in their
ability to compete with us, which could limit our commercial
activities or our ability to acquire additional assets or
businesses.
Neither our partnership agreement nor the omnibus agreement
among us, Spectra Energy and others will prohibit affiliates of
our general partner, including Spectra Energy, DCP Midstream,
LLC and DCP Midstream Partners, LP, from owning assets or
engaging in businesses that compete directly or indirectly
34
with us. In addition, Spectra Energy and its affiliates may
acquire, construct or dispose of additional transportation and
storage or other assets in the future, without any obligation to
offer us the opportunity to purchase or construct any of those
assets. Each of these entities is a large, established
participant in the midstream energy business, and each has
significantly greater resources and experience than we have,
which factors may make it more difficult for us to compete with
these entities with respect to commercial activities as well as
for acquisition candidates. As a result, competition from these
entities could adversely impact our results of operations and
cash available for distribution. Please read Conflicts of
Interest and Fiduciary Duties.
If you
are not an Eligible Holder, you will not be entitled to receive
distributions or allocations of income or loss on your common
units and your common units will be subject to redemption at a
price that may be below the current market price.
In order to comply with certain FERC rate-making policies
applicable to entities that pass through their taxable income to
their owners, we have adopted certain requirements regarding
those investors who may own our common and subordinated units.
Eligible Holders are individuals or entities subject to United
States federal income taxation on the income generated by us or
entities not subject to United States federal income taxation on
the income generated by us, so long as all of the entitys
owners are subject to such taxation. Please see
Description of the Common Units Transfer of
Common Units. If you are not a person who fits the
requirements to be an Eligible Holder, you will not receive
distributions or allocations of income and loss on your units
and you run the risk of having your units redeemed by us at the
lower of your purchase price cost or the then-current market
price. The redemption price will be paid in cash or by delivery
of a promissory note, as determined by our general partner.
Cost
reimbursements to our general partner and its affiliates for
services provided, which will be determined by our general
partner, will be substantial and will reduce our cash available
for distribution to you.
Pursuant to an omnibus agreement we will enter into with Spectra
Energy, our general partner and certain of their affiliates upon
the closing of this offering, Spectra Energy will receive
reimbursement for the payment of operating expenses related to
our operations and for the provision of various general and
administrative services for our benefit, including costs for
rendering administrative staff and support services to us, and
overhead allocated to us, which amounts will be determined by
our general partner in its sole discretion. Payments for these
services will be substantial and will reduce the amount of cash
available for distribution to unitholders. Please read
Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Omnibus Agreement. In addition,
under Delaware partnership law, our general partner has
unlimited liability for our obligations, such as our debts and
environmental liabilities, except for our contractual
obligations that are expressly made without recourse to our
general partner. To the extent our general partner incurs
obligations on our behalf, we are obligated to reimburse or
indemnify it. If we are unable or unwilling to reimburse or
indemnify our general partner, our general partner may take
actions to cause us to make payments of these obligations and
liabilities. Any such payments could reduce the amount of cash
otherwise available for distribution to our unitholders.
Our
partnership agreement limits our general partners
fiduciary duties to holders of our common units and subordinated
units and restricts the remedies available to holders of our
common units and subordinated units for actions taken by our
general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of
fiduciary duty.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the
fiduciary standards to which our general partner would otherwise
be held by state fiduciary duty laws. For example, our
partnership agreement:
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permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its
individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our
general partner. This entitles our general partner to consider
only the interests and factors that it desires, and it has no
duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of,
or factors affecting, us, our affiliates or any limited partner.
Examples include the exercise of its right to make a
determination to receive Class B units in exchange for
resetting the target distribution levels related to its
incentive distribution rights, the exercise of its limited call
right, the
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exercise of its rights to transfer or vote the units it owns,
the exercise of its registration rights and its determination
whether or not to consent to any merger or consolidation of the
partnership or amendment to the partnership agreement;
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provides that our general partner will not have any liability to
us or our unitholders for decisions made in its capacity as a
general partner so long as it acted in good faith, meaning it
believed the decision was in the best interests of our
partnership;
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generally provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions
of conflicts of interest not approved by the conflicts committee
of the board of directors of our general partner acting in good
faith and not involving a vote of unitholders must be on terms
no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to
or available from unrelated third parties or must be fair
and reasonable to us, as determined by our general partner
in good faith and that, in determining whether a transaction or
resolution is fair and reasonable, our general
partner may consider the totality of the relationships between
the parties involved, including other transactions that may be
particularly advantageous or beneficial to us;
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provides that our general partner and its officers and directors
will not be liable for monetary damages to us, our limited
partners or assignees for any acts or omissions unless there has
been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of
competent jurisdiction determining that the general partner or
those other persons acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or
willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted
with knowledge that the conduct was criminal; and
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provides that in resolving conflicts of interest, it will be
presumed that in making its decision the general partner or its
conflicts committee acted in good faith, and in any proceeding
brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or us, the person
bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of
overcoming such presumption.
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By purchasing a common unit, a common unitholder will agree to
become bound by the provisions in the partnership agreement,
including the provisions discussed above. Please read
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties
Fiduciary Duties.
Our
general partner may elect to cause us to issue Class B
units to it in connection with a resetting of the target
distribution levels related to our general partners
incentive distribution rights without the approval of the
conflicts committee of our general partner or holders of our
common units and subordinated units. This may result in lower
distributions to holders of our common units in certain
situations.
Our general partner has the right, at a time when there are no
subordinated units outstanding and it has received incentive
distributions at the highest level to which it is entitled (48%)
for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters, to reset
the initial cash target distribution levels at higher levels
based on the distribution at the time of the exercise of the
reset election. Following a reset election by our general
partner, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset
to an amount equal to the average cash distribution amount per
common unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding
the reset election (such amount is referred to as the
reset minimum quarterly distribution) and the target
distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher
levels based on percentage increases above the reset minimum
quarterly distribution amount.
In connection with resetting these target distribution levels,
our general partner will be entitled to receive a number of
Class B units. The Class B units will be entitled to
the same cash distributions per unit as our common units and
will be convertible into an equal number of common units. The
number of Class B units to be issued will be equal to that
number of common units whose aggregate quarterly cash
distributions equaled the average of the distributions to our
general partner on the incentive distribution rights in the
prior two quarters. We anticipate that our general partner would
exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or
internal growth projects that would not be sufficiently
accretive to cash distributions per common unit without such
conversion; however, it is possible that our general partner
could exercise this reset election at a time when it is
experiencing, or may be expected to experience,
36
declines in the cash distributions it receives related to its
incentive distribution rights and may therefore desire to be
issued our Class B units, which are entitled to receive
cash distributions from us on the same priority as our common
units, rather than retain the right to receive incentive
distributions based on the initial target distribution levels.
As a result, a reset election may cause our common unitholders
to experience dilution in the amount of cash distributions that
they would have otherwise received had we not issued new
Class B units to our general partner in connection with
resetting the target distribution levels related to our general
partner incentive distribution rights. Please read
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Related to Cash
Distributions General Partner Interest and Incentive
Distribution Rights.
Holders
of our common units have limited voting rights and are not
entitled to elect our general partner or its directors, which
could reduce the price at which the common units will
trade.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders
have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our
business and, therefore, limited ability to influence
managements decisions regarding our business. Unitholders
will not elect our general partner or its board of directors,
and will have no right to elect our general partner or its board
of directors on an annual or other continuing basis. The board
of directors of our general partner, including the independent
directors, will be chosen entirely by its owners and not by the
unitholders. Furthermore, if the unitholders were dissatisfied
with the performance of our general partner, they will have
little ability to remove our general partner. As a result of
these limitations, the price at which the common units will
trade could be diminished because of the absence or reduction of
a takeover premium in the trading price.
Even
if holders of our common units are dissatisfied, they cannot
initially remove our general partner without its
consent.
The unitholders will be unable initially to remove our general
partner without its consent because our general partner and its
affiliates will own sufficient units upon completion of this
offering to be able to prevent its removal. The vote of the
holders of at least
662/3%
of all outstanding units voting together as a single class is
required to remove the general partner. Following the closing of
this offering, our general partner and its affiliates will own
84.9% of our aggregate outstanding common and subordinated
units. Also, if our general partner is removed without cause
during the subordination period and units held by our general
partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that
removal, all remaining subordinated units will automatically
convert into common units and any existing arrearages on our
common units will be extinguished. A removal of our general
partner under these circumstances would adversely affect our
common units by prematurely eliminating their distribution and
liquidation preference over our subordinated units, which would
otherwise have continued until we had met certain distribution
and performance tests. Cause is narrowly defined to mean that a
court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final,
non-appealable judgment finding the general partner liable for
actual fraud or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as
our general partner. Cause does not include most cases of
charges of poor management of the business, so the removal of
the general partner because of the unitholders
dissatisfaction with our general partners performance in
managing our partnership will most likely result in the
termination of the subordination period and conversion of all
subordinated units to common units.
Our
partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders
owning 20% or more of our common units.
Our partnership agreement restricts unitholders voting
rights by providing that any units held by a person that owns
20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than
our general partner, its affiliates, their transferees and
persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of the
board of directors of our general partner, cannot vote on any
matter. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions
limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to
acquire information about our operations, as well as other
provisions limiting the unitholders ability to influence
the manner or direction of management.
37
We
have a holding company structure in which our subsidiaries
conduct our operations and own our operating assets, which may
affect our ability to make distributions to you.
We are a partnership holding company and our operating
subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our
operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the
ownership interests in our subsidiaries and our equity
investments, including Gulfstream and Market Hub. As a result,
our ability to make distributions to our unitholders depends on
the performance of our subsidiaries and equity investments and
their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of our
subsidiaries and joint ventures to make distributions to us may
be restricted by, among other things, the provisions of existing
and future indebtedness, applicable state partnership and
limited liability company laws and other laws and regulations,
including FERC policies.
If we
are deemed an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, it would adversely affect the
price of our common units and could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
Our initial assets will consist of a 100% ownership interest in
East Tennessee, a 24.5% limited liability company interest in
Gulfstream and a 50% general partner interest in Market Hub. If
a sufficient amount of our assets, such as our ownership
interests in Gulfstream and Market Hub or other assets acquired
in the future, are deemed to be investment
securities within the meaning of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, we would either have to register as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act, obtain exemptive
relief from the Commission or modify our organizational
structure or our contract rights to fall outside the definition
of an investment company. Although general partner interests are
typically not considered securities or
investment securities, there is a risk that our 50%
general partner interest in Market Hub could be deemed to be an
investment security. In that event, it is possible that our
ownership of this interest, combined with our 24.5% interest in
Gulfstream or assets acquired in the future, could result in our
being required to register under the Investment Company Act if
we were not successful in obtaining exemptive relief or
otherwise modifying our organizational structure or applicable
contract rights. Registering as an investment company could,
among other things, materially limit our ability to engage in
transactions with affiliates, including the purchase and sale of
certain securities or other property to or from our affiliates,
restrict our ability to borrow funds or engage in other
transactions involving leverage and require us to add additional
directors who are independent of us or our affiliates. The
occurrence of some or all of these events would adversely affect
the price of our common units and could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
Control
of our general partner may be transferred to a third party
without unitholder consent.
Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to
a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially
all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders.
Furthermore, our partnership agreement does not restrict the
ability of the owners of our general partner or its parent, from
transferring all or a portion of their respective ownership
interest in our general partner or its parent to a third party.
The new owners of our general partner or its parent would then
be in a position to replace the board of directors and officers
of its parent with its own choices and thereby influence the
decisions taken by the board of directors and officers.
You
will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $9.38 in
tangible net book value per common unit.
The initial public offering price of $22.00 per unit
exceeds our pro forma net tangible book value of $12.62 per
unit. Based on the initial public offering price of $22.00 per
unit, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution of $9.38
per common unit. This dilution results primarily because the
assets contributed by our general partner and its affiliates are
recorded at their historical cost, and not their fair value, in
accordance with GAAP. Please read Dilution.
38
Increases
in interest rates could adversely impact our unit price and our
ability to issue additional equity to make acquisitions, incur
debt or for other purposes.
In recent years, the U.S. credit markets experienced
50-year
record lows in interest rates. If the overall economy
strengthens, it is possible that monetary policy will tighten,
resulting in higher interest rates to counter possible inflation
risk. Interest rates on future credit facilities and debt
offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our
financing costs to increase accordingly. As with other
yield-oriented securities, our unit price is impacted by the
level of our cash distributions and implied distribution yield.
The distribution yield is often used by investors to compare and
rank related yield-oriented securities for investment
decision-making purposes. Therefore, changes in interest rates
may affect the yield requirements of investors who invest in our
units, and a rising interest rate environment could have an
adverse impact on our unit price and our ability to issue
additional equity to make acquisitions, to incur debt or for
other purposes.
We may
issue additional units without your approval, which would dilute
your existing ownership interests.
Our partnership agreement does not limit the number of
additional limited partner interests that we may issue at any
time without the approval of our unitholders. The issuance by us
of additional common units or other equity securities of equal
or senior rank will have the following effects:
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each unitholders proportionate ownership interest in us
will decrease;
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the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may
decrease;
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because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be
subordinated units, the risk that a shortfall in the payment of
the minimum quarterly distribution will be borne by our common
unitholders will increase;
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the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase;
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit
may be diminished; and
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the market price of the common units may decline.
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Spectra
Energy and its affiliates may sell units in the public or
private markets, which sales could have an adverse impact on the
trading price of the common units.
After the sale of the common units offered hereby, Spectra
Energy and its affiliates will hold an aggregate of
34,629,880 common units and 21,638,730 subordinated
units. All of the subordinated units will convert into common
units at the end of the subordination period, which could occur
as early as the first business day after June 30, 2010, and
all of the subordinated units may convert into common units by
June 30, 2008 if additional tests are satisfied. The sale
of any of these units in the public or private markets could
have an adverse impact on the price of the common units or on
any trading market that may develop.
Our
general partner has a limited call right that may require you to
sell your units at an undesirable time or price.
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the
right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its
affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of
the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not
less than their then-current market price. As a result, you may
be required to sell your common units at an undesirable time or
price and may not receive any return on your investment. You may
also incur a tax liability upon a sale of your units. At the
completion of this offering and assuming no exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units,
our general partner and its affiliates will own approximately
77.6% of our outstanding common units. At the end of the
subordination period, assuming no additional issuances of common
units (other than for the conversion of the subordinated units
into common units), our general partner and its affiliates will
own approximately 84.9% of our aggregate outstanding common
units. For additional information about this right, please read
The Partnership Agreement Limited Call
Right.
39
Your
liability may not be limited if a court finds that unitholder
action constitutes control of our business.
A general partner of a partnership generally has unlimited
liability for the obligations of the partnership, except for
those contractual obligations of the partnership that are
expressly made without recourse to the general partner. Our
partnership is organized under Delaware law and we conduct
business in a number of other states. The limitations on the
liability of holders of limited partner interests for the
obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly
established in some of the other states in which we do business.
You could be liable for any and all of our obligations as if you
were a general partner if a court or government agency
determined that:
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we were conducting business in a state but had not complied with
that particular states partnership statute; or
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your right to act with other unitholders to remove or replace
the general partner, to approve some amendments to our
partnership agreement or to take other actions under our
partnership agreement constitute control of our
business.
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For a discussion of the implications of the limitations of
liability on a unitholder, please read The Partnership
Agreement Limited Liability.
Unitholders
may have liability to repay distributions that were wrongfully
distributed to them.
Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay
amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. Under
Section 17-607
of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, we may
not make a distribution to you if the distribution would cause
our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware
law provides that for a period of three years from the date of
the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received
the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution
that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited
partnership for the distribution amount. Substituted limited
partners are liable for the obligations of the assignor to make
contributions to the partnership that are known to the
substituted limited partner at the time it became a limited
partner and for unknown obligations if the liabilities could be
determined from the partnership agreement. Liabilities to
partners on account of their partnership interest and
liabilities that are non-recourse to the partnership are not
counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is
permitted.
There
is no existing market for our common units, and a trading market
that will provide you with adequate liquidity may not
develop.
Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for the
common units. After the offering, there will be only 10,000,000
publicly traded common units, assuming no exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional units. We do
not know the extent to which investor interest will lead to the
development of a trading market or how liquid that market might
be. You may not be able to resell your common units at or above
the initial public offering price. Additionally, the lack of
liquidity may result in wide bid-ask spreads, contribute to
significant fluctuations in the market price of the common units
and limit the number of investors who are able to buy the common
units.
We
will incur increased costs as a result of being a
publicly-traded partnership.
We have no history operating as a publicly-traded partnership.
As a publicly-traded partnership, we will incur significant
legal, accounting and other expenses. In addition, the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules subsequently
implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, have
required changes in corporate governance practices of
publicly-traded entities. We expect these new rules and
regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs
and to make activities more time-consuming and costly. For
example, as a result of becoming a publicly-traded partnership,
we are required to have at least three independent directors,
create additional board committees and adopt policies regarding
internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures,
including the preparation of reports on internal controls over
financial reporting. In addition, we will incur additional costs
associated with our publicly-traded
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company reporting requirements. We also expect these new rules
and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for
our general partner to obtain director and officer liability
insurance and it 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 our general partner to attract and retain qualified persons
to serve on its board of directors or as executive officers. We
will incur approximately $5.5 million of estimated
incremental costs associated with being a publicly-traded
partnership for purposes of our Statement of Minimum Estimated
Cash Available for Distribution included elsewhere in this
prospectus; however, it is possible that our actual incremental
costs of being a publicly-traded partnership will be higher than
we currently estimate.
Tax Risks
to Common Unitholders
In addition to reading the following risk factors, you should
read Material Tax Consequences for a more complete
discussion of the expected material federal income tax
consequences of owning and disposing of common units.
Our
tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes, as well as our not being subject to a
material amount of entity-level taxation by individual states.
If the Internal Revenue Service treats us as a corporation or we
become subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation for
state tax purposes, it would substantially reduce the amount of
cash available for distribution to our
unitholders.
The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in
our common units depends largely on our being treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes. We have not
requested, and do not plan to request, a ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, on this
or any other tax matter affecting us.
If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our taxable income
at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35%
and would likely pay state income tax at varying rates.
Distributions to you would generally be taxed again as corporate
distributions, and no income, gains, losses or deductions would
flow through to you. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a
corporation, our cash available for distribution to you would be
substantially reduced. Therefore, treatment of us as a
corporation would result in a material reduction in the
anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to the unitholders,
likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our
common units.
Current law may change so as to cause us to be treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject
us to entity-level taxation. In addition, because of widespread
state budget deficits and other reasons, several states are
evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation
through the imposition of state income, franchise and other
forms of taxation. We will, for example, be subject to a new
entity-level tax on the portion of our income that is generated
in Texas. Specifically, the Texas margin tax will be imposed at
a maximum effective rate of 0.7% of our gross income apportioned
to Texas. The imposition of such a tax on us by Texas, or any
other state, will reduce the cash available for distribution to
you.
Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is enacted or
existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that
subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects
us to entity-level taxation for federal, state or local income
tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the
target distribution levels may be adjusted to reflect the impact
of that law on us.
An IRS
contest of the federal income tax positions we take may
adversely affect the market for our common units, and the cost
of any IRS contest will reduce our cash available for
distribution to our unitholders.
We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to our
treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or
any other matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions that
differ from the conclusions of our counsel expressed in this
prospectus or from the positions we take. It may be necessary to
resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or
all of our counsels conclusions or the
41
positions we take. A court may not agree with all of our
counsels conclusions or positions we take. Any contest
with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for
our common units and the price at which they trade. In addition,
our costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne indirectly
by our unitholders and our general partner because the costs
will reduce our cash available for distribution.
You
may be required to pay taxes on your share of our income even if
you do not receive any cash distributions from us.
Because our unitholders will be treated as partners to whom we
will allocate taxable income which could be different in amount
than the cash we distribute, you will be required to pay any
federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income
taxes on your share of our taxable income even if you receive no
cash distributions from us. You may not receive cash
distributions from us equal to your share of our taxable income
or even equal to the actual tax liability that results from that
income.
Tax
gain or loss on disposition of our common units could be more or
less than expected.
If you sell your common units, you will recognize a gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized and your tax
basis in those common units. Because distributions in excess of
your allocable share of our net taxable income decrease your tax
basis in your common units, the amount, if any, of such prior
excess distributions with respect to the common units you sell
will, in effect, become taxable income to you if you sell such
common units at a price greater than your tax basis, even if the
price you receive is less than your original cost. Furthermore,
a substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not
representing gain, may be taxed as ordinary income due to
potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. In
addition, because the amount realized includes your share of our
nonrecourse liabilities, if you sell your units, you may incur a
tax liability in excess of the amount of cash you receive from
the sale. Please read Material Tax
Consequences Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss for a further discussion of
the foregoing.
Tax-exempt
entities and foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning
common units that may result in adverse tax consequences to
them.
Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as
individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs), other retirement
plans and
non-U.S. persons
raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our
income allocated to organizations that are exempt from federal
income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be
unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them.
Distributions to
non-U.S. persons
will be reduced by withholding taxes at the highest applicable
effective tax rate, and
non-U.S. persons
will be required to file United States federal tax returns and
pay tax on their share of our taxable income. If you are a
tax-exempt entity or a foreign person, you should consult your
tax advisor before investing in our common units.
We
will treat each purchaser of our common units as having the same
tax benefits without regard to the actual common units
purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could
adversely affect the value of the common units.
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common
units and because of other reasons, we will adopt depreciation
and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects
of existing U.S. Treasury Regulations. A successful IRS
challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount
of tax benefits available to you. It also could affect the
timing of these tax benefits or the amount of gain from your
sale of our common units and could have a negative impact on the
value of our common units or result in audit adjustments to your
tax returns. For a further discussion of the effect of the
depreciation and amortization positions we will adopt, please
read Material Tax Consequences Tax
Consequences of Unit Ownership Section 754
Election.
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We
have adopted certain valuation methodologies that may result in
a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between the general
partner and the unitholders. The IRS may challenge this
treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common
units.
When we issue additional units or engage in certain other
transactions, we determine the fair market value of our assets
and allocate any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our
assets to the capital accounts of our unitholders and our
general partner. Our methodology may be viewed as understating
the value of our assets. In that case, there may be a shift of
income, gain, loss and deduction between certain unitholders and
the general partner, which may be unfavorable to such
unitholders. Moreover, subsequent purchasers of common units may
have a greater portion of their Internal Revenue Code
Section 743(b) adjustment allocated to our tangible assets
and a lesser portion allocated to our intangible assets. The IRS
may challenge our valuation methods, or our allocation of the
Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to our tangible and
intangible assets, and allocations of income, gain, loss and
deduction between the general partner and certain of our
unitholders.
A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could
adversely affect the amount of taxable income or loss being
allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of
gain from our unitholders sale of common units and could
have a negative impact on the value of the common units or
result in audit adjustments to our unitholders tax returns
without the benefit of additional deductions.
The
sale or exchange of 50% or more of our capital and profits
interests during any twelve-month period will result in the
termination of our partnership for federal income tax
purposes.
We will be considered to have terminated our partnership for
federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of
50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits
within a twelve-month period. Our termination would, among other
things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all
unitholders and could result in a deferral of depreciation
deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. Please
read Material Tax Consequences Disposition of
Common Units Constructive Termination for a
discussion of the consequences of our termination for federal
income tax purposes.
You
will likely be subject to state and local taxes and return
filing requirements in states where you do not live as a result
of investing in our common units.
In addition to federal income taxes, you will likely be subject
to other taxes, including foreign, state and local taxes,
unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions
in which we do business or own property, even if you do not live
in any of those jurisdictions. You will likely be required to
file foreign, state and local income tax returns and pay state
and local income taxes in some or all of these jurisdictions.
Further, you may be subject to penalties for failure to comply
with those requirements. We will initially own assets and do
business in the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Each
of these states, other than Texas and Florida, currently imposes
a personal income tax on individuals. A majority of these states
impose an income tax on corporations and other entities. As we
make acquisitions or expand our business, we may own assets or
conduct business in additional states that impose an income tax.
It is your responsibility to file all United States federal,
foreign, state and local tax returns. Our counsel has not
rendered an opinion on the foreign, state or local tax
consequences of an investment in the common units.
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USE OF
PROCEEDS
We expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of
approximately $206.3 million after deducting underwriting
discounts but before paying expenses associated with the
offering and related formation transactions and structuring fees
of approximately $550,000 to be paid to Citigroup Global Markets
Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. for evaluation, analysis and
structuring of our partnership. We anticipate using the
aggregate net proceeds of this offering to:
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purchase approximately $163.1 million of qualifying
investment grade securities, which will be assigned as
collateral to secure the term loan portion of our credit
facility;
|
|
|
|
pay approximately $7.2 million of expenses associated with
the offering and related formation transactions;
|
|
|
|
distribute $26.0 million in cash to subsidiaries of Spectra
Energy as reimbursement for capital expenditures incurred by
subsidiaries of Spectra Energy prior to this offering related to
the assets to be contributed to us upon the closing of this
offering, which distribution will be made in partial
consideration of the assets contributed to us upon the closing
of this offering; and
|
|
|
|
use the remaining proceeds of $10.0 million to fund working
capital.
|
We have entered into a $500 million credit facility under
which we expect to borrow approximately $163.1 million in
term debt and $125 million in revolving debt upon the
closing of this offering. We will distribute the aggregate
amount of the proceeds of such borrowings to subsidiaries of
Spectra Energy, which distribution will be made in partial
consideration of the assets contributed to us upon the closing
of this offering. Please see Certain Relationships and
Related Party Transactions Distributions and
Payments to our General Partner and its Affiliates.
The qualifying securities we will purchase will be assigned as
collateral to secure the term loan borrowings. The interest we
receive from our ownership of these securities will partially
offset our cost of borrowings under the term loan facility.
Please read Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Capital Requirements Description of Credit
Agreement.
If the underwriters option to purchase additional common
units is exercised in full, we will (1) use the net proceeds of
approximately $30.9 million from the sale of these
additional securities to purchase an equivalent amount of
qualifying investment grade securities and (2) borrow an
additional amount of term debt equal to the net proceeds to be
received from the exercise of the underwriters option. The
qualifying securities purchased will be assigned as collateral
to secure such additional term loan borrowings. The proceeds of
the additional term loan borrowings will be used to redeem from
a subsidiary of Spectra Energy a number of common units equal to
the number of common units issued upon exercise of the
underwriters option, at a price per common unit equal to
the proceeds per common unit before expenses but after
underwriting discounts and a structuring fee.
44
CAPITALIZATION
The following table shows:
|
|
|
|
|
our capitalization as of March 31, 2007; and
|
|
|
|
our pro forma capitalization as of March 31, 2007, as
adjusted to reflect this offering, the other transactions
described under Summary Formation Transactions
and Partnership Structure General and the
application of the net proceeds from this offering and our
borrowings as described under Use of Proceeds.
|
We derived this table from, and it should be read in conjunction
with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our
historical and pro forma financial statements and the
accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. You
should also read this table in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations. This table does not
reflect any indebtedness associated with our equity investment
in Gulfstream, which amount is included in the historical
financial statements and the accompanying notes of Gulfstream
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Long-term debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving borrowings
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
125,000
|
|
Term borrowings (a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163,050
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
$
|
438,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital/parent net
investment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent net investment (b)
|
|
$
|
983,989
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Common units public
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,050
|
|
Common units sponsor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
461,695
|
|
Subordinated units
sponsor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288,493
|
|
General partner interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total partners
capital/parent net investment (b)
|
|
|
983,989
|
|
|
|
968,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
$
|
1,133,989
|
|
|
$
|
1,406,319
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Our initial $163.1 million in term borrowings will be
collateralized by an equal $163.1 million in qualifying
investment grade securities not reflected in the capitalization
table shown above. Please see Use of Proceeds. |
|
(b) |
|
Parent net investment and total partners capital do not
include accumulated other comprehensive income of
$3.7 million. |
45
DILUTION
Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the
purchasers of common units sold in this offering will exceed the
pro forma net tangible book value per unit after the offering.
On a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2007, after giving
effect to the offering of common units and the application of
the related net proceeds, our net tangible book value was
$853.6 million, or $12.62 per common unit. Net tangible
book value excludes $118.3 million of goodwill. Purchasers
of common units in this offering will experience substantial and
immediate dilution in net tangible book value per common unit
for financial accounting purposes, as illustrated in the
following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Initial public offering price per
common unit
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22.00
|
|
Net tangible book value per common
unit before the offering(a)
|
|
$
|
15.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in net tangible book
value per common unit attributable to purchasers in the offering
|
|
|
(2.47
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Pro forma net tangible book
value per common unit after the offering(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.62
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immediate dilution in tangible net
book value per common unit to purchasers in the offering
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(9.38
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Determined by dividing the number of units and general partner
units (34,629,880 common units, 21,638,730 subordinated units
and 1,352,421 general partner units) to be issued to a
subsidiary of Spectra Energy for its contribution of assets and
liabilities to Spectra Energy Partners, LP into the net tangible
book value of the contributed assets and liabilities. |
|
(b) |
|
Determined by dividing the total number of units and general
partner units to be outstanding after the offering (44,629,880
common units, 21,638,730 subordinated units and 1,352,421
general partner units) and the application of the related net
proceeds into our pro forma net tangible book value, after
giving effect to the application of the expected net proceeds of
the offering. |
The following table sets forth the number of units that we will
issue and the total consideration contributed to us by our
general partner and its affiliates and by the purchasers of
common units in this offering:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units Acquired
|
|
|
Total Consideration
|
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
General partner and
affiliates(a)(b)
|
|
|
57,621,031
|
|
|
|
85.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
768,219
|
|
|
|
77.7
|
%
|
New investors
|
|
|
10,000,000
|
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
|
220,000
|
|
|
|
22.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
67,621,031
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
988,219
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
The common and subordinated units and general partner units
acquired by our general partner and its affiliates consist of
34,629,880 common units and 21,638,730 subordinated units and
1,352,421 general partner units. |
|
(b) |
|
The assets contributed by our general partner and its affiliates
were recorded at historical cost in accordance with GAAP. Book
value of the consideration provided by our general partner and
its affiliates, as of March 31, 2007, after giving effect
to the application of the net proceeds of this offering is as
follows: |
The following table shows the investment of Spectra Energy in us
after giving effect to this offering and related formation
transactions. Please see our unaudited pro forma balance sheet
for a more complete presentation of the adjustments associated
with this offering and the related formation transactions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Parent net investment
|
|
$
|
983,989
|
|
Less: Payment to affiliates of our
general partner from the net proceeds of the offering and
borrowings under the credit facility
|
|
|
(314,050
|
)
|
Plus: Retention by Spectra Energy
of tax related accounts, accounts receivable, and certain Market
Hub assets
|
|
|
103,846
|
|
Less: Contribution to Market Hub
from Spectra Energy for funds swept for security deposits
|
|
|
(5,566
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consideration
|
|
$
|
768,219
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
OUR CASH
DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS
You should read the following discussion of our cash
distribution policy in conjunction with specific assumptions
included in this section. For more detailed information
regarding the factors and assumptions upon which our cash
distribution policy is based, please read Assumptions and
Considerations below. In addition, you should read
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk
Factors for information regarding statements that do not
relate strictly to historical or current facts and certain risks
inherent in our business.
For additional information regarding our historical and pro
forma operating results, you should refer to our historical
audited combined financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, and to our historical
unaudited combined financial statements as of and for the three
months ended March 31, 2007; and our unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2006 and as of and for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
General
Rationale for Our Cash Distribution
Policy. Our cash distribution policy reflects
a basic judgment that our unitholders will be better served by
our distributing our cash available after expenses and reserves
rather than retaining it. Because we believe we will generally
finance any capital investments from external financing sources,
we believe that our investors are best served by our
distributing all of our available cash. Because we are not
subject to an entity-level federal income tax, we have more cash
to distribute to you than would be the case were we subject to
tax. Our cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms
of our partnership agreement, which requires that we distribute
all of our available cash quarterly.
Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to
Change Our Cash Distribution Policy. There is
no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly
distributions from us. Our distribution policy may be changed at
any time and is subject to certain restrictions, including:
|
|
|
|
|
Our cash distribution policy is subject to restrictions on
distributions under our new credit facility. Specifically, the
agreement related to our credit facility contains material
financial tests and covenants that we must satisfy. These
financial tests and covenants are described in this prospectus
under the caption Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Capital Requirements
Description of Credit Agreement. Should we be unable to
satisfy these restrictions under our credit facility or if we
are otherwise in default under our credit facility, we would be
prohibited from making cash distributions to you notwithstanding
our stated cash distribution policy.
|
|
|
|
Our board of directors will have the authority to establish
reserves for the prudent conduct of our business and for future
cash distributions to our unitholders, and the establishment of
those reserves could result in a reduction in cash distributions
to you from the levels we currently anticipate pursuant to our
stated distribution policy.
|
|
|
|
While our partnership agreement requires us to distribute all of
our available cash, our partnership agreement, including
provisions requiring us to make cash distributions contained
therein, may be amended. Although during the subordination
period, with certain exceptions, our partnership agreement may
not be amended without the approval of the public common
unitholders, our partnership agreement can be amended with the
approval of a majority of the outstanding common units and any
Class B units issued upon the reset of incentive
distribution rights, if any, voting as a class (including common
units held by affiliates of Spectra Energy) after the
subordination period has ended. At the closing of this offering,
a subsidiary of Spectra Energy will own our general partner and
approximately 84.9% of our outstanding common units and
subordinated units.
|
|
|
|
Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked,
the amount of distributions we pay under our cash distribution
policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined
by our general partner, taking into consideration the terms of
our partnership agreement.
|
47
|
|
|
|
|
Under
Section 17-607
of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, we may
not make a distribution to you if the distribution would cause
our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets.
|
|
|
|
We may lack sufficient cash to pay distributions to our
unitholders due to increases in our operating or general and
administrative expenses, principal and interest payments on our
outstanding debt, tax expenses, working capital requirements and
anticipated cash needs. Our cash available for distribution to
unitholders is directly impacted by our cash expenses necessary
to run our business and will be reduced dollar-for-dollar to the
extent that such uses of cash increase. Please read
Provisions of our partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions Distributions of Available Cash.
|
|
|
|
We own a 24.5% interest in Gulfstream, a subsidiary of Spectra
Energy owns a 25.5% interest and a subsidiary of The Williams
Companies owns the remaining 50.0% interest. Gulfstream is
required by the terms of its limited liability company agreement
to make quarterly cash distributions equal to 100% of its
available cash, which is defined to include Gulfstreams
cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of the quarter less
any reserves that may be deemed appropriate by the Gulfstream
management committee for the operation of Gulfstreams
business (including reserves for its future maintenance capital
expenditures and for its anticipated future credit needs) or for
its compliance with law or other agreements. The management
committee representative of Spectra Energy and The Williams
Companies will jointly make the determinations related to
Gulfstreams available cash. The limited liability company
agreement of Gulfstream may not be amended without the approval
of Spectra Energy, The Williams Companies and us. Please read
Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Contracts with Affiliates
Gulfstream Limited Liability Company Agreement.
|
|
|
|
We own a 50.0% interest in Market Hub and a subsidiary of
Spectra Energy owns the other 50.0% interest. Market Hub is
required by the terms of its general partnership agreement to
make quarterly cash distributions equal to 100% of its available
cash, which is defined to include Market Hubs cash and
cash equivalents on hand at the end of the quarter less any
reserves that may be deemed appropriate by the Market Hub
management committee for the operation of Market Hubs
business (including reserves for its future maintenance capital
expenditures and for its anticipated future credit needs) or for
its compliance with law or other agreements. The management
committee representative of Spectra Energy and us will jointly
make the determinations related to Market Hubs available
cash. The general partnership agreement of Market Hub may not be
amended without the approval of Spectra Energy and us. Please
read Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Contracts with Affiliates
Market Hub General Partnership Agreement.
|
Our Ability to Grow is Dependent on Our Ability to Access
External Expansion Capital. We will
distribute all of our available cash to our unitholders on a
quarterly basis. As a result, we expect that we will rely
primarily upon external financing sources, including commercial
bank borrowings and the issuance of debt and equity securities,
to fund our acquisitions and expansion capital expenditures. To
the extent we are unable to finance growth externally, our cash
distribution policy will significantly impair our ability to
grow. In addition, because we distribute all of our available
cash, our growth may not be as fast as businesses that reinvest
their available cash to expand ongoing operations. To the extent
we issue additional units in connection with any acquisitions or
expansion capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on
those additional units may increase the risk that we will be
unable to maintain or increase our per unit distribution level,
which in turn may impact the available cash that we have to
distribute on each unit. There are no limitations in our
partnership agreement or our credit facility on our ability to
issue additional units, including units ranking senior to the
common units. The incurrence of additional commercial borrowings
or other debt to finance our growth strategy would result in
increased interest expense, which in turn may impact the
available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders.
48
Our
Initial Distribution Rate
Upon completion of this offering, the board of directors of our
general partner will adopt a policy pursuant to which we will
declare an initial quarterly distribution of $0.30 per unit
per complete quarter, or $1.20 per unit per year, to be
paid no later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal
quarter (beginning with the quarter ending September 30,
2007) through the quarter ending June 30, 2008. This
equates to an aggregate cash distribution of $20.3 million
per quarter or $81.1 million per year, in each case based
on the number of common units, subordinated units and general
partner units outstanding immediately after completion of this
offering. If the underwriters option to purchase
additional common units is exercised, an equivalent number of
common units will be redeemed. If the underwriters option
to purchase additional common units is exercised, we will
(1) use the net proceeds from the sale of these additional
securities to purchase an equivalent amount of qualifying
investment grade securities and (2) borrow an additional
amount of term debt equal to the net proceeds to be received
from the exercise of the underwriters option. The
qualifying securities purchased will be assigned as collateral
to secure such additional term loan borrowings. The proceeds of
the additional term loan borrowings will be used to redeem from
a subsidiary of Spectra Energy a number of common units equal to
the number of common units issued upon exercise of the
underwriters option, at a price per common unit equal to
the proceeds per common unit before expenses but after
underwriting discounts and a structuring fee. Accordingly, the
exercise of the underwriters option will not affect the
total amount of units outstanding or the amount of cash needed
to pay the initial distribution rate on all units. Our ability
to make cash distributions at the initial distribution rate
pursuant to this policy will be subject to the factors described
above under the caption Limitations on Cash
Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution
Policy.
The table below sets forth the number of outstanding common
units, subordinated units and general partner units upon the
closing of this offering and the aggregate distribution amounts
payable on such units during the year following the closing of
this offering at our initial distribution rate of $0.30 per
common unit per quarter ($1.20 per common unit on an
annualized basis).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
|
Number of Units
|
|
|
One Quarter
|
|
|
Four Quarters
|
|
|
Publicly held common units
|
|
|
10,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
12,000,000
|
|
Common units held by Spectra Energy
|
|
|
34,629,880
|
|
|
|
10,388,964
|
|
|
|
41,555,856
|
|
Subordinated units held by Spectra
Energy
|
|
|
21,638,730
|
|
|
|
6,491,619
|
|
|
|
25,966,476
|
|
General partner units held by
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
1,352,421
|
|
|
|
405,726
|
|
|
|
1,622,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
67,621,031
|
|
|
$
|
20,286,309
|
|
|
$
|
81,145,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of the date of this offering, our general partner will be
entitled to 2% of all distributions that we make prior to our
liquidation. The general partners initial 2% interest in
these distributions may be reduced if we issue additional units
in the future and our general partner does not elect to
contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain
its initial 2% general partner interest.
The subordination period will generally end if we have earned
and paid at least $1.20 (the minimum quarterly distribution on
an annualized basis) on each outstanding limited partner unit
and general partner unit for any three consecutive,
non-overlapping four-quarter periods ending on or after
June 30, 2010. Alternatively, if we have earned and paid at
least $0.45 per quarter (150% of the minimum quarterly
distribution, which is $1.80 on an annualized basis) on each
outstanding limited partner unit and general partner unit for
any four-quarter periods ending on or after June 30, 2008,
the subordination period will terminate automatically. In
addition, the subordination period will end if our general
partner is removed without cause and the units held by our
general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of
such removal. When the subordination period ends, all remaining
subordinated units will convert into an equal number of common
units, and the common units will no longer be entitled to
arrearages.
If distributions on our common units are not paid with respect
to any fiscal quarter at the initial distribution rate, our
unitholders will not be entitled to receive such payments in the
future except that during the subordination period, to the
extent we have available cash in any future quarter in excess of
the
49
amount necessary to make cash distributions to holders of our
common units at the initial distribution rate, we will use this
excess available cash to pay these deficiencies related to prior
quarters before any cash distribution is made to holders of
subordinated units. Please read Provisions of Our
Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions
Subordination Period.
We do not have a legal obligation to pay distributions at our
initial distribution rate or at any other rate except as
provided in our partnership agreement. Our distribution policy
is consistent with the terms of our partnership agreement, which
requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly.
Under our partnership agreement, available cash is defined to
generally mean, for each fiscal quarter, cash generated from our
business in excess of the amount of reserves our general partner
determines is necessary or appropriate to provide for the
conduct of our business, to comply with applicable law, any of
our debt instruments or other agreements or to provide for
future distributions to our unitholders for any one or more of
the upcoming four quarters.
Our partnership agreement provides that any determination made
by our general partner in its capacity as our general partner
must be made in good faith and that any such determination will
not be subject to any other standard imposed by our partnership
agreement, the Delaware limited partnership statute or any other
law, rule or regulation or at equity. Holders of our common
units may pursue judicial action to enforce provisions of our
partnership agreement, including those related to requirements
to make cash distributions as described above; however, our
partnership agreement provides that our general partner is
entitled to make the determinations described above without
regard to any standard other than the requirements to act in
good faith. Our partnership agreement provides that, in order
for a determination by our general partner to be made in
good faith, our general partner must believe that
the determination is in our best interests. Please read
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions.
Our cash distribution policy, as expressed in our partnership
agreement, may not be modified or repealed without amending our
partnership agreement; however, the actual amount of our cash
distributions for any quarter is subject to fluctuations based
on the amount of cash we generate from our business and the
amount of reserves our general partner establishes in accordance
with our partnership agreement as described above. Our
partnership agreement may be amended with the approval of our
general partner and holders of a majority of our outstanding
common units and any Class B units issued upon the reset of
the incentive distribution rights, voting together as a class.
We will pay our distributions on or about the 15th day of
each of February, May, August and November to holders of record
on or about the 1st day of each such month. If the
distribution date does not fall on a business day, we will make
the distribution on the business day immediately preceding the
indicated distribution date. We will adjust the quarterly
distribution for the period from the closing of this offering
through September 30, 2007 based on the actual length of
the period.
In the sections that follow, we present in detail the basis for
our belief that we will be able to fully fund our initial
distribution rate of $0.30 per unit each quarter through
the quarter ending June 30, 2008. In those sections, we
present two tables, consisting of:
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited Pro Forma Cash Available for Distribution,
in which we present the amount of cash we would have had
available for distribution for our fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006 and for the twelve months ended
March 31, 2007 derived from our unaudited pro forma
financial statements that are included in this prospectus, which
unaudited pro forma financial statements are based on the
audited historical combined financial statements of Spectra
Energy Partners Predecessor for the year ended December 31,
2006 and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2007, as
adjusted to give pro forma effect to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
the transactions to be completed as of the closing of this
offering, including our incurrence of approximately
$163.1 million of term borrowings and $125 million of
revolving borrowings under our new $500 million credit
facility; and
|
|
|
|
this offering and the application of the net proceeds as
described under Use of Proceeds.
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Minimum Estimated Cash Available for
Distribution, in which we demonstrate our anticipated
ability to generate the minimum estimated cash available for
distribution necessary for us to pay distributions at the
initial distribution rate on all units for the twelve months
ending June 30, 2008.
|
Unaudited
Pro Forma Cash Available for Distribution for the Year Ended
December 31, 2006 and Twelve Months Ended March 31,
2007
If we had completed the transactions contemplated in this
prospectus on January 1, 2006, pro forma cash available for
distribution for the year ended December 31, 2006 would
have been approximately $67.2 million. This amount would
have been sufficient to make a cash distribution for 2006 at the
initial rate of $0.30 per unit per quarter (or
$1.20 per unit on an annualized basis) on all of the common
units but only 47% of the minimum quarterly distribution on the
subordinated units.
If we had completed the transactions contemplated in this
prospectus on April 1, 2006, our pro forma available cash
for the twelve months ended March 31, 2007 would have been
approximately $81.7 million. This amount would have been
sufficient to make a cash distribution for the twelve months
ended March 31, 2007 at the initial distribution rate of
$0.30 per unit per quarter (or $1.20 per unit on an
annualized basis) on all of the common and subordinated units.
Unaudited pro forma cash available for distribution from
operating surplus includes incremental general and
administrative expense we will incur as a result of being a
publicly traded limited partnership, including compensation and
benefit expenses of our executive management personnel, costs
associated with annual and quarterly reports to unitholders, tax
return and
Schedule K-1
preparation and distribution, independent auditor fees, investor
relations activities, registrar and transfer agent fees,
incremental director and officer liability insurance costs and
director compensation. We expect our incremental general and
administrative expense of being a publicly-traded partnership to
total approximately $5.5 million per year. Our incremental
general and administrative expense is not reflected in our
historical or pro forma net income for 2006 or for the three
months ended March 31, 2007. Corporate general and
administrative costs allocated to us by Spectra Energys
predecessor company totaled $2.7 million in 2006 and
$0.5 million for the three months ended March 31,
2007, and are already reflected in our historical results for
2006 and for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
The following table illustrates, on a pro forma basis, for the
year ended December 31, 2006 and for the twelve months
ended March 31, 2007 the amount of available cash that
would have been available for distributions to our unitholders,
assuming in each case that this offering had been consummated at
the beginning of such period. Each of the pro forma adjustments
presented below is explained in the footnotes to such
adjustments.
We based the pro forma adjustments upon currently available
information and specific estimates and assumptions. The pro
forma amounts below do not purport to present our results of
operations had the transactions contemplated in this prospectus
actually been completed as of the dates indicated. In addition,
cash available to pay distributions is primarily a cash
accounting concept, while our pro forma financial statements
have been prepared on an accrual basis. As a result, you should
view the amount of pro forma cash available for distribution
only as a general indication of the amount of cash available to
pay distributions that we might have generated had we been
formed in earlier periods.
51
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA COMBINED CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Twelve Months
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
($ thousands, except per unit data)
|
|
|
Pro Forma Net
Income(a)
|
|
$
|
63,789
|
|
|
$
|
73,499
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net(b)
|
|
|
24,900
|
|
|
|
24,989
|
|
Income tax expense(b)
|
|
|
453
|
|
|
|
3,974
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(b)
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
19,201
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
8,662
|
|
Equity in earnings of Gulfstream(c)
|
|
|
16,763
|
|
|
|
18,620
|
|
Equity in earnings of Market Hub(c)
|
|
|
24,342
|
|
|
|
26,811
|
|
Other income (expense), net(b)
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
1,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma Adjusted
EBITDA(d)
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
66,128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution from Gulfstream(e)
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
25,482
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution from Market Hub(f)
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
22,286
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a public company(g)
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
Pro forma net cash paid for
interest expense(h)
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
16,246
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures(i)
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
10,474
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution
|
|
|
67,225
|
|
|
|
81,676
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash
distributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions per unit(j)
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
Distributions to public common
unitholders(j)
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
Distributions to Spectra Energy(j)
|
|
|
69,145
|
|
|
|
69,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions(j)
|
|
$
|
81,145
|
|
|
$
|
81,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Excess (shortfall)
|
|
$
|
(13,920
|
)
|
|
$
|
531
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest coverage ratio(k)
|
|
|
5.8
|
x
|
|
|
6.6
|
x
|
Leverage ratio(k)
|
|
|
2.9
|
x
|
|
|
2.5
|
x
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Reflects net income of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor
derived from its historical combined financial statements for
the periods indicated giving pro forma effect to the offering
and the related transactions. |
|
(b) |
|
Reflects adjustments to reconcile pro forma net income to pro
forma Adjusted EBITDA. |
|
(c) |
|
Reflects an adjustment to our Adjusted EBITDA for the
elimination of Gulfstream and Market Hubs equity earnings. |
|
(d) |
|
Our Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization less our equity
earnings in Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest income and other
income (expenses), net, which primarily consists of a non-cash
allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC, and
certain other items such as insurance recoveries. We have
provided Adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus because we believe
it provides investors with additional information to measure our
financial performance and liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is not a
presentation made in accordance with GAAP. Because Adjusted
EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income
and is defined differently by different companies in our
industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool,
and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a |
52
|
|
|
|
|
substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
Please read Summary Summary Historical and Pro
Forma Financial and Operating Data
Non-GAAP Financial Measures. |
|
(e) |
|
Pro forma cash available for distribution from Gulfstream for
the year ended December 31, 2006 and for the twelve months
ended March 31, 2007, is calculated as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Twelve Months
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
76,021
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
48,700
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
30,406
|
|
|
|
30,444
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
431
|
|
|
|
980
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
147,184
|
|
|
$
|
154,185
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
49,423
|
|
|
|
49,423
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
617
|
|
|
|
752
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
97,144
|
|
|
$
|
104,010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution our 24.5%
|
|
$
|
23,800
|
|
|
$
|
25,482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f) |
|
Pro forma cash available for distribution from Market Hub for
the year ended December 31, 2006 and for the twelve months
ended March 31, 2007, is calculated as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Twelve Months
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
48,684
|
|
|
$
|
53,742
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
2,636
|
|
|
|
3,625
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
7,815
|
|
|
|
8,026
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
10,553
|
|
|
|
10,711
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
48,571
|
|
|
$
|
54,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
9,528
|
|
|
|
10,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
39,000
|
|
|
$
|
44,570
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma cash available for
distribution our 50.0%
|
|
$
|
19,500
|
|
|
$
|
22,286
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g) |
|
Reflects an adjustment to our adjusted EBITDA for an estimated
incremental cash expense associated with being a publicly traded
limited partnership, including compensation and benefit expenses
of our executive management personnel, costs associated with
annual and quarterly reports to unitholders, tax return and
Schedule K-1
preparation and distribution, independent auditor fees, investor
relations activities, registrar and transfer agent fees,
incremental director and officer liability insurance costs and
director compensation. |
53
|
|
|
(h) |
|
Reflects on a net basis the interest expense related to
borrowings under our credit facility made in connection with
this offering and the interest income related to the long-term
investments we intend to purchase with a portion of the proceeds
from this offering. |
|
(i) |
|
Maintenance capital expenditures are capital expenditures made
to replace partially or fully depreciated assets, to maintain
the existing operating capacity of our assets and to extend
their useful lives, or other capital expenditures that are
incurred in maintaining existing system volumes and related cash
flows. |
|
|
|
In addition, we made expansion capital expenditures of
$75.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and
$66.3 million for the twelve months ended March 31,
2007. Expansion capital expenditures are made to acquire
additional assets to grow our business, to expand and upgrade
our systems and facilities and to construct or acquire similar
systems or facilities. These expenditures were assumed to be
funded by cash contributions from our parent, Spectra Energy,
and are not included in our pro forma cash available for
distribution calculation. |
|
(j) |
|
The table below sets forth the number of outstanding common
units, subordinated units and general partner units upon the
closing of this offering and the per unit and aggregate
distribution amounts payable on our common units, subordinated
units and general partner units for four quarters at our initial
distribution rate of $0.30 per common unit per quarter
($1.20 per common unit on an annualized basis). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution for
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Four Quarters
|
|
|
|
Units
|
|
|
Per Unit
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Pro forma distributions on
publicly held common units
|
|
|
10,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
$
|
12,000,000
|
|
Pro forma distributions on common
units held by Spectra Energy
|
|
|
34,629,880
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
|
|
|
41,555,856
|
|
Pro forma distribution on
subordinated units held by Spectra Energy
|
|
|
21,638,730
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
|
|
|
25,966,476
|
|
Pro forma distribution on general
partner units
|
|
|
1,352,421
|
|
|
|
1.20
|
|
|
|
1,622,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
67,621,031
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
$
|
81,145,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(k) |
|
We are a party to a $500 million credit facility under
which we expect to borrow approximately $163.1 million in
term debt and $125 million in revolving debt upon the
closing of this offering. The credit facility contains covenants
limiting our ability to make distributions if any default or
event of default occurs; make other restricted distributions or
dividends on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement,
acquisition, cancellation or termination of partnership
interests; incur additional indebtedness; grant liens or make
certain negative pledges; make certain loans or investments;
engage in transactions with affiliates; make any material change
to the nature of our business from the midstream energy
business; make a disposition of assets; or enter into a merger,
consolidate, liquidate, wind up or dissolve. These covenants may
be modified or eliminated upon our receipt of an investment
grade rating. |
|
|
|
In addition, the credit facility contains financial covenants
requiring us to maintain: |
|
|
|
an interest coverage ratio (the ratio of our
consolidated EBITDA to our consolidated interest expense (net of
interest income), in each case as defined in the credit
agreement) of not less than 2.5 to 1.0, determined as of the
last day of each quarter for the four-quarter period ending on
the date of determination; and
|
|
|
|
a leverage ratio (the ratio of our consolidated
indebtedness to our consolidated EBITDA, in each case as defined
in the credit agreement) of not more than 5.0 to 1.0 (or, on a
temporary basis for not more than three consecutive quarters
following the consummation of certain acquisitions, not more
than 5.5 to 1.0).
|
|
|
|
On a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31, 2006
and for the three months ended March 31, 2007, we would
have been in compliance with these covenants. |
|
|
|
If an event of default exists under the credit agreement, the
lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of all
borrowings under the credit facility and exercise other rights
and remedies. |
54
Minimum
Estimated Cash Available for Distribution for the Twelve-Month
Period Ending June 30, 2008
Set forth below is a Statement of Minimum Estimated Cash
Available for Distribution that reflects our ability to generate
sufficient cash flows to make the minimum quarterly distribution
on all of our outstanding units for the twelve months ending
June 30, 2008, based on assumptions we believe to be
reasonable. These assumptions include adjustments to reflect
this offering, the other transactions described under
Summary Formation Transactions and Partnership
Structure General and the application of the
net proceeds from this offering as described under Use of
Proceeds. Cash available for distribution is defined as
net income plus interest expense, income taxes and depreciation
and amortization, less our equity earnings in Gulfstream and
Market Hub and plus distributions received from Gulfstream and
Market Hub and other income, net, which primarily consists of
non-cash AFUDC and certain other items such as insurance
recoveries.
Our minimum estimated cash available for distribution reflects
our judgment as of the date of this prospectus of conditions we
expect to exist and the course of action we expect to take
during the twelve months ending June 30, 2008. The
assumptions disclosed below under Assumptions and
Considerations are those that we believe are significant
to our ability to generate our minimum estimated cash available
for distribution. We believe our actual results of operations
and cash flows will be sufficient to generate our minimum
estimated cash available for distribution; however, we can give
you no assurance that our minimum estimated cash available for
distribution will be achieved. There will likely be differences
between our minimum estimated cash available for distribution
and our actual results and those differences could be material.
If we fail to generate the minimum estimated cash available for
distribution, we may not be able to pay cash distributions on
our common units at the initial distribution rate stated in our
cash distribution policy. In order to fund distributions to our
unitholders at our initial rate of $1.20 per common unit
for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008, our Adjusted
EBITDA for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008 must be
at least $54.8 million and our cash distributions from
Gulfstream and Market Hub must be at least $56.7 million in
the aggregate. As set forth in the table below and as further
explained under Assumptions and
Considerations, we believe our operations will produce
minimum estimated cash available for distribution of
$81.1 million for the twelve months ending June 30,
2008.
We do not as a matter of course make public projections as to
future operations, earnings, or other results. However,
management has prepared the minimum estimated cash available for
distribution and assumptions set forth below to substantiate our
belief that we will have sufficient cash available to make the
minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders for twelve
months ending June 30, 2008. The accompanying prospective
financial information was not prepared with a view toward
complying with the guidelines established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants with respect to
prospective financial information, but, in the view of our
management, was prepared on a reasonable basis, reflects the
best currently available estimates and judgments, and presents,
to the best of managements knowledge and belief, the
assumptions on which we base our belief that we can generate the
minimum estimated cash available for distribution necessary for
us to have sufficient cash available for distribution to pay the
minimum quarterly distribution to all of our unitholders.
However, this information is not fact and should not be relied
upon as being necessarily indicative of future results, and
readers of this prospectus are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on the prospective financial information.
Neither our independent auditors, nor any other independent
accountants, have compiled, examined, or performed any
procedures with respect to the prospective financial information
contained herein, nor have they expressed any opinion or any
other form of assurance on such information or its
achievability, and assume no responsibility for, and disclaim
any association with, the prospective financial information.
When considering our minimum estimated cash available for
distribution you should keep in mind the risk factors and other
cautionary statements under Risk Factors. Any of the
risks discussed in this prospectus could cause our actual
results of operations to vary significantly from those
supporting our minimum estimated available cash.
We are providing our minimum estimated cash available for
distribution and related assumptions to supplement our pro forma
and historical financial statements in support of our belief
that we will have
55
sufficient available cash to allow us to pay cash distributions
on all of our outstanding common and subordinated units for each
quarter in the twelve month period ending June 30, 2008 at
our stated initial distribution rate. Please read below under
Assumptions and Considerations for further
information as to the assumptions we have made for the
preparation of our minimum estimated cash available for
distribution.
Actual payments of distributions on common units, subordinated
units and the general partner units are expected to be
$81.1 million for the twelve month period ending
June 30, 2008. This is the expected aggregate amount of
cash distributions of $20.3 million per quarter for the
period. Quarterly distributions will be paid within 45 days
after the close of each quarter.
We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly the
results of any future revisions we may make to the assumptions
used in generating our minimum estimated cash available for
distribution or to update those assumptions to reflect events or
circumstances after the date of this prospectus. Therefore, you
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
STATEMENT
OF
MINIMUM
ESTIMATED CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve months
|
|
|
|
ending June 30,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(In thousands,
|
|
|
|
except per
|
|
|
|
unit data)
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
103,078
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
|
|
|
36,924
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,548
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
7,294
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
65,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
37,312
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
Equity earnings of Gulfstream
|
|
|
22,114
|
|
Equity earnings of Market Hub
|
|
|
31,535
|
|
Interest income(a)
|
|
|
9,376
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense(b)
|
|
|
28,003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
72,334
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to Adjusted EBITDA:
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,548
|
|
Interest expense(b)
|
|
|
28,003
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Equity earnings in Gulfstream
|
|
|
22,114
|
|
Equity earnings in Market Hub
|
|
|
31,535
|
|
Interest income(a)
|
|
|
9,376
|
|
Cash reserve(c)
|
|
|
4,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
54,847
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve months
|
|
|
|
ending June 30,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(In thousands,
|
|
|
|
except per
|
|
|
|
unit data)
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
9,376
|
|
Estimated cash available for
distribution from Gulfstream(d)
|
|
|
23,806
|
|
Estimated cash available for
distribution from Market Hub(e)
|
|
|
32,886
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash interest expense
|
|
|
28,003
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
11,767
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum estimated cash
available for distribution
|
|
$
|
81,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per unit minimum annual
distribution
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
Annual distributions to:
|
|
|
|
|
Public common unitholders
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
69,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to our
unitholders and general partner at the initial distribution rate
|
|
$
|
81,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest coverage ratio(f)
|
|
|
6.2
|
x
|
Leverage ratio(f)
|
|
|
3.1
|
x
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Reflects the interest income related to the long-term
investments we intend to purchase with a portion of the proceeds
from this offering. |
|
(b) |
|
Reflects the interest expense related to borrowings under our
credit facility made in connection with this offering. |
|
(c) |
|
Represents a discretionary reserve to be used for reinvestment
and other general partnership purposes. |
|
(d) |
|
Gulfstreams estimated cash available for distribution for
the twelve months ending June 30, 2008 is calculated as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve months
|
|
|
|
ending
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
June 30, 2008
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
90,263
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
expense
|
|
|
30,309
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
32,536
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
4,798
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
148,310
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash interest expense, net
|
|
|
49,307
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
1,834
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated cash available for
distribution from Gulfstream 100%
|
|
$
|
97,169
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated cash available for
distribution from Gulfstream our 24.5%
|
|
$
|
23,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
(e) |
|
Market Hubs estimated cash available for distribution for
the twelve months ending June 30, 2008 is calculated as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve months
|
|
|
|
ending
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
June 30, 2008
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
63,071
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
expense
|
|
|
8,344
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
2,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
68,774
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
2,946
|
|
Cash paid for taxes
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated cash available for
distribution from Market Hub 100%
|
|
$
|
65,771
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated cash available for
distribution from Market Hub our 50.0%
|
|
$
|
32,886
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(f) |
|
Please read accompanying summary of the assumptions and
considerations underlying these estimates. |
We are a party to a $500 million credit facility under
which we expect to borrow approximately $163.1 million in
term debt and $125 million in revolving debt upon the
closing of this offering. The credit facility contains covenants
limiting our ability to make distributions if any default or
event of default occurs; make other restricted distributions or
dividends on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement,
acquisition, cancellation or termination of partnership
interests; incur additional indebtedness; grant liens or make
certain negative pledges; make certain loans or investments;
engage in transactions with affiliates; make any material change
to the nature of our business from the midstream energy
business; make a disposition of assets; or enter into a merger,
consolidate, liquidate, wind up or dissolve. These covenants may
be modified or eliminated upon our receipt of an investment
grade rating.
In addition, the credit facility contains financial covenants
requiring us to maintain:
|
|
|
|
|
an interest coverage ratio (the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA
to our consolidated interest expense (net of interest income),
in each case as defined in the credit agreement) of not less
than 2.5 to 1.0, determined as of the last day of each quarter
for the four-quarter period ending on the date of
determination; and
|
|
|
|
a leverage ratio (the ratio of our consolidated indebtedness to
our consolidated EBITDA, in each case as defined in the credit
agreement) of not more than 5.0 to 1.0 (or, on a temporary basis
for not more than three consecutive quarters following the
consummation of certain acquisitions, not more than 5.5 to 1.0).
|
We believe that we will be in compliance with these covenants
for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008.
If an event of default exists under the credit agreement, the
lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the credit
facility and demand repayment of amounts outstanding.
Assumptions
and Considerations
General
We believe that our estimated minimum cash available for
distribution for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008
will not be less than $81.1 million. This amount of
estimated minimum cash available for distribution is
approximately $13.9 million more than and $0.5 million
less than the pro forma cash
58
available for distribution we generated for the year ended
December 31, 2006 and the twelve months ended
March 31, 2007, respectively. As we discuss in further
detail below, we believe that increased revenue primarily from
firm transportation and storage agreements partially offset by
increased operating and administrative expenses, will result in
our generating higher cash available for distribution for the
twelve months ending June 30, 2008. Our expected minimum
revenue of $103.1 million, offset by the maximum operating
expense, excluding depreciation and amortization, of
approximately $36.9 million, taxes other than income taxes
of $7.3 million less cash reserve of $4.0 million,
plus cash interest income of $9.4 million, cash
distributions of $23.8 million and $32.9 million from
Gulfstream and Market Hub, respectively, less cash interest
expense of $28.0 million and maintenance capital
expenditures of $11.8 million, results in our estimated
minimum cash available for distribution of $81.1 million.
We believe the assumptions and estimates we have made to support
our ability to generate minimum estimated cash available for
distribution, which are set forth below, are reasonable.
Spectra
Energy Partners
Our
Operating Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that we will generate at least $103.1 million
in revenues for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008.
Substantially all of these revenues will be generated from
services provided under firm transportation and LNG storage
agreements and capacity reservation charges relating to the East
Tennessee system. We estimate less than $2.0 million of
these revenues will be charges based on actual utilization and
interruptible transportation service. We generated
$80.0 million, $82.6 million and $86.8 million in
revenues for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and
the twelve months ended March 31, 2007, respectively.
|
|
|
|
The expected $20.5 million increase in our revenues from
the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008 is primarily due to increased
revenues associated with the Jewell Ridge Lateral, placed in
service in 2006, as well as increased revenues associated with
the Patriot Extension, which was placed into service in 2005.
|
Our
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate operating and maintenance expenses will not be more
than $36.9 million for the twelve months ending
June 30, 2008, which include certain scheduled pipeline
integrity expenditures that do not occur annually, as compared
to $24.6 million, $21.8 million and
$18.3 million, respectively, for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006 and the twelve months
ending March 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
We estimate our total general and administrative expense will
not be more than $8.5 million, a portion of which will be
capped pursuant to the terms of the omnibus agreement. Our
general and administrative expenses will consist of corporate
general and administrative expense allocated from Spectra Energy
as well as additional general and administrative costs that
result from our being a publicly traded limited partnership. Our
estimated general and administrative expense of
$8.5 million includes approximately $1.0 million of
non-cash expense related to awards to be granted under our
Long-Term Incentive Plan. General and administrative expense
allocated from Spectra Energy was $2.7 million for the
calendar year ended December 31, 2006. Please read
Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Omnibus Agreement.
|
|
|
|
We estimate depreciation and amortization expense for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008 for the East Tennessee system
will be $21.5 million as compared to $23.6 million,
$19.0 million and $19.2 million of depreciation and
amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2006 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2007,
respectively. Estimated depreciation and amortization expense
reflects managements estimates, which are based on
consistent average depreciable asset lives and depreciation
methodologies, taking into account estimated capital
expenditures.
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate property and other taxes for the twelve months
ending June 30, 2008 will be $7.3 million as compared
to $5.3 million, $4.2 million and $2.4 million
for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and the
twelve months ended March 31, 2007, respectively.
|
Our
Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that East Tennessees maintenance capital
expenditures will not exceed $11.8 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008 as compared to
$8.2 million, $10.9 million and $10.5 million for
the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and the
twelve months ended March 31, 2007, respectively.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that East Tennessees expansion capital
expenditures will not exceed $11.8 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008. Expansion capital expenditures
for East Tennessee were approximately $51.1 million,
$75.0 million and $66.3 million for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006 and the twelve months ended
March 31, 2007, respectively, and consisted of expansions
associated with the Jewell Ridge Lateral and other projects. The
increased revenue from these projects is reflected in the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008. Organic growth opportunities
associated with the Jewell Ridge Lateral constitute the majority
of the expansion capital expenditures planned for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008.
|
Our
Financing
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that at closing of this offering we will borrow
$125 million in revolving debt and approximately
$163.1 million in term debt under our new $500 million
credit facility. We estimate that the revolving borrowings will
bear a variable average interest rate of 6.0%.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that our term debt borrowings, net of interest
earned on the approximately $163.1 million in qualifying
investment grade securities pledged to secure the loan, will
bear an interest rate of 0.25%.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that East Tennessees $150 million senior
notes will remain outstanding and continue to bear interest at
5.71%.
|
|
|
|
We estimate our capital expenditures and capital contribution
requirements will total approximately $81.9 million and
will be funded through borrowings under our new credit facility
at a variable average interest rate of 6.0%.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that we will remain in compliance with the financial
covenants in our existing and future debt agreements during the
twelve months ending June 30, 2008.
|
Our
Regulatory, Industry and Economic Factors
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate there will not be any new federal, state or local
regulations of portions of the energy industry in which we
operate, or any new interpretations of existing regulations,
that will be materially adverse to our business during the
twelve months ending June 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
We estimate there will not be any major adverse changes in the
portions of the energy industry in which we operate or in
general economic conditions during the twelve months ending
June 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that industry, insurance and overall economic
conditions will not change substantially during the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008.
|
Our Cash
Distributions from Gulfstream and Market Hub
|
|
|
|
|
Our estimate reflects cash distributions relating to our 24.5%
interest in Gulfstream and our 50.0% interest in Market Hub.
Under the terms of their governing agreements, each of
Gulfstream and Market Hub must distribute to their members on a
quarterly basis 100% of their available cash, which is generally
defined as cash on hand at the end of the applicable quarter,
less any reserves
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
taken by the management committee. As a result, we estimate that
we will receive 24.5% and 50.0% of the available cash of
Gulfstream and Market Hub, respectively, during the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008. Based on our assumptions
regarding the revenues, expenses and other capital requirements
discussed below, we estimate receiving cash distributions of
approximately $23.8 million from Gulfstream and
approximately $32.9 million from Market Hub during the
twelve months ending June 30, 2008.
|
Gulfstream
System
Although we account for our 24.5% interest in Gulfstream under
the equity-method for financial reporting purposes, we have
assumed that Gulfstreams cash distributions to us will be
based on the following estimates.
Gulfstream
Operating Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Gulfstream will generate at least
$155.3 million in firm service revenues for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008 related to services provided
under firm transportation agreements. Gulfstream generated
$121.5 million and $157.9 million in revenues related
to these agreements for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2006, respectively. We do not anticipate that Gulfstream
will receive any revenues from its Phase III and
Phase IV expansions during the twelve months ending
June 30, 2008.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Gulfstream will generate revenues for the
twelve months ending June 30, 2008 of at least
$27.1 million related to interruptible transportation and
park and loan service on estimated throughput of 48 Bcf.
Gulfstream generated $23.6 million and $22.2 million
in revenues related to interruptible transportation and park and
loan services on throughput of 32 Bcf and 35 Bcf for
the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
This increase in Gulfstreams interruptible transportation
and park and loan services revenue is primarily attributable to
currently identified increased customer demand.
|
Gulfstream
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate Gulfstreams direct operating and maintenance
expense will not be more than $16.3 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008, and includes certain scheduled
asset integrity expenditures which do not occur annually, as
compared to $9.3 million and $15.2 million for the
calendar years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively. Operating expenses exclude capital expenditure
provisions on development projects.
|
|
|
|
We estimate Gulfstreams depreciation and amortization
expense will be no more than $30.3 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008. This expense was
$29.2 million and $30.4 million for the calendar years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Estimated
depreciation and amortization expense reflects managements
estimates, which are based on consistent average depreciable
asset lives and depreciation methodologies, taking into account
estimated capital expenditures as described below.
|
|
|
|
We estimate property and other taxes for the twelve months
ending June 30, 2008 will be $17.8 million as compared
to $15.1 million and $17.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
|
Gulfstream
Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Gulfstreams maintenance capital
expenditures will not exceed $1.8 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008 as compared to
$1.0 million and $0.6 million for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Gulfstreams net cash expansion capital
expenditures will not exceed $152.2 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008 as compared to
$61.2 million and $21.0 million for the
|
61
|
|
|
|
|
years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Our
24.5% share of Gulfstreams net cash expansion capital
expenditures for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008
will be $37.3 million.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The majority of Gulfstreams expansion capital expenditures
for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008 will be
associated with its estimated $134.9 million Phase III
project and its estimated $117.1 million Phase IV
project. These projects are expected to be phased in beginning
in summer 2008 and completed in early 2009. The Phase III
project has already received FERC approval and the Phase IV
project has an application pending with FERC for approval. The
capital expenditures associated with Phase III and IV
totaled $12.0 million through December 31, 2006. Both
of these expansions are fully supported by customer contracts
with 23-year
initial terms. These two projects will significantly increase
Gulfstreams firm transportation service contracts and will
significantly decrease Gulfstreams reliance on seasonal,
interruptible transportation service.
|
Market
Hub System
Although we account for our 50.0% interest in Market Hub under
the equity method for financial reporting purposes, we have
assumed that Market Hubs cash distributions to us will be
based on the following estimates.
Market
Hub Operating Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Market Hub will generate at least
$84.9 million in total revenues related to services
provided under firm and interruptible storage agreements for the
twelve months ending June 30, 2008. Market Hub generated
$77.9 million and $78.8 million in revenues related to
those services for the years ended December 31, 2005 and
2006, respectively. This increase in revenues is primarily
attributable to higher average storage rates.
|
|
|
|
Included in the storage service revenues above, we estimated
that Market Hub will generate revenues of $9.4 million
related to interruptible storage services for the twelve months
ending June 30, 2008. Market Hub generated
$14.3 million and $10.2 million in revenues related to
these services for the years ended December 31, 2005 and
2006, respectively.
|
Market
Hub Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Market Hubs operating and maintenance
expenses will not be more than $11.7 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008, which includes certain
scheduled asset integrity expenditures that will not occur
annually, as compared to $9.5 million and
$26.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2006, respectively. The increase in operating and
maintenance expenses from $9.5 million in 2005 to
$26.3 million in 2006 was attributable to a natural gas
inventory adjustment as well as expenses associated with two
unit overhauls and an information technology upgrade.
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Market Hubs depreciation and amortization
expense will be no more than $8.3 million as compared to
$6.9 million and $7.8 million of depreciation and
amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2006, respectively. Estimated depreciation and amortization
expense reflects managements estimates, which are based on
consistent average depreciable asset lives and depreciation
methodologies, taking into account estimated capital
expenditures as described below.
|
|
|
|
We estimate property and other taxes for the twelve months
ending June 30, 2008 will be $4.4 million as compared
to $3.4 million and $4.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
|
Market
Hub Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
We estimate that Market Hubs maintenance capital
expenditures will not exceed $2.9 million for the twelve
months ending June 30, 2008, as compared to
$27.6 million and $9.5 million for the years
|
62
|
|
|
|
|
ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. This
decrease is primarily attributable to the substantial completion
of repairs at Moss Bluff following a fire at a cavern well-head
in 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a result of ongoing expansion projects, we estimate that
Market Hubs expansion capital expenditures will increase
to approximately $68.2 million for the twelve months ending
June 30, 2008, as compared to $10.4 million and
$44.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2006, respectively. Expansion projects are currently being
pursued at Market Hubs Egan, Louisiana storage facility to
increase its aggregate working gas storage capacity from its
current capacity of 20 Bcf to 24 Bcf by 2008. An
application is currently pending with FERC for approval to
further expand Egan to 32 Bcf by 2012. Our 50.0% share of
Market Hubs net cash expansion capital expenditures for
the twelve months ending June 30, 2008 will be
$34.1 million.
|
Payments
of Distributions on Common Units, Subordinated Units and the
General Partner Units
Distributions on common units, subordinated units and general
partner units for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008
are estimated to be $81.1 million in the aggregate.
Quarterly distributions will be paid within 45 days after
the close of each quarter.
While we believe that these assumptions are reasonable based
upon managements current expectations concerning future
events, they are inherently uncertain and are subject to
significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive risks
and uncertainties, including those described in Risk
Factors, that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those we anticipate. If our assumptions are not
realized, the actual cash available for distribution that we
generate could be substantially less than that currently
expected and could, therefore, be insufficient to permit us to
make the full minimum quarterly distribution on all units, in
which event the market price of the common units may decline
materially.
63
PROVISIONS
OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
RELATING TO CASH DISTRIBUTIONS
Set forth below is a summary of the significant provisions of
our partnership agreement that relate to cash distributions.
Distributions
of Available Cash
General. Our partnership agreement
requires that, within 45 days after the end of each
quarter, beginning with the quarter ending September 30,
2007, we distribute all of our available cash to unitholders of
record on the applicable record date.
Definition of Available Cash. Available
cash, for any quarter, consists of all cash on hand at the end
of that quarter:
|
|
|
|
|
less the amount of cash reserves established by our general
partner to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
provide for the proper conduct of our business;
|
|
|
|
comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other
agreements; or
|
|
|
|
provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and to our
general partner for any one or more of the next four quarters;
|
|
|
|
|
|
plus, if our general partner so determines, all or a portion of
cash on hand on the date of determination of available cash for
the quarter.
|
Minimum Quarterly Distribution. We will
distribute to the holders of common units and subordinated units
on a quarterly basis at least the minimum quarterly distribution
of $0.30 per unit, or $1.20 per year, to the extent we have
sufficient cash from our operations after establishment of cash
reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to
our general partner. However, there is no guarantee that we will
pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the units in any
quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or
revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and
the decision to make any distribution is determined by our
general partner, taking into consideration the terms of our
partnership agreement. We will be prohibited from making any
distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of
default, or an event of default is existing, under our credit
agreement. Please read Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Capital Requirements
Description of Credit Agreement for a discussion of the
restrictions to be included in our credit agreement that may
restrict our ability to make distributions.
General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution
Rights. Initially, our general partner will
be entitled to 2% of all quarterly distributions since inception
that we make prior to our liquidation. This general partner
interest will be represented by 1,352,421 general partner units.
Our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to
contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain
its current general partner interest. The general partners
initial 2% interest in these distributions will be reduced if we
issue additional units in the future and our general partner
does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to
maintain its 2% general partner interest.
Our general partner also currently holds incentive distribution
rights that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to
a maximum of 50%, of the cash we distribute from operating
surplus (as defined below) in excess of $0.345 per unit per
quarter. The maximum distribution of 50% includes distributions
paid to our general partner on its 2% general partner interest
and assumes that our general partner maintains its general
partner interest at 2%. The maximum distribution of 50% does not
include any distributions that our general partner may receive
on units that it owns. Please read General
Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights for
additional information.
64
Operating
Surplus and Capital Surplus
General. All cash distributed to
unitholders will be characterized as either operating
surplus or capital surplus. Our partnership
agreement requires that we distribute available cash from
operating surplus differently than available cash from capital
surplus.
Operating Surplus. We define operating
surplus in the partnership agreement and for any period it
generally means:
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an operating surplus basket equal to the sum of
(i) two times the amount needed to pay the minimum
quarterly distribution on all of our units (including the
general partner units) and (ii) two times the amount in
excess of the minimum quarterly distribution needed for any
quarter to pay a distribution on our common units at the same
per-unit
amount as was distributed on our common units in excess of the
minimum quarterly distribution in the immediately preceding
quarter, provided the amount in (ii) will be deemed to be
operating surplus only to the extent that the distribution paid
in respect of such amounts is paid on our common units;
plus
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|
all of our cash receipts after the closing of this offering,
excluding cash from interim capital transactions, as defined
below under Capital Surplus; less
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all of our operating expenditures after the closing of this
offering, excluding the repayment of borrowings, but including
maintenance capital expenditures (including capital
contributions to Gulfstream and Market Hub to be used by them
for maintenance capital expenditures); less
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|
the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner
to provide funds for future operating expenditures.
|
We define operating expenditures in the partnership agreement,
and it generally means all of our expenditures, including, but
not limited to, taxes, reimbursement of expenses incurred by our
general partner on our behalf, non-pro rata purchases of units
(other than those made with the proceeds of an interim capital
transaction (as defined below)), interest payments, payments
made in the ordinary course of business under interest rate
hedge contracts and commodity hedge contracts and maintenance
capital expenditures, provided that operating expenditures will
not include:
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payments of principal of and premium on indebtedness;
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expansion capital expenditures;
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payment of transaction expenses (including taxes) related to
interim capital transactions;
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distributions to our partners; and
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non-pro rata purchases of units of any class made with the
proceeds of an interim capital transaction.
|
Maintenance capital expenditures represent capital expenditures
made to replace partially or fully depreciated assets, to
maintain the existing operating capacity of our assets and to
extend their useful lives, or other capital expenditures that
are incurred in maintaining existing system volumes and related
asset base. Expansion capital expenditures represent capital
expenditures made to increase the long-term operating capacity
or asset base, whether through construction or acquisition.
Expansion capital expenditures include contributions made to
Gulfstream and Market Hub to be used by them for expansion
capital expenditures. Costs for repairs and minor renewals to
maintain facilities in operating condition and that do not
extend the useful life of existing assets will be treated as
operations and maintenance expenses as we incur them. Our
partnership agreement provides that our general partner, with
the concurrence of the conflicts committee, determines how to
allocate a capital expenditure for the acquisition or expansion
of our assets between maintenance capital expenditures and
expansion capital expenditures.
Capital Surplus. We also define capital
surplus in the partnership agreement and in
Characterization of Cash Distributions
below, and it will generally be generated only by the following,
which we call interim capital transactions:
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borrowings;
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sales of our equity and debt securities;
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65
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sales or other dispositions of assets for cash, other than
inventory, accounts receivable and other current assets sold in
the ordinary course of business or as part of normal retirement
or replacement of assets;
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the termination of interest rate hedge contracts or commodity
hedge contracts prior to the termination date specified therein;
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capital contributions received; and
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corporate reorganizations or restructurings.
|
Characterization of Cash
Distributions. Our partnership agreement
requires that we treat all available cash distributed as coming
from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash
distributed since the closing of this offering equals the
operating surplus as of the most recent date of determination of
available cash. Our partnership agreement requires that we treat
any amount distributed in excess of operating surplus,
regardless of its source, as capital surplus. As reflected
above, operating surplus includes an operating surplus
basket which initially equals $40.6 million.
This amount does not reflect actual cash on hand that is
available for distribution to our unitholders. Rather, it is a
provision that will enable us, if we choose, to distribute as
operating surplus up to this amount of cash we receive in the
future from interim capital transactions, that would otherwise
be distributed as capital surplus. We do not anticipate that we
will make any distributions from capital surplus. The
characterization of cash distributions as operating surplus
versus capital surplus does not result in a different impact to
unitholders for federal tax purposes. Please read Material
Tax Consequences Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership Treatment of Distributions for a
discussion of the tax treatment of cash distributions.
Subordination
Period
General. Our partnership agreement
provides that, during the subordination period (which we define
below and in Appendix D), the common units will have the
right to receive distributions of available cash from operating
surplus each quarter in an amount equal to $0.30 per common
unit, which amount is defined in our partnership agreement as
the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages in the
payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common
units from prior quarters, before any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated
units. Furthermore, no arrearages will be paid on the
subordinated units. The practical effect of the subordinated
units is to increase the likelihood that during the
subordination period there will be available cash to be
distributed on the common units.
Subordination Period. The subordination
period will extend until the first business day of any quarter
beginning after June 30, 2010 that each of the following
tests are met:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units, subordinated units and general
partner units equaled or exceeded the minimum quarterly
distribution for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping
four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date;
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the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below)
generated during each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping
four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or
exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distributions on all
of the outstanding common units, subordinated units and general
partner units during those periods on a fully diluted
basis; and
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|
there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units.
|
Expiration of the Subordination
Period. When the subordination period
expires, each outstanding subordinated unit will convert into
one common unit and will then participate pro rata with the
other common units in distributions of available cash. In
addition, if the unitholders remove our general partner
66
other than for cause and units held by the general partner and
its affiliates are not voted in favor of such removal:
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the subordination period will end and each subordinated unit
will immediately convert into one common unit;
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units will be extinguished; and
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|
the general partner will have the right to convert its general
partner units and its incentive distribution rights into common
units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests.
|
Early Conversion of Subordinated
Units. The subordination period will
automatically terminate and all of the subordinated units will
convert into common units on a
one-for-one
basis on the first business day following the distribution of
available cash to partners in respect of any quarter ending on
or after June 30, 2008 that each of the following
occurs:
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|
distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
outstanding common unit, subordinated unit and general partner
unit equaled or exceeded $1.80 (150% of the annualized minimum
quarterly distribution) for the four-quarter period immediately
preceding the date;
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|
the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below)
generated during the four-quarter period immediately preceding
the date equaled or exceeded the sum of the distribution of
$1.80 (150% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on
all of the outstanding common units, subordinated units and
general partner units during that period on a fully diluted
basis; and
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|
|
there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units.
|
Adjusted Operating Surplus. Adjusted
operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from
operations during a particular period and therefore excludes the
two-quarter operating surplus basket and net
drawdowns of reserves of cash generated in prior periods. We
define adjusted operating surplus in the partnership agreement
and for any period it generally means:
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operating surplus generated with respect to that period; plus
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any net decrease made in subsequent periods in cash reserves for
operating expenditures initially established with respect to
that period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction
in adjusted operating surplus in subsequent periods pursuant to
the following bullet point; less
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|
|
any net decrease in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period not relating to an operating
expenditure made with respect to that period; plus
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|
any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for
the repayment of principal, interest or premium.
|
Distributions
of Available Cash from Operating Surplus during the
Subordination Period
Our partnership agreement requires that we make distributions of
available cash from operating surplus for any quarter during the
subordination period in the following manner:
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|
first, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to
the general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding
common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter;
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|
second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to the general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding
common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior
quarters during the subordination period;
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|
third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and
2% to the general partner, until we distribute for each
subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; and
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67
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|
|
|
thereafter, in the manner described in General
Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights below.
|
The preceding discussion is based on the assumptions that our
general partner maintains its 2% general partner interest and
that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
Distributions
of Available Cash from Operating Surplus after the Subordination
Period
Our partnership agreement requires that we make distributions of
available cash from operating surplus for any quarter after the
subordination period in the following manner:
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|
|
first, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding unit
an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that
quarter; and
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|
|
thereafter, in the manner described in General
Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights below.
|
The preceding discussion is based on the assumptions that our
general partner maintains its 2% general partner interest and
that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
General
Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights
Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner
initially will be entitled to 2% of all distributions that we
make prior to our liquidation. Our general partner has the
right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate
amount of capital to us to maintain its 2% general partner
interest if we issue additional units. Our general
partners 2% interest, and the percentage of our cash
distributions to which it is entitled, will be proportionately
reduced if we issue additional units in the future and our
general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of
capital to us in order to maintain its 2% general partner
interest. Our general partner will be entitled to make a capital
contribution in order to maintain its 2% general partner
interest in the form of the contribution to us of common units
based on the current market value of the contributed common
units.
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an
increasing percentage (13%, 23% and 48%) of quarterly
distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the
minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution
levels have been achieved. Our general partner currently holds
the incentive distribution rights, but may transfer these rights
separately from its general partner interest, subject to
restrictions in the partnership agreement.
The following discussion assumes that the general partner
maintains its 2% general partner interest and continues to own
the incentive distribution rights.
If for any quarter:
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the
common and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the
minimum quarterly distribution; and
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|
we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on
outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any
cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution;
|
then, our partnership agreement requires that we distribute any
additional available cash from operating surplus for that
quarter among the unitholders and the general partner in the
following manner:
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|
|
first, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.345 per unit for that quarter (the first target
distribution);
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|
second, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the
general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.375 per unit for that quarter (the second target
distribution);
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68
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|
|
third, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the
general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.45 per unit for that quarter (the third target
distribution); and
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|
thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to
the general partner.
|
Percentage
Allocations of Available Cash from Operating Surplus
The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of
available cash from operating surplus between the unitholders
and our general partner based on the specified target
distribution levels. The amounts set forth under Marginal
Percentage Interest in Distributions are the percentage
interests of our general partner and the unitholders in any
available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and
including the corresponding amount in the column Total
Quarterly Distribution Per Unit, until available cash from
operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target
distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for
the unitholders and the general partner for the minimum
quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly
distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly
distribution. The percentage interests set forth below for our
general partner include its 2% general partner interest and
assume our general partner has contributed any additional
capital to maintain its 2% general partner interest and has not
transferred its incentive distribution rights.
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Marginal Percentage
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Total Quarterly
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Interest in Distribution
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Distribution per Unit
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|
General
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|
Target Amount
|
|
Unitholders
|
|
|
Partner
|
|
|
Minimum Quarterly Distribution
|
|
$0.30
|
|
|
98
|
%
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
First Target Distribution
|
|
Up to $0.345
|
|
|
98
|
%
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
Second Target Distribution
|
|
above $0.345 up to $0.375
|
|
|
85
|
%
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|
|
15
|
%
|
Third Target Distribution
|
|
above $0.375 up to $0.45
|
|
|
75
|
%
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|
|
25
|
%
|
Thereafter
|
|
above $0.45
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
General
Partners Right to Reset Incentive Distribution
Levels
Our general partner, as the holder of our incentive distribution
rights, has the right under our partnership agreement to elect
to relinquish the right to receive incentive distribution
payments based on the initial cash target distribution levels
and to reset, at higher levels, the minimum quarterly
distribution amount and cash target distribution levels upon
which the incentive distribution payments to our general partner
would be set. Our general partners right to reset the
minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target
distribution levels upon which the incentive distributions
payable to our general partner are based may be exercised,
without approval of our unitholders or the conflicts committee
of our general partner, at any time when there are no
subordinated units outstanding and we have made cash
distributions to the holders of the incentive distribution
rights at the highest level of incentive distribution for each
of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters. The reset minimum
quarterly distribution amount and target distribution levels
will be higher than the minimum quarterly distribution amount
and the target distribution levels prior to the reset such that
our general partner will not receive any incentive distributions
under the reset target distribution levels until cash
distributions per unit following this event increase as
described below. We anticipate that our general partner would
exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or
internal growth projects that would otherwise not be
sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit,
taking into account the existing levels of incentive
distribution payments being made to our general partner.
In connection with the resetting of the minimum quarterly
distribution amount and the target distribution levels and the
corresponding relinquishment by our general partner of incentive
distribution payments based on the target cash distributions
prior to the reset, our general partner will be entitled to
receive a number of newly issued Class B units based on a
predetermined formula described below that takes into account
the cash parity value of the average cash
distributions related to the incentive distribution rights
received by our general partner for the two quarters prior to
the reset event as compared
69
to the average cash distributions per common unit during this
period. We will also issue an additional amount of general
partner units in order to maintain the general partners
ownership interest in us relative to the issuance of the
Class B units.
The number of Class B units that our general partner would
be entitled to receive from us in connection with a resetting of
the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target
distribution levels then in effect would be equal to
(x) the average amount of cash distributions received by
our general partner in respect of its incentive distribution
rights during the two consecutive fiscal quarters ended
immediately prior to the date of such reset election divided by
(y) the average of the amount of cash distributed per
common unit during each of these two quarters. Each Class B
unit will be convertible into one common unit at the election of
the holder of the Class B unit at any time following the
first anniversary of the issuance of these Class B units
The issuance of Class B units will be conditioned upon
approval of the listing or admission for trading of the common
units into which the Class B units are convertible by the
national securities exchange on which the common units are then
listed or admitted for trading. Each Class B unit will
receive the same level of distribution as a common unit on a
pari passu basis with other unitholders.
Following a reset election by our general partner, the minimum
quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal
to the average cash distribution amount per common unit for the
two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset
election (such amount is referred to as the reset
minimum quarterly distribution) and the target
distribution levels will be reset to be correspondingly higher
such that we would distribute all of our available cash from
operating surplus for each quarter thereafter as follows:
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first, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the general
partner, until each unitholder receives an amount equal to 115%
of the reset minimum quarter distribution for that quarter;
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second, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the general
partner, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal
to 125% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that
quarter;
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third, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the general
partner, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal
to 150% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that
quarter; and
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thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to the
general partner.
|
The following table illustrates the percentage allocation of
available cash from operating surplus between the unitholders
and our general partner at various levels of cash distribution
levels pursuant to the cash distribution provision of our
partnership agreement in effect at the closing of this offering
as well as following a hypothetical reset of the minimum
quarterly distribution and target distribution levels based on
the assumption that the average quarterly cash distribution
amount per common unit during the two fiscal quarters
immediately preceding the reset election was $0.60.
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Marginal Percentage
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|
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|
Quarterly Distribution
|
|
Interest in Distribution
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|
Quarterly Distribution
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per Unit
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|
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|
|
General
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|
|
per Unit following
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Prior to Reset
|
|
Unitholders
|
|
|
Partner
|
|
|
Hypothetical Reset
|
|
Minimum Quarterly Distribution
|
|
$0.30
|
|
|
98
|
%
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
$0.60
|
First Target Distribution
|
|
Up to $0.345
|
|
|
98
|
%
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
Up to $0.69(1)
|
Second Target Distribution
|
|
above $0.345 up to $0.375
|
|
|
85
|
%
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
above $0.69 up to $0.75(2)
|
Third Target Distribution
|
|
above $0.375 up to $0.45
|
|
|
75
|
%
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
above $0.75 up to $0.90(3)
|
Thereafter
|
|
above $0.45
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
above $0.90(3)
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This amount is 115% of the hypothetical reset minimum quarterly
distribution. |
|
(2) |
|
This amount is 125% of the hypothetical reset minimum quarterly
distribution. |
|
(3) |
|
This amount is 150% of the hypothetical reset minimum quarterly
distribution. |
70
The following table illustrates the total amount of available
cash from operating surplus that would be distributed to the
unitholders and the general partner, including in respect of
incentive distribution rights, or IDRs, based on an average of
the amounts distributed per quarter for the two quarters
immediately prior to the reset. The table assumes that there are
66,268,610 common units and 1,352,421 general partner units,
representing a 2% general partner interest, outstanding, and
that the average distribution to each common unit is $0.60 for
the two quarters prior to the reset. The assumed number of
outstanding units assumes the conversion of all subordinated
units into common units and no additional unit issuances.
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Quarterly
|
|
Common
|
|
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General Partner Cash Distributions Prior to Reset
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|
|
Distribution
|
|
Unitholders Cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
2% General
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
per Unit
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
Class B
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|
Partner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total
|
|
|
|
Prior to Reset
|
|
Prior to Reset
|
|
|
Units
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
IDRs
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
Minimum Quarterly Distribution
|
|
$0.30
|
|
$
|
19,880,583
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
405,726
|
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
|
$405,726
|
|
|
$
|
20,286,309
|
|
First Target Distribution
|
|
$0.345
|
|
|
2,982,087
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
60,859
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
60,859
|
|
|
|
3,042,946
|
|
Second Target Distribution
|
|
$0.375
|
|
|
1,988,058
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
46,778
|
|
|
|
304,056
|
|
|
|
350,834
|
|
|
|
2,338,892
|
|
Third Target Distribution
|
|
$0.45
|
|
|
4,970,146
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
132,537
|
|
|
|
1,524,178
|
|
|
|
1,656,715
|
|
|
|
6,626,861
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
$0.45
|
|
|
9,940,292
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
397,612
|
|
|
|
9,542,680
|
|
|
|
9,940,292
|
|
|
|
19,880,584
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
39,761,166
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
1,043,512
|
|
|
$
|
11,370,914
|
|
|
$
|
12,414,426
|
|
|
$
|
52,175,592
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table illustrates the total amount of available
cash from operating surplus that would be distributed to the
unitholders and the general partner with respect to the quarter
in which the reset occurs. The table reflects that as a result
of the reset there are 66,268,610 common units,
18,951,523 Class B units and 1,739,186 general
partner units, outstanding, and that the average distribution to
each common unit is $0.60. The number of Class B units was
calculated by dividing (x) $11,370,914 as the average of
the amounts received by the general partner in respect of its
incentive distribution rights, or IDRs, for the two quarters
prior to the reset as shown in the table above by (y) the
$0.60 of available cash from operating surplus distributed to
each common unit as the average distributed per common unit for
the two quarters prior to the reset.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Partner Cash Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly
|
|
Common
|
|
|
After Reset
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
Unitholders Cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
2% General
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
per
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
Class B
|
|
|
Partner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Unit After Reset
|
|
After Reset
|
|
|
Units
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
IDRs
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
Minimum Quarterly Distribution
|
|
$0.60
|
|
$
|
39,761,166
|
|
|
$
|
11,370,914
|
|
|
$
|
1,043,512
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
12,414,426
|
|
|
$
|
52,175,592
|
|
First Target Distribution
|
|
$0.69
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
Second Target Distribution
|
|
$0.75
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
Third Target Distribution
|
|
$0.90
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
$0.90
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
39,761,166
|
|
|
$
|
11,370,914
|
|
|
$
|
1,043,512
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
12,414,426
|
|
|
$
|
52,175,592
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our general partner will be entitled to cause the minimum
quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels
to be reset on more than one occasion, provided that it may not
make a reset election except at a time when it has received
incentive distributions for the prior four consecutive fiscal
quarters based on the highest level of incentive distributions
that it is entitled to receive under our partnership agreement.
71
Distributions
from Capital Surplus
How Distributions from Capital Surplus Will Be
Made. Our partnership agreement requires that
we make distributions of available cash from capital surplus, if
any, in the following manner:
|
|
|
|
|
first, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until we distribute for each common unit that
was issued in this offering an amount of available cash from
capital surplus equal to the initial public offering price;
|
|
|
|
second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to the general partner, until we distribute for each common unit
an amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to any
unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units; and
|
|
|
|
thereafter, we will make all distributions of available
cash from capital surplus as if they were from operating surplus.
|
Effect of a Distribution from Capital
Surplus. Our partnership agreement treats a
distribution of capital surplus as the repayment of the initial
unit price from this initial public offering, which is a return
of capital. The initial public offering price less any
distributions of capital surplus per unit is referred to as the
unrecovered initial unit price. Each time a
distribution of capital surplus is made, the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels will be reduced
in the same proportion as the corresponding reduction in the
unrecovered initial unit price. Because distributions of capital
surplus will reduce the minimum quarterly distribution, after
any of these distributions are made, it may be easier for the
general partner to receive incentive distributions and for the
subordinated units to convert into common units. However, any
distribution of capital surplus before the unrecovered initial
unit price is reduced to zero cannot be applied to the payment
of the minimum quarterly distribution or any arrearages.
Once we distribute capital surplus on a unit issued in this
offering in an amount equal to the initial unit price, our
partnership agreement specifies that the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels will be reduced
to zero. Our partnership agreement specifies that we then make
all future distributions from operating surplus, with 50% being
paid to the holders of units and 50% to the general partner. The
percentage interests shown for our general partner include its
2% general partner interest and assume the general partner has
not transferred the incentive distribution rights.
Adjustment
to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution
Levels
In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and
target distribution levels to reflect a distribution of capital
surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide
our units into a greater number of units, our partnership
agreement specifies that the following items will be
proportionately adjusted:
|
|
|
|
|
the minimum quarterly distribution;
|
|
|
|
target distribution levels;
|
|
|
|
the unrecovered initial unit price; and
|
|
|
|
the number of common units into which a subordinated unit is
convertible.
|
For example, if a
two-for-one
split of the common units should occur, the minimum quarterly
distribution, the target distribution levels and the unrecovered
initial unit price would each be reduced to 50% of its initial
level and each subordinated unit would be convertible into two
common units. Our partnership agreement provides that we not
make any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional
units for cash or property.
In addition, if legislation is enacted or if existing law is
modified or interpreted by a governmental authority, so that we
become taxable as a corporation or otherwise subject to taxation
as an entity for federal, state or local income tax purposes,
our partnership agreement specifies that the general partner may
reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels for each quarter by multiplying
72
each distribution level by a fraction, the numerator of which is
available cash for that quarter and the denominator of which is
the sum of available cash for that quarter plus the general
partners estimate of our aggregate liability for the
quarter for such income taxes payable by reason of such
legislation or interpretation. To the extent that the actual tax
liability differs from the estimated tax liability for any
quarter, the difference will be accounted for in subsequent
quarters.
Distributions
of Cash Upon Liquidation
General. If we dissolve in accordance
with the partnership agreement, we will sell or otherwise
dispose of our assets in a process called liquidation. We will
first apply the proceeds of liquidation to the payment of our
creditors. We will distribute any remaining proceeds to the
unitholders and the general partner, in accordance with their
capital account balances, as adjusted to reflect any gain or
loss upon the sale or other disposition of our assets in
liquidation.
The allocations of gain and loss upon liquidation are intended,
to the extent possible, to entitle the holders of outstanding
common units to a preference over the holders of outstanding
subordinated units upon our liquidation, to the extent required
to permit common unitholders to receive their unrecovered
initial unit price plus the minimum quarterly distribution for
the quarter during which liquidation occurs plus any unpaid
arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on
the common units. However, there may not be sufficient gain upon
our liquidation to enable the holders of common units to fully
recover all of these amounts, even though there may be cash
available for distribution to the holders of subordinated units.
Any further net gain recognized upon liquidation will be
allocated in a manner that takes into account the incentive
distribution rights of the general partner.
Manner of Adjustments for Gain. The
manner of the adjustment for gain is set forth in the
partnership agreement. If our liquidation occurs before the end
of the subordination period, we will allocate any gain to the
partners in the following manner:
|
|
|
|
|
first, to the general partner and the holders of units who have
negative balances in their capital accounts to the extent of and
in proportion to those negative balances;
|
|
|
|
second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until the capital account for each common unit
is equal to the sum of: (1) the unrecovered initial unit
price; (2) the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution
for the quarter during which our liquidation occurs; and
(3) any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum
quarterly distribution;
|
|
|
|
third, 98% to the Class B unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to
the general partner, until the capital account for each
Class B unit is equal to the sum of: (1) the
unrecovered initial unit price; and (2) the amount for the
minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during which our
liquidation occurs;
|
|
|
|
fourth, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to
the general partner until the capital account for each
subordinated unit is equal to the sum of: (1) the
unrecovered initial unit price; and (2) the amount of the
minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during which our
liquidation occurs;
|
|
|
|
fifth, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the general
partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an amount per
unit equal to: (1) the sum of the excess of the first
target distribution per unit over the minimum quarterly
distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less
(2) the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of
available cash from operating surplus in excess of the minimum
quarterly distribution per unit that we distributed 98% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the general partner, for each
quarter of our existence;
|
|
|
|
sixth, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the general
partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an amount per
unit equal to: (1) the sum of the excess of the second
target distribution per unit over the first target distribution
per unit for each quarter of our existence; less (2) the
cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in excess of
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
the first target distribution per unit that we distributed 85%
to the unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the general partner for
each quarter of our existence;
|
|
|
|
|
|
seventh, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the
general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an
amount per unit equal to: (1) the sum of the excess of the
third target distribution per unit over the second target
distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less
(2) the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of
available cash from operating surplus in excess of the second
target distribution per unit that we distributed 75% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the general partner for each
quarter of our existence; and
|
|
|
|
thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to the
general partner.
|
The percentage interests set forth above for our general partner
include its 2% general partner interest and assume the general
partner has not transferred the incentive distribution rights.
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination
period, the distinction between common units and subordinated
units will disappear, so that clause (3) of the second
bullet point above and all of the fourth bullet point above will
no longer be applicable.
Manner of Adjustments for Losses. If
our liquidation occurs before the end of the subordination
period, we will generally allocate any loss to the general
partner and the unitholders in the following manner:
|
|
|
|
|
first, 98% to holders of subordinated units in proportion to the
positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to the
general partner, until the capital accounts of the subordinated
unitholders have been reduced to zero;
|
|
|
|
second, 98% to holders of Class B units in proportion to
the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to the
general partner, until the capital accounts of the Class B
unitholders have been reduced to zero;
|
|
|
|
third, 98% to the holders of common units in proportion to the
positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to the
general partner, until the capital accounts of the common
unitholders have been reduced to zero; and
|
|
|
|
thereafter, 100% to the general partner.
|
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination
period, the distinction between common units and subordinated
units will disappear, so that all of the first bullet point
above will no longer be applicable.
Adjustments to Capital Accounts. Our
partnership agreement requires that we make adjustments to
capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units. In this
regard, our partnership agreement specifies that we allocate any
unrealized and, for tax purposes, unrecognized gain or loss
resulting from the adjustments to the unitholders and the
general partner in the same manner as we allocate gain or loss
upon liquidation. In the event that we make positive adjustments
to the capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units,
our partnership agreement requires that we allocate any later
negative adjustments to the capital accounts resulting from the
issuance of additional units or upon our liquidation in a manner
which results, to the extent possible, in the general
partners capital account balances equaling the amount
which they would have been if no earlier positive adjustments to
the capital accounts had been made.
74
SELECTED
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table shows (i) selected combined historical
financial and operating data of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor, (ii) selected combined pro forma financial
data of Spectra Energy Partners and (iii) selected
historical financial and operating data of Gulfstream and Market
Hub for the periods and as of the dates indicated. The selected
combined historical financial data of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor as of and for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2005 and 2006 are derived from the historical audited
combined financial statements of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The
historical combined financial data of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002
and 2003 and as of and for the three months ended March 31,
2006 and 2007 are derived from the unaudited combined financial
statements of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor. The table
should also be read together with Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
The selected historical financial data of Gulfstream and Market
Hub as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005
and 2006 are derived from the audited financial statements
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, and as of and for the
three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 are derived from
the historical unaudited combined financial statements of
Gulfstream and Market Hub, respectively. All other historical
financial data for Gulfstream and Market Hub are derived from
our financial records.
The combined pro forma financial data of Spectra Energy Partners
as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, and as of
and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are derived
from the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of
Spectra Energy Partners included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if certain
transactions to be effected at the closing of this offering had
taken place on March 31, 2007, in the case of the pro forma
balance sheet, as of January 1, 2006 and in the case of the
pro forma statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2006, and for the three months ended
March 31, 2007. These transactions include:
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessees and Market Hubs distribution of
accounts receivable of $11.7 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, to Spectra Energy Corp;
|
|
|
|
The proceeds to Spectra Energy Partners from the issuance and
sale of 10.0 million common units at an initial offering
price of $22.00 per unit;
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners borrowings under a new
$500 million credit facility of approximately
$163.1 million in term debt and $125 million in
revolving debt; and
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners use of proceeds and borrowings to
pay transaction expenses and underwriting commissions, reimburse
subsidiaries of Spectra Energy for certain capital expenditures,
fund working capital, and invest in qualifying investment grade
securities.
|
The following table includes the following non-GAAP financial
measures:
|
|
|
|
|
Our historical and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA;
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA for both our 24.5% ownership interest in
Gulfstream and our 50.0% ownership interest in Market Hub;
|
|
|
|
Our historical and pro forma cash available for
distribution; and
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution for both our 24.5% ownership
interest in Gulfstream and our 50.0% ownership interest in
Market Hub.
|
These measures are presented because such information is
relevant to, and is expected to be used by, management, industry
analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies to assess the
financial performance and operating results of our fundamental
business activities. Our 24.5% ownership interest in Gulfstream
and our 50.0% ownership interest in Market Hub are not
consolidated in our pro forma financial results, but are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In order to
evaluate our Adjusted EBITDA for
75
the cash impact of our investments in Gulfstream and Market Hub
on our results, we calculate Adjusted EBITDA and cash available
for distribution separately for us and our ownership interests
in Gulfstream and Market Hub. We expect distributions we receive
from Gulfstream and Market Hub to represent a significant
portion of the cash we distribute to our unitholders. The
limited liability company agreement for Gulfstream and the
general partnership agreement for Market Hub provide for
quarterly distributions of available cash to their members.
Please read How We Make Cash Distributions
General Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our
Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy for more
information on the manner in which Gulfstream and Market Hub
distribute cash to their members.
We define our Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest
expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization less our
equity in earnings of Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest income
and other income (expenses), net, which primarily consists of
non-cash AFUDC and certain other items such as insurance
recoveries.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define Adjusted EBITDA as net
income plus interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and
amortization less interest income and other income, net, which
primarily consists of non-cash AFUDC and certain other items
such as insurance recoveries. Our equity share of
Gulfstreams Adjusted EBITDA is 24.5%, and our equity share
of Market Hubs Adjusted EBITDA is 50.0%.
We define our cash available for distribution as Adjusted EBITDA
plus cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and Market
Hub, less net cash paid for interest expense and maintenance
capital expenditures. Our cash available for distribution does
not reflect changes in working capital balances. Our pro forma
cash available for distribution for the year ended
December 31, 2006, and for the twelve-month period ended
March 31, 2007, includes our anticipated incremental
general and administrative expense of being a publicly traded
partnership.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define cash available for
distribution as Adjusted EBITDA less net cash paid for interest
expense and maintenance capital expenditures. Cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances.
For a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly
comparable financial measures calculated and presented in
accordance with GAAP, please read
Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands except per unit and operating data)
|
|
|
Statement of Operations
Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$
|
58,442
|
|
|
$
|
65,865
|
|
|
$
|
81,716
|
|
|
$
|
80,003
|
|
|
$
|
82,609
|
|
|
$
|
22,221
|
|
|
$
|
26,433
|
|
|
$
|
82,609
|
|
|
$
|
26,433
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance, and other
|
|
|
11,613
|
|
|
|
19,032
|
|
|
|
26,081
|
|
|
|
24,648
|
|
|
|
21,831
|
|
|
|
10,486
|
|
|
|
6,905
|
|
|
|
21,831
|
|
|
|
6,905
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
14,577
|
|
|
|
15,804
|
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
3,661
|
|
|
|
4,318
|
|
|
|
518
|
|
|
|
5,264
|
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
1,607
|
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
29,851
|
|
|
|
39,154
|
|
|
|
48,091
|
|
|
|
53,552
|
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
16,847
|
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of other assets, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(161
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
28,591
|
|
|
|
26,550
|
|
|
|
33,625
|
|
|
|
26,451
|
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
5,374
|
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
35,428
|
|
|
|
28,367
|
|
|
|
35,495
|
|
|
|
46,287
|
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
7,059
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
Other income (expense), net
|
|
|
3,123
|
|
|
|
7,983
|
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
17,651
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
2,170
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(17,839
|
)
|
|
|
(6,203
|
)
|
|
|
(8,258
|
)
|
|
|
(8,506
|
)
|
|
|
(8,151
|
)
|
|
|
(2,067
|
)
|
|
|
(2,156
|
)
|
|
|
(24,900
|
)
|
|
|
(6,343
|
)
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(11,539
|
)
|
|
|
(6,048
|
)
|
|
|
(9,202
|
)
|
|
|
(7,834
|
)
|
|
|
(10,741
|
)
|
|
|
(1,212
|
)
|
|
|
(4,733
|
)
|
|
|
(453
|
)
|
|
|
(209
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
55,415
|
|
|
$
|
50,660
|
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
63,789
|
|
|
$
|
21,701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per limited
partners unit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
Subordinated units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.41
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,081,254
|
|
|
$
|
1,258,141
|
|
|
$
|
1,302,974
|
|
|
$
|
1,202,772
|
|
|
$
|
1,284,582
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,445,636
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
433,244
|
|
|
|
566,697
|
|
|
|
602,226
|
|
|
|
616,316
|
|
|
|
691,820
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
Investment in unconsolidated
affiliates
|
|
|
511,240
|
|
|
|
531,956
|
|
|
|
553,731
|
|
|
|
422,340
|
|
|
|
442,793
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,068
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
441,409
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
438,050
|
|
Total parent net equity
|
|
|
878,203
|
|
|
|
1,021,321
|
|
|
|
1,024,753
|
|
|
|
895,696
|
|
|
|
989,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
987,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
971,982
|
|
77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners, LP Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except per unit and operating data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
83,987
|
|
|
|
93,272
|
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
17,099
|
|
|
$
|
22,478
|
|
|
$
|
64,459
|
|
|
$
|
24,976
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
55,117
|
|
|
|
50,091
|
|
|
|
56,601
|
|
|
|
10,128
|
|
|
|
19,655
|
|
|
|
56,601
|
|
|
|
19,655
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a publicly-traded partnership(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
12,955
|
|
|
|
8,566
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
|
|
8,232
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
1,354
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
Cash available for distribution(b)
|
|
|
73,784
|
|
|
|
77,526
|
|
|
|
80,377
|
|
|
|
21,284
|
|
|
|
35,734
|
|
|
|
67,225
|
|
|
|
30,195
|
|
Expansion capital expenditures
|
|
|
27,590
|
|
|
|
51,083
|
|
|
|
74,977
|
|
|
|
9,655
|
|
|
|
1,198
|
|
|
|
74,977
|
|
|
|
1,198
|
|
Gulfstream our 24.5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
18,771
|
|
|
|
24,999
|
|
|
|
24,712
|
|
|
|
8,373
|
|
|
|
8,171
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
18,699
|
|
|
|
29,583
|
|
|
|
36,060
|
|
|
|
7,190
|
|
|
|
8,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
1,555
|
|
|
|
3,869
|
|
|
|
12,109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
234
|
|
|
|
151
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution(b)
|
|
|
17,097
|
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expansion capital expenditures
|
|
|
30,356
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
5,149
|
|
|
|
1,642
|
|
|
|
5,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Hub our 50.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
21,452
|
|
|
|
31,139
|
|
|
|
84,386
|
|
|
|
4,702
|
|
|
|
8,358
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
27,027
|
|
|
|
32,552
|
|
|
|
24,286
|
|
|
|
5,677
|
|
|
|
8,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
5,823
|
|
|
|
13,799
|
|
|
|
4,763
|
|
|
|
665
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution(b)
|
|
|
21,204
|
|
|
|
18,753
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expansion capital expenditures
|
|
|
2,677
|
|
|
|
5,195
|
|
|
|
22,279
|
|
|
|
3,341
|
|
|
|
18,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
1.263
|
|
|
|
1.280
|
|
|
|
1.319
|
|
|
|
1.279
|
|
|
|
1.319
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracted firm capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
1.147
|
|
|
|
1.114
|
|
|
|
1.183
|
|
|
|
1.113
|
|
|
|
1.182
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transported volumes (Bcf)
|
|
|
121.7
|
|
|
|
133.1
|
|
|
|
143.7
|
|
|
|
40.9
|
|
|
|
55.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream 100%
basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
1.063
|
|
|
|
1.063
|
|
|
|
1.063
|
|
|
|
1.077
|
|
|
|
1.077
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracted firm capacity (Bcf/d)
|
|
|
0.296
|
|
|
|
0.731
|
|
|
|
0.731
|
|
|
|
0.723
|
|
|
|
0.723
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transported volumes (Bcf)
|
|
|
110.7
|
|
|
|
179.7
|
|
|
|
251.3
|
|
|
|
47.5
|
|
|
|
47.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Hub 100%
basis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Storage capacity (Bcf)
|
|
|
28.7
|
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
|
34.8
|
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
|
34.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Upon completion of this offering, we anticipate incurring
incremental general and administrative expense of approximately
$5.5 million per year as a result of being a
publicly-traded limited partnership. The unaudited pro forma
combined financial statements do not reflect these expenses. |
|
(b) |
|
Cash available for distribution of Spectra Energy Partners
includes the cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and
Market Hub. |
78
Non-GAAP Financial
Measures
We define our Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest
expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization less our
equity in earnings of Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest
income, and other income (expenses), net, which primarily
consists of non-cash AFUDC and certain other items such as
insurance recoveries.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define Adjusted EBITDA as net
income plus interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and
amortization less interest income, and other income, net, which
primarily consists of non-cash AFUDC and certain other items
such as insurance recoveries. Our equity share of
Gulfstreams Adjusted EBITDA is 24.5%, and our equity share
of Market Hubs Adjusted EBITDA is 50.0%.
We define our cash available for distribution as Adjusted EBITDA
plus cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and Market
Hub, less net cash paid for interest expense and maintenance
capital expenditures. Our cash available for distribution does
not reflect changes in working capital balances. Our pro forma
cash available for distribution for the year ended
December 31, 2006 and as of and for the three months ended
March 31, 2007, includes our anticipated incremental
general and administrative expense of being a publicly traded
partnership.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define cash available for
distribution as Adjusted EBITDA less net cash paid for interest
expense and maintenance capital expenditures. Cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances.
Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution are used as
supplemental financial measures by management and by external
users of our financial statements, such as investors and
commercial banks, to assess:
|
|
|
|
|
the financial performance of our assets without regard to
financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay
interest on our indebtedness and to make distributions to our
partners; and
|
|
|
|
our operating performance and return on invested capital as
compared to those of other publicly traded limited partnerships
that own energy infrastructure assets, without regard to their
financing methods and capital structure.
|
Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution should not
be considered alternatives to net income, operating income, net
cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of
financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with
GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution
exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income and
operating income and these measures may vary among other
companies. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for
distribution as presented may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures of other companies. Furthermore, while cash
available for distribution is a measure we use to assess our
ability to make distributions to our unitholders, cash available
for distribution should not be viewed as indicative of the
actual amount of cash that we have available for distributions
or that we plan to distribute for a given period.
79
The following tables present reconciliations of the non-GAAP
financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for
distribution for each of us, Gulfstream and Market Hub to their
respective GAAP financial measures of net income and net cash
provided (used) by operating activities on a historical basis
and on a pro forma basis as adjusted for this offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
63,789
|
|
|
$
|
21,701
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
24,900
|
|
|
|
6,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
9,202
|
|
|
|
7,834
|
|
|
|
10,741
|
|
|
|
1,212
|
|
|
|
4,733
|
|
|
|
453
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
|
|
2,170
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Gulfstream
|
|
|
11,081
|
|
|
|
16,611
|
|
|
|
16,763
|
|
|
|
2,331
|
|
|
|
4,188
|
|
|
|
16,763
|
|
|
|
4,188
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Market Hub
|
|
|
24,414
|
|
|
|
29,676
|
|
|
|
24,342
|
|
|
|
4,728
|
|
|
|
7,197
|
|
|
|
24,342
|
|
|
|
7,197
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
55,117
|
|
|
$
|
50,091
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
10,128
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Gulfstream
|
|
|
17,097
|
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Market Hub
|
|
|
21,204
|
|
|
|
18,753
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a public company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
(income), net
|
|
|
12,955
|
|
|
|
8,566
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
|
|
8,232
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
1,354
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution
|
|
$
|
73,784
|
|
|
$
|
77,526
|
|
|
$
|
80,377
|
|
|
$
|
21,284
|
|
|
$
|
35,734
|
|
|
$
|
67,225
|
|
|
$
|
30,195
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
83,987
|
|
|
$
|
93,272
|
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
17,099
|
|
|
$
|
22,478
|
|
|
$
|
64,459
|
|
|
$
|
24,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(24
|
)
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
(8,657
|
)
|
|
|
(2,170
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
24,900
|
|
|
|
6,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(21,963
|
)
|
|
|
3,465
|
|
|
|
(2,072
|
)
|
|
|
(3,822
|
)
|
|
|
3,448
|
|
|
|
(12,360
|
)
|
|
|
(1,076
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from Market
Hub
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(354
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(354
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received from
Gulfstream
|
|
|
(13,720
|
)
|
|
|
(29,645
|
)
|
|
|
(20,335
|
)
|
|
|
(5,635
|
)
|
|
|
(3,675
|
)
|
|
|
(20,335
|
)
|
|
|
(3,675
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating working
capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
848
|
|
|
|
(934
|
)
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
1,734
|
|
|
|
1,714
|
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
1,714
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
12,837
|
|
|
|
(6,189
|
)
|
|
|
878
|
|
|
|
313
|
|
|
|
(439
|
)
|
|
|
878
|
|
|
|
(439
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
4,787
|
|
|
|
(1,687
|
)
|
|
|
798
|
|
|
|
1,907
|
|
|
|
(516
|
)
|
|
|
798
|
|
|
|
(516
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes accrued
|
|
|
1,438
|
|
|
|
(7,527
|
)
|
|
|
3,345
|
|
|
|
3,668
|
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
|
|
3,345
|
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
3,197
|
|
|
|
(1,617
|
)
|
|
|
8,927
|
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
|
(3,310
|
)
|
|
|
8,927
|
|
|
|
(3,310
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other, including changes in
noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
|
|
1,130
|
|
|
|
(7,507
|
)
|
|
|
(5,300
|
)
|
|
|
(11,695
|
)
|
|
|
(105
|
)
|
|
|
(5,300
|
)
|
|
|
(105
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
55,117
|
|
|
$
|
50,091
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
10,128
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Gulfstream
|
|
|
17,097
|
|
|
|
25,480
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
7,170
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
23,800
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for distribution
from Market Hub
|
|
|
21,204
|
|
|
|
18,753
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
5,345
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
19,500
|
|
|
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incremental general and
administrative expense of being a public company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500
|
|
|
|
1,375
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
(income), net
|
|
|
12,955
|
|
|
|
8,566
|
|
|
|
8,591
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
16,243
|
|
|
|
4,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
|
|
8,232
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
1,354
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
10,933
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution
|
|
$
|
73,784
|
|
|
$
|
77,526
|
|
|
$
|
80,377
|
|
|
$
|
21,284
|
|
|
$
|
35,734
|
|
|
$
|
67,225
|
|
|
$
|
30,195
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
|
$
|
67,800
|
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
9,495
|
|
|
$
|
17,094
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
9,092
|
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
|
12,124
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
25,354
|
|
|
|
29,190
|
|
|
|
30,406
|
|
|
|
7,585
|
|
|
|
7,623
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
3,353
|
|
|
|
1,783
|
|
|
|
431
|
|
|
|
(56
|
)
|
|
|
494
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
76,321
|
|
|
$
|
120,747
|
|
|
$
|
147,184
|
|
|
$
|
29,347
|
|
|
$
|
36,347
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
24.5%
|
|
$
|
18,699
|
|
|
$
|
29,583
|
|
|
$
|
36,060
|
|
|
$
|
7,190
|
|
|
$
|
8,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
6,349
|
|
|
|
15,794
|
|
|
|
49,423
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
955
|
|
|
|
617
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
69,782
|
|
|
$
|
103,998
|
|
|
$
|
97,144
|
|
|
$
|
29,266
|
|
|
$
|
36,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 24.5%
|
|
$
|
17,097
|
|
|
$
|
25,480
|
|
|
$
|
23,800
|
|
|
$
|
7,170
|
|
|
$
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
76,617
|
|
|
$
|
111,858
|
|
|
$
|
107,083
|
|
|
$
|
34,176
|
|
|
$
|
33,353
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
9,092
|
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
|
12,124
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(5,571
|
)
|
|
|
(4,962
|
)
|
|
|
493
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
(494
|
)
|
Changes in operating working
capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(420
|
)
|
|
|
9,698
|
|
|
|
(3,772
|
)
|
|
|
(457
|
)
|
|
|
(278
|
)
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(3,575
|
)
|
|
|
143
|
|
|
|
545
|
|
|
|
(38
|
)
|
|
|
(938
|
)
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(102
|
)
|
|
|
2,066
|
|
|
|
(994
|
)
|
|
|
(305
|
)
|
|
|
166
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
1,264
|
|
|
|
(4,861
|
)
|
|
|
(8,050
|
)
|
|
|
(3,247
|
)
|
|
|
6,515
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
(1,573
|
)
|
|
|
(6,709
|
)
|
|
|
687
|
|
|
|
(12,367
|
)
|
|
|
(12,366
|
)
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
|
(5,830
|
)
|
|
|
875
|
|
|
|
(165
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel tracker liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,962
|
)
|
|
|
2,260
|
|
|
|
(592
|
)
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
(223
|
)
|
|
|
(2,940
|
)
|
|
|
(3,197
|
)
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
(0
|
)
|
Other, including changes in
noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
|
|
640
|
|
|
|
(294
|
)
|
|
|
2,467
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
(1,628
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
76,321
|
|
|
$
|
120,747
|
|
|
$
|
147,184
|
|
|
$
|
29,347
|
|
|
$
|
36,347
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
24.5%
|
|
$
|
18,699
|
|
|
$
|
29,583
|
|
|
$
|
36,060
|
|
|
$
|
7,190
|
|
|
$
|
8,905
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
6,349
|
|
|
|
15,794
|
|
|
|
49,423
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
955
|
|
|
|
617
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%(a)
|
|
$
|
69,782
|
|
|
$
|
103,998
|
|
|
$
|
97,144
|
|
|
$
|
29,266
|
|
|
$
|
36,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 24.5%
|
|
$
|
17,097
|
|
|
$
|
25,480
|
|
|
$
|
23,800
|
|
|
$
|
7,170
|
|
|
$
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
Actual member distributions for the
years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were
approximately $56.0 million, $121.0 million and
$83.0 million, respectively. In addition, there was a
$621.0 million return of capital in 2005.
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net
Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
48,829
|
|
|
$
|
59,353
|
|
|
$
|
48,684
|
|
|
$
|
9,457
|
|
|
$
|
14,515
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,636
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
1,023
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
6,788
|
|
|
|
6,938
|
|
|
|
7,815
|
|
|
|
1,866
|
|
|
|
2,077
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
1,533
|
|
|
|
1,146
|
|
|
|
10,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
54,054
|
|
|
$
|
65,104
|
|
|
$
|
48,571
|
|
|
$
|
11,354
|
|
|
$
|
17,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
50.0%
|
|
$
|
27,027
|
|
|
$
|
32,552
|
|
|
$
|
24,286
|
|
|
$
|
5,677
|
|
|
$
|
8,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
11,646
|
|
|
|
27,599
|
|
|
|
9,528
|
|
|
|
665
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
42,408
|
|
|
$
|
37,505
|
|
|
$
|
39,000
|
|
|
$
|
10,689
|
|
|
$
|
16,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 50.0%
|
|
$
|
21,204
|
|
|
$
|
18,753
|
|
|
$
|
19,500
|
|
|
$
|
5,345
|
|
|
$
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for
Distribution to GAAP Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
42,904
|
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
168,771
|
|
|
$
|
9,403
|
|
|
$
|
16,715
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
(30
|
)
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,636
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
1,023
|
|
Other
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
Changes in operating working
capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
36,682
|
|
|
|
(16,306
|
)
|
|
|
(5,944
|
)
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
|
(7,349
|
)
|
Inventory
|
|
|
808
|
|
|
|
3,137
|
|
|
|
(6,113
|
)
|
|
|
(335
|
)
|
|
|
183
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(260
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,891
|
|
|
|
2,106
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(1,593
|
)
|
|
|
363
|
|
|
|
(4,804
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
214
|
|
|
|
506
|
|
|
|
(379
|
)
|
|
|
(945
|
)
|
|
|
582
|
|
Collateral liabilities
|
|
|
(1,799
|
)
|
|
|
(491
|
)
|
|
|
(56,341
|
)
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(22,852
|
)
|
|
|
14,587
|
|
|
|
(2,638
|
)
|
|
|
799
|
|
|
|
3,687
|
|
Other, including changes in
noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
|
|
(26
|
)
|
|
|
1,081
|
|
|
|
(46,606
|
)
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
|
668
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
100%
|
|
$
|
54,054
|
|
|
$
|
65,104
|
|
|
$
|
48,571
|
|
|
$
|
11,354
|
|
|
$
|
17,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA our
50.0%
|
|
$
|
27,027
|
|
|
$
|
32,552
|
|
|
$
|
24,286
|
|
|
$
|
5,677
|
|
|
$
|
8,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash paid for interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
11,646
|
|
|
|
27,599
|
|
|
|
9,528
|
|
|
|
665
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution 100%
|
|
$
|
42,408
|
|
|
$
|
37,505
|
|
|
$
|
39,000
|
|
|
$
|
10,689
|
|
|
$
|
16,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash available for
distribution our 50.0%
|
|
$
|
21,204
|
|
|
$
|
18,753
|
|
|
$
|
19,500
|
|
|
$
|
5,345
|
|
|
$
|
8,131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion of our financial
condition and results of operations in conjunction with our
historical consolidated financial statements and notes and our
pro forma financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. Because of the significance of our investments in
Gulfstream and Market Hub, we include separate historical
financial statements and notes of Gulfstream and Market Hub in
this prospectus as well as additional discussion of their
financial condition and results of operations presented below.
You should read this analysis in conjunction with the historical
financial statements of Gulfstream and Market Hub and the notes
to those financial statements found elsewhere in this
prospectus.
Overview
We are a Delaware limited partnership recently formed by Spectra
Energy to own and operate natural gas transportation and storage
assets. Our initial assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee System. We own and
operate 100% of the approximately
1,400-mile
East Tennessee interstate natural gas transportation system,
which extends from central Tennessee eastward into southwest
Virginia and northern North Carolina, and southward into
northern Georgia. East Tennessee also owns and operates an LNG
storage facility in Kingsport, Tennessee with working gas
storage capacity of approximately 1.0 Bcf and
regasification capability of 150 MMcf/d.
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream System. We own a 24.5%
interest in the approximately
690-mile
Gulfstream interstate natural gas transportation system, which
extends from Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama across
the Gulf of Mexico and into central Florida.
|
|
|
|
Market Hub System. We own a 50.0%
interest in Market Hub, which owns and operates two
high-deliverability salt cavern natural gas storage facilities
located in Louisiana and Texas with aggregate working gas
storage capacity of approximately 35 Bcf.
|
Our
Organic Growth Initiatives
Each of our systems has recently been expanded, is undergoing
current expansion or presents additional organic growth
opportunities for future expansion. We have budgeted
approximately $110 million for all of our planned growth
capital expenditures through 2008, including our related capital
contributions to Gulfstream and Market Hub. Examples of our
organic expansion projects include:
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee System Expansions. Since
acquiring East Tennessee in 2000 we have completed expansions
that have doubled its market delivery capability from
668 MMcf/d to 1.3 Bcf/d. Our recently completed,
approximately $302 million Patriot Extension contributed
approximately 400 MMcf/d of capacity to this total and for
the first time linked East Tennessee with markets in North
Carolina and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. The addition of
this new market has allowed East Tennessee to pursue additional
greenfield expansions such as the approximately $60 million
Jewell Ridge Lateral, which added capacity of up to
228 MMcf/d for delivery of additional Appalachian
production to East Tennessee customers. Spectra Energy is
currently evaluating additional storage projects at its
Saltville storage facility to provide supply flexibility to the
markets served on each end of the East Tennessee system. We
believe the East Tennessee expansion projects will offer
additional organic growth opportunities as those assets are
further expanded.
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream System Expansions. Two
fully-contracted expansion projects are currently being pursued
for Gulfstream to increase its utilization and total system
capacity. The estimated $135 million Phase III project
will extend the pipeline to a new market, enabling us to fully
subscribe Gulfstreams existing mainline capacity. The
estimated $117 million Phase IV project will add
compression and extend the pipeline to a new market, increasing
Gulfstreams mainline capacity from 1.1 Bcf/d to
1.25 Bcf/d by early 2009. Both of these expansions are
fully-supported by customer contracts with
23-year
initial terms. The Phase III project has already received
FERC
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
approval and the Phase IV project has an application
pending with FERC for approval. Our 24.5% share of the remaining
expansion costs for both Phase III and Phase IV is
expected to be approximately $51.3 million. In addition, in
June 2007 Gulfstream initiated an open season seeking
customer interest for incremental contract capacity additions
commencing as early as 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Hub System Expansions. Expansion
projects are currently being pursued at Market Hubs Egan,
Louisiana storage facility to increase its aggregate working gas
storage capacity from its current capacity of 20 Bcf to
24 Bcf by 2008. An application is currently pending with
FERC for approval to further expand Egan to 32 Bcf by 2012.
An expansion is also underway to increase the natural gas
injection capability of Egan. This estimated $50 million
expansion will be placed into service during the summer of 2007,
adding approximately 22,800 horsepower of compression and
increasing Egans injection capacity by approximately
0.5 Bcf/d to approximately 1.3 Bcf/d. Our 50% share of
the remaining expansion costs for all of these projects is
expected to be approximately $73.8 million. In addition,
since acquiring Market Hub in 2000, Spectra Energy has expanded
the storage capacity at Moss Bluff by approximately 4 Bcf
and is currently considering additional capacity expansions.
|
We intend to finance our expansion projects with an appropriate
combination of equity and debt. In addition, any refusal by FERC
to issue certificate authorization for one or more of these
projects may mean that we cannot pursue these projects or that
they are constructed in a manner and with capacities that we do
not currently anticipate.
Factors
that Impact our Business
The high percentage of our business derived from capacity
reservation fees mitigates the risk to us of revenue
fluctuations due to near-term changes in natural gas supply and
demand conditions. However, all of our businesses can be
negatively affected by sustained downturns or sluggishness in
the economy in general, and are impacted by shifts in supply and
demand dynamics, the mix of services requested by our customers,
and changes in regulatory requirements affecting our operations.
Short-term contracts and interruptible service arrangements are
not a significant component of our revenue; however, these
services can be impacted positively or negatively to varying
degrees by natural gas price volatility and other factors beyond
our control. We mitigate our exposure to natural gas prices by
contracting our available transportation capacity on long-term,
fixed-rate arrangements that effectively isolate us from the
effects of short-term natural gas price volatility.
We believe the key factors that impact our business are the
supply of and demand for natural gas in the markets in which we
operate; our customers and their requirements; and government
regulation of natural gas pipelines and storage systems. These
key factors, discussed in more detail below, play an important
role in how we evaluate our operations and implement our
long-term strategies.
Supply
and Demand Dynamics
To effectively manage our business, we monitor our market areas
for both short-term and long-term shifts in natural gas supply
and demand. Our natural gas transportation business links
sources of natural gas supply to customers in market demand
areas, and our storage services allow our customers to manage
volatility in natural gas supply and demand, as well as price,
throughout our markets. A shift in the supply of natural gas or
the demand for natural gas in a particular market impacts the
demand for our services in that market. Changes in natural gas
supply such as new discoveries of natural gas reserves,
declining production in older fields and the introduction of new
sources of natural gas supply, such as imported LNG, affect the
demand for our services from both producers and consumers. As
these supply dynamics shift, we anticipate that we will actively
pursue projects that link these new sources of supply to
producers and consumers willing to contract for transportation
or storage on a long-term firm basis. Changes in demographics,
the amount of natural gas fired power generation, and shifts in
residential usage affect the overall demand for natural gas. In
turn, our customers, which include LDCs, utilities and power
generators, increase or decrease their demand for our services
as a result of these changes. As customer demand dynamics
change, we anticipate that we will create new services or
capacity arrangements that meet their
85
long-term requirements. As a result of a substantial majority of
our capacity being reserved on a long-term, fixed-rate fee
basis, our revenues are not significantly affected by variations
in customers actual usage resulting from commodity price
volatility.
Customers
We transport and store natural gas for a broad mix of customers,
including LDCs, utilities, direct industrial users, electric
power generators, marketers, producers or other suppliers, and
interstate and intrastate pipelines. In addition to serving
directly connected Southeastern markets, our pipeline and
storage systems have access to customers in the Mid-Atlantic,
Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States through
numerous interconnections with major pipelines. Our customers
use our transportation and storage services for a variety of
reasons. LDCs and electric power generators typically require a
secure and reliable supply of natural gas over a sustained
period of time to meet the needs of their customers. Frequently,
these types of customers will enter into long-term firm
transportation and storage contracts to ensure both a ready
supply of natural gas and sufficient transportation capacity
over the life of the contract. Producers of natural gas require
the ability to deliver their product to market. Producers
frequently enter into firm transportation contracts to ensure
that they will have sufficient capacity available to deliver
their product to delivery points with greater market liquidity.
Marketers that generate income from buying and selling natural
gas use our storage and transportation services to capitalize on
price differentials over time or between markets. Generally
demand for our storage services from marketers increases with
natural gas price volatility. Our customer mix can vary over
time and largely depends on the natural gas supply and demand
dynamics in our markets.
Regulation
Government regulation of natural gas transportation and storage
has a significant impact on our business. Our rates are
regulated under FERC rate-making policies, and, in the case of
our storage facility in Texas, by the TRC. FERC regulatory
policies govern the rates that each pipeline is permitted to
charge customers for interstate transportation and storage of
natural gas. Under certain circumstances we are permitted to
enter into contracts with customers under negotiated
rates that differ from the rates imposed by FERC. From
time to time, certain revenues collected may be subject to
possible refunds upon final FERC orders. For more information
see Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates Cost-Based Regulation and
Business Regulation FERC
Regulation. Accordingly, estimates of rate refund reserves
are recorded considering regulatory proceedings, advice of
counsel and our evaluation of the net cumulative effect of all
undecided regulatory matters, as well as other risks. The
operations and maintenance of our assets are also governed by
other federal and state regulatory agencies, including the
Department of Transportation. For more information see
Business Regulation and
Business Safety and Maintenance.
How We
Evaluate Our Operations
We evaluate our business on the basis of the following key
measures:
|
|
|
|
|
our contract mix and percentage of physical capacity sold,
particularly the component of services that we provide under
firm and interruptible contracts;
|
|
|
|
our operating, general and administrative expenses;
|
|
|
|
our Adjusted EBITDA; and
|
|
|
|
our estimated cash available for distribution.
|
Contract
Mix and Percentage of Physical Capacity Sold
We compete for transportation and storage customers based on the
specific type of service a customer needs, operating
flexibility, available capacity and price. We provide a
significant portion of our transportation and storage services
through firm contracts and derive a smaller portion of our
revenues through
86
interruptible contracts. We seek to maximize the portion of our
physical capacity sold under firm contracts. To the extent that
physical capacity that is contracted for firm service is not
being fully utilized, we can contract such capacity for
interruptible service. The table below sets forth certain
information regarding our assets, our contracts and our
revenues, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Physical
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue Composition %
|
|
|
Capacity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Firm Contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribed
|
|
|
Weighted Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity
|
|
|
Variable
|
|
|
Interruptible
|
|
|
Under Firm
|
|
|
Remaining Contract
|
|
Asset
|
|
Our Ownership %
|
|
|
Reservation Fees
|
|
|
Fees
|
|
|
Contracts
|
|
|
Contracts
|
|
|
Life (in years)(1)
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
97.7
|
%
|
|
|
1.7
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|
|
89.7
|
%
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
|
24.5
|
%
|
|
|
85.6
|
%
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
|
|
11.5
|
%
|
|
|
68.7
|
%
|
|
|
20.2
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
50.0
|
%
|
|
|
90.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The average life of each contract is calculated based on the
average annual contract revenue for such contracts
remaining life. |
Firm transportation service requires us to reserve pipeline
capacity for a customer between certain receipt and delivery
points. Firm customers generally pay a demand or
capacity reservation fee based on the amount of
capacity being reserved regardless of whether the capacity is
used, plus a usage fee. Firm storage customers also reserve a
specific amount of storage capacity, including injection and
withdrawal rights, and generally pay a capacity reservation
charge based on the amount of capacity being reserved plus an
injection
and/or
withdrawal fee. Annual capacity reservation revenues derived
from firm service generally remain constant over the life of the
contract because the revenues are generated based upon the
capacity reserved and not whether the capacity is actually used.
The high percentage of our business derived from capacity
reservation fees mitigates the risk to us of revenue
fluctuations due to changes in near-term supply and demand
conditions, and our ability to maintain or increase the amount
of firm service we provide is key to assuring a consistent
revenue stream.
Interruptible transportation and storage service is typically
short term in nature and is generally used by customers that
either do not need firm service or have been unable to contract
for firm service. These customers pay only for the volume of gas
actually transported or stored. Our obligation to provide this
service is limited to available capacity not otherwise used by
our firm customers, and customers receiving services under
interruptible contracts are not assured capacity in our pipeline
or storage facilities. We provide our interruptible service at
competitive prices in order to position ourselves to capture
short term market opportunities as they occur. We view
interruptible service as an important part of our strategy to
optimize revenues from our assets.
Operating,
General and Administrative Expenses
Our operating, general and administrative expenses typically do
not vary significantly based upon the amount of gas we transport
or store. We obtain in-kind fuel reimbursements from shippers in
accordance with each individual tariff or applicable contract
terms. While expenses may not materially vary with throughput,
our expenses can vary significantly from period to period. The
timing of our expenditures during a year generally fluctuate
with customer demands as we typically schedule planned
maintenance during off-peak periods. Additionally, fluctuations
in project development costs are impacted by the level of
project development activity during a period and the timing of
project approval. Changes in regulation can also impact our
maintenance requirements and affect the timing and amount of our
costs and expenditures. As an example, the Pipeline Inspection,
Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006 set new
standards for pipelines in assessing the safety and reliability
of the pipeline infrastructure and we have incurred and will
continue to incur additional costs, as have other pipelines, to
meet these standards. For more information see
Business Safety and Maintenance.
Adjusted
EBITDA
We define our Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest
expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization less our
equity in earnings of Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest
income, and other
87
income (expenses), net, which primarily consists of non-cash
allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC, and
certain other items such as insurance recoveries. Our Adjusted
EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP.
Because Adjusted EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that
affect net income and is defined differently by different
companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may
not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other
companies.
Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by
our management and by external users of our financial statements
such as investors, commercial banks and others, to assess:
|
|
|
|
|
the financial performance of our assets without regard to
financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay
interest on our indebtedness and to make distributions to our
partners; and
|
|
|
|
our operating performance and return on invested capital as
compared to those of other publicly traded limited partnerships
that own energy infrastructure assets, without regard to their
financing methods and capital structure.
|
Cash
Available for Distribution
We define our cash available for distribution as our Adjusted
EBITDA plus cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and
Market Hub, less net cash paid for interest expense and
maintenance capital expenditures. Our cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances. Our pro forma cash available for distribution for the
year ended December 31, 2006, and for the twelve-month
period ended March 31, 2007, also includes our incremental
general and administrative expense of being a publicly-traded
partnership.
For Gulfstream and Market Hub, we define cash available for
distribution as Adjusted EBITDA less net cash paid for interest
expense and maintenance capital expenditures. Cash available for
distribution does not reflect changes in working capital
balances.
Cash available for distribution should not be viewed as
indicative of the actual amount of cash that we have available
for distributions or that we plan to distribute for a given
period.
Adjusted EBITDA and cash available for distribution should not
be considered alternatives to net income, operating income, cash
from operations or any other measure of financial performance or
liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and
cash available for distribution exclude some, but not all, items
that affect net income and operating income and these measures
may vary among other companies. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA and
cash available for distribution as presented may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. For
a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly
comparable financial measure calculated and presented in
accordance with GAAP, please see Selected Historical and
Pro Forma Financial and Operating Data
Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
88
Results
of Operations Combined Overview
The following table and discussion is a summary of our combined
results of operations for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2005 and 2006, and the three months ended March 31,
2006 and 2007. The results of operations for Gulfstream and
Market Hub are discussed in further detail following this
combined overview discussion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
|
|
$
|
69,242
|
|
|
$
|
77,553
|
|
|
$
|
80,531
|
|
|
$
|
20,938
|
|
|
$
|
24,950
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
affiliates
|
|
|
9,352
|
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
|
|
Storage of natural gas and other
|
|
|
3,122
|
|
|
|
2,300
|
|
|
|
2,032
|
|
|
|
1,229
|
|
|
|
1,483
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
81,716
|
|
|
|
80,003
|
|
|
|
82,609
|
|
|
|
22,221
|
|
|
|
26,433
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
|
|
|
19,679
|
|
|
|
16,680
|
|
|
|
8,970
|
|
|
|
6,420
|
|
|
|
3,587
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
affiliates
|
|
|
6,402
|
|
|
|
7,968
|
|
|
|
12,861
|
|
|
|
4,066
|
|
|
|
3,318
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
518
|
|
|
|
5,264
|
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
1,607
|
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
48,091
|
|
|
|
53,552
|
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
16,847
|
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
33,625
|
|
|
|
26,451
|
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
5,374
|
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income and
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
35,495
|
|
|
|
46,287
|
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
7,059
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income and expenses
|
|
|
36,980
|
|
|
|
46,815
|
|
|
|
42,870
|
|
|
|
7,394
|
|
|
|
11,397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before Income
Taxes
|
|
|
62,353
|
|
|
|
64,784
|
|
|
|
72,349
|
|
|
|
10,705
|
|
|
|
23,936
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
9,202
|
|
|
|
7,834
|
|
|
|
10,741
|
|
|
|
1,212
|
|
|
|
4,733
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b)
|
|
$
|
55,117
|
|
|
$
|
50,091
|
|
|
$
|
56,601
|
|
|
$
|
10,128
|
|
|
$
|
19,655
|
|
Cash Available for
Distribution(b)(c)
|
|
$
|
73,784
|
|
|
$
|
77,526
|
|
|
$
|
80,378
|
|
|
$
|
21,284
|
|
|
$
|
35,734
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest expense,
income taxes and depreciation and amortization less our equity
in earnings of Gulfstream and Market Hub, interest income, and
other income (expenses), net, which primarily includes non-cash
AFUDC and certain other items such as insurance recoveries. |
|
(b) |
|
For a reconciliation of this measure to its most directly
comparable financial measures calculated and presented in
accordance with GAAP, please see Selected Historical and
Pro Forma Financial and Operating Data Non-GAAP
Financial Measures. |
|
(c) |
|
We define cash available for distribution as our Adjusted EBITDA
plus cash available for distribution from Gulfstream and Market
Hub, less net cash paid for interest expense and maintenance
capital expenditures. Our cash available for distribution does
not reflect changes in working capital balances. |
89
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to the Three Months
Ended March 31, 2006
Operating Revenues Combined operating
revenues increased $4.2 million or 19% for the three month
period in 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The increase
was primarily due to net increases from new firm transportation
contracts, $2.8 million of which relates to new capacity
from the Jewell Ridge expansion project placed into service in
2006.
Operating Expenses Combined operating
expenses decreased by $5.1 million or 30% for the three
month period in 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The
decrease was primarily due to $3.2 million in higher
project development costs from the Jewell Ridge project expensed
in the 2006 period and a $1.7 million reduction in property
and other taxes due to the resolution of ad valorem tax matters
in 2007.
Other
Income and Expenses
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated
Affiliates Combined equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates increased $4.3 million or 61% for
the three month period in 2007 compared to the same period in
2006. The increase is attributable to increased equity in
earnings of $2.5 million from Market Hub, and
$1.9 million from Gulfstream. For the factors impacting
Gulfstreams and Market Hubs earnings, see the
discussion included below of the results of operations of
Gulfstream and Market Hub.
Other Income and (Expenses), Net Combined
other income and (expenses), net decreased by $0.3 million
for the three month period in 2007 compared to the same period
in 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the equity component
of allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) in 2006
as a result of 2006 construction activity on the Jewell Ridge
project.
Income Tax Expense Combined income tax
expense increased by $3.5 million for the three month
period in 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. This
increase was primarily attributable to increased taxable income
at East Tennessee.
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2005
Operating Revenues Combined operating
revenues increased slightly by $2.6 million in 2006
compared to 2005. The increase was primarily due to a
$2.6 million net increase from new firm transportation
contracts.
Operating Expenses Combined operating
expenses decreased by $8.6 million or 16% in 2006 compared
to 2005. The decrease was primarily due to the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
the capitalization in 2006 of $11.4 million in development
costs related to the Jewell Ridge project, approximately
$5.7 million of which was incurred and recognized as
operating expense in prior periods;
|
|
|
|
a decrease of $4.7 million in depreciation expense due to
an increase in the estimated useful lives of certain assets, as
agreed to in a negotiated rate settlement with customers of East
Tennessee and approved by FERC; partially offset by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
a $3.5 million increase in operations costs due to pipeline
integrity costs and a $1.2 million increase in insurance
costs as a result of higher insurance market rates; and
|
|
|
|
$3.1 million in increased non-recurring allocations from
Spectra Energy Capital, LLC, or Spectra Energy Capital, related
to financial re-engineering and other project costs.
|
Other
Income and Expenses
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated
Affiliates Combined equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates decreased $5.2 million or 11% in
2006 compared to 2005. The decrease is attributable to decreased
equity in earnings of $5.2 million from Market Hub, while
equity in earnings from Gulfstream did not change from 2006 to
2005. For the factors impacting Gulfstreams and Market
Hubs earnings, see the discussion included below of the
results of operations of Gulfstream and Market Hub.
90
Other Income and (Expenses), Net Combined
other income and (expenses), net increased by $1.2 million
in 2006 compared to 2005. This increase was primarily due to an
increase in the equity component of AFUDC in 2006 as a result of
the 2006 construction activity on the Jewell Ridge Lateral
project.
Income Tax Expense Combined income tax
expense increased by $2.9 million or 37% in 2006 compared
to 2005. This increase was primarily attributable to increased
taxable income at East Tennessee.
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2004
Operating Revenues Combined operating
revenues decreased slightly by $1.7 million in 2005
compared to 2004. The decrease was due to the elimination of
facility rentals and the elimination of a Gas Research Institute
surcharge as well as reduced rates associated with the East
Tennessee rate settlement.
Operating Expenses Combined operating
expenses increased by $5.5 million or 11% in 2005 compared
to 2004. The increase was due to the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
a $6.0 million increase in project development costs,
mostly related to the Jewell Ridge project;
|
|
|
|
a $4.9 million increase in property and other taxes
primarily due to an adjustment of tax reserves in 2004
associated with the resolution of outstanding ad valorem tax
matters;
|
|
|
|
a higher depreciation expense of $2.1 million, mostly
related to the Patriot Extension project that was placed into
service; partially offset by:
|
|
|
|
a $5.2 million net increase of in-kind fuel recoveries from
customers in 2004 in excess of the cost of compressor fuel
used; and
|
|
|
|
a $2.7 million decrease due to increased capitalized cost
due to a higher level of construction activity.
|
Other
Income and Expense
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated
Affiliates Combined equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates increased $10.8 million or 30% in
2005 compared to 2004. The increase is attributable to increased
equity in earnings of $5.5 million from Gulfstream and
increased equity in earnings from Market Hub of
$5.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. For the factors
impacting Gulfstream and Market Hubs earnings see the
discussion included below of the results of operations of
Gulfstream and Market Hub.
Other Income and (expenses), net Combined
other income and (expenses), net decreased by $0.9 million
in 2005 compared to 2004, as a result of higher equity AFUDC in
2004 related to construction of the Patriot project.
Income Tax Expense Combined income tax
expense decreased by $1.4 million or 15% in 2005 compared
to 2004. This net decrease was attributable to a decrease in the
taxable income at East Tennessee.
Results
of Operations Unconsolidated
Affiliates
We account for Gulfstream and Market Hub using the equity method
of accounting. As such, our 24.5% interest in
Gulfstreams net operating results and our
50.0% interest in Market Hubs net operating results
are reflected as equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. Due to the
significance of Gulfstreams and Market Hubs equity
in earnings to our results of operations, the following
discussion addresses in greater detail the results of operations
for 100% of Gulfstream and 100% of Market Hub.
91
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
$
|
93,615
|
|
|
$
|
145,104
|
|
|
$
|
180,257
|
|
|
$
|
39,199
|
|
|
$
|
37,970
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
42,648
|
|
|
|
53,547
|
|
|
|
63,479
|
|
|
|
17,437
|
|
|
|
9,245
|
|
Other Income and Expenses
|
|
|
3,353
|
|
|
|
1,783
|
|
|
|
431
|
|
|
|
(56
|
)
|
|
|
493
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
9,092
|
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
12,211
|
|
|
|
12,124
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
|
$
|
67,800
|
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
9,495
|
|
|
$
|
17,094
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our 24.5% share
|
|
$
|
11,081
|
|
|
$
|
16,611
|
|
|
$
|
16,763
|
|
|
$
|
2,326
|
|
|
$
|
4,188
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007 compared to the Three Months
Ended March 31, 2006
Gulfstreams net income increased by $7.6 million to
$17.1 million or 80% for the three month period in 2007
from $9.5 million for the same period in 2006. The increase
was primarily due to the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
an $8.2 million decrease in operating expenses primarily
due to the resolution of ad valorem tax matters in 2007;
partially offset by
|
|
|
|
a $1.2 million decrease in operating revenue primarily
caused by a $0.7 million decrease in short-term and
variable firm transportation revenues and $0.4 million in
lower interruptible transportation revenues.
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2005
Gulfstreams net income increased slightly by
$0.6 million to $68.4 million in 2006 from
$67.8 million in 2005. The increase was primarily due to
the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
a $38.5 million increase in natural gas transportation
revenues primarily due to a significant new firm transportation
contract; offset by
|
|
|
|
a $3.3 million decrease in other revenue due to lower
interruptible services;
|
|
|
|
a $9.9 million increase in operating and maintenance
expenses primarily due to $2.9 million of increased
development costs for Phase III and Phase IV expansion
projects, and $2.1 million of higher property and liability
premiums due to increased insurance rates for wind-storm
insurance coverage, and $2.8 million increase in
Florida property taxes; and
|
|
|
|
a $23.2 million increase in interest expense primarily as a
result of $850 million in project financing entered into in
October 2005.
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2004
Gulfstreams net income increased by $22.6 million or
50% in 2005 compared to 2004. This increase was principally due
to the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
a $49.9 million increase in natural gas transportation
revenues primarily due to Phase II firm transportation
contracts that began in February 2005 when these facilities were
placed into service, and new interruptible transportation
contracts; partially offset by:
|
|
|
|
$3.8 million increase in depreciation and amortization
expenses due to the placement of Phase II in-service in
February 2005;
|
|
|
|
$7.2 million increase in property and other taxes due
primarily to ad valorem tax on Phase II assets placed into
service in February 2005; and
|
|
|
|
$16.4 million increase in interest expense due primarily to
debt at Gulfstream issued in 2005, described above.
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Ended March 31,
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
$
|
65,843
|
|
|
$
|
77,929
|
|
|
$
|
78,804
|
|
|
$
|
16,631
|
|
|
$
|
20,817
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
18,577
|
|
|
|
19,763
|
|
|
|
38,048
|
|
|
|
7,143
|
|
|
|
5,441
|
|
Other Income and Expenses
|
|
|
1,533
|
|
|
|
1,146
|
|
|
|
10,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158
|
|
Interest (Expense)/Income
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
(2,625
|
)
|
|
|
(31
|
)
|
|
|
(1,019
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
48,829
|
|
|
$
|
59,353
|
|
|
$
|
48,684
|
|
|
$
|
9,457
|
|
|
$
|
14,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our 50% share
|
|
$
|
24,415
|
|
|
$
|
29,677
|
|
|
$
|
24,342
|
|
|
$
|
4,729
|
|
|
$
|
7,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007 compared to the Three Months
Ended March 31, 2006
Market Hubs net income increased $5.1 million or 53%
to $14.5 million for the three month period in 2007 from
$9.5 million for the same period in 2006. The increase was
primarily due to the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
A $4.2 million increase in operating revenues primarily due
to $3.4 million in increased storage revenues associated
with higher rates and $0.7 million from increased
short-term services; and
|
|
|
|
A $1.7 million decrease in operating expenses due primarily to a
$2.0 million reduction in property and other taxes due to
the resolution of ad valorem tax matters in 2007; and
|
|
|
|
A $1.0 million increase in interest expense owed to an
affiliate for credit-related deposits made by such affiliate to
secure certain commercial activities on Market Hub.
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2005
Market Hubs net income decreased by $10.7 million or
18% in 2006 compared to 2005. The decrease was primarily due to
the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
an $18.3 million increase in operating expenses primarily
attributable to a $6.2 million increase in net in-kind fuel
costs incurred over reimbursements from customers,
$3.8 million in higher operations costs due to compressor
overhauls and general maintenance costs, a $1.2 million
reduction in bad debt costs in 2005 that did not recur and a
$4.1 million increase in corporate cost primarily from
insurance and allocations; partially offset by:
|
|
|
|
a $9.4 million net increase in gains from asset
dispositions, principally due to the recognition of a
$9.8 million gain from the involuntary conversion of an
asset arising from the property insurance settlement related to
the 2004 cavern well-head fire at Moss Bluff; and
|
|
|
|
a $0.9 million increase in operating revenues, primarily
due to a $9.2 million increase in firm storage revenues due
to expanded storage capacity and higher rates and a
$2.8 million increase in interruptible storage revenues
partially offset by a $6.2 million net reduction in
business interruption insurance proceeds associated with lost
revenue related to the 2004 cavern well-head fire at Moss Bluff
and a $4.2 million decrease in net in-kind fuel recoveries
over incurred fuel cost.
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2004
Market Hubs net income increased by $10.5 million or
22% in 2005 compared to 2004. This increase was principally due
to the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
a $12.1 million increase in operating revenues, due to the
receipt of $8.1 million from a business interruption
insurance claim in 2005 to reimburse Moss Bluff for revenue lost
in 2004 due to the cavern well-head fire in 2004, described
above and $4.2 million for net in-kind fuel recoveries over
incurred fuel costs in 2005 compared to 2004; and
|
|
|
|
a $1.2 million increase in operating expenses, primarily
due to a $1.5 million increase in corporate cost
allocations.
|
93
Future
Trends and Outlook
We expect our business to continue to be affected by the
following key trends. Our expectations are based on assumptions
made by us and information currently available to us. To the
extent our underlying assumptions about or interpretations of
available information prove to be incorrect, our actual results
may vary materially from our expected results. Please see
Risk Factors.
Benefits from System Expansions. We
expect that our results of operations for the year ending
December 31, 2007 and thereafter will benefit from
increased revenues associated with expansion projects recently
completed or currently planned. For example, East
Tennessees Jewell Ridge Lateral project completed in the
fourth quarter of 2006 and its Patriot Extension project
initially placed in service in 2003 are now generating increased
revenues following significant capital expenditures during their
development. Two fully-contracted expansion projects are
currently being pursued for Gulfstream that will extend the
system into South Florida and will increase its market delivery
capability from 1.1 Bcf/d to 1.25 Bcf/d by early 2009,
subject to Gulfstreams receipt of approval for its pending
applications with FERC. In addition, expansion projects are
being pursued at Market Hubs Egan storage facility, to
increase its aggregate working gas storage capacity from a
current capacity of 20 Bcf to 24 Bcf by 2008. An
application is currently pending with FERC to further expand
Egan to 32 Bcf by 2012. An expansion is also underway to
increase the natural gas injection capability at Egan. This
expansion will be placed into service during the summer of 2007,
adding 22,800 horsepower of compression and increasing
Egans injection capability by 0.5 Bcf/d to approximately
1.3 Bcf/d.
Prior to commencing construction of expansions of interstate
pipeline and storage facilities, a natural gas company must
obtain certificate authorization from FERC. Applications are
pending before FERC for certificate authorization for
Gulfstreams Phase IV project and for Market Hubs
expansion project designed to increase working gas storage
capacity at the Egan storage facility from 24 Bcf to
32 Bcf.
Growing Markets. According to the EIA,
overall demand for natural gas consumption in the markets we
serve is expected to grow by approximately 2.1% per year
for the period from
2006-2012.
We believe this growth will be driven by the construction of new
natural gas fired electric generation plants in Florida and
elsewhere to meet both a growing population base and a growing
per capita demand for electricity. With the recent trend towards
natural gas fired electric generation, demand for natural gas
during the summer months to satisfy cooling requirements is now
increasing. For example, according to the Florida Reliability
Coordinating Council, natural gas used for electric generation
in the Florida market is expected to grow by approximately
7.1% per year for the period from
2006-2015,
from 556 Bcf in 2006 to 1,033 Bcf in 2015. Please see
Business Natural Gas Industry Overview.
Diversity of Supply Sources. Domestic
gas production in the United States is not expected to keep pace
with domestic consumption. According to the EIA, production in
the lower 48 states is estimated to grow 0.7% per
year, from 50.1 Bcf/d in 2006 to 54.3 Bcf/d in 2012, while
U.S. natural gas demand in 2012 is estimated to be
67.3 Bcf/d. While supply in some areas in which we operate
is increasing due to new discoveries and increased production,
traditional supply in other areas in which we operate is
beginning to decline. As supply from these areas declines, or
becomes less attractive because of vulnerability to hurricanes
and other disruptions, the national supply profile is shifting
to new, and, in some cases, to non-conventional sources of gas,
including basins in the Mid-Continent and Appalachia. A
significant portion of the supply shortfall is expected to be
met through LNG imports, which are expected to be delivered
predominately through terminals along the Gulf Coast.
Influence of LNG Imports. LNG is
expected to become an important part of the U.S. energy
market. According to the EIA, LNGs share of total
U.S. gas supply could be as high as 17% by 2025. Unlike
domestic production, however, LNG supply does not provide a
steady stream of supply because deliveries are driven by spot
prices that fluctuate with market dynamics. Given the extensive
pipeline infrastructure and available gas processing capability
in and around the region, the Gulf Coast is the target for
approximately 15 of the 40 proposed U.S. onshore and
offshore LNG terminals. LNG projects for this area are, on
average, larger than those planned for other
U.S. locations. In addition, due to the large existing
industrial base located in the region and less anticipated
resistance from the local population, many of these
94
projects may obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and be
developed more expeditiously than proposed projects located in
other areas of the country. Please see
Business Natural Gas Industry Overview.
Growth of Natural Gas Storage
Facilities. Natural gas storage is becoming
an increasingly important factor in the natural gas
transportation marketplace, and will play a significant role in
handling the increased deliveries of LNG expected in the coming
years. As a consequence, a substantial number of natural gas
storage projects have been announced and are under development,
especially in the Texas and Louisiana areas. According to an
October 2006 EIA report, as of July 2006, there were 38
underground storage projects underway in the United States with
expected in-service dates between 2006 and 2008, of which 15 are
new facilities and 23 are expansions. These projects, assuming
full implementation, would increase the working gas capacity in
the U.S. by 5% by the end of 2008, and include 16 storage
projects underway in the Southwest (including Texas and
Louisiana). The Southwestern region of the United States has the
highest number of high-deliverability, salt-cavern storage
facilities, and the demand for this type of storage is expected
to continue to grow. Although an increased supply of storage
competing with Market Hubs storage facilities could
negatively impact our operations, we believe our facilities are
well positioned to take advantage of future growth opportunities.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Our ability to finance operations, including to fund capital
expenditures and acquisitions, to meet our indebtedness
obligations, to refinance our indebtedness or to meet collateral
requirements will depend on our ability to generate cash in the
future. Our ability to generate cash is subject to a number of
factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the
impact of regulators on our ability to establish transportation
and storage rates. Please see Risk Factors.
Historically, our sources of liquidity included cash generated
from operations, cash received from Gulfstream and Market Hub,
external debt and funding from Spectra Energy Capital. As
mentioned previously, Market Hub was formerly a wholly owned
subsidiary of Spectra Energy Capital and did not make
distributions to its members. Market Hub will be required to
make distributions of its available cash to its partners
following this offering. Please see Certain Relationships
and Related Party Transactions Contracts with
Affiliates Market Hub. Our cash receipts were
historically deposited in Spectra Energy Capitals bank
accounts and cash disbursements were made from those accounts.
Consequently, our historical financial statements have reflected
no cash balances. Cash transactions processed on our behalf by
Spectra Energy Capital were reflected in parent net investment
as intercompany advances between us and Spectra Energy Capital.
Following this offering, we plan to maintain our own bank
accounts but will continue to rely on Spectra Energy personnel
to manage our cash and investments through our management
arrangements with Spectra Energy.
Subsequent to this offering, we expect our sources of liquidity
to include:
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the retention of a portion of the proceeds from our initial
public offering, as described below;
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cash generated from operations;
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cash distributions received from Market Hub and Gulfstream;
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borrowings under our $500 million credit facility;
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cash realized from the liquidation of qualifying investment
grade securities that will be pledged under our credit facility;
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issuances of additional partnership units; and,
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debt offerings.
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Our cash position as of March 31, 2007:
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As of March 31, 2007
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Historical
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Pro Forma
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(In thousands)
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Cash
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$
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$
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10,000
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Short-term investments
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163,050
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Total cash and short-term
investments
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$
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$
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173,050
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You should also read this table in conjunction with
Capitalization.
The sum of the restricted net assets at East Tennessee of
$234 million and our proportionate undistributed earnings
of Market Hub of $120 million amounts to 36% of our net
assets as of March 31, 2007. Gulfstream had no
undistributed earnings as of March 31, 2007. There may be a
significant restriction on the ability of East Tennessee, Market
Hub and Gulfstream to transfer funds to Spectra Energy Partners,
LP by means of intercompany loans, advances or cash dividends.
Please see Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions
on Distributions General Limitations on
Cash Distributions and our Ability to Change Our Cash
Distribution Policy, which describes the cash distribution
requirements of Gulfstream and Market Hub.
We expect to use the retained $10.0 million to fund working
capital. We believe that cash generated from these sources will
be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital
requirements, long-term capital expenditure requirements and
quarterly cash distributions.
Working Capital
Working capital is the amount by which current assets exceed
current liabilities. Our working capital requirements will be
primarily driven by changes in accounts receivable and accounts
payable. These changes are primarily impacted by such factors as
credit and the timing of collections from customers and the
level of spending for maintenance and expansion activity.
We had working capital deficiencies of ($7.6) million as of
March 31, 2007, compared to working capital deficiencies of
($4.8) million and ($20.2) million at
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This negative
working capital was created by the historical treasury
management arrangements with Spectra Energy Capital described
above.
Changes in the terms of our transportation and storage
arrangements have a direct impact on our generation and use of
cash from operations due to their impact on net income, along
with the resulting changes in working capital. A material
adverse change in operations or available financing may impact
our ability to fund our requirements for liquidity and capital
resources.
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor Combined Cash
Flow
Combined net cash provided by operating activities, combined net
cash (used in) provided by investing activities and combined net
cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the years
ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:
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Three Months
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For the Years Ended December 31,
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Ended March 31,
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2004
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2005
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2006
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2006
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2007
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(In thousands)
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Net cash provided by operating
activities
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$
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83,987
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$
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93,272
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$
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62,278
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$
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17,099
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$
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22,478
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Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities
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(34,269
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)
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92,827
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(85,910
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)
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(10,841
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)
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(1,931
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)
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Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
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(49,718
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)
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(186,099
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)
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23,632
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(6,258
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)
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(20,547
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)
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The investing and financing activities for our combined cash
flows in 2005 were impacted by debt financing at Gulfstream. In
October 2005, Gulfstream issued $500 million aggregate
principal amount of
96
5.56% Senior Notes due 2015 and $350 million aggregate
principal amount of 6.19% Senior Notes due 2025. The proceeds
were used by Gulfstream to pay off a construction loan and the
balance of the proceeds, net of transaction costs, of
approximately $620 million was distributed to the partners
based upon their ownership percentages. Our 24.5% share of this
special distribution was $152.1 million, which was a return
of capital that we had invested in Gulfstream during the
construction period and which was recorded as a cash inflow from
investing activities. We then distributed this cash to Spectra
Energy, which was reflected as a $152.1 million cash
outflow from financing activities. This distribution was in
addition to a distribution of $29.6 million included in
2005 cash provided from operating activities.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 compared to the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
Operating Activities Combined net cash
provided by operating activities increased $5.4 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the same
period in 2006, primarily due to a $15.7 million increase
from reduced settlements of payables and accrued liabilities and
a $0.8 million increase due to increased collections of
receivables partially offset by a $10.0 million decrease in
funds from net income, excluding equity earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates and changes in deferred taxes, and a
$1.6 million reduction in distributions from equity
investees.
Investing Activities Most of the
quarterly fluctuations in investing activities can be attributed
to a $8.6 million reduction in expansion capital
expenditures. The reduction was primarily due to the completion
of the Jewell Ridge expansion project in 2006.
Financing Activities Prior to our
initial public offering, all of our cash flow was distributed as
a dividend to Spectra Energy. As a result, the changes in cash
flow from operations and investing activities impacted our cash
flow from financing activities. Most of the quarter-over-quarter
fluctuation in financing activities is due to cash flow from
operating and investing activities. For quarter one 2007
compared to quarter one 2006 the increase in cash distributed to
Spectra Energy is the result of additional cash provided from
operations and a reduction of cash used for investing activity
due to the reduction of expansion capital expenditures.
Year Ended December 31, 2006 compared to the Year
Ended December 31, 2005
Operating Activities Combined net cash
provided by operating activities decreased $31.0 million in
2006 compared to 2005, primarily due to $9.3 million in
decreased distributions from Gulfstream and higher cash utilized
for working capital of $31.9 million partially offset by
lower current tax expense of $5.5 million, lower operations
and maintenance expenses of $2.8 million, higher revenues
of $2.6 million and other items of $1.2 million. The
cash utilized for working capital increase of $31.9 million
was comprised of $10.9 million of increased cash utilized
for accrued taxes, $10.5 million for other current
liabilities, $8.0 million for current assets and
$2.5 million for accounts payable. For 2005 compared to
2004, combined net cash provided by operating activities
increased $9.3 million as a result of $15.9 million in
increased distributions received from Gulfstream and increased
working capital requirements of $15.4 million,
$7.2 million increased net income, net of taxes, partially
offset by higher current tax expense of $25.4 million,
higher property taxes of $4.7 million and a decrease of
other items of $0.1 million. The increased working capital
requirements of $15.4 million were comprised of
$6.5 million for accounts payable, $4.8 million for
other current liabilities, $9.0 million of additional
working capital for accrued taxes, partially offset by
$4.9 million of reduced working capital for current assets.
Investing Activities Most of the
year-over-year
fluctuations in investing activities was the result of the one
time distribution of $152.1 million from Gulfstream in
2005. Other
year-over-year
variances in net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
were:
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For 2006 compared to 2005, an increase in cash used of
approximately $26.6 million for capital expenditures
primarily related to the Jewell Ridge Lateral expansion project
of East Tennessee; and
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For 2005 compared to 2004, an increase in cash used of
approximately $25.0 million for capital expenditures
primarily related to the Jewell Ridge Lateral and Patriot
Extension projects.
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97
Financing Activities Prior to our IPO,
all of our cash flow was distributed as a dividend to Spectra
Energy. As a result, the changes in cash flow from operating and
investing activities impacted our cash flow from financing
activities. Most of the
year-over-year
fluctuation in financing activities was the result of the
distribution of $152.1 million to Spectra Energy in 2005.
Other
year-over-year
variances in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
were:
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For 2006 compared to 2005, a decrease in cash distributed to
Spectra Energy of $57.6 million as a result of higher
capital expenditures and lower operating cash flow; and
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For 2005 compared to 2004, a net decrease in cash distributed to
Spectra Energy of $15.8 million as a result of higher
capital expenditures partially offset by higher operating cash
flow.
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Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet financing entities or
structures to third parties, other than our equity investments
in Gulfstream and Market Hub, and maintain no debt obligations
that contain provisions requiring accelerated payment of the
related obligation in the event of specified declines in credit
ratings.
However, Gulfstream has $850 million aggregate principal
amount of senior notes outstanding, none of which is
consolidated on our balance sheet.
Capital
Requirements
The transmission and storage businesses can be capital
intensive, requiring significant investment to maintain and
upgrade existing operations.
We categorize our capital expenditures as either maintenance
capital expenditures or expansion capital expenditures.
Maintenance capital expenditures are those expenditures required
to maintain the existing operating capacity and service
capability of our assets including the replacement of system
components and equipment which is worn, obsolete, completing its
useful life, or necessary to remain in compliance with
environmental laws and regulations. Expansion capital
expenditures improve the service capability of the existing
assets, extend useful lives, increase transmission or storage
capacities from existing levels, reduce costs or enhance
revenues. We expect our maintenance capital expenditures and
expansion capital expenditures for the twelve months ending
June 30, 2008 to be $11.8 million and
$81.9 million, respectively, including our capital
contributions to Gulfstream and Market Hub.
Our historical expansion capital expenditures for East Tennessee
were $75.0 million, $51.1 million and
$27.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively. During the first three months
of 2006 and 2007, our capital expenditures for East Tennessee
were $9.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Given our objective of growth through acquisitions and
expansions of existing assets, we anticipate that we will
continue to invest significant amounts of capital to grow and
acquire assets. After the completion of this offering, expansion
capital expenditures may vary significantly based on our
investment opportunities.
We expect to fund future capital expenditures with funds
generated from our operations, borrowings under our new credit
facility and the issuance of additional partnership units and
debt offerings.
Description of Credit Facility. We are
a party to a $500 million credit facility, which includes
both term and revolving borrowing capacity. Upon the closing of
this offering, the credit facility will be available for general
partnership purposes, including working capital, capital
expenditures and acquisitions. We expect that we will incur
approximately $163.1 million of term borrowings and
$125 million of revolving borrowings under our credit
facility at the closing of this offering. As a result, we expect
to have approximately $211.9 million of remaining borrowing
capacity immediately after the closing.
The revolving credit facility will mature five years from the
effective date, unless extended. Indebtedness under the
revolving credit facility will bear interest at the greater of
the federal funds rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% or the
lenders prime rate in effect on such day, plus an
applicable margin (as defined in the credit facility) which
ranges are dependent on the leverage level. The term loan
facility will bear
98
interest at the greater of the federal funds rate in effect on
such day plus 0.50% or the lenders prime rate in effect on
such day.
We will distribute proceeds from the approximate
$163.1 million in term borrowings to subsidiaries of
Spectra Energy in partial consideration for the assets
contributed to us upon the closing of this offering. The term
borrowings will be secured by an equal amount of qualifying
investment grade securities we purchase with the proceeds from
this offering. In the event the underwriters exercise their
option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 common units
from us in full, we will incur up to approximately
$30.9 million in additional term borrowings and we will
purchase and then pledge an equal amount of qualifying
investment grade securities to further secure the additional
borrowings under the credit facility. The proceeds of the
additional term loan borrowings will be used to redeem from a
subsidiary of Spectra Energy a number of common units equal to
the number of common units issued upon exercise of the
underwriters option, at a price per common unit equal to
the proceeds per common unit before expenses but after
underwriting discounts and a structuring fee. See Use of
Proceeds.
Our obligations under the revolving portion of our credit
facility will be unsecured and term borrowings will be secured
at all times by the qualifying investment grade securities in an
amount equal to or greater than the outstanding principal amount
of the term loan. We will be allowed to prepay all loans under
the credit facility in whole or in part from time to time
without a premium or penalty, subject to certain restrictions in
the credit facility. Upon any prepayment of term borrowings, the
amount of the revolving portion of our credit facility will be
automatically increased to the extent that the repayment of our
term borrowings is made in connection with a permitted
acquisition or permitted capital expenditure. Indebtedness under
the credit facility will rank equally with all our outstanding
unsecured and unsubordinated debt (except that the term loan
will have a priority claim to the securities pledged to secure
it).
The credit facility will prohibit us from making distributions
of available cash to unitholders if any default or event of
default (as defined in the credit facility) exists. Such events
of default include, among others, a default in the due
performance or observance of the covenants discussed below and a
change of control, defined as the failure of the partnership to
own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the equity of our operating
partnership or the failure of Spectra Energy to own, directly or
indirectly a majority of the voting equity of our general
partner. In addition, the credit facility contains covenants
limiting our ability to make other restricted distributions or
dividends on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement,
acquisition, cancellation or termination of partnership
interests; incur additional indebtedness; grant liens or make
certain negative pledges; make certain loans or investments;
engage in transactions with affiliates; make any material change
to the nature of our business from the midstream energy
business; make a disposition of assets; or enter into a merger,
consolidate, liquidate, wind up or dissolve. These covenants may
be modified or eliminated upon our receipt of an investment
grade rating.
In addition, the credit facility contains financial covenants
requiring us to maintain:
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an interest coverage ratio (the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA
to our consolidated interest expense (net of interest income),
in each case as defined in the credit agreement) of not less
than 2.5 to 1.0, determined as of the last day of each quarter
for the four-quarter period ending on the date of
determination; and
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a leverage ratio (the ratio of our consolidated indebtedness to
our consolidated EBITDA, in each case as defined in the credit
agreement) of not more than 5.0 to 1.0 (or, on a temporary basis
for not more than three consecutive quarters following the
consummation of certain acquisitions, not more than 5.5 to 1.0).
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If an event of default exists under the credit facility, the
lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of all
borrowings under the credit facility and demand repayment of
amounts outstanding.
99
We expect that upon the completion of this offering and our
application of the proceeds of this offering and the borrowings
under our credit facility we will be in material compliance with
all of the covenants under our credit facility and that we will
be permitted to make distributions of available cash to our
unitholders in accordance with the terms of our partnership
agreement.
Total Contractual Cash Obligations. A
summary of our total contractual cash obligations as of
December 31, 2006, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
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Less Than 1
|
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|
|
|
|
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More Than 5
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Year
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2-3 Years
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4-5 Years
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Years
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Total
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(2007)
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(2008 & 2009)
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(2010 & 2011)
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(Beyond 2011)
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Long-term debt(1)
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$
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150,000
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$
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$
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$
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$
|
150,000
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Interest on debt obligations(2)
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51,390
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8,565
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17,130
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17,130
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8,565
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Material/capital purchases
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894
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894
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Right of way payments(3)
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5,017
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5,017
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Total contractual cash obligations
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$
|
207,301
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|
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$
|
14,476
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$
|
17,130
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$
|
17,130
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$
|
158,565
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(1) |
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Represents future principal repayments of notes payable. |
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(2) |
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Represents interest expense on notes payable, based on the
stated interest rate on the notes of 5.71%. |
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(3) |
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Represents capital commitments for various right of way matters. |
In addition to the obligations existing at March 31, 2007,
with the consummation of the offering, we expect to incur
long-term debt under our new credit facility of
$288.1 million, and potential borrowings under our new
credit facility related to the underwriters option to
purchase additional common units of up to $30.9 million. We
expect interest payments on these amounts to approximate
$19.1 million per year for each year that such borrowings
are outstanding. Additionally, in connection with the closing of
this offering we will enter into an omnibus agreement with
Spectra Energy. Annual payments to Spectra Energy for general
and administrative services under the agreement will be capped
at $3.0 million.
Debt Obligations. Our debt obligations
consisted of the following at the dates indicated:
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December 31,
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March 31,
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2006
|
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2007
|
|
|
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(In thousands)
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Long-term debt(1)
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|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
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Represents 5.71% senior notes issued by East Tennessee and due
in 2012. The table does not reflect borrowings we expect to make
at the closing of this offering under our new credit facility. |
East Tennessees $150 million notes contain a
provision which requires the company to offer to redeem the
notes at par upon the occurrence of a change in control event.
On April 12, 2007, notices were sent to noteholders to
communicate this redemption offer. No noteholders accepted the
redemption offer.
Gulfstream had outstanding indebtedness of $850 million as
of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are generally economically stable and are not significantly
impacted by seasonal temperature variations and changing
commodity prices. However, all of our businesses can be
negatively affected by sustained downturns or sluggishness in
the regional economy, including reductions in demand and low
market prices for natural gas and LNG, all of which are beyond
our control and could impair our ability to meet our long-term
goals.
Changes in interest rates expose us to risk as a result of our
issuance of fixed-rate debt. We monitor market debt rates to
identify the need to mitigate this risk, including consideration
of hedging activities, if
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needed. We have not previously entered into hedging contracts to
mitigate this risk except for net sale swaps entered into by
Gulfstream in anticipation of its $850 million in offering
of senior notes in October 2005.
We are exposed to credit risk. Credit risk represents the loss
that we would incur if a counterparty fails to perform under its
contractual obligations. Our exposure generally relates to
receivables and unbilled revenue for services provided, as well
as volumes owed by customers for imbalances or gas lent by us to
them generally under our parking and lending services and
no-notice services. Where exposed to credit risk, we analyze the
counterparties financial condition prior to entering into
an agreement, establish credit limits and monitor the
appropriateness of these limits on an ongoing basis and in some
cases, require collateral agreements. Collateral agreements
provide for a counterparty to post cash or letters of credit to
the exposed party for exposure in excess of the established
threshold. The threshold amount represents an unsecured credit,
determined in accordance with our credit policy. Collateral
agreements also provide that the inability to post collateral is
sufficient cause to terminate contracts and liquidate all
positions.
In addition our standard customer contracts contain adequate
assurance provisions which allow us to suspend services, cancel
agreements or continue services to the customer after the
customer provides security for payment in a form satisfactory to
us. For the year ended December 31, 2006, approximately 89%
of our revenue is with customers who have an investment grade
credit rating or equivalent based on an analysis we have
performed.
Since the late 1990s, natural gas prices have risen from a
general range of $2.00 to $4.00 per Million British Thermal
Units, or MMBtu, to $6.00 to $8.00, with peaks above
$15.00 MMBtu. This overall rise in both gas prices and gas
price volatility has materially increased our credit risk
related to gas loaned to customers. The highest amount of gas
loaned out by us over the past 24 months at any one time to
our customers has been approximately 10.5 Bcf. The market
value of that volume, assuming an average market price of
$8.00 per Mcf, would be approximately $84 million. Our
credit exposure from gas loans is managed as part of the program
described above, and Market Hub obtains security deposits as
necessary from third parties and affiliates to cover any excess
exposure.
If any significant customer should have credit or financial
problems resulting in its delay or failure to repay the gas it
owes us, it could have a material adverse effect on our
liquidity, financial position and results of operation.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The accounting policies discussed below are considered by
management to be critical to an understanding of our combined
financial statements as their application places the most
significant demands on managements judgment. Due to the
inherent uncertainties involved with this type of judgment,
actual results could differ significantly from estimates and may
have a material adverse impact on our results of operations,
equity or cash flows. For additional information concerning our
other accounting policies, please see the Notes to the financial
statements of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
Cost-Based Regulation. We account for our
regulated operations at East Tennessee under the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation. The economic effects of
regulation can result in a regulated company recording assets
for costs that have been or are expected to be approved for
recovery from customers or recording liabilities for amounts
that are expected to be returned to customers in the
rate-setting process in a period different from the period in
which the amounts would be recorded by an unregulated
enterprise. Accordingly, we record assets and liabilities that
result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be
recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities. Management
continually assesses whether regulatory assets are probable of
future recovery by considering factors such as applicable
regulatory changes and recent rate orders applicable to other
regulated entities. Based on this continual assessment,
management believes the existing regulatory assets are probable
of recovery. These regulatory assets are classified in the
combined balance sheets as Regulatory Assets and Deferred
Debits. We periodically evaluate the applicability of
SFAS No. 71, and consider factors such as regulatory
changes and the impact
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of competition. If cost-based regulation ends or competition
increases, we may have to reduce certain of our asset balances
to reflect a market basis lower than cost and write-off the
associated regulatory assets. We had no regulatory liabilities
for the periods included in the financial statements.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of
purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired. We
evaluate goodwill for potential impairment under the guidance of
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. Under this provision, goodwill is subject to an
annual test for impairment. We have designated August 31st
as the date we perform the annual review for goodwill impairment
for our reporting units. Under the provisions of
SFAS No. 142, we perform the annual review for
goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level, which we have
determined to be an operating segment or one level below.
Impairment testing of goodwill consists of a two-step process.
The first step involves a comparison of the implied fair value
of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying
amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second
step of the process involves a comparison of the fair value and
carrying value of the goodwill of that reporting unit. If the
carrying value of the goodwill of a reporting unit exceeds the
implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is
recognized in an amount equal to the excess. Additional
impairment tests are performed between the annual reviews if
events or changes in circumstances make it more likely than not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying
amount.
We use a discounted cash flow analysis to determine fair value.
Key assumptions in the determination of fair value include the
use of an appropriate discount rate and estimated future cash
flows. In estimating cash flows, we incorporate expected growth
rates, regulatory stability and the ability to renew contracts,
as well as other factors that affect revenue and expense
forecasts. We did not record any impairment of goodwill in 2006,
2005 and 2004 and there have been no additions, amortizations,
or other changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the
years then ended. Goodwill of our sole operating segment, East
Tennessee, was $118.3 million at December 31, 2006 and
2005.
Equity Method Investments. We account for
investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates, and investments in
less than 20% owned affiliates where we have the ability to
exercise significant influence, under the equity method.
Accordingly, our 24.5% interest in Gulfstream and 50.0% interest
in Market Hub are accounted for under the equity method.
New
Accounting Standards
FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109. In July 2006, the FASB issued
FIN 48, which provides guidance on accounting for income
tax positions about which the Company has concluded there is a
level of uncertainty with respect to the recognition in its
financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a minimum
recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet. Tax
positions are defined very broadly and include not only tax
deductions and credits but also decisions not to file in a
particular jurisdiction, as well as the taxability of
transactions. The Company implemented FIN 48 effective
January 1, 2007. The implementation had no material impact
on the financial statements. Upon implementation of FIN 48,
the Company will now reflect interest expense related to taxes
as Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. In addition, subsequent accounting for FIN 48
(after January 1, 2007) will involve an evaluation to
determine if any changes have occurred that would impact the
existing uncertain tax positions as well as determining whether
any new tax positions are uncertain. Any impacts resulting from
the evaluation of existing uncertain tax positions or from the
recognition of new uncertain tax positions would impact Income
Tax Expense and Interest Expense.
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BUSINESS
Overview
We are a growth-oriented Delaware limited partnership recently
formed by Spectra Energy to own and operate natural gas
transportation and storage assets. Our initial assets consist of
interests in two interstate natural gas pipeline systems located
in the southeastern United States with over 2,100 miles of
pipelines, interests in two natural gas storage facilities in
Texas and Louisiana with aggregate working gas storage capacity
of approximately 35 Bcf and a liquefied natural gas, or LNG,
storage facility in Tennessee.
We intend to utilize the significant experience of Spectra
Energys management team to execute our growth strategy,
including the acquisition and construction of additional energy
assets. Spectra Energy, which is comprised of the former natural
gas businesses of Duke Energy Corporation, became a stand-alone
publicly traded company in January 2007. At December 31,
2006, Spectra Energy had approximately 17,500 miles of
natural gas transportation pipelines and approximately
265 Bcf of natural gas storage capacity (including the
assets to be contributed to us).
Our
Assets
East Tennessee System. We own and
operate 100% of the approximately
1,400-mile
East Tennessee interstate natural gas transportation system,
which extends from central Tennessee eastward into southwest
Virginia and northern North Carolina, and southward into
northern Georgia. East Tennessee supports the growing energy
demands of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United
States through its connection to 19 receipt points and more than
175 delivery points and its market delivery capability of
approximately 1.3 Bcf/d of natural gas. East Tennessee also
owns and operates an LNG storage facility in Kingsport,
Tennessee with working gas storage capacity of approximately 1.0
Bcf and regasification capability of 150 MMcf/d.
Gulfstream System. We own a 24.5%
interest in the approximately
690-mile
Gulfstream interstate natural gas transportation system, which
extends from Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama across
the Gulf of Mexico and into Florida. Gulfstream supports the
fast growing south and central Florida markets through its
connection to seven receipt points and 19 delivery points and
its market delivery capability of approximately 1.1 Bcf/d
of natural gas. Spectra Energy and The Williams Companies, Inc.,
respectively, own the remaining 25.5% and 50.0% interests in
Gulfstream and jointly operate the system.
Market Hub System. We own a 50.0%
interest in Market Hub, which owns and operates two
high-deliverability salt cavern natural gas storage facilities
located in Acadia Parish, Louisiana and Liberty County, Texas.
These two facilities have aggregate working gas storage capacity
of approximately 35 Bcf and interconnect with 12 major
natural gas pipeline systems. Market Hubs storage
facilities offer access to natural gas supplies from Texas,
Louisiana and growing imports of LNG to the Gulf Coast, and each
facility interconnects with Spectra Energys Texas Eastern
System. A subsidiary of Spectra Energy owns the remaining 50.0%
interest in Market Hub and operates the system.
Our
Operations
We transport and store natural gas for a broad mix of customers,
including local gas distribution companies, or LDCs, municipal
utilities, interstate and intrastate pipelines, direct
industrial users, electric power generators, marketers and
producers. In addition to serving directly connected
Southeastern markets, our pipeline and storage systems have
access to customers in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern and
Midwestern regions of the United States through numerous
interconnections with major pipelines. Our rates are regulated
under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, rate-making
policies, and, in the case of our storage facility in Texas, by
the Texas Railroad Commission, or TRC.
We provide a significant portion of our transportation and
storage services through firm contracts that obligate our
customers to pay us monthly capacity reservation fees, which are
fixed charges owed to us regardless of the actual pipeline or
storage capacity utilized by a customer. When a customer
utilizes the
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capacity it has reserved under these contracts, we also collect
a variable fee based on the actual volume of natural gas
transported or stored. This enables us to recover our variable
costs. Variable fees are typically a small percentage of the
total fees we receive from our firm contracts. We also derive a
smaller portion of our revenues through interruptible contracts
under which our customers pay fees based on their actual
utilization of our assets for transportation and storage
services and other related services. Customers who have executed
interruptible contracts are not assured capacity in our pipeline
and storage facilities. To the extent that physical capacity
that is contracted for firm service is not being fully utilized,
we can contract that capacity for interruptible service. The
table below sets forth certain information regarding our assets,
our contracts and our revenues and the percentage of our
physical capacity sold under firm contracts, as of and for the
year ended December 31, 2006:
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Weighted
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Revenue Composition %
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% of Physical
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Average
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Firm Contracts
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Capacity
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Remaining
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Capacity
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Subscribed
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Contract Life by
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Our Ownership
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Reservation
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Variable
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Interruptible
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Under
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Revenue (in
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Asset
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Interest
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Fees
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Fees
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Contracts
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Firm Contracts
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years)(1)
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East Tennessee
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100.0
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97.7
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1.7
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0.6
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89.7
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9.3
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Gulfstream
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24.5
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%
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85.6
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2.9
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11.5
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%
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68.8
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20.2
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Market Hub
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50.0
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90.0
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0.0
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10.0
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100.0
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2.4
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The average life of each contract is calculated based on the
average annual contract revenue for such contracts
remaining life. |
The high percentage of our earnings derived from capacity
reservation fees mitigates the risk to us of earnings
fluctuations caused by changing supply and demand conditions.
For additional information about our contracts, please see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations How We Evaluate
Our Operations and Regulation.
Business
Strategies
Our primary business objective is to increase our cash
distributions per unit over time by executing the following
strategies:
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Pursuing economically attractive organic expansion
opportunities and greenfield construction
projects. We and our partners, including
Spectra Energy, continually evaluate organic expansion and
greenfield construction opportunities in existing and new
markets that may increase the volume of natural gas and storage
capacity reserved on our systems. For example, two
fully-contracted expansion projects are currently being pursued
for Gulfstream. These projects will extend the system into South
Florida and will increase the systems total capacity from
1.1 Bcf/d to 1.25 Bcf/d by early 2009. One of the
projects has already received FERC approval and the other has an
application pending with FERC for approval. On the East
Tennessee system, our recently completed Jewell Ridge Lateral
and Patriot Extension expansions have provided East
Tennessees customers with increased access to new sources
of supply while extending our market reach and offering
additional organic growth opportunities as these systems are
further expanded. Finally, we and Spectra Energy are currently
pursuing an expansion of the Market Hub storage facility in
Egan, Louisiana to increase compression horsepower and increase
its working gas storage capacity from 20 Bcf to 24 Bcf
by 2008. An application is currently pending with FERC for
approval to further expand Egan to 32 Bcf by 2012. Each of these
expansions will allow the facility to accommodate additional LNG
deliveries anticipated in the Gulf Coast region.
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Increasing contracted capacity for natural gas
transportation and storage on our systems by further expanding
our customer base and diverse sources of natural gas
supply. To reduce the risk of natural gas
supply interruptions, customers frequently seek capacity on
pipelines and in storage facilities that have diverse sources of
natural gas supply. Our transportation and storage systems have
access to numerous natural gas producing regions, including the
Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent and Appalachian regions. Additionally,
new interstate pipeline interconnection projects are being
developed to augment our customers needs, such as an
interconnect between East Tennessee and
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Midwestern Pipeline. We are also adding new customers as a
result of our connection of new Appalachian production on the
East Tennessee system. As further described under
Natural Gas Industry Overview
Natural Gas Supply, we anticipate that LNG will become
another significant source of supply accessible through our
assets, allowing us to increase natural gas volumes contracted
for transportation and storage on our systems. Our existing and
new customers also benefit from numerous pipeline
interconnections, which further minimize the risk of supply
interruptions by providing additional sources of natural gas
supply. We will continue to seek new sources of natural gas
supply to enhance the attractiveness of our systems to current
and future customers.
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Optimizing our existing assets and achieving additional
operating efficiencies. We intend to enhance
the profitability of our existing assets by undertaking
additional initiatives to enhance utilization, improve operating
efficiencies and develop rate and contract structures that meet
our customers needs. We provide our customers with an
array of service offerings designed to address their needs while
helping us to maximize the utilization of existing capacity of
our systems. For example, we actively seek new customers with
non-traditional peak load requirements to increase overall
system utilization over time. Our assets are managed to ensure
their operations keep fuel costs low and maintenance projects
are pursued that provide the dual benefits of improving the
integrity of our systems while also providing additional
saleable capacity. To further meet both our and our
customers needs, we intend to continue to utilize a
variety of rate and contract structures to provide year-round
optimization in the operation and utilization of our assets.
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Growing through strategic and accretive acquisitions of
assets from third parties, Spectra Energy or
both. We intend to expand our existing
natural gas transportation and storage businesses by pursuing
acquisitions that are accretive to distributable cash flow. In
recent years, major independent and integrated oil and gas
companies have sold pipeline and storage assets in an effort to
focus their operations. We expect this trend to continue and
believe we are well positioned to take advantage of future
acquisition opportunities. We will seek future acquisitions in
areas where our assets currently operate that provide the
opportunity for operational efficiencies or higher capacity
utilization of our existing assets, as well as acquisitions in
new geographic areas of operation. Certain factors we will
consider in deciding whether to pursue an acquisition include,
but are not limited to, the overall economic characteristics of
the acquisition (such as return on capital and cash flow
stability), the region in which the assets are located (both
regions contiguous to our existing assets and new regions) and
the availability and sources of capital to finance the
acquisition. We intend to pursue acquisitions either
independently or jointly with Spectra Energy. In addition to
making acquisitions from third parties, we may also have the
opportunity to acquire assets directly from Spectra Energy,
although we cannot predict whether any such opportunities will
be made available to us. We believe our affiliation with Spectra
Energy positions us to pursue a broader array of growth
opportunities than may be available to our competitors, although
no acquisitions are currently under active consideration.
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Competitive
Strengths
We believe we are well positioned to execute our primary
business objective because of the following competitive
strengths:
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Our ability to grow through organic expansion
opportunities, greenfield construction projects and
acquisitions, along with access to other business development
opportunities, is enhanced by our affiliation with Spectra
Energy. As the owner of our general partner
and an 83.2% limited partner interest in us, and the joint owner
of our Gulfstream and Market Hub assets, Spectra Energy is
motivated to promote and support the successful execution of our
business plan, and to pursue projects that directly or
indirectly enhance the value of our assets. For example, East
Tennessee benefits from its interconnections with Spectra
Energys Texas Eastern transportation system and Saltville
gas storage business, and Gulfstream should benefit from
additional natural gas supplies originating from Spectra
Energys new interconnected Southeast Supply Header, or
SESH, joint venture expected to be completed in 2008. Through
our relationship with Spectra Energy, we will
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have access to a significant pool of management talent, strong
commercial relationships throughout the energy industry and
access to Spectra Energys broad operational, commercial,
technical, risk management and administrative infrastructure.
Spectra Energy has a long history of successfully pursuing and
consummating natural gas transportation and storage operations
acquisitions through a disciplined acquisition strategy focused
on acquiring complementary assets and integrating the acquired
assets into its operations. Spectra Energy has completed over
$10 billion in acquisitions since 2000.
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Our natural gas transportation assets are strategically
located to transport natural gas from a number of diverse supply
regions to high-demand end-use markets. Our
pipeline systems have access to a diverse range of natural gas
supply regions, including the onshore and offshore Gulf Coast,
Mid-Continent and Appalachian regions, both directly and through
interconnections with numerous interstate and intrastate
pipelines. Our pipeline systems transport natural gas directly
to rapidly growing, high-demand markets in the Southeast,
including Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and North
Carolina, and indirectly supply the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
markets through interconnections with other interstate
pipelines. Our ability to reliably transport gas from diverse
supply regions makes us attractive to customers that are
consumers of natural gas, and our access to multiple high-demand
end-use markets is appealing to customers that are producers of
natural gas. Together, these attributes increase the flexibility
and reliability of our transportation offerings and allow us to
increase the volumes of natural gas contracted for
transportation and storage on our systems.
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Our storage assets are strategically positioned to
capitalize on expected increased demand for natural gas
storage. Over time, we expect imported LNG to
fill a portion of the gap between traditional sources of natural
gas supply and the growing demand for natural gas in the United
States. Accordingly, we anticipate increased demand for natural
gas storage as LNG imports to the Gulf Coast are significantly
increased. LNG is typically delivered to the United States in
large tanker shipments, with significant supplies of natural gas
in a single shipment. Because demand for natural gas is
relatively constant, natural gas storage will be an important
component in balancing the LNG supply chain. Our storage assets
are strategically located in the Gulf Coast region in proximity
to anticipated LNG imports. As of February 16, 2007, there
were two LNG terminals operating in the Gulf of Mexico or the
Gulf Coast area, and 14 out of the 15 additional LNG terminals
proposed for the Gulf Coast region had already received approval
for construction.
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Our cash flow is relatively stable due to the high
percentage of our assets revenues obtained from capacity
reservation fees and the long-term nature of our
contracts. We provide a significant portion
of our pipeline transportation and storage services under firm,
fee-based contracts for terms ranging up to 23 years. Our
systems have weighted average remaining contract lives based on
contracted revenues of approximately 9.3 years for East
Tennessee, 20.2 years for Gulfstream and 2.4 years for
Market Hub. Capacity reservation fees represented approximately
97.7%, 85.6% and 90.0% of East Tennessees,
Gulfstreams and Market Hubs revenues, respectively,
for the year ended December 31, 2006. This contract
structure reduces the risk of revenue fluctuations caused by
changes in weather or changing supply and demand conditions and
therefore provides us with greater stability of cash flows.
Additionally, we have little direct commodity price exposure, as
we generally do not own the gas we transport for our customers
and are entitled to reimbursement for natural gas used as fuel
in most of our operations.
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Our management team has significant experience in the
management of natural gas transportation and storage and energy
industries. Our general partners
management team has extensive experience in building, acquiring,
integrating and managing energy assets in a reliable and
cost-effective manner and includes some of the most senior
officers of Spectra Energy. On average, the members of our
general partners management team have over 20 years
of experience in the energy industry, with significant
commercial, operational, acquisition and business development
expertise.
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Our high quality assets have been well
maintained. Our natural gas pipelines and
storage facilities consist of high quality assets that have been
well maintained, resulting in low cost, efficient operations.
Our recently constructed Gulfstream and Market Hub systems
utilize the latest available natural gas transportation and
storage equipment and technology. We have been recognized by the
industry for our use of superior maintenance practices aimed at
improving the reliability of our assets and sustaining their
useful life. Additionally, Spectra Energy, through its role in
the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, has actively
shaped new industry maintenance regulations such as the
U.S. Department of Transportations Gas Transmission
Pipeline Integrity Management program, and has been an industry
leader in implementing pipeline integrity standards.
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While we have set forth our strategies and competitive strengths
above, our business involves numerous risks and uncertainties
which may prevent us from executing our strategies. These risks
include difficulties in completing existing expansion or
greenfield projects or identifying economically attractive new
expansion and greenfield opportunities, adverse impacts relating
to regulatory rules affecting our assets, difficulties in
securing additional contracted capacity on our systems, the loss
of certain key customers, and the potential inability to
identify or consummate accretive acquisitions. For a more
complete description of the risks associated with an investment
in us, please see Risk Factors.
Our
Relationship with Spectra Energy
One of our principal attributes is our relationship with Spectra
Energy, which will own our general partner and a significant
interest in us following this offering. Spectra Energy is
comprised of the former natural gas businesses of Duke Energy
and became a stand-alone publicly traded company in January
2007. Spectra Energy owns and operates a large and diversified
portfolio of complementary natural gas-related energy assets and
is one of North Americas leading midstream natural gas
companies. Spectra Energy, which trades on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol SE, serves three key links
in the natural gas value chain: gathering and processing,
transportation and storage and distribution. Through its
interests in five U.S. pipeline systems and three Canadian
pipeline systems, Spectra Energy owns and operates one of the
largest long-haul natural gas pipeline networks in North America
consisting of approximately 17,500 miles of transportation
pipelines. In addition, Spectra Energy is one of the largest
operators of natural gas storage in North America with eleven
storage facilities with total working gas capacity of
approximately 265 Bcf (including East Tennessees LNG
facility and Market Hub), and owns a 50.0% interest in DCP
Midstream, LLC (previously known as Duke Energy Field Services,
LLC), which is the largest natural gas liquids producer in North
America. DCP Midstream, LLC owns the general partner interest
and a 40.7% limited partner interest in DCP Midstream Partners,
LP, which is a midstream master limited partnership.
Upon the completion of this offering, Spectra Energy will own
our 2% general partner interest, all of our incentive
distribution rights and an 83.2% limited partner interest in us.
We will enter into an omnibus agreement with Spectra Energy and
some of its affiliates that will govern our relationship with
them regarding certain reimbursement and indemnification
matters. Please read Certain Relationships and Related
Party Transactions Omnibus Agreement. While
our relationship with Spectra Energy and its subsidiaries is a
significant attribute, it may also be a source of conflicts. For
example, neither Spectra Energy nor any of its affiliates are
prohibited from competing with us. Spectra Energy and its
affiliates may acquire, construct or dispose of assets in the
future without any obligation to offer us the opportunity to
purchase or construct those assets. Please read Conflicts
of Interest and Fiduciary Duties.
Natural
Gas Industry Overview
Natural gas is a critical component of energy consumption in the
United States. The U.S. natural gas pipeline grid
transports natural gas from producing regions to customers, such
as LDCs, industrial users and electric generation facilities.
Interstate pipelines carry natural gas across state boundaries
and are subject to FERC regulation on (1) the rates charged
for their services, (2) the terms and conditions of their
services, and (3) the location, construction and
abandonment of their facilities. Intrastate pipelines transport
natural gas within a particular state and are typically not
subject to FERC regulation. In 2005, based on data from
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the EIA, the U.S. natural gas pipeline grid included more than
210 mainline natural gas pipeline systems, 109 of which were
interstate systems with the balance consisting of intrastate
systems. Interstate natural gas pipeline systems account for
more than 148 Bcf/d of total U.S. natural gas transportation
capacity and approximately 213,000 miles of natural gas pipeline.
Natural gas storage plays a vital role in maintaining the
reliability of gas available for deliveries. Natural gas is
typically stored in underground storage facilities, including
salt dome caverns and depleted reservoirs. Storage facilities
are utilized by (1) pipelines, to manage temporary
imbalances in operations, (2) natural gas end-users, such
as LDCs, to manage the seasonality of demand and to satisfy
future natural gas needs and (3) independent natural gas
marketing and trading companies in connection with the execution
of their trading strategies. Natural gas storage is expected to
become an increasingly important component in managing the
supply and demand imbalance created by significant LNG shipments.
Natural
Gas Demand
Substantially all natural gas consumed in the United States is
transported to the ultimate end-user on the natural gas pipeline
grid. Therefore, utilization of the pipeline grid is highly
correlated with growth in domestic consumption of natural gas.
According to EIA, natural gas consumption in the United States
is expected to grow from 60.2 Bcf/d in 2005 to
70.1 Bcf/d in 2017, or by approximately 1.3% per year.
U.S. Natural Gas Consumption
Source: Energy
Information Administration, February 2007.
The industrial and electricity generation sectors are the
largest users of natural gas in the United States. During the
three years ended December 31, 2006, these two sectors
accounted for approximately 57% of the total natural gas
consumed in the United States. Additionally, significant natural
gas demand comes from the residential and commercial sectors.
Demand for natural gas is usually greater during the winter,
primarily due to residential and commercial heating
applications. Natural gas produced in excess of that which is
used during the summer months is typically stored to meet the
increased demand for natural gas during the winter months.
However, with the recent trend towards natural gas fired
electric generation, demand for natural gas during the summer
months is now increasing to satisfy additional electricity
requirements for residential and commercial cooling. For
example, according to a July 2006 Florida Reliability
Coordinating Council report, natural gas used for electric
generation in the Florida market is expected to grow by
approximately 7.1% per year for the period from
2006-2015,
increasing from 556 Bcf in 2006 to 1,033 Bcf in 2015. This
growth is largely
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due to an increasing demand for natural gas fired electric
generation to meet both a growing population base and a growing
per capita demand for electricity. In addition, according to the
EIA, overall demand for natural gas consumption in the markets
we serve is expected to grow by approximately 2.1% per year
for the period from
2006-2012,
from 12.3 Bcf/d in 2006 to 13.9 Bcf/d in 2012.
Natural
Gas Supply
According to the EIA, domestic gas production in the United
States is not expected to keep pace with domestic consumption.
Production in the lower 48 states is estimated to grow
0.7% per year, from 50.1 Bcf/d in 2005 to 54.3 Bcf/d
in 2017. This compares to estimated U.S. natural gas demand
in 2012 of 67.3 Bcf/d.
U.S. Natural Gas Production
Source: Energy
Information Administration, February 2007.
While supply in certain areas in which we operate is
experiencing an increase in production and reserves, traditional
supply in other regions of the country in which we operate is
beginning to decline. As supply from these areas declines, or
becomes less attractive because of vulnerability to hurricanes
and other disruptions, the national supply profile is shifting
to new, and, in some cases, to non-conventional sources of gas.
The bulk of this supply shortfall is expected to be met through
natural gas imports from Canada as well as through LNG imports,
the majority of which are expected to be delivered through
terminals along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The Gulf Coast region of the United States, which includes
offshore Gulf of Mexico and East Texas, is the most prolific
U.S. natural gas producing region. Based on data from EIA,
the Gulf Coast region accounted for approximately 45% of
U.S. natural gas supply in 2005, producing approximately
22 Bcf/d. The EIA projects aggregate gas production from
this region for the period from 2006 to 2012 to grow
approximately 0.8% per year. According to the EIA, natural
gas production from onshore conventional sources and shallow
waters in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to decline, though this
decline is expected to be more than offset by expanding natural
gas exploration and development activities in onshore
unconventional tight gas plays, such as the Barnett Shale and
Bossier Sands of North and East Texas, as well as increased
exploration activities in deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
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LNG imports are expected to grow on average by 16% per year
for the period between 2005 and 2017. The table below shows the
EIAs estimate of LNG imports into the Gulf Coast region
through 2017.
U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Import Volume
Source: Energy
Information Administration, February 2007.
LNG is expected to become an important part of the
U.S. energy market. According to the EIA, LNGs share
of total U.S. natural gas supply could be as high as 17% by
2025. Unlike domestic production however, LNG imports will not
provide a steady stream of supply because the number and timing
of deliveries are driven by spot prices that fluctuate with
market dynamics, and individual deliveries involve the receipt
of large volumes within a relatively short period of time. Given
the extensive pipeline infrastructure and available natural gas
processing capability in and around the region, the Gulf Coast
is the target for approximately 15 of the 40 proposed
U.S. onshore and offshore LNG terminals. LNG projects for
this area are, on average, larger than those planned for other
U.S. locations. In addition, due to the large existing
industrial base located in the region and less anticipated
resistance from the local population, more of these projects are
likely to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and be
developed more expeditiously than proposed projects located in
other areas of the country.
Two additional aspects of natural gas supply are particularly
relevant for owners and operators of interstate pipeline
systems. The first aspect is the desire by natural gas customers
and regulators for greater diversity of natural gas supply
sources. Supply disruptions caused by hurricanes and other
factors have highlighted the importance to customers of access
to multiple supply basins. An example of the way in which
pipeline companies can help address this need is the SESH 50/50
joint venture between Spectra Energy and CenterPoint Energy.
SESH, comprised of 36 and 42 pipelines, will
diversify Gulfstreams supply sources by bringing natural
gas produced in the onshore Louisiana, East Texas and
Mid-Continent supply regions to a new interconnect with
Gulfstream. SESH is expected to be completed in 2008.
The second aspect of natural gas supply relevant to owners and
operators of interstate pipeline systems is the need for
improved takeaway capacity from certain natural gas producing
regions. For example, certain natural gas producing regions,
such as the Appalachian Basin, will be an important part of
U.S. natural gas supply in the future because of their
long-lived natural gas reserves. Although the Appalachian Basin
is one of the more mature gas producing regions in the United
States, it has suffered in recent years from below average
natural gas pricing due to inadequate transportation to
neighboring markets. Regional pipeline expansion projects such
as East Tennessees Patriot Extension and Jewell Ridge
Lateral expansions have
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resulted in improved takeaway capacity and have therefore
enabled certain Appalachian producers to sell their natural gas
at a premium to regional benchmark prices.
Our Asset
Portfolio
East
Tennessee Natural Gas System
General. We own and operate 100% of the
approximately 1,400 mile East Tennessee interstate natural
gas transportation system, which extends from central Tennessee
eastward into southwest Virginia and northern North Carolina,
and southward into northern Georgia. Since acquiring East
Tennessee in 2000, Spectra Energy has almost doubled the market
delivery capability of the East Tennessee pipeline by investing
in expansion projects designed to meet the growth needs of its
traditional customers and reach new customers in adjacent
markets. As a result, East Tennessee has evolved to become a
major transportation link between markets in the Mid-Atlantic
and supply sources previously inaccessible to those markets,
such as Appalachian production, neighboring long haul pipelines
and large salt cavern storage facilities.
East Tennessee is connected to 19 receipt points and more than
175 delivery points and has a market delivery capability of
approximately 1.3 Bcf/d of natural gas to support the
growing energy demands of the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic
regions of the United States. East Tennessee is also connected
to Spectra Energys 4 Bcf Saltville gas storage
facility, which is a source of additional supplies of natural
gas for transportation. East Tennessee has pipeline diameters
ranging from 8 to 24 and has 21 compressor stations
with 97,000 horsepower of compression.
We also own and operate East Tennessees LNG storage
facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, with total working gas
capacity of approximately 1.0 Bcf and regasification
capability of 150 MMcf/d. The facility provides our
customers with turn-key services consisting of the liquefaction
of natural gas and the storage and regasification of LNG.
In addition to field operations offices along the pipeline, East
Tennessee has an office in Knoxville, Tennessee that conducts
commercial activities in conjunction with our Houston-based
staff.
In 2003, East Tennessee placed into service the approximately
$302 million Patriot Extension, which linked East Tennessee
with markets in North Carolina and the broader Mid-Atlantic. The
Patriot Extension includes 95 miles of new 24
pipeline from East Tennessees mainline to an
interconnection point on The Williams Companies Transco
pipeline in North Carolina and has added approximately
400 MMcf/d of incremental system capacity. By providing
access to natural gas deliveries to the North Carolina and
Mid-Atlantic markets through an interconnection with the Transco
pipeline, the Patriot Extension provides a desirable outlet for
new supplies of Appalachian production accessed by the Jewell
Ridge Lateral expansion project. The approximately
$60 million Jewell Ridge Lateral, placed into service in
October 2006, is a
32-mile,
20 pipeline extending from East Tennessees mainline
to an interconnection with the Cardinal States Gathering System,
where it can access up to 228 MMcf/d of new and existing
Appalachian production.
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East Tennessee Customers. East
Tennessee has approximately 160 firm transportation contracts
with over 60 customers, including LDCs, utilities, direct served
industrials, natural gas marketers and producers and power
generators. East Tennessees three largest customers for
the year ended December 31, 2006 were Atmos Energy
Corporation, KGen Partners and AGL Resources, which accounted
for approximately 18%, 13% and 10% of East Tennessees
revenues, respectively. Since Spectra Energys acquisition
of East Tennessee in 2000, East Tennessees revenue from
firm transportation customers has changed from predominately
utilities and industrial end-users to a mix of utilities,
industrial end-users, power generators, natural gas marketers
and producers and large LDCs in new market areas such as North
Carolina and Virginia. In 2002, approximately 94% of East
Tennessees total capacity was utilized by utilities and
industrial end-users while that same customer group decreased to
64% of East Tennessees capacity in 2006. As a result of
recent supply and market expansion projects, East Tennessee has
added several significant new customers to the system, including
CNX Gas Corporation, Washington Gas Light, Piedmont Natural Gas,
Carolina Power & Light (Progress Energy) and Sequent
Energy. These customers are expected to significantly contribute
to East Tennessees revenue in 2007, and represent a
significant change from East Tennessees historical
customer mix.
Demand from East Tennessees customers is expected to
continue to increase, primarily due to additional demand for
natural gas-fired electric generation and an increase in the use
of natural gas furnaces for residential heating systems,
particularly in new home construction.
East Tennessee Contracts. East
Tennessee contracts with its customers to provide firm and
interruptible transportation services. East Tennessees
firm transportation service customers generally pay fees based
on the volume of capacity reserved on the system regardless of
the capacity actually used, plus a variable charge based on the
volume of natural gas actually transported that enables us to
recover certain variable
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costs. As a result, firm transportation revenues typically
remain relatively constant over the term of the contract.
Maximum and minimum rates for services are governed by East
Tennessees FERC-approved natural gas tariff. East
Tennessee can agree to discount services or in certain cases can
enter into negotiated rate agreements that, with FERC approval,
can have rates or other terms that are different than those
provided for in the FERC tariff. The rates in the majority of
firm contracts are subject to the maximum rates prescribed in
East Tennessees tariff.
In 2005, East Tennessee entered into a rate settlement with its
customers which established new base rates under the tariff. The
2005 rate settlement provides East Tennessee rate certainty
through the settlements expiration in 2010, at which time
East Tennessees rates will remain the same, subject to
further negotiation or the filing of a rate case. Neither
regulation nor the terms of the settlement require East
Tennessee to file a rate case at any time. For a discussion of
the regulatory influences on East Tennessees contracts,
see Regulation.
East Tennessee also provides interruptible transportation
services under which gas is transported for customers when
operationally feasible and customers pay only for the actual
volume of gas transported. Under both its firm transportation
and interruptible transportation contracts, East Tennessee
retains, at no cost, a fixed percentage of the natural gas it
transports in order to supply the fuel needed for natural gas
compression on the system.
Under East Tennessees firm LNG storage service contracts,
its customers are allowed to inject specified volumes of natural
gas into the LNG facility during the summer months and withdraw
the same volume of natural gas during the winter months.
As of December 31, 2006, East Tennessees firm
transportation and storage contracts had a weighted average
remaining life of approximately 9.3 years. For the year
ended December 31, 2006, approximately 97.7% of East
Tennessees revenues were derived from capacity reservation
charges under firm contracts (including LNG storage services),
approximately 1.7% of East Tennessees revenues were
derived from variable usage fees under firm contracts and
approximately 0.6% of East Tennessees revenues were
derived from interruptible transportation contracts.
East Tennessee Competition. The
mountainous geography of the regions served by East Tennessee
creates natural barriers to entry that make competition from new
pipeline entrants difficult and expensive. As a result, we are
the sole source of interstate natural gas transportation for
many of the firm capacity customers that transport natural gas
on East Tennessee. At both ends of our system, we are subject to
competition from other pipelines. For example, our customers on
the southeastern end of our system in Alabama, Georgia and
Tennessee are directly served by other interstate pipelines, as
are some customers on the western and northeastern ends of our
system.
Much of East Tennessees recent growth has come from
expansion opportunities into the Southeastern market area,
including customers located adjacent to the Transco pipeline in
the Carolinas and the lower Mid-Atlantic states. Many of these
customers were formerly solely supplied by Transco, and East
Tennessee provides them with alternative sources of natural gas
supply through our access to Appalachian natural gas production
and additional natural gas storage facilities through the
Patriot Extension. East Tennessee provides customers in this
market with a lower cost alternative for incremental supply
additions in direct competition with the Transco pipeline.
Natural gas is in direct competition with electricity for
residential and commercial heating demand in East
Tennessees market area. While this competition does not
directly affect our firm sales, our LDC customers growth
is partially dependent upon the installation of natural gas
furnaces in new home construction. Although substitution of
electric heat for natural gas heat could have a long term effect
on our customers demand requirements, East Tennessee has
already benefited from the addition of new natural gas fired
electric generation constructed in proximity to our pipeline.
An increase in competition in the region served by East
Tennessee could arise from new ventures or expanded operations
from existing competitors. Other competitive factors include the
quantity, location and
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physical flow characteristics of interconnected pipelines, the
ability to offer service from multiple storage or production
locations, and the cost of service and rates offered by our
competitors. Other competitive factors include the quantity,
location and physical flow characteristics of interconnected
pipelines, any of which could enable our competitors to better
meet customer pressure and delivery requirements.
East Tennessee Natural Gas Supply. The
majority of East Tennessees gas supply comes from the Gulf
Coast region through Tennessee Gas, as its primary supplier, as
well as through Texas Eastern and to a lesser degree Southern
Natural Gas and Columbia Gulf. East Tennessee also receives
natural gas supply from the Appalachian region through Equitable
Resources. East Tennessee also recently began to receive natural
gas supply from CNX Gas through the Jewell Ridge Lateral.
Natural gas withdrawn from East Tennessees LNG storage
facility and other on-system storage fields, including Spectra
Energys Saltville natural gas storage facility, provide
East Tennessee with additional supply sources used to supplement
peaking demand. Midwestern Natural Gas has announced that it
expects to complete a new pipeline interconnection with East
Tennessee by the end of 2007 that will provide additional
natural gas supply to East Tennessee.
Gulfstream
Natural Gas System
General. We own a 24.5% interest in the
approximately
690-mile
Gulfstream interstate natural gas transportation system.
Gulfstream is an interstate natural gas pipeline with market
delivery capacity of approximately 1.1 Bcf/d that runs from
Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama across the Gulf of
Mexico and into the fast growing south and central Florida
market. Gulfstreams market area is characterized by strong
population growth and increasing per capita energy consumption.
The Gulfstream pipeline is primarily 30 and 36 in
diameter and currently includes approximately 242 miles of
onshore pipeline in Florida, 15 miles of onshore pipeline
in Alabama and Mississippi and 435 miles of offshore
pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulfstreams facilities
also include gas treatment facilities and compressor station in
Coden, Alabama. The compressor station contains three
37,900 horsepower compressor units, one of which serves
solely as a back-up unit in the event of an outage of any of the
other units.
Gulfstream customers have access to seven supply injection
points in Mississippi and Alabama with approximately
3.4 Bcf/d of aggregate natural gas interconnect capacity.
Natural gas is delivered by Gulfstream to 19 delivery points
throughout southern and central Florida.
Gulfstream was jointly developed by Spectra Energy and The
Williams Companies in two phases at a total cost of
approximately $1.7 billion. Phase I of the system
consisted of the initial 582 miles of pipeline and became
operational in May 2002, and Phase II consisted of an
additional 110 miles of pipeline that was placed in service
in February 2005. Two fully-contracted expansion projects are
currently being pursued for Gulfstream that will improve the
systems overall utilization extending the system into
South Florida and increase its total capacity from
1.1 Bcf/d to 1.25 Bcf/d by early 2009.
The estimated $135 million Phase III project will
fully subscribe the existing 1.1 Bcf/d of mainline capacity
by serving Florida Power & Light Companys
planned 2,200 megawatt, or MW, plant in Palm Beach County
through a 35-mile, 30 pipeline extension. The estimated
$117 million Phase IV project will increase mainline
capacity to 1.25 Bcf/d through a significant addition of
compression capability and an
18-mile,
20 pipeline extension to Progress Energys Bartow
plant in Pinellas County. Both of these expansions are supported
by customer contracts having
23-year
initial terms. Further expansions of this pipeline system are
feasible through the addition of increased compression
horsepower and the construction of additional pipelines in our
existing rights of way. FERC certificate approval is required
prior to commencement of construction of the Phase IV
project. The certificate application for the Phase IV
project is currently pending before FERC. In addition, in June
2007 Gulfstream initiated an open season seeking customer
interest for incremental contract capacity additions commencing
as early as 2011.
A subsidiary of Spectra Energy retains a 25.5% interest in
Gulfstream and a subsidiary of The Williams Companies continue
to own the remaining 50.0% interest. Spectra Energy provides the
business and commercial functions for Gulfstream while The
Williams Companies provides the technical functions.
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Please see Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Contracts with Affiliates
Gulfstream Limited Liability Company Agreement for
additional information about the terms of the Gulfstream limited
liability company agreement.
Gulfstream Customers. Gulfstream
currently has 11 long-term firm transportation contracts with 9
shippers, comprised of electric utility companies and LDCs, for
the transportation of 0.75 Bcf of natural gas per day which
represents approximately 69% of Gulfstreams overall
capacity. For the year ended December 31, 2006, Florida
Power & Light Company, Florida Power Corporation and
Tampa Electric Company and its affiliates accounted for
approximately 51%, 22%, and 10%, respectively, of
Gulfstreams revenues. As noted above, the completion of
the Gulfstream Phase III project will fully subscribe the
remaining 0.35 Bcf/d of mainline capacity.
Demand growth in Gulfstreams markets is expected to be
strong, with our Florida electric utility customers expected to
add 16,000 MW of new peak power generation from 2007 to
2015, according to The 2006 Regional Load and Resource report
published by the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council.
Approximately half of this incremental electric generation is
anticipated to be gas fired, requiring over 1.0 Bcf/d of
new firm pipeline capacity. We intend to attempt to capture a
majority portion of this increased demand.
Gulfstream Contracts. Gulfstream
contracts with its customers to provide firm and interruptible
transportation services. Gulfstream also provides interruptible
park and loan services as well as operational
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balancing agreements to resolve any differences between
scheduled and actual receipts and deliveries. All of
Gulfstreams firm transportation contracts include
negotiated rates through the life of the contract. These
negotiated rates are currently less than the maximum applicable
recourse rate allowed by FERC. As of December 31, 2006,
Gulfstreams firm transportation and storage contracts had
a weighted average remaining life of approximately
20.2 years. For the year ended December 31, 2006,
approximately 85.6% of Gulfstreams revenues were derived
from capacity reservation charges under firm contracts,
approximately 2.9% of Gulfstreams revenues were derived
from variable usage fees under firm contracts and approximately
11.5% of Gulfstreams revenues were derived from
interruptible transportation contracts.
Gulfstream Competition. Within the
Florida market for natural gas, Gulfstream competes with other
pipelines that transport and supply natural gas to end-users.
Gulfstreams competitors attempt to either attract new
supply or attach new load to their pipelines, including those
that are currently connected to markets served by Gulfstream.
Gulfstreams most direct competitor is Florida Gas
Transmission Company, a subsidiary of Citrus Corp., which owns
an approximately
5,000-mile
pipeline extending from south Texas to south Florida with
mainline capacity of 2.1 Bcf/d. Florida Gas Transmission plans
to upgrade its pipeline to receive gas in Jacksonville, Florida
from Southern Natural Gas proposed Cypress pipeline, which
is expected to extend from its existing pipeline in Chatham
County, Georgia and interconnect with a Florida Gas Transmission
pipeline in Clay County, Florida.
An increase in competition in the market could arise from new
ventures or expanded operations from existing competitors. Other
competitive factors include the quantity, location and physical
flow characteristics of interconnected pipelines, any of which
could enable our competitors to better meet customer pressure
and delivery requirements. Our competition may access multiple
storage locations offering a wider range of service flexibility,
and the cost of service and rates offered by our competitors may
be lower than ours or offered on shorter terms, providing
customers with greater flexibility.
Gulfstream Natural Gas
Supply. Gulfstream shippers increasingly have
the option of buying natural gas supplies from a wide range of
producers in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and from onshore sites
along the entire Gulf Coast. Gulfstream is interconnected to
numerous supply pipelines in the Mobile Bay area. Currently,
shippers have the option to inject supply at seven access
points. In addition, anticipated increasing LNG imports along
the Gulf Coast should further diversify the gas supplies
available to Gulfstreams customers, potentially offsetting
some of the risks associated with offshore Gulf of Mexico
natural gas production
In June of 2008, Gulfstream expects to have access to supplies
delivered by Spectra Energys SESH joint venture. SESH will
originate in Perryville, LA, interconnect with Gulfstream and
provide our customers with access to approximately
1.0 Bcf/d of increasing production from Louisiana, East
Texas and the Mid-Continent region. Capacity commitments by
existing Gulfstream customers make up the majority of the
transportation capacity commitments to the SESH project.
Market
Hub System
General. We own a 50.0% interest in
Market Hub, the owner and operator of two high deliverability
salt cavern storage facilities located in Acadia Parish,
Louisiana and Liberty County, Texas. These two facilities have
aggregate working gas storage capacity of approximately
35 Bcf and interconnect with a total of 12 major natural
gas pipeline systems. Market Hubs storage facilities are
capable of being fully or partially filled and depleted, or
cycled, multiple times per year. This cycling
capability is a significant service component Market Hub offers
to its customers, providing them with additional operating and
financial flexibility. Market Hubs storage facilities
provide storage for natural gas supplies from Texas, Louisiana
and growing Gulf Coast LNG supplies and are strategically
located near several natural gas transportation systems,
including Spectra Energys Texas Eastern pipeline system. A
subsidiary of Spectra Energy owns the remaining 50.0% interest
in Market Hub and operates the system. Please see Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Contracts with Affiliates Market Hub General
Partnership Agreement for additional information about the
terms of the Market Hub general partnership agreement.
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The Egan storage facility, located in Acadia Parish, Louisiana,
has a working gas capacity of approximately 20 Bcf, and
includes a
38-mile
pipeline system that interconnects with seven major natural gas
pipelines. Egan offers access to Gulf Coast, Midwest, Southeast
and Northeast markets served by pipeline interconnects with
Tennessee Gas, Texas Eastern, Columbia Gulf, ANR, Texas Gas,
Trunkline and Florida Gas. Since acquiring Market Hub in 2000,
Spectra Energy has initiated cavern expansions at Egan totaling
22 Bcf that are projected to bring the total working
capacity of the facility to 24 Bcf by 2008 and to 32 Bcf by
2012, and has initiated an approximately 22,800 horsepower
compression expansion project designed to increase peak
injection capacity. Market Hub must obtain FERC certificate
approval prior to the commencement of construction of the
expansion project designed to increase working gas storage
capacity at Egan from 24 Bcf to 32 Bcf. An application
for that project is currently pending before FERC.
The Moss Bluff storage facility, located in Liberty County,
Texas, has a working gas capacity of approximately 15 Bcf,
and includes a
20-mile
pipeline system that interconnects with five major pipeline
systems. Moss Bluff offers access to Texas intrastate, Northeast
and Midwest markets served by pipeline interconnects with Texas
Eastern, Natural Gas Pipeline of America, Kinder Morgan Tejas,
Kinder Morgan Texas and Enterprise Intrastate. Since acquiring
Market Hub in 2000, Spectra Energy has expanded the storage
capacity at Moss Bluff by approximately 4 Bcf and is
currently considering additional capacity expansions.
Moss Bluff and Egan offer a range of flexible market-based
storage services including firm storage, interruptible storage,
wheeling, and parks and loans. These flexible services allow our
customers to manage their daily supply-demand balancing needs,
and are especially attractive to customers, such as LNG and
power companies, that require abbreviated injection and
withdrawal cycles. Because Egan and Moss Bluff are
interconnected with major pipeline infrastructure and located
near several proposed and existing LNG terminals, both
facilities should be well-positioned to benefit from future
deliveries of LNG to the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Market Hub Customers. Market Hub
provides storage services to a broad mix of customers including
marketers, power generators, gas producers, pipelines and LDCs.
Power generators, marketers and producers generally use storage
services for short term balancing, to manage risk and to take
advantage of the pricing differential between near-term and
long-term natural gas. LDCs use storage services for seasonal
balancing, to meet peak day deliveries and ensure reliability.
Pipelines use storage services to manage short term
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operational balancing requirements. For the year ended
December 31, 2006 Market Hubs three largest customers
were Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Conectiv, Inc. and
Texas Eastern Transmission, LP, an affiliate, which accounted
for approximately 11%, 9% and 8%, respectively, of Market
Hubs revenues.
We anticipate that LNG terminal capacity holders will become
another key market segment for Market Hubs services. Due
to the lack of natural gas storage capacity in other gas markets
around the world, we anticipate the U.S. Gulf Coast will
become a destination for excess supply in the global LNG market,
especially during the summer months when takeaway and storage
capacity for LNG is limited in other LNG markets. There are
already two LNG storage facilities operating on the Gulf Coast.
In addition, as of February 2007, approximately 14 out of a
total of approximately 15 additional LNG terminals proposed for
construction in the Gulf Coast region have been approved for
construction.
Market Hub Contracts. Market Hub
contracts with is customers to provide firm storage, park and
loan services and wheeling. Under firm storage contracts,
customers pay a reservation rate for the firm right to inject,
withdraw and store a specified volume of natural gas. Under park
and loan contracts, customers pay for the interruptible right to
park (store) or loan (borrow) gas for a specific period of time.
Customers who desire to wheel gas through a Market Hub facility
pay for the interruptible right to receive natural gas at one
interconnecting pipeline on the storage facility header system
and have it simultaneously delivered to a different
interconnecting pipeline on the storage facility header system.
As of December 31, 2006, Market Hubs firm storage
contracts had a weighted average remaining life by revenue of
approximately 2.4 years, which is typical of the shorter
contract life of storage systems as compared to transportation
systems. For the year ended December 31, 2006,
approximately 90% of Market Hubs revenues were derived
from capacity reservation fees under firm storage contracts and
approximately 10% of Market Hubs revenues were derived
from interruptible storage contracts, including park and loan
services and wheeling.
Despite an increase in the number of competitors in recent
years, we have been able to recontract all of Market Hubs
available storage capacity at acceptable rates. We believe our
success in renewing contracts is due to various positive
attributes of our storage facilities, including their favorable
access to neighboring pipeline systems and the flexibility and
reliability of our service offerings.
Market Hub Competition. Market Hub
competes with several regional storage facilities along the Gulf
Coast as well as the storage services offered by interstate and
intrastate pipelines that serve the same markets as Market Hub.
The principal elements of competition among storage facilities
are rates, terms of service, types of service, supply and market
access, and flexibility and reliability of service. Market
Hubs main regional competitors include Jefferson Island
storage facility owned by AGL Resources, Spindletop owned by DCP
Midstream, North Dayton storage owned by Kinder Morgan and Katy
Storage owned by Enstor. An increase in competition in the
market could arise from new ventures or expanded operations from
existing competitors. We anticipate that growing demand for
natural gas storage along the Gulf Coast will be met with
increasing storage capacity, either through the expansion of
existing facilities or the construction of new storage
facilities. For example, we expect additional regional
competition from proposed greenfield storage facilities
including Liberty Gas Storage, Pine Prairie Energy Center,
Starks Gas Storage, Houston Storage Hub and Bobcat Storage.
Market Hub Natural Gas Supply. Egan has
aggregate receipt capacity from its major interconnecting
pipelines of approximately 3.5 Bcf/d compared to an
injection capability of 0.8 Bcf/d. Moss Bluff has aggregate
receipt capacity from its major interconnecting pipelines of
approximately 2.1 Bcf/d compared to an injection capability
of 0.6 Bcf/d. Egan has access to major interstate
pipelines, while Moss Bluff has access to major interstate and
intrastate pipelines. This level of supply connectivity gives
customers access to a broad range of natural gas supply sources
from existing onshore and offshore Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent
production areas as well as future LNG supplies.
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Safety
and Maintenance
We are subject to regulation by the DOT under the Natural Gas
Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, referred to as NGPSA, and the
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, which was recently
reauthorized and amended by the Pipeline Inspection, Protection,
Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006. The NGPSA regulates safety
requirements in the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of gas pipeline facilities while the Pipeline Safety
Improvement Act of 2002 establishes mandatory inspections for
all United States oil and natural gas transportation pipelines,
and some gathering lines in high consequence areas. DOT
regulations implementing the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of
2002 require pipeline operators to conduct integrity management
programs, which involve frequent inspections and other measures
to ensure pipeline safety in high consequence areas,
such as high population areas, areas that are difficult to
evacuate and locations where people congregate. The DOT may
assess fines and penalties for violations of these and other
requirements imposed by its regulations. We believe that we are
in material compliance with all regulations imposed by the DOT
on our natural gas pipeline operations.
We currently estimate that our assets will incur costs of
approximately $44.2 million between 2007 and 2012 to
conduct integrity management program testing along certain
segments of the East Tennessee pipeline and at the Market Hub
facilities. The majority of this amount will be capital costs
and will be used to modify the East Tennessee pipeline to allow
for internal pipeline inspections, or smart pigging,
whereas most of the remaining costs are for general operations
and maintenance on the East Tennessee pipeline. These estimates
do not include the costs, if any, for repair, remediation,
preventative or mitigating actions that may be determined to be
necessary as a result of the testing program.
States are largely preempted by federal law from regulating
pipeline safety but may assume responsibility for enforcement of
federal intrastate pipeline safety regulations and inspection of
intrastate pipelines. In practice, states vary considerably in
their authority and capacity to address pipeline safety. We do
not anticipate any significant problems in complying with state
laws and regulations applicable to our operations. Our natural
gas pipelines have inspection and compliance programs designed
to maintain compliance with federal and state pipeline safety
and pollution control requirements. For instance, the East
Tennessee pipeline requires a corrosion control program to
protect the integrity of the pipeline and prolong its life. The
corrosion control program includes the installation and
operation of groundbeds and rectifiers along the pipeline system
to maintain adequate cathodic protection, as required by the
DOT. We determine the adequacy of this program through annual
monitoring of the output of these systems as well as annual
checks of cathodic protection readings at various points along
the pipeline and at compressor stations. We also monitor the
pipeline both internally by cutting the pipeline open to inspect
for internal corrosion, and sampling any liquids or solids that
we remove from the pipeline, and externally by inspecting the
external coating condition of the pipeline every time we
excavate and expose the pipeline. We believe this is an
aggressive and proactive corrosion control program that may
reduce metal loss, limit corrosion and possibly extend the
service life of the pipeline.
We are subject to a number of federal and state laws and
regulations, including the federal Occupational Safety and
Health Act, referred to as OSHA, and comparable state statutes,
whose purpose is to protect the health and safety of workers,
both generally and within the pipeline industry. The OSHA hazard
communication standard, the EPA community
right-to-know
regulations under Title III of the federal Superfund
Amendment and Reauthorization Act, and comparable state statutes
require that information be maintained concerning hazardous
materials used or produced in our operations and that this
information be provided to employees, state and local government
authorities, and citizens. We are also subject to OSHA Process
Safety Management regulations, which are designed to prevent or
minimize the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic,
reactive, flammable or explosive chemicals. These regulations
apply to any process which involves a chemical at or above
specified thresholds, or any process which involves 10,000
pounds or more of a flammable liquid or gas in one location.
Flammable liquids stored in atmospheric tanks below their normal
boiling point without the benefit of chilling or refrigeration
are exempt. We have an internal program of inspection designed
to monitor and enforce compliance with worker safety
requirements. We believe that we are in material compliance with
all applicable laws and regulations relating to worker health
and safety.
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Regulation
FERC
Regulation
Our interstate pipelines are subject to extensive regulation by
FERC. With the exception of Market Hubs Moss Bluff storage
facility, each of our operating subsidiaries is a natural
gas company under the NGA, pursuant to which FERC has
jurisdiction with respect to virtually all aspects of our
business, including:
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transportation and storage of natural gas;
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rates and charges;
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terms of service including creditworthiness requirements;
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construction of new facilities;
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extension or abandonment of service and facilities;
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accounts and records;
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depreciation and amortization policies;
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our relationships with our marketing affiliates; and
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the initiation and discontinuation of services.
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Our interstate pipelines and Market Hubs Egan facility
hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by
FERC pursuant to Section 7 of the NGA covering our
facilities, activities and services. These certificates require
our interstate pipelines and storage facilities to provide on a
non-discriminatory basis open-access services to all customers
who qualify under their respective FERC gas tariffs. Under
Section 8 of the NGA, FERC has the power to prescribe the
accounting treatment of items for regulatory purposes. The books
and records of our interstate pipelines storage facilities may
be periodically audited by FERC.
FERC regulates the rates and charges for transportation and
storage in interstate commerce. Natural gas companies may not
charge rates that have been determined not to be just and
reasonable.
The maximum recourse rates that may be charged by our pipelines
for their services are established through FERCs
ratemaking process. Generally, the maximum filed recourse rates
for interstate pipelines are based on the cost of service
including recovery of and a return on the pipelines actual
prudent historical cost investment. Key determinants in the
ratemaking process are costs of providing service, allowed rate
of return and volume throughput and contractual capacity
commitment assumptions. The allowed rate of return must be
approved by FERC as part of the resolution of each rate case.
The maximum applicable recourse rates and terms and conditions
for service are set forth in each pipelines FERC approved
tariff. Rate design and the allocation of costs also can impact
a pipelines profitability. Our interstate pipelines are
permitted to discount their firm and interruptible rates without
further FERC authorization down to the variable cost of
performing service, provided they do not unduly
discriminate.
Our interstate pipelines may also use negotiated
rates which, in theory, could involve rates above or below
the recourse rate, provided the affected customers
are willing to agree to such rates. A prerequisite for having
the right to agree to negotiated rates is that negotiated rate
customers must have had the option to take service under the
pipelines maximum recourse rates. All of Gulfstreams
firm transportation agreements extending for more than one year
are subject to negotiated, rather than recourse, rates.
Approximately 30% of East Tennessees firm transportation
agreements extending for more than one year are subject to
negotiated, rather than recourse, rates. Each negotiated rate
transaction of Gulfstream and East Tennessee is designed to fix
the negotiated rate for the term of the firm transportation
agreement or the negotiated rate agreement, as applicable.
On November 1, 2005, East Tennessee placed into effect new
rates approved by FERC as a result of a rate settlement with
customers. The settlement agreement includes a five year rate
moratorium that continues through 2010. Gulfstream currently has
no obligation to file a new rate case.
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The Egan facility has market-based rate authority that permits
it to charge rates set by the markets for its services. FERC has
determined that the market in which Egan provides its interstate
services is sufficiently competitive such that the market will
set just and reasonable rates for those services. Like our other
operating subsidiaries, Egan, as a natural gas company under the
NGA, is prohibited from unduly discriminating among customers in
the rates, terms and conditions pursuant to which it provides
its services. The market-based rates that Egan negotiates with
individual customers are made public by a posting on Egans
website.
Commencing in 2003, FERC issued a series of orders adopting
rules for new Standards of Conduct for Transmission Providers
(Order No. 2004) which apply to interstate natural gas
pipelines, including East Tennessee and Gulfstream, and to
certain natural gas storage companies, including Market
Hubs Egan facilities, which provides storage services in
interstate commerce. Order No. 2004 became effective in
2004. Among other matters, Order No. 2004 required our
interstate pipelines and storage companies to operate
independently from their energy affiliates, prohibited our
interstate pipelines and storage companies from providing
non-public transportation or shipper information to their energy
affiliates, prohibited our interstate pipelines and storage
companies from favoring their energy affiliates in providing
service and obligated our interstate pipelines and storage
companies to post on their websites a number of items of
information concerning the company, including its organizational
structure, facilities shared with energy affiliates, discounts
given for service and instances in which the company has agreed
to waive discretionary terms of its tariff.
Late in 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit vacated and remanded Order
No. 2004, as it relates to natural gas transportation
providers, including our natural gas pipelines and storage
companies. The court objected to FERCs expansion of the
prior standards of conduct to include energy affiliates, and
vacated the entire rule as it relates to natural gas
transportation providers. On January 9, 2007, and as
clarified on March 21, 2007, FERC issued an interim rule
re-promulgating on an interim basis the standards of conduct
that were not challenged before the court, while FERC decides
how to respond to the courts decision on a permanent
basis. The interim rule makes the standards of conduct apply to
the relationship between natural gas transportation providers
and their marketing affiliates, but not to energy affiliates who
are not also marketing affiliates. Several companies requested
rehearing and clarification of the interim rule. The
March 21, 2007 order on clarification granted same of the
requested clarifications and stated that it would address the
other requests in its proceeding establishing a permanent rule.
FERC has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, or NOPR, that
proposes permanent standards of conduct that FERC states will
avoid the aspects of the previous standards of conduct rejected
by the court. With respect to natural gas transportation
providers, the NOPR proposes (1) that the permanent
standards of conduct apply only to the relationship between
natural gas transportation providers and their marketing
affiliates, and (2) to make permanent the changes adopted
in the interim rule permitting risk management employees to be
shared by natural gas transportation providers and their
marketing affiliates and requiring that tariff waivers be
maintained in a written waiver log and available upon request.
We have no way to predict with certainty the scope of
FERCs permanent rules on the standards of conduct.
However, we do not believe that our natural gas pipeline and
storage companies will be affected by any action taken
previously or in the future on these matters materially
differently than other natural gas service providers with whom
we compete.
FERC
Policy Statement on Income Tax Allowances
In a decision issued in July 2004 involving an oil pipeline
limited partnership, BP West Coast Products, LLC v. FERC,
the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacated the portion of a FERC
decision applying the Lakehead policy. In its Lakehead decision,
FERC allowed an oil pipeline publicly traded partnership to
include in its cost-of-service an income tax allowance to the
extent that its unitholders were corporations subject to income
tax. In May and June 2005, FERC issued a statement of general
policy, as well as an order on remand of BP West Coast,
respectively, in which it stated it will permit pipelines to
include in
cost-of-service
a tax allowance to reflect actual or potential tax liability on
their public utility income attributable to all partnership or
limited liability
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company interests, if the ultimate owner of the interest has an
actual or potential income tax liability on such income. Whether
a pipelines owners have such actual or potential income
tax liability will be reviewed by FERC on a
case-by-case
basis. The new policy entails rate risk due to the
case-by-case
review requirement. FERCs BP West Coast remand decision
and the new tax allowance policy were appealed to the D.C.
Circuit. The D.C. Circuit issued an order May 29, 2007 in
which it denied these appeals and fully upheld FERCs new
tax allowance policy and the application of that policy in the
BP West Coast remand decision. We have no way of knowing whether
any party will seek rehearing or appeal of the D.C.
Circuits decision. However, it is possible that a party
could request rehearing of the decision
and/or
petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme
Court.
On December 8, 2006, FERC issued a new order addressing
rates on one of SFPPs interstate oil pipelines. In that
order, FERC chose to take up and address challenges to the
policy statement raised by shippers in filings in another docket
earlier in 2006. In the new order, FERC refined its income tax
allowance policy, and notably raised a new issue regarding the
implication of the policy statement for publicly traded
partnerships. It noted that the tax deferral features of a
publicly traded partnership may cause some investors to receive,
for some indeterminate duration, cash distributions in excess of
their taxable income, which FERC characterized as a tax
savings. FERC stated that it is concerned that this
created an opportunity for those investors to earn an additional
return, funded by ratepayers. Responding to this concern, FERC
chose to adjust the pipelines equity rate of return
downward based on the percentage by which the publicly traded
partnerships cash flow exceeded taxable income. On
February 7, 2007, SFPP asked FERC to reconsider this
ruling. The ultimate outcome of this proceeding is not certain
and could result in changes to FERCs treatment of income
tax allowances in cost of service and to potential adjustment in
a future rate case of our pipelines respective equity
rates of return that underlie their recourse rates to the extent
that cash distributions in excess of taxable income are allowed
to some unitholders. If FERC were to disallow a substantial
portion of East Tennessees or Gulfstreams income tax
allowance, it may be more difficult for these pipelines to
justify their rates in future proceedings.
Energy
Policy Act of 2005
On August 8, 2005, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act
of 2005, or EP Act 2005. Among other matters, EP Act 2005 amends
the NGA, to add an antimanipulation provision which makes it
unlawful for any entity to engage in prohibited behavior in
contravention of rules and regulations to be prescribed by FERC
and provides FERC with additional civil penalty authority. On
January 19, 2006, FERC issued Order No. 670, a rule
implementing the antimanipulation provision of EP Act 2005, and
subsequently denied rehearing. The rules make it unlawful in
connection with the purchase or sale of natural gas subject to
the jurisdiction of FERC, or the purchase or sale of
transportation services subject to the jurisdiction of FERC, for
any entity, directly or indirectly, to use or employ any device,
scheme or artifice to defraud; to make any untrue statement of
material fact or omit to make any such statement necessary to
make the statements made not misleading; or to engage in any act
or practice that operates as a fraud or deceit upon any person.
The new anti-manipulation rule does not apply to activities that
relate only to intrastate or other non-jurisdictional sales or
gathering, but does apply to activities of gas pipelines and
storage companies that provide interstate services, as well as
otherwise non-jurisdictional entities to the extent the
activities are conducted in connection with gas
sales, purchases or transportation subject to FERC jurisdiction.
EP Act 2005 also amends the NGA and the Natural Gas Policy Act
to give FERC authority to impose civil penalties for violations
of the NGA up to $1,000,000 per day per violation for
violations occurring after August 8, 2005. In connection
with this enhanced civil penalty authority, FERC issued a policy
statement on enforcement to provide guidance regarding the
enforcement of the statutes, orders, rules and regulations it
administers, including factors to be considered in determining
the appropriate enforcement action to be taken. The
antimanipulation rule and enhanced civil penalty authority
reflect an expansion of FERCs NGA enforcement authority.
Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the
natural gas industry are pending before Congress, FERC and the
courts. The natural gas industry historically has been heavily
regulated. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the less
stringent and pro-competition regulatory approach recently
pursued by FERC and Congress will continue.
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Additional
Regulation of Moss Bluff
FERC performs ratemaking oversight with respect to intrastate
pipelines and storage companies that perform service pursuant to
Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 and that
perform service that is similar to Section 311 service but
which, for jurisdictional reasons, is actually performed under a
limited certificate issued under Section 7 of the NGA.
Under Section 311 or a limited Section 7 certificate,
an intrastate pipeline or storage company, like Moss Bluff, can
perform service that is in interstate commerce, and would
therefore ordinarily cause all of the facilitys activities
to be subject to FERCs jurisdiction under the NGA, without
subjecting the intrastate pipeline or storage company to
comprehensive NGA jurisdiction. FERC regulates the rates for the
Section 311 service in one of three ways. FERC may directly
regulate the rates using essentially the same methodology as is
employed to establish just reasonable and recourse
rates for interstate pipelines. Intrastate pipelines and
storage companies are generally required by FERC to have these
Section 311 rates reviewed every three years. As an
alternative, some intrastate pipelines and storage companies may
be allowed to utilize certain city gate rates on
file with a state regulatory agency as the rates for
Section 311 service. As a second alternative, some
intrastate pipelines and storage companies are permitted to
charge market-based rates following a determination by FERC that
the markets in which the intrastate pipeline or storage company
provides services are workably competitive.
Moss Bluff is a Hinshaw facility, which is
specifically exempt from FERC jurisdiction pursuant to
Section 1(c) of the NGA. However, in order to provide
service in interstate commerce without subjecting the entirety
of its facilities and services to FERC jurisdiction, Moss Bluff
provides service in interstate commerce pursuant to a limited
certificate issued under Section 7 of the NGA. As a limited
certificate holder, Moss Bluff has a Statement of Operating
Conditions on file with FERC that govern the services it
provides in interstate commerce. With respect to the rates that
it charges for such services, FERC has authorized Moss Bluff to
charge market-based rates for its firm and interruptible storage
services and its interruptible hub services. If FERC determines
that the market in which Moss Bluff provides its interstate
services is not workably competitive, FERC could revoke Moss
Bluffs ability to charge market-based rates and instead
require Moss Bluff to establish rates pursuant to one of the
other alternatives discussed above.
The Moss Bluff facility is also subject to the jurisdiction of
the TRC as a gas utility. As a gas utility, Moss
Bluffs intrastate rates and services and its facilities
are subject to TRC regulation. Moss Bluff has a tariff on file
with the TRC and it files intrastate service agreements with the
TRC. Any future expansion of Moss Bluffs facilities is
subject to approval by the TRC.
Seasonality
Our revenues are not generally seasonal in nature, nor are they
typically affected by weather and price volatility. Weather
impacts natural gas demand for power generation and heating
purposes, which in turn influences the value of transportation
and storage across our systems. Colder than normal winters or
warmer than normal summers typically result in increased
pipeline revenues. Price volatility also affects gas prices,
which in turn influences drilling and production. Peak demand
for natural gas typically occurs during the winter months,
caused by the heating load, although certain markets such as the
Florida market served by Gulfstream peaks in the summer months
due to cooling demands. During 2006 approximately 48% of our
pipeline and storage revenues were realized in the first and
fourth calendar quarters while approximately 52% of our pipeline
and storage revenues were realized in the second and third
calendar quarters.
Environmental
Regulation
General. Our natural gas
transportation, and natural gas and LNG storage activities are
subject to stringent and complex federal, state, and local laws
and regulations governing environmental protection, including
air emissions, water quality, wastewater discharges, and solid
waste management. Such laws and regulations generally require us
to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental
registrations, licenses, permits, and other approvals. These
laws and regulations also can restrict or impact our business
activities in many ways, such as restricting the way we handle
or dispose of our wastes; requiring remedial
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action to mitigate pollution conditions that may be caused by
our operations or that are attributable to former operators; and
enjoining some or all of the operations of facilities deemed in
non-compliance with permits issued pursuant to such
environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these
laws and regulations may result in the assessment of
administrative, civil
and/or
criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements, and
the issuance of orders enjoining future operations.
We accrue for expenses associated with environmental liabilities
when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable. The amount
of any accrual for environmental liabilities could change
substantially in the future due to factors including the nature
and extent of any contamination that we may be required to
remediate, changes in remedial requirements, technological
changes, discovery of new information, and the involvement and
direction taken by the EPA, FERC, DOT and any other governmental
authorities on these matters.
We believe that compliance with existing federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations will not have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, or
results of operations. Nevertheless, the trend in environmental
regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on
activities that may affect the environment. As a result, there
can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future
expenditures for environmental compliance or remediation, and
actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts we
currently anticipate. The following is a discussion of some of
the environmental laws and regulations that are applicable to
our natural gas transportation, and natural gas and LNG storage
activities.
Waste Management. Our operations
generate hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes that are
subject to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) and comparable state laws, which impose
detailed requirements for the handling, storage, treatment and
disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes. For
instance, RCRA prohibits the disposal of certain hazardous
wastes on land without prior treatment, and requires generators
of wastes subject to land disposal restrictions to provide
notification of pre-treatment requirements to disposal
facilities that are in receipt of these wastes. Generators of
hazardous wastes also must comply with certain standards for the
accumulation and storage of hazardous wastes, as well as
recordkeeping and reporting requirements applicable to hazardous
waste storage and disposal activities. RCRA imposes fewer
restrictions on the handling, storage and disposal of
non-hazardous wastes, which includes certain wastes associated
with the exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
Site Remediation. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), also known as Superfund, and
comparable state laws and regulations impose liability, without
regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on
certain classes of persons responsible for the release of
hazardous substances into the environment. Such classes of
persons include the current and past owners or operators of
sites where a hazardous substance was released, and companies
that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous
substances at offsite locations, such as landfills. CERCLA
authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and in some cases third parties, to take
actions in response to threats to the public health or the
environment and to seek to recover from the responsible classes
of persons the costs they incur. If in the future we are
considered a responsible party under CERCLA, we could be subject
to joint and several, strict liability for the costs of cleaning
up and restoring sites where hazardous substances have been
released into the environment, for damages to natural resources,
and for the costs of certain health studies. Moreover, it is not
uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to
file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly
caused by the release of substances or wastes into the
environment.
We currently own or lease properties that for many years have
been used for the transportation and compression of natural gas,
and the storage of natural gas and LNG. Although we typically
have used operating and disposal practices that were standard in
the industry at the time, wastes may have been disposed of or
released on or under the properties owned or leased by us or on
or under other locations where such substances have been taken
for disposal. In addition, some of the properties may have been
operated by third parties or by previous owners whose treatment
and disposal or release of wastes was not
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under our control. These properties and the substances disposed
or released on them may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous
state laws. Under such laws, we could be required to remove
previously disposed wastes, including waste disposed of by prior
owners or operators; remediate contaminated property, including
groundwater contamination, whether from prior owners or
operators or other historic activities or spills; or perform
remedial closure operations to prevent future contamination.
Air Emissions. The Clean Air Act
(CAA) and comparable state laws regulate emissions
of air pollutants from various industrial sources, including
compressor stations, and also impose various monitoring and
reporting requirements. Such laws and regulations may require
pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain
projects or facilities expected to produce air emissions or
result in an increase of existing air emissions; application
for, and strict compliance with, air permits containing various
emissions and operational limitations; or the utilization of
specific emission control technologies to limit emissions.
Failure to comply with these requirements could result in
monetary penalties, injunctions, conditions or restrictions on
operations, and potentially criminal enforcement actions.
We may incur expenditures in the future for air pollution
control equipment in connection with obtaining or maintaining
operating permits and approvals for air emissions. For instance,
we may be required to supplement or modify our air emission
control equipment and strategies due to changes in state
implementation plans for controlling air emissions in regional
non-attainment areas, or stricter regulatory requirements for
sources of hazardous air pollutants. However, we do not believe
that any such future requirements will have a material adverse
affect on our operations.
Water Discharges. The Clean Water Act
(CWA) and analogous state laws impose strict
controls with respect to the discharge of pollutants, including
spills and leaks of oil and other substances, into waters of the
United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters
is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit
issued by EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA also
regulates storm water runoff from certain industrial facilities.
Accordingly, some states require industrial facilities to obtain
and maintain storm water discharge permits, and monitor and
sample storm water runoff from their facilities. Under the CWA,
federal and state regulatory agencies may impose administrative,
civil and/or
criminal penalties for non-compliance with discharge permits or
other requirements of the CWA and analogous state laws and
regulations.
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), which amends
and augments the CWA, establishes strict liability for owners
and operators of facilities that are the site of a release of
oil into waters of the United States. OPA and its associated
regulations impose a variety of requirements on responsible
parties related to the prevention of oil spills and liability
for damages resulting from such spills. For example, operators
of certain oil and gas facilities must develop, implement and
maintain facility response plans, conduct annual spill training
for certain employees and provide varying degrees of financial
assurance.
Activities on Federal Lands. Natural
gas transportation activities conducted on federal lands are
subject to the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). NEPA requires federal agencies, including
the Department of Interior, to evaluate major agency actions
having the potential to significantly impact the environment. In
the course of such evaluations, an agency will prepare an
Environmental Assessment that assesses the potential direct,
indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if
necessary, will prepare a more detailed Environmental Impact
Statement that may be made available for public review and
comment. Our current activities, as well as any proposed plans
for future activities, on federal lands are subject to the
requirements of NEPA.
Endangered Species. The Endangered
Species Act restricts activities that may affect endangered
species or their habitats. Some of our natural gas pipelines are
located in areas inhabited by endangered species. Specifically,
a portion of the East Tennessee pipeline, known as the Jewell
Ridge Lateral pipeline, is located in the Indian Creek
watershed, which serves as a habitat for certain endangered
mussels. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) notified us in September 2006 of impacts to
these mussels and their habitat, which according to the agency,
was caused by the runoff of sedimentation into Indian Creek as a
result of our operations associated with the construction of the
Jewell Ridge Lateral pipeline. We have been in consultation with
the FWS and FERC to resolve this matter, and expect that we
ultimately will be
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required to provide funding for mitigation measures as well as
other habitat restoration and species monitoring projects
designated by the FWS. We estimate that these projects may cost
between approximately $400,000 and $2 million, depending
upon the nature of the measures required by the FWS.
Other Laws and Regulations. Recent
studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases may be
contributing to warming of the Earths atmosphere. In
response to these studies, many nations have agreed to limit
emissions of greenhouse gases, pursuant to the
United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change, also
known as the Kyoto Protocol. Methane, a primary
component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the
burning of natural gas and oil, and refined petroleum products,
are greenhouse gases regulated by the Kyoto
Protocol. Although the United States is not participating in the
Kyoto Protocol, the current session of Congress is considering
climate change legislation, with multiple bills having been
introduced in the Senate that propose to restrict greenhouse gas
emissions. Several states have already adopted legislation,
regulations
and/or
regulatory initiatives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
For instance, California adopted the California Global
Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which requires the
California Air Resources Board to achieve a 25% reduction in
emissions of greenhouse gases from sources in California by
2020. Additionally, on November 29, 2006, the
U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on and has since begun
reviewing a decision made by the U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia in Massachusetts,
et al v. EPA, a case in which the appellate court
held that EPA had discretion under the Clean Air Act to refuse
to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from mobile sources.
Passage of climate change legislation by Congress or a Supreme
Court reversal of the appellate decision could result in federal
regulation of carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse
gases. Currently, our operations are not adversely impacted by
existing state and local climate change initiatives, and at this
time, it is not possible to accurately estimate how potential
future laws or regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions
would impact our operations or financial condition.
Title to
Properties and
Rights-of-Way
Our real property falls into two
categories: (1) parcels that we (or entities in which
we own an interest) own in fee and (2) parcels in which our
interest derives from leases, easements,
rights-of-way,
permits or licenses from landowners or governmental authorities
permitting the use of such land for our operations. Portions of
the land on which our plants and other major facilities are
located are owned by us (or entities in which we own an
interest) in fee title, and we believe that we (or entities in
which we own an interest) have satisfactory title to these
lands. The remainder of the land on which our plant sites and
major facilities are located are held by us (or entities in
which we own an interest) pursuant to ground leases between us
(or entities in which we own an interest), as lessee, and the
fee owner of the lands, as lessors. We, our predecessor or our
or their affiliates, have leased these lands, in some cases, for
many years without any material challenge known to us relating
to the title to the land upon which the assets are located, and
we believe that we have satisfactory leasehold estates to such
lands. We have no knowledge of any current or pending challenge
to the underlying fee title of any material lease, easement,
right-of-way,
permit or license held by us or to our title to any material
lease, easement,
right-of-way,
permit or lease, and we believe that we have satisfactory title
to all of our material leases, easements,
rights-of-way,
permits and licenses.
Insurance
Our insurance program includes general liability insurance, auto
liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and
property insurance in amounts which management believes are
reasonable and appropriate.
Facilities
Spectra Energy leases office space for its corporate offices in
Houston, Texas. The lease expires on April 1, 2027 with a
right of early termination exercisable by Spectra Energy
beginning April 1, 2018.
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Employees
We do not have any employees. We are managed and operated by the
directors and officers of our general partner. To carry out our
operations, as of March 1, 2007, our general partner or its
affiliates employed approximately 65 people who will spend
at least a majority of their time operating the East Tennessee
facilities. Market Hub is operated by Spectra Energy pursuant to
an operating and maintenance agreement and the employees who
operate the Market Hub assets are therefore not included in the
above numbers. Gulfstream is operated by Spectra Energy (with
respect to business functions) and by The Williams Companies
(with respect to technical functions) pursuant to an operating
and maintenance agreement and the employees who operate the
Gulfstream assets are therefore not included in the above
numbers. Please read Management Management of
Spectra Energy Partners, LP.
Legal
Proceedings
We are not a party to any legal proceeding other than legal
proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We
are a party to various administrative and regulatory proceedings
that have arisen in the ordinary course of our business. Please
read Regulations FERC Regulation.
127
MANAGEMENT
Management
of Spectra Energy Partners, LP
Because our general partner is a limited partnership, its
general partner, Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC, will manage
our operations and activities. Our general partner is not
elected by our unitholders and will not be subject to
re-election on a regular basis in the future. Unitholders will
not be entitled to elect the directors of Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC or directly or indirectly participate in our
management or operation. Our general partner owes a fiduciary
duty to our unitholders. Our general partner will be liable, as
general partner, for all of our debts (to the extent not paid
from our assets), except for indebtedness or other obligations
that are made expressly nonrecourse to it. Our general partner
therefore may cause us to incur indebtedness or other
obligations that are nonrecourse to it.
The directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC will oversee
our operations. Upon the closing of this offering, Spectra
Energy Partners GP, LLC will have at least six directors
and intends to increase the size of the board of directors to
seven following the closing of this offering. Spectra Energy
will elect all members to the board of directors of Spectra
Energy Partners GP, LLC and we expect that, when the size of the
board increases to seven directors, there will be at least
three directors that are independent as defined under the
independence standards established by the New York Stock
Exchange. The New York Stock Exchange does not require a listed
limited partnership like us to have a majority of independent
directors on the board of directors of our general partner or to
establish a nominating and governance committee.
In compliance with the requirements of the New York Stock
Exchange, Spectra Energy has appointed Steven D. Arnold and Nora
M. Brownell as independent members to the board. Spectra Energy
will appoint a third independent member within 12 months of
the effective date of the registration statement. The
independent members of the board of directors of Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC will serve as the initial members of the
conflicts and audit committees of the board of directors of
Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC.
At least two members of the board of directors of Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC will serve on a conflicts committee to review
specific matters that the board believes may involve conflicts
of interest. The conflicts committee will determine if the
resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to
us. The members of the conflicts committee may not be officers,
employees or security holders of our general partner or
directors, officers, or employees of its affiliates, and must
meet the independence and experience standards established by
the New York Stock Exchange and the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, to serve on an audit committee of a board of
directors, and certain other requirements. Any matters approved
by the conflicts committee in good faith will be conclusively
deemed to be fair and reasonable to us, approved by all of our
partners, and not a breach by our general partner of any duties
it may owe us or our unitholders.
In addition, Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC will have an audit
committee of at least three directors who meet the independence
and experience standards established by the New York Stock
Exchange and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The audit committee will assist the board of directors in its
oversight of the integrity of our financial statements and our
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate
policies and controls. The audit committee will have the sole
authority to retain and terminate our independent registered
public accounting firm, approve all auditing services and
related fees and the terms thereof, and pre-approve any
non-audit services to be rendered by our independent registered
public accounting firm. The audit committee will also be
responsible for confirming the independence and objectivity of
our independent registered public accounting firm. Our
independent registered public accounting firm will be given
unrestricted access to the audit committee.
All of our executive management personnel will be employees of
Spectra Energy and will devote all of their time to our business
and affairs. The officers of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
will manage the
day-to-day
affairs of our business. We will also utilize a significant
number of employees of Spectra Energy to operate our business
and provide us with general and administrative services. We will
reimburse Spectra Energy for allocated expenses of operational
personnel who perform services for our benefit and we will
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reimburse Spectra Energy for allocated general and
administrative expenses. Please read
Reimbursement of Expenses of Our General
Partner.
Directors
and Executive Officers
The following table shows information regarding the current
directors and executive officers of Spectra Energy Partners GP,
LLC. Directors are elected for one-year terms.
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Name
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Age
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Position with Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
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Martha B. Wyrsch
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49
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Chairman of the Board
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C. Gregory Harper
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43
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President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
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Lon C. Mitchell, Jr.
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54
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Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
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William S. Garner, Jr.
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57
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Director
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Gregory J. Rizzo
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50
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Director
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Steven D. Arnold
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46
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Director
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Nora M. Brownell
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60
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Director
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Directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC hold office until
the earlier of their death, resignation, removal or
disqualification or until their successors have been elected and
qualified. Officers serve at the discretion of the board of
directors. There are no family relationships among any of our
directors or executive officers.
Martha B. Wyrsch was elected Chairman of the Board
of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in March 2007.
Ms. Wyrsch is currently President and Chief Executive
Officer of Spectra Energy Transmission and also a director of
Spectra Energy. Ms. Wyrsch assumed her current position
effective in January 2007. Ms. Wyrsch served as President
of Duke Energy Gas Transmission from March 2005 until assuming
her current position. Ms. Wyrsch served as Group Vice
President and General Counsel of Duke Energy Corporation from
January 2004 until March 2005. Prior to then, Ms. Wyrsch
served as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs for Duke Energy
Corporation from February 2003 until January 2004; and Senior
Vice President and General Counsel of Duke Energy Field Services
from September 1999 until January 2003.
C. Gregory Harper was elected President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Board of Spectra
Energy Partners GP, LLC in March 2007. Mr. Harper is
currently Group Vice President of Analysis and Transition for
Spectra Energy. Mr. Harper assumed his current position in
May 2006. Mr. Harper served as Group Vice President of
Energy Marketing and Management for Duke Energy Americas from
January 2004 until May 2006. Prior to then, Mr. Harper
served as Senior Vice President of Energy Marketing for Duke
Energy North America from January 2003 until January 2004; Vice
President of Business Development for Duke Energy Gas
Transmission and Vice President of East Tennessee Natural Gas
from March 2002 until January 2003; and General Manager from
June 1999 until March 2002.
Lon C. Mitchell, Jr. was elected Chief
Financial Officer of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in March
2007. Mr. Mitchell is currently acting as Senior Financial
Advisor providing transition support for Spectra Energy.
Mr. Mitchell assumed his current position in October 2006.
Mr. Mitchell previously served as Group Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Duke Energy Americas from June 2005
until October 2006. Prior to then, Mr. Mitchell served as
Senior Vice President and Chief Restructuring Officer for Duke
Energy Americas from August 2003 until June 2005; Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Duke Energy North
America from April 2002 until August 2003; and Vice President of
Duke Energy Merchants from April 2000 until April 2002.
William S. Garner, Jr. was elected to the
Board of Directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in May
2007. Mr. Garner is currently serving as Group Executive,
General Counsel and Secretary of Spectra Energy. Mr. Garner
served as Group Vice President, Corporate Development of Duke
Energy Gas Transmission from March 2006 until assuming his
current position. Prior to joining Duke Energy, Mr. Garner
served as managing director at Petrie Parkman & Co., a
company which provides investment
129
banking and advisory services to the energy industry and
institutional investors. He served in this position from March
2000 until March 2006.
Gregory J. Rizzo was elected to the Board of
Directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in May 2007.
Mr. Rizzo is currently serving as Group Vice President of
U.S. Regulatory and Project Management for Spectra Energy
Transmission. Mr. Rizzo previously served as Group Vice
President for Duke Energy Gas Transmission from March 2004 until
assuming his current position. Prior to then, Mr. Rizzo
served as Executive Vice President of Duke Energy Corporation
from February 2003 until March 2004; and Senior Vice President
from March 2002 until February 2003.
Steven D. Arnold was elected to the Board of
Directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in May 2007 and
will serve on our Audit Committee and the Conflicts Committee.
Mr. Arnold currently serves as President of Bordley
Management Co., a private investment management and consulting
services in Houston, Texas, and has served in this capacity
since 2000. Prior to that from 1988 to 1999, Mr. Arnold
served in roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior
Vice President from December 1996 to April 1999, for Prudential
Capital Group, a unit of The Prudential Insurance Company of
America. Mr. Arnold received his Bachelor of Science in
Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas in 1983 and
his Master of Business Administration from the Jesse H. Jones
Graduate School at Rice University in 1988. Mr. Arnold
currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Avalon Advisors LP,
in Texas and Alliance Real Estate Value Fund, in Colorado.
Nora M. Brownell was elected to the Board of
Directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in May 2007 and
will serve on our Audit Committee and the Conflicts Committee.
In May 2001, Ms. Brownell was confirmed as Commissioner of
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission where she served until
the expiration of her term in June 2006. During her time as
Commissioner, Ms. Brownell was an advocate for the
development of regional transmission organizations, markets for
wholesale power and national energy infrastructure development.
Prior to her time as Commissioner, she served as a member of the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission from 1997 to 2001.
Ms. Brownell previously served as Acting Executive Director
of the Regional Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia a
$200 million arts and economic development initiative and
as Senior Vice President for Meridian Bancorp Incs
Corporate Affairs Unit. Ms. Brownell is the former
President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners. Ms. Brownell also currently serves on the
Board of Directors of Comverge, Inc.
Reimbursement
of Expenses of Our General Partner
Our general partner will not receive any management fee or other
compensation for its management of our partnership under the
omnibus agreement with Spectra Energy or otherwise. Under the
terms of the omnibus agreement, we will reimburse Spectra Energy
up to $3.0 million annually for the provision of various
general and administrative services for our benefit, which
amount will be adjusted for inflation during the first three
years. We will also reimburse Spectra Energy for direct expenses
incurred on our behalf and expenses allocated to us as a result
of our becoming a public entity. The partnership agreement
provides that our general partner will determine the expenses
that are allocable to us. Please see Certain Relationships
and Related Party Transactions Omnibus
Agreement.
Executive
Compensation
Our general partner and Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC were
formed in March 2007. Accordingly, Spectra Energy Partners GP,
LLC has not accrued any obligations with respect to management
incentive or retirement benefits for its directors and officers
for the 2006 fiscal year. The compensation of the executive
officers of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC will be set by the
compensation committee of Spectra Energy and ratified by the
Board of Directors of our general partner. The officers of
Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC participate in employee benefit
plans and arrangements sponsored by Spectra Energy. Spectra
Energy Partners GP, LLC has not entered into any employment
agreements with any of its officers. We anticipate that our
board of directors will grant awards to our officers and our
outside directors pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan
described below following the closing of this offering; however,
the board has not yet
130
made any determination as to the number of awards, the type of
awards or when the awards would be granted.
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
We do not directly employ any of the persons responsible for
managing our business and we do not have a compensation
committee. We are managed by our general partner, the executive
officers of which are employees of Spectra Energy. Our
reimbursement for the compensation of executive officers is
governed by the omnibus agreement and will generally be based on
time allocated to us and Spectra Energy during a period.
During 2006, our executive officers were not specifically
compensated for time expended with respect to our business or
assets. Accordingly, we are not presenting any compensation for
historical periods. Compensation paid or awarded by us in 2007
with respect to our Chief Executive Officer (our principal
executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (our
principal financial officer, and together with our principal
executive officer, our named executive officers)
reflect only the portion of compensation paid by Spectra Energy
that is allocated to us pursuant to Spectra Energys
allocation methodology and subject to the terms of the omnibus
agreement. Our named executive officers will devote 100% of
their time to our business and affairs and we expect that for
the period from the completion of this offering until
December 31, 2007, all of the compensation paid by Spectra
Energy to our named executive officers will be allocated to us.
The compensation committee of Spectra Energy has ultimate
decision making authority with respect to the compensation,
other than equity based compensation, of our named executive
officers. The elements of compensation discussed below, other
than equity based compensation, and Spectra Energys
decisions with respect to determinations on payments, will not
be subject to approvals by the board of directors of our general
partner. Compensation of our executive officers will be approved
by the compensation committee of the board of directors of
Spectra Energy or its delegate and ratified by the Board of
Directors of our general partner. Awards under our long-term
incentive plan will be recommended by the compensation committee
of Spectra Energy and approved by the board of directors of
Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC.
With respect to compensation objectives and decisions regarding
our named executive officers for 2007, the compensation
committee of Spectra Energy will approve the compensation, and
recommend equity based compensation, of our named executive
officers based on its compensation philosophy, which is to
reward both continued employment and performance through a
combination of short-term bonus incentives and long-term equity
compensation. Senior management of Spectra Energy typically
consults with compensation consultants and reviews market data
for determining relevant compensation levels and compensation
program elements through the review of and, in certain cases,
participation in, various relevant compensation surveys. Senior
management then submits a proposal to the compensation committee
of Spectra Energy, for the compensation to be paid or awarded to
executives and employees for consideration. Spectra Energy
intends to consult with compensation consultants with respect to
determining 2007 compensation for the named executive officers
in a manner consistent with its current compensation philosophy.
All compensation determinations are discretionary and are, as
noted above, subject to Spectra Energys decision-making
authority.
The elements of Spectra Energy compensation program discussed
below are intended to provide an incentive package designed to
drive performance and reward contributions in support of the
business strategies of Spectra Energy and its affiliates at the
corporate, partnership and individual levels. Historically, more
than half of the compensation provided to Spectra Energys
executive officers was provided in the form of short-term and
long-term incentives. We expect that compensation for our
executive officers in 2007 and the future will be structured in
a similar manner.
The primary elements of Spectra Energys compensation
program are a combination of annual cash and long-term,
equity-based compensation. For 2007, elements of compensation
for our named executive officers are expected to be the
following:
131
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annual performance based cash bonuses;
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performance awards under Spectra Energys and our long-term
incentive plan;
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Spectra Energys contributions under its 401(k) and profit
sharing plan; and
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Spectra Energys other benefit plans on the same basis as
all other Spectra Energy employees.
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We expect Spectra Energy to establish salaries based on
historical salaries paid to our named executive officers for
services rendered to Spectra Energy, the extent of their equity
ownership in Spectra Energy, market data and responsibilities of
our named executive officers that may or may not be related to
our business.
The short-term incentive payments, in combination with base
salaries and long-term incentive awards, are intended to yield
competitive total cash compensation levels for the executive
officers and drive performance in support of business strategies
as well as our own. The portion of any short-term incentive
payments allocable to us will be based on Spectra Energys
methodology used for allocating general and administrative
expenses, subject to the limitations in the omnibus agreement.
It is Spectra Energys general policy to pay these awards
during the first quarter.
We plan to issue our executive officers long-term equity based
awards intended to compensate the officers based on the
performance of our common units and their continued employment
during the vesting period. These awards will be made pursuant to
a long-term incentive plan adopted by us and administered by
Spectra Energy; provided, however, that awards under the
long-term incentive plan will be recommended by the compensation
committee of Spectra Energy and approved by the board of
directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC. Please see
Long-Term Incentive Plan. The cost of
such awards will be allocated to us pursuant to Spectra
Energys allocation methodology and subject to the terms of
the omnibus agreement. The Spectra Energy Partners equity-based
awards that we intend to make to both our named executive
officers and the directors of our general partner are intended
to align their long-term interests with those of our
unitholders.
The terms and amount of Spectra Energy Partners equity awards
that we intend to make to each of our directors under our
long-term incentive plan will be recommended by Spectra
Energys compensation committee or its delegate and
approved by our general partner.
We believe that each of the base salary, cash award, and equity
awards fit our overall compensation objectives and those of
Spectra Energy, as stated above, i.e., to provide competitive
compensation opportunities to align and drive employee
performance in support of Spectra Energys business
strategies as well as our own and to attract, motivate and
retain high quality talent with the skills and competencies
required by Spectra Energy and us.
Compensation
of Directors
Officers or employees of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC or its
affiliates who also serve as directors will not receive
additional compensation for their service as a director of
Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC. Each non-employee director will
be reimbursed for his
out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with attending meetings of the board of
directors or committees. Each director will be fully indemnified
by us for his actions associated with being a director to the
fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
Long-Term
Incentive Plan
General. Spectra Energy Partners GP,
LLC intends to adopt a Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the Plan,
for employees and directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
and its affiliates who perform services for us. The summary of
the Plan contained herein does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan. The Plan
provides for the grant of restricted units, phantom units,
unrestricted units, unit options, substitute awards, performance
awards and distribution equivalent rights, or DERs. Subject to
adjustment for certain events, an aggregate of
900,000 common units may be delivered pursuant to awards
under the Plan. Units subject to awards that are cancelled,
forfeited, exercised, withheld
132
to satisfy Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLCs tax
withholding obligations or otherwise terminate or expire without
the actual delivery of common units are available for delivery
pursuant to other awards. The Plan will be administered by the
compensation committee of Spectra Energys board of
directors, provided that administration may be delegated to such
other committee as appointed by Spectra Energy Partners GP,
LLCs board of directors and to the chairman of the board
of directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC with
respect to any individuals who are not subject to
Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
Restricted Units and Phantom Units. A
restricted unit is a common unit that is subject to forfeiture.
Upon vesting, the grantee receives a common unit that is not
subject to forfeiture. A phantom unit is a notional unit that
entitles the grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting
of the phantom unit or, in the discretion of the compensation
committee, cash equal to the fair market value of a common unit.
The compensation committee may make grants of restricted units
and phantom units under the Plan to eligible individuals
containing such terms, consistent with the Plan, as the
compensation committee may determine, including the period over
which restricted units and phantom units granted will vest. The
compensation committee may, in its discretion, base vesting on
the grantees completion of a period of service or upon the
achievement of specified financial objectives or other criteria.
In addition, the restricted and phantom units will vest upon a
change of control (as defined in the applicable award agreement)
of us or Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC, if so provided in the
award agreement.
If a grantees employment or membership on the board
terminates for any reason, the grantees restricted units
and phantom units will be automatically forfeited unless, and to
the extent, the award agreement or the compensation committee
provides otherwise. Common units to be delivered with respect to
these awards may be common units acquired by Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC in the open market, common units already owned
by Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC, common units acquired by
Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC directly from us or any other
person, or any combination of the foregoing. Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC will be entitled to reimbursement by us for the
cost incurred in acquiring common units. If we issue new common
units with respect to these awards, the total number of common
units outstanding will increase.
Distributions made by us with respect to awards of restricted
units may, in the compensation committees discretion, be
subject to the same vesting requirements as the restricted
units. The compensation committee, in its discretion, may also
grant tandem DERs with respect to phantom units on such terms as
it deems appropriate. DERs are rights that entitle the grantee
to receive, with respect to a phantom unit, cash equal to the
cash distributions made by us on a common unit.
We intend for the restricted units and phantom units granted
under the Plan to serve as a means of incentive compensation for
performance and not primarily as an opportunity to participate
in the equity appreciation of the common units. Therefore,
participants will not pay any consideration for the common units
they receive with respect to these types of awards, and neither
we nor our general partner will receive remuneration for the
units delivered with respect to these awards.
Unit Options. The Plan also permits the
grant of options covering common units. Unit options may be
granted to such eligible individuals and with such terms as the
compensation committee may determine, consistent with the Plan;
however, a unit option must have an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of a common unit on the date of grant. A unit
option will vest upon a change of control (as defined in the
applicable award agreement) of us or Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC, if so provided in the award agreement.
Upon exercise of a unit option, Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
will acquire common units in the open market at a price equal to
the prevailing price on the principal national securities
exchange upon which the common units are then traded, or
directly from us or any other person, or use common units
already owned by the general partner, or any combination of the
foregoing. Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC will be entitled to
reimbursement by us for the difference between the cost incurred
by Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC in acquiring the common units
and the proceeds received by Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
from an optionee at the time of exercise. Thus, we will bear the
cost of the unit options. If we issue new common units upon
exercise of the unit options, the total number of common units
133
outstanding will increase, and Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
will remit the proceeds it received from the optionee upon
exercise of the unit option to us. The unit option plan has been
designed to furnish additional compensation to employees and
directors and to align their economic interests with those of
common unitholders.
Substitution Awards. The compensation
committee, in its discretion, may grant substitute or
replacement awards to eligible individuals who, in connection
with an acquisition made by us, Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC
or an affiliate, have forfeited an equity-based award in their
former employer. A substitute award that is an option may have
an exercise price less than the value of a common unit on the
date of grant of the award.
Performance Awards. The compensation
committee, in its discretion, may grant performance awards to
eligible individuals based upon the individuals
satisfaction of pre-established performance criteria as
determined by the committee.
Distribution Equivalent Rights. The
compensation committee, in its discretion, may grant DERs as
stand-alone awards or in combination with another award.
Termination of Long-Term Incentive
Plan. Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLCs
board of directors, in its discretion, may terminate the Plan at
any time with respect to the common units for which a grant has
not theretofore been made. The Plan will automatically terminate
on the earlier of the 10th anniversary of the date it was
initially approved by our unitholders or when common units are
no longer available for delivery pursuant to awards under the
Plan. Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLCs board of directors
will also have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part
of it from time to time and the compensation committee may amend
any award; provided, however, that no change in any outstanding
award may be made that would materially impair the rights of the
participant without the consent of the affected participant.
Subject to unitholder approval, if required by the rules of the
principal national securities exchange upon which the common
units are traded, the board of directors of Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC may increase the number of common units that
may be delivered with respect to awards under the Plan.
134
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our
units that will be issued upon the consummation of this offering
and the related transactions and held by:
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each person who then will beneficially own 5% or more of the
then outstanding units;
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all of the directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC;
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each named executive officer of Spectra Energy Partners GP,
LLC; and
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all directors and officers of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC as
a group.
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Percentage of
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Total Common
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Percentage of
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and
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Common Units
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Percentage of
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Subordinated
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Subordinated
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Subordinated
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to be
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Common Units to
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Units to be
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Units to be
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Units to be
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Beneficially
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be Beneficially
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Beneficially
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Beneficially
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Beneficially
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Name of Beneficial Owner (1)
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Owned
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Owned
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Owned
|
|
|
Owned
|
|
|
Owned
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Corp(2)
|
|
|
34,629,880
|
|
|
|
77.6
|
%
|
|
|
21,638,730
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
84.9
|
%
|
Spectra Energy Transmission LLC
|
|
|
7,873,950
|
|
|
|
17.6
|
%
|
|
|
5,142,858
|
|
|
|
23.8
|
%
|
|
|
19.6
|
%
|
Spectra Energy Southeast Pipeline
Corp.
|
|
|
25,255,930
|
|
|
|
56.6
|
%
|
|
|
16,495,872
|
|
|
|
76.2
|
%
|
|
|
63.0
|
%
|
Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.3
|
%
|
Martha B. Wyrsch(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
C. Gregory Harper(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
Lon C. Mitchell, Jr.(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
William S. Garner, Jr.(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
Gregory J. Rizzo(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
Steven D. Arnold(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
Nora M. Brownell(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
All directors and executive
officers as a group (seven persons)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(*) |
|
Less than 1% of units outstanding |
|
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for all beneficial
owners in this table is 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, TX
77056. |
|
(2) |
|
Spectra Energy Corp is the ultimate parent company of each of
Spectra Energy Transmission, Spectra Energy Southeast Pipeline
Corp. and Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP and may,
therefore, be deemed to beneficially own the units held by each
of Spectra Energy Transmission, Spectra Energy Southeast
Pipeline Corp. and Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP. |
|
(3) |
|
Does not include common units that may be purchased in the
directed unit program. |
135
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
After this offering, Spectra Energy and its affiliates will own
34,629,880 common units and 21,638,730 subordinated
units representing an aggregate 83.2% limited partner interest
in us. In addition, our general partner will own a 2% general
partner interest in us and the incentive distribution rights.
Distributions
and Payments to Our General Partner and its Affiliates
The following table summarizes the distributions and payments to
be made by us to our general partner and its affiliates in
connection with the formation, ongoing operation and any
liquidation of Spectra Energy Partners, LP. These distributions
and payments were determined by and among affiliated entities
and, consequently, are not the result of arms-length
negotiations.
Formation
Stage
|
|
|
The consideration received by Spectra Energy and its
subsidiaries for the contribution of the assets and liabilities
to us |
|
34,629,880 common units;
|
|
|
|
21,638,730 subordinated units;
|
|
|
|
1,352,421 general partner units;
|
|
|
|
the incentive distribution rights;
|
|
|
|
$288.1 million cash payment from the proceeds
of borrowings under our credit facility.
|
Operational
Stage
|
|
|
Distributions of available cash to our general partner and its
affiliates |
|
We will generally make cash distributions 98% to our unitholders
pro rata, including our general partner and its affiliates, as
the holders of an aggregate 34,629,880 common units
21,638,730 subordinated units, and 2% to our general partner. In
addition, if distributions exceed the minimum quarterly
distribution and other higher target distribution levels, our
general partner will be entitled to increasing percentages of
the distributions, up to 50% of the distributions above the
highest target distribution level. |
|
|
|
Assuming we have sufficient available cash to pay the full
minimum quarterly distribution on all of our outstanding units
for four quarters, our general partner and its affiliates would
receive an annual distribution of approximately
$1.6 million on their general partner units and
$67.5 million on their common and subordinated units. |
|
Payments to our general partner and its affiliates |
|
We will reimburse Spectra Energy and its affiliates for the
payment of certain operating expenses and for the provision of
various general and administrative services for our benefit. For
further information regarding the administrative fee, please
read Certain Relationship and Related Party
Transactions Omnibus Agreement
Reimbursement of Operating and General and Administrative
Expense. |
136
|
|
|
Withdrawal or removal of our general partner |
|
If our general partner withdraws or is removed, its general
partner interest and its incentive distribution rights will
either be sold to the new general partner for cash or converted
into common units, in each case for an amount equal to the fair
market value of those interests. Please read The
Partnership Agreement Withdrawal or Removal of the
General Partner. |
Liquidation
Stage
|
|
|
Liquidation |
|
Upon our liquidation, the partners, including our general
partner, will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions
according to their respective capital account balances. |
Agreements
Governing the Transactions
We and other parties have entered into or will enter into the
various documents and agreements that will effect the offering
transactions, including the vesting of assets in, and the
assumption of liabilities by, us and our subsidiaries, and the
application of the proceeds of this offering. These agreements
will not be the result of arms-length negotiations, and
they, or any of the transactions that they provide for, may not
be effected on terms at least as favorable to the parties to
these agreements as they could have been obtained from
unaffiliated third parties. All of the transaction expenses
incurred in connection with these transactions, including the
expenses associated with transferring assets into our
subsidiaries, will be paid from the proceeds of this offering.
Omnibus
Agreement
Upon the closing of this offering, we will enter into an omnibus
agreement with Spectra Energy, our general partner and others
that will address the following matters:
|
|
|
|
|
our obligation to reimburse Spectra Energy the payment of direct
operating expenses it incurs on our behalf in connection with
our business and operations;
|
|
|
|
our obligation to reimburse Spectra Energy for providing us
allocated corporate, general and administrative services, which
reimbursement is capped at $3.0 million per year, subject
to adjustment for inflation and increases in connection with
expansions of our operations through the acquisition or
construction of new assets or businesses with the concurrence of
our conflicts committee; and
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energys obligation to indemnify us for certain
liabilities and our obligation to indemnify Spectra Energy for
certain liabilities.
|
Our general partner and its affiliates will also receive
payments from us pursuant to the contractual arrangements
described below under the caption Contracts
with Affiliates.
Any or all of the provisions of the omnibus agreement, other
than the indemnification provisions described below, will be
terminable by Spectra Energy at its option if our general
partner is removed without cause and units held by our general
partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that
removal. The omnibus agreement (other than the indemnification
provisions) will also terminate in the event of a change of
control of us, our general partner or the general partner of our
general partner.
Reimbursement
of Operating and General and Administrative
Expense
Under the omnibus agreement we will reimburse Spectra Energy for
the payment of certain operating expenses and for the provision
of various corporate, general and administrative services (which
corporate, general and administrative expenses will be capped at
$3.0 million annually, subject to increases as described
above) for our benefit with respect to the assets contributed to
us at the closing of this offering.
137
Pursuant to these arrangements, Spectra Energy will perform
centralized corporate functions for us, including legal,
accounting, compliance, treasury, insurance, risk management,
health, safety and environmental, information technology, human
resources, credit, payroll, internal audit and tax. We will
reimburse Spectra Energy for the expenses to provide these
services as well as other expenses it incurs on our behalf, such
as salaries of personnel performing services for our benefit and
the cost of their employee benefits and general and
administrative expenses associated with such personnel; capital
expenditures; maintenance and repair costs; taxes; and direct
expenses, including operating expenses and certain allocated
operating expenses, associated with the ownership and operation
of the contributed assets.
Competition
Neither Spectra Energy or any of its affiliates will be
restricted, under either our partnership agreement or the
omnibus agreement, from competing with us. Spectra Energy and
any of its affiliates may acquire, construct or dispose of
additional transportation and storage or other assets in the
future without any obligation to offer us the opportunity to
purchase or construct those assets.
Indemnification
Under the omnibus agreement, Spectra Energy will indemnify us
for three years after the closing of this offering against
certain potential environmental and toxic tort claims, losses
and expenses associated with the operation of the assets and
occurring before the closing date of this offering. The maximum
liability of Spectra Energy for this indemnification obligation
will not exceed $15.0 million and Spectra Energy will not
have any obligation under this indemnification until our
aggregate losses exceed $250,000. Spectra Energy will have no
indemnification obligations with respect to environmental claims
made as a result of additions to or modifications of
environmental laws relating to pollution or protection of the
environment or natural resources promulgated after the closing
date of this offering. We have agreed to indemnify Spectra
Energy against environmental liabilities related to our assets
to the extent Spectra Energy is not required to indemnify us.
Additionally, Spectra Energy will indemnify us for losses
attributable to title defects, failures to obtain consents or
permits necessary for the transfer of the contributed assets,
retained assets and liabilities (including preclosing litigation
relating to contributed assets) and income taxes attributable to
pre-closing operations. We will indemnify Spectra Energy for all
losses attributable to the postclosing operations of the assets
contributed to us, to the extent not subject to Spectra
Energys indemnification obligations.
Contracts
with Affiliates
Gulfstream
Limited Liability Company Agreement
In connection with the closing of this offering, Spectra Energy
will contribute to us 49.0% of its 50.0% interest in Gulfstream,
at which time we will own a 24.5% interest in Gulfstream,
Spectra Energy will own a 25.5% interest and The Williams
Companies will own a 50.0% interest. Gulfstreams second
amended and restated limited liability company agreement governs
the ownership and management of Gulfstream and provides for
quarterly distributions equal to 100% of its available cash,
which is defined to include Gulfstreams cash and cash
equivalents on hand at the end of the quarter less any reserves
that may be deemed appropriate by the Gulfstream management
committee for the operation of its business (including reserves
for its future maintenance capital expenditures and for its
anticipated future credit needs) or for its compliance with law
or other agreements.
The management committee representatives of Spectra Energy and
The Williams Companies will jointly make the determinations
related to Gulfstreams available cash. In addition,
because we will hold less than a 25% interest in Gulfstream,
under the terms of the limited liability company agreement,
Spectra
138
Energy and The Williams Companies will be able to collectively
make all decisions with respect to the operation of Gulfstream
without our approval, other than those decisions relating to
(1) a dissolution of Gulfstream, (2) Gulfstreams
entrance into bankruptcy proceedings, (3) Gulfstreams
conducting any activity or business that may generate income for
federal income tax purposes that may not be qualifying
income or (4) an amendment of Gulfstreams
limited liability company agreement or its certificate of
formation.
Under the Gulfstream limited liability company agreement, each
members interest is subject to transfer restrictions,
including a right of first offer in favor of the other members
except in the case of certain transfers to affiliates.
Accordingly, if a member identifies a potential third-party
purchaser for all or a portion of its interest, that member must
first offer the other members the opportunity to acquire the
interest that it proposes to sell on the same terms and
conditions as proposed by such potential purchaser.
Market
Hub General Partnership Agreement
In connection with the closing of this offering, Spectra Energy
will contribute to us 50.0% of its interest in Market Hub, after
which we will own a 50.0% interest in Market Hub and Spectra
Energy will own a 50.0% interest. A partnership agreement will
govern the ownership and management of Market Hub and provide
for quarterly distributions equal to 100% of its available cash,
which is defined to include Market Hubs cash and cash
equivalents on hand at the end of the quarter less any reserves
that may be deemed appropriate by the Market Hub management
committee for the operation of its business (including reserves
for its future maintenance capital expenditures and for its
anticipated future credit needs) or for its compliance with law
or other agreements.
A management committee comprised of an equal number of
representatives of Spectra Energy and us will jointly make the
determinations related to Market Hubs available cash.
Storage
and Transportation Related Arrangements
We charge transportation and storage fees to Spectra Energy and
its respective affiliates. Management anticipates continuing to
provide these services to Spectra Energy and its respective
affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
East Tennessee. East Tennessee is a party
under three pipeline balancing agreements with the following
Spectra Energy affiliates: Texas Eastern Transmission (Texas
Eastern), LP; Saltville Gas Storage, LLC (Saltville) and Spectra
Energy Early Grove Company. Each agreement was entered into in
accordance with East Tennessee FERC gas tariff and provides for
the monthly balancing of natural gas at receipt and delivery
points with affiliates interconnecting with East
Tennessees pipeline system. In addition, East Tennessee
has entered into an interruptible storage service agreement with
Saltville and a firm storage service agreement with Spectra
Energy Virginia Pipeline Company for the purpose of balancing
the operations of East Tennessee.
Market Hub. Spectra Energys Texas
Eastern Transmission, LP has entered into a variety of storage
service agreements with Moss Bluff and Egan. At Egan,
interruptible service agreements were made under a FERC approved
gas tariff, using rates negotiated at arms-length between the
parties. At Moss Bluff, interruptible and firm storage service
agreements are subject to the Statement of Operating Conditions
on file with FERC. Storage service agreements between Moss Bluff
and Texas Eastern include rates negotiated at arms-length
between the parties. In addition, each of Moss Bluff and Egan
have entered into agreements with Texas Eastern as an
interconnecting pipeline to provide for monthly gas balancing at
receipt and delivery points between the parties.
139
CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST AND FIDUCIARY DUTIES
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest exist and may arise in the future as a
result of the relationships between our general partner and its
affiliates (including Spectra Energy) on the one hand, and our
partnership and our limited partners, on the other hand. The
directors and officers of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC have
fiduciary duties to manage Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC and
our general partner in a manner beneficial to its owners. At the
same time, our general partner has a fiduciary duty to manage
our partnership in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders.
Whenever a conflict arises between our general partner or its
affiliates, on the one hand, and us or any other partner, on the
other hand, our general partner will resolve that conflict. Our
partnership agreement contains provisions that modify and limit
our general partners fiduciary duties to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available
to unitholders for actions taken that, without those
limitations, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.
Our general partner will not be in breach of its obligations
under the partnership agreement or its duties to us or our
unitholders if the resolution of the conflict is:
|
|
|
|
|
approved by the conflicts committee in good faith, although our
general partner is not obligated to seek such approval;
|
|
|
|
approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding common
units, excluding any common units owned by our general partner
or any of its affiliates;
|
|
|
|
on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being
provided to or available from unrelated third parties; or
|
|
|
|
fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of
the relationships among the parties involved, including other
transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous
to us.
|
Our general partner may, but is not required to, seek the
approval of such resolution from the conflicts committee of the
board of directors of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC. If our
general partner does not seek approval from the conflicts
committee and the board of directors of Spectra Energy Partners
GP, LLC determines that the resolution or course of action taken
with respect to the conflict of interest satisfies either of the
standards set forth in the third and fourth bullet points above,
then it will be presumed that, in making its decision, the board
of directors acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought
by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership, the
person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the
burden of overcoming such presumption. Unless the resolution of
a conflict is specifically provided for in our partnership
agreement, our general partner or the conflicts committee may
consider any factors it determines in good faith to consider
when resolving a conflict. When our partnership agreement
provides that someone act in good faith, it requires that person
to believe he is acting in the best interests of the partnership.
Conflicts of interest could arise in the situations described
below, among others.
Spectra
Energy and its affiliates, including DCP Midstream, LLC and DCP
Midstream Partners, LP, are not limited in their ability to
compete with us, which could cause conflicts of interest and
limit our ability to acquire additional assets or businesses
which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations
and cash available for distribution to our
unitholders.
Neither our partnership agreement nor the omnibus agreement
between us, Spectra Energy and others will prohibit Spectra
Energy and its affiliates, including DCP Midstream, LLC and DCP
Midstream Partners, LP, from owning assets or engaging in
businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. In
addition, Spectra Energy and its affiliates may acquire,
construct or dispose of additional transportation, storage or
other assets in the future, without any obligation to offer us
the opportunity to purchase or construct any of those assets.
Spectra Energy is a large, established participant in the
transportation and
140
storage business, and has significantly greater resources and
experience than we have, which factors may make it more
difficult for us to compete with Spectra Energy with respect to
commercial activities as well as for acquisitions candidates. As
a result, competition from Spectra Energy and its affiliates
could adversely impact our results of operations and cash
available for distribution.
Neither
our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires
Spectra Energy to pursue a business strategy that favors us or
utilizes our assets or dictates what markets to pursue or grow.
Spectra Energys directors have a fiduciary duty to make
these decisions in the best interests of the owners of Spectra
Energy, which may be contrary to our interests.
Because certain of the directors of our general partner are also
directors
and/or
officers of Spectra Energy, such directors have fiduciary duties
to Spectra Energy that may cause them to pursue business
strategies that disproportionately benefit Spectra Energy or
which otherwise are not in our best interests.
Our
general partner is allowed to take into account the interests of
parties other than us, such as Spectra Energy, in resolving
conflicts of interest.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the
standards to which our general partner would otherwise be held
by state fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership
agreement permits our general partner to make a number of
decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its
capacity as our general partner. This entitles our general
partner to consider only the interests and factors that it
desires, and it has no duty or obligation to give any
consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our
affiliates or any limited partner. Examples include the exercise
of its right to make a determination to receive Class B
units in exchange for resetting the target distribution levels
related to its incentive distribution rights, its limited call
right, its rights to transfer or vote the units it owns, its
registration rights and its determination whether or not to
consent to any merger or consolidation of the partnership or
amendment to the partnership agreement.
We
will not have any employees and will rely on the employees of
our general partner and its affiliates.
All of our executive management personnel will be employees of
our general partner and will devote all of their time to our
business and affairs. We will also utilize a significant number
of employees of Spectra Energy to operate our business and
provide us with general and administrative services for which we
will reimburse Spectra Energy for allocated expenses of
operational personnel who perform services for our benefit and
we will reimburse Spectra Energy for allocated general and
administrative expenses. Affiliates of our general partner and
Spectra Energy will also conduct businesses and activities of
their own in which we will have no economic interest. If these
separate activities are significantly greater than our
activities, there could be material competition for the time and
effort of the officers and employees who provide services to
Spectra Energy and its affiliates.
Our
partnership agreement limits our general partners
fiduciary duties to holders of our common units and subordinated
units and restricts the remedies available to holders of our
common units and subordinated units for actions taken by our
general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of
fiduciary duty.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the
fiduciary standards to which our general partner would otherwise
be held by state fiduciary duty laws. For example, our
partnership agreement:
|
|
|
|
|
permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its
individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our
general partner. This entitles our general partner to consider
only the interests and factors that it desires, and it has no
duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of,
or factors affecting, us, our affiliates or any limited partner.
Examples include the exercise of its right to make a
determination to receive Class B units in exchange for
resetting the target distribution levels related to its
incentive distribution rights, the exercise of its limited call
right, the exercise of its rights to transfer or vote the units
it owns, the exercise of its registration rights and its
determination whether or not to consent to any merger or
consolidation of the partnership or amendment to the partnership
agreement;
|
141
|
|
|
|
|
provides that our general partner will not have any liability to
us or our unitholders for decisions made in its capacity as a
general partner so long as it acted in good faith, meaning it
believed the decision was in the best interests of our
partnership;
|
|
|
|
generally provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions
of conflicts of interest not approved by the conflicts committee
of the board of directors of our general partner acting in good
faith and not involving a vote of unitholders must be on terms
no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to
or available from unrelated third parties or must be fair
and reasonable to us, as determined by our general partner
in good faith and that, in determining whether a transaction or
resolution is fair and reasonable, our general
partner may consider the totality of the relationships between
the parties involved, including other transactions that may be
particularly advantageous or beneficial to us;
|
|
|
|
provides that our general partner and its officers and directors
will not be liable for monetary damages to us, our limited
partners or assignees for any acts or omissions unless there has
been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of
competent jurisdiction determining that the general partner or
those other persons acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or
willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted
with knowledge that the conduct was criminal; and
|
|
|
|
provides that in resolving conflicts of interest, it will be
presumed that in making its decision the general partner or its
conflicts committee acted in good faith, and in any proceeding
brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or us, the person
bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of
overcoming such presumption.
|
By purchasing a common unit, a common unitholder will agree to
become bound by the provisions in the partnership agreement,
including the provisions discussed above. Please read
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties
Fiduciary Duties.
Except
in limited circumstances, our general partner has the power and
authority to conduct our business without unitholder
approval.
Under our partnership agreement, our general partner has full
power and authority to do all things, other than those items
that require unitholder approval or with respect to which our
general partner has sought conflicts committee approval, on such
terms as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to conduct
our business including, but not limited to, the following:
|
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|
|
the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of
money, the assumption or guarantee of or other contracting for,
indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of
indebtedness, including indebtedness that is convertible into
our securities, and the incurring of any other obligations;
|
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|
|
the purchase, sale or other acquisition or disposition of our
securities, or the issuance of additional options, rights,
warrants and appreciation rights relating to our securities;
|
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|
|
the mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of
any or all of our assets;
|
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|
|
the negotiation, execution and performance of any contracts,
conveyances or other instruments;
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|
|
the distribution of our cash;
|
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|
the selection and dismissal of employees and agents, outside
attorneys, accountants, consultants and contractors and the
determination of their compensation and other terms of
employment or hiring;
|
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|
|
the maintenance of insurance for our benefit and the benefit of
our partners;
|
|
|
|
the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, the
contribution of property to, and the making of loans to, any
limited or general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations,
limited liability companies or other relationships;
|
142
|
|
|
|
|
the control of any matters affecting our rights and obligations,
including the bringing and defending of actions at law or in
equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation,
arbitration or mediation and the incurring of legal expense and
the settlement of claims and litigation;
|
|
|
|
the indemnification of any person against liabilities and
contingencies to the extent permitted by law;
|
|
|
|
the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of
periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies
having jurisdiction over our business or assets; and
|
|
|
|
the entering into of agreements with any of its affiliates to
render services to us or to itself in the discharge of its
duties as our general partner.
|
Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner must
act in good faith when making decisions on our
behalf, and our partnership agreement further provides that in
order for a determination by our general partner to be made in
good faith, our general partner must believe that
the determination is in our best interests. Please read
The Partnership Agreement Voting Rights
for information regarding matters that require unitholder
approval.
Our
general partner determines the amount and timing of asset
purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuance
of additional partnership securities and the creation, reduction
or increase of reserves, each of which can affect the amount of
cash that is distributed to our unitholders.
The amount of cash that is available for distribution to
unitholders is affected by decisions of our general partner
regarding such matters as:
amount and timing of asset purchases and sales;
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|
cash expenditures;
|
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|
borrowings;
|
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|
the issuance of additional units; and
|
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the creation, reduction or increase of reserves in any quarter.
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In addition, our general partner may use an operating surplus
basket, which would not otherwise constitute
available cash from operating surplus, in order to permit the
payment of cash distributions on its units and incentive
distribution rights. The amount of this basket is calculated as
described in the definition of Operating Surplus
contained in the glossary in Appendix D. All of these
actions may affect the amount of cash distributed to our
unitholders and the general partner and may facilitate the
conversion of subordinated units into common units. Please read
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions.
In addition, borrowings by us and our affiliates do not
constitute a breach of any duty owed by the general partner to
our unitholders, including borrowings that have the purpose or
effect of:
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enabling our general partner or its affiliates to receive
distributions on any subordinated units held by them or the
incentive distribution rights; or
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hastening the expiration of the subordination period.
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For example, in the event we have not generated sufficient cash
from our operations to pay the minimum quarterly distribution on
our common units and our subordinated units, our partnership
agreement permit us to borrow funds, which would enable us to
make this distribution on all outstanding units. Please read
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Related to Cash
Distributions Subordination Period.
Our partnership agreement provides that we and our subsidiaries
may borrow funds from our general partner and its affiliates.
Our general partner and its affiliates may not borrow funds from
us, our operating company, or its operating subsidiaries.
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Our
general partner determines which costs incurred by Spectra
Energy are reimbursable by us.
We will reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for
costs incurred in managing and operating us, including costs
incurred in rendering corporate staff and support services to
us. The partnership agreement provides that our general partner
will determine the expenses that are allocable to us in good
faith.
Our
partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner from
causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered
to us or entering into additional contractual arrangements with
any of these entities on our behalf.
Our partnership agreement allows our general partner to
determine, in good faith, any amounts to pay itself or its
affiliates for any services rendered to us. Our general partner
may also enter into additional contractual arrangements with any
of its affiliates on our behalf. Neither our partnership
agreement nor any of the other agreements, contracts or
arrangements between us, on the one hand, and our general
partner and its affiliates, on the other hand, that will be in
effect as of the closing of this offering will be the result of
arms-length negotiations. Similarly, agreements, contracts
or arrangements between us and our general partner and its
affiliates that are entered into following the closing of this
offering will not be required to be negotiated on an
arms-length basis, although, in some circumstances, our
general partner may determine that the conflicts committee of
our general partner may make a determination on our behalf with
respect to one or more of these types of situations.
Our general partner will determine, in good faith, the terms of
any of these transactions entered into after the sale of the
common units offered in this offering.
Our general partner and its affiliates will have no obligation
to permit us to use any facilities or assets of our general
partner or its affiliates, except as may be provided in
contracts entered into specifically dealing with that use. There
is no obligation of our general partner or its affiliates to
enter into any contracts of this kind.
Our
general partner intends to limit its liability regarding our
obligations.
Our general partner intends to limit its liability under
contractual arrangements so that the other party has recourse
only to our assets, and not against our general partner or its
assets. The partnership agreement provides that any action taken
by our general partner to limit its liability is not a breach of
our general partners fiduciary duties, even if we could
have obtained more favorable terms without the limitation on
liability.
Our
general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase
common units if it and its affiliates own more than 80% of the
common units.
Our general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase
common units as provided in the partnership agreement or assign
this right to one of its affiliates or to us. Our general
partner is not bound by fiduciary duty restrictions in
determining whether to exercise this right. As a result, a
common unitholder may have his common units purchased from him
at an undesirable time or price. Please read The
Partnership Agreement Limited Call Right.
Common
unitholders will have no right to enforce obligations of our
general partner and its affiliates under agreements with
us.
Any agreements between us on the one hand, and our general
partner and its affiliates, on the other, will not grant to the
unitholders, separate and apart from us, the right to enforce
the obligations of our general partner and its affiliates in our
favor.
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Our
general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel,
accountants or others to perform services for us.
The attorneys, independent accountants and others who have
performed services for us regarding this offering have been
retained by our general partner. Attorneys, independent
accountants and others who perform services for us are selected
by our general partner or the conflicts committee and may
perform services for our general partner and its affiliates. We
may retain separate counsel for ourselves or the holders of
common units in the event of a conflict of interest between our
general partner and its affiliates, on the one hand, and us or
the holders of common units, on the other, depending on the
nature of the conflict. We do not intend to do so in most cases.
Our
general partner may elect to cause us to issue Class B
units to it in connection with a resetting of the target
distribution levels related to our general partners
incentive distribution rights without the approval of the
conflicts committee of our general partner or our unitholders.
This may result in lower distributions to our common unitholders
in certain situations.
Our general partner has the right, at a time when there are no
subordinated units outstanding and it has received incentive
distributions at the highest level to which it is entitled (48%)
for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters, to reset
the initial cash target distribution levels at higher levels
based on the distribution at the time of the exercise of the
reset election. Following a reset election by our general
partner, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset
to an amount equal to the average cash distribution amount per
common unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding
the reset election (such amount is referred to as the
reset minimum quarterly distribution) and the target
distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher
levels based on percentage increases above the reset minimum
quarterly distribution amount. We anticipate that our general
partner would exercise this reset right in order to facilitate
acquisitions or internal growth projects that would not be
sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit
without such conversion; however, it is possible that our
general partner could exercise this reset election at a time
when we are experiencing declines in our aggregate cash
distributions or at a time when our general partner expects that
we will experience declines in our aggregate cash distributions
in the foreseeable future. In such situations, our general
partner may be experiencing, or may be expected to experience,
declines in the cash distributions it receives related to its
incentive distribution rights and may therefore desire to be
issued our Class B units, which are entitled to specified
priorities with respect to our distributions and which therefore
may be more advantageous for the general partner to own in lieu
of the right to receive incentive distribution payments based on
target distribution levels that are less certain to be achieved
in the then current business environment. As a result, a reset
election may cause our common unitholders to experience dilution
in the amount of cash distributions that they would have
otherwise received had we not issued new Class B units to
our general partner in connection with resetting the target
distribution levels related to our general partner incentive
distribution rights. Please read Provisions of Our
Partnership Agreement Related to Cash Distributions
General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights.
Fiduciary
Duties
Our general partner is accountable to us and our unitholders as
a fiduciary. Fiduciary duties owed to unitholders by our general
partner are prescribed by law and the partnership agreement. The
Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, which we refer
to in this prospectus as the Delaware Act, provides that
Delaware limited partnerships may, in their partnership
agreements, modify, restrict or expand the fiduciary duties
otherwise owed by a general partner to limited partners and the
partnership.
Our partnership agreement contains various provisions modifying
and restricting the fiduciary duties that might otherwise be
owed by our general partner. We have adopted these restrictions
to allow our general partner or its affiliates to engage in
transactions with us that would otherwise be prohibited by
state-law fiduciary duty standards and to take into account the
interests of other parties in addition to our interests when
resolving conflicts of interest. We believe this is appropriate
and necessary because our general partners board of
directors will have fiduciary duties to manage our general
partner in a manner
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beneficial to its owners, as well as to you. Without these
modifications, the general partners ability to make
decisions involving conflicts of interest would be restricted.
The modifications to the fiduciary standards enable the general
partner to take into consideration all parties involved in the
proposed action, so long as the resolution is fair and
reasonable to us. These modifications also enable our general
partner to attract and retain experienced and capable directors.
These modifications are detrimental to our common unitholders
because they restrict the remedies available to unitholders for
actions that, without those limitations, might constitute
breaches of fiduciary duty, as described below, and permit our
general partner to take into account the interests of third
parties in addition to our interests when resolving conflicts of
interest. The following is a summary of the material
restrictions of the fiduciary duties owed by our general partner
to the limited partners:
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State-law fiduciary duty standards |
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Fiduciary duties are generally considered to include an
obligation to act in good faith and with due care and loyalty.
The duty of care, in the absence of a provision in a partnership
agreement providing otherwise, would generally require a general
partner to act for the partnership in the same manner as a
prudent person would act on his own behalf. The duty of loyalty,
in the absence of a provision in a partnership agreement
providing otherwise, would generally prohibit a general partner
of a Delaware limited partnership from taking any action or
engaging in any transaction where a conflict of interest is
present. |
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The Delaware Act generally provides that a limited partner may
institute legal action on behalf of the partnership to recover
damages from a third party where a general partner has refused
to institute the action or where an effort to cause a general
partner to do so is not likely to succeed. In addition, the
statutory or case law of some jurisdictions may permit a limited
partner to institute legal action on behalf of himself and all
other similarly situated limited partners to recover damages
from a general partner for violations of its fiduciary duties to
the limited partners. |
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Partnership agreement modified standards |
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Our partnership agreement contains provisions that waive or
consent to conduct by our general partner and its affiliates
that might otherwise raise issues about compliance with
fiduciary duties or applicable law. For example, our partnership
agreement provides that when our general partner is acting in
its capacity as our general partner, as opposed to in its
individual capacity, it must act in good faith and
will not be subject to any other standard under applicable law.
In addition, when our general partner is acting in its
individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our
general partner, it may act without any fiduciary obligation to
us or the unitholders whatsoever. These standards reduce the
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In addition to the other more specific provisions limiting the
obligations of our general partner, our partnership agreement
further provides that our general partner and its officers and
directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us, our
limited partners or assignees for errors of judgment or for any
acts or omissions unless there has been a final and
non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction
determining that the general partner or its officers and
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fraud or willful misconduct or in the case of a criminal matter,
acted with knowledge that the indemnitees conduct was
criminal. |
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Special provisions regarding affiliated
transactions. Our partnership agreement generally
provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions of
conflicts of interest not involving a vote of unitholders and
that are not approved by the conflicts committee of the board of
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on terms no less favorable to us than those
generally being provided to or available from unrelated third
parties; or
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fair and reasonable to us, taking into
account the totality of the relationships between the parties
involved (including other transactions that may be particularly
favorable or advantageous to us).
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If our general partner does not seek approval from the conflicts
committee and its board of directors determines that the
resolution or course of action taken with respect to the
conflict of interest satisfies either of the standards set forth
in the bullet points above, then it will be presumed that, in
making its decision, the board of directors, which may include
board members affected by the conflict of interest, acted in
good faith and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any
limited partner or the partnership, the person bringing or
prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming
such presumption. These standards reduce the obligations to
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By purchasing our common units, each common unitholder
automatically agrees to be bound by the provisions in the
partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above.
This is in accordance with the policy of the Delaware Act
favoring the principle of freedom of contract and the
enforceability of partnership agreements. The failure of a
limited partner or assignee to sign a partnership agreement does
not render the partnership agreement unenforceable against that
person.
We must indemnify our general partner and its officers,
directors, managers and certain other specified persons, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, against liabilities, costs and
expenses incurred by our general partner or these other persons.
We must provide this indemnification unless there has been a
final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent
jurisdiction determining that these persons acted in bad faith
or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct. We must also provide
this indemnification for criminal proceedings unless our general
partner or these other persons acted with knowledge that their
conduct was unlawful. Thus, our general partner could be
indemnified for its negligent acts if it meets the requirements
set forth above. To the extent these provisions purport to
include indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification
is contrary to public policy and, therefore, unenforceable.
Please read The Partnership Agreement
Indemnification.
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DESCRIPTION
OF THE COMMON UNITS
The
Units
The common units and the subordinated units are separate classes
of limited partner interests in us. The holders of units are
entitled to participate in partnership distributions and
exercise the rights or privileges available to limited partners
under our partnership agreement. For a description of the
relative rights and preferences of holders of common units and
subordinated units in and to partnership distributions, please
read this section and Our Cash Distribution Policy and
Restrictions on Distributions. For a description of the
rights and privileges of limited partners under our partnership
agreement, including voting rights, please read The
Partnership Agreement.
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
Duties. American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company will serve as registrar and transfer agent for the
common units. We will pay all fees charged by the transfer agent
for transfers of common units except the following that must be
paid by unitholders:
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surety bond premiums to replace lost or stolen certificates,
taxes and other governmental charges;
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special charges for services requested by a common
unitholder; and
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other similar fees or charges.
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There will be no charge to unitholders for disbursements of our
cash distributions. We will indemnify the transfer agent, its
agents and each of their stockholders, directors, officers and
employees against all claims and losses that may arise out of
acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity,
except for any liability due to any gross negligence or
intentional misconduct of the indemnified person or entity.
Resignation or Removal. The transfer
agent may resign, by notice to us, or be removed by us. The
resignation or removal of the transfer agent will become
effective upon our appointment of a successor transfer agent and
registrar and its acceptance of the appointment. If no successor
has been appointed and has accepted the appointment within
30 days after notice of the resignation or removal, our
general partner may act as the transfer agent and registrar
until a successor is appointed.
Transfer
of Common Units
The transfer of the common units to persons that purchase
directly from the underwriters will be accomplished through the
proper completion, execution and delivery of a transfer
application by the investor. Any later transfers of a common
unit will not be recorded by the transfer agent or recognized by
us unless the transferee executes and delivers a properly
completed transfer application. By executing and delivering a
transfer application, the transferee of common units:
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becomes the record holder of the common units and is an assignee
until admitted into our partnership as a substituted limited
partner;
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automatically requests admission as a substituted limited
partner in our partnership;
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executes and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of
our partnership agreement;
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represents that the transferee has the capacity, power and
authority to enter into our partnership agreement;
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grants powers of attorney to the officers of our general partner
and any liquidator of us as specified in our partnership
agreement;
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gives the consents, covenants, representations and approvals
contained in our partnership agreement, such as the approval of
all transactions and agreements we are entering into in
connection with our formation and this offering; and
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that the transferee is an individual or is an entity subject to
United States federal income taxation on the income generated by
us; or
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that, if the transferee is an entity not subject to United
States federal income taxation on the income generated by us, as
in the case, for example, of a mutual fund taxed as a regulated
investment company or a partnership, all the entitys
owners are subject to United States federal income taxation on
the income generated by us.
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An assignee will become a substituted limited partner of our
partnership for the transferred common units automatically upon
the recording of the transfer on our books and records. Our
general partner will cause any unrecorded transfers for which a
properly completed and duly executed transfer application has
been received to be recorded on our books and records no less
frequently than quarterly.
A transferees broker, agent or nominee may, but is not
obligated to, complete, execute and deliver a transfer
application. We are entitled to treat the nominee holder of a
common unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial
holders rights are limited solely to those that it has
against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between
the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.
Common units are securities and are transferable according to
the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other
rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the
transferee the right to request admission as a substituted
limited partner in our partnership for the transferred common
units. A purchaser or transferee of common units who does not
execute and deliver a properly completed transfer application
obtains only:
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the right to assign the common unit to a purchaser or other
transferee; and
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the right to transfer the right to seek admission as a
substituted limited partner in our partnership for the
transferred common units.
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Thus, a purchaser or transferee of common units who does not
execute and deliver a properly completed transfer application:
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will not receive cash distributions;
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will not be allocated any of our income, gain, deduction, losses
or credits for federal income tax or other tax purposes;
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may not receive some federal income tax information or reports
furnished to record holders of common units; and
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will have no voting rights;
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unless the common units are held in a nominee or street
name account and the nominee or broker has executed and
delivered a transfer application and certification as to itself
and any beneficial holders.
The transferor of common units has a duty to provide the
transferee with all information that may be necessary to
transfer the common units. The transferor does not have a duty
to ensure the execution of the transfer application by the
transferee and has no liability or responsibility if the
transferee neglects or chooses not to execute and deliver a
properly completed transfer application to the transfer agent.
Please read The Partnership Agreement Status
as Limited Partner or Assignee.
Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and
the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as
the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise
required by law or stock exchange regulations.
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THE
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of our
partnership agreement. The form of our partnership agreement is
included in this prospectus as Appendix A. We will provide
prospective investors with a copy of our partnership agreement
upon request at no charge.
We summarize the following provisions of our partnership
agreement elsewhere in this prospectus:
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with regard to distributions of available cash, please read
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions;
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with regard to the fiduciary duties of our general partner,
please read Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary
Duties;
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with regard to the transfer of common units, please read
Description of the Common Units Transfer of
Common Units; and
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with regard to allocations of taxable income and taxable loss,
please read Material Tax Consequences.
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Organization
and Duration
Our partnership was organized March 19, 2007 and will have
a perpetual existence.
Purpose
Our purpose under the partnership agreement is limited to any
business activity that is approved by our general partner and
that lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership
organized under Delaware law; provided, that our general partner
shall not cause us to engage, directly or indirectly, in any
business activity that our general partner determines would
cause us to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for federal income
tax purposes.
Although our general partner has the ability to cause us and our
subsidiaries to engage in activities other than the business of
transporting and storing natural gas, our general partner has no
current plans to do so and may decline to do so free of any
fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited
partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best
interests of us or the limited partners. Our general partner is
authorized in general to perform all acts it determines to be
necessary or appropriate to carry out our purposes and to
conduct our business.
Power of
Attorney
Each limited partner, and each person who acquires a unit from a
unitholder, by accepting the common unit, automatically grants
to our general partner and, if appointed, a liquidator, a power
of attorney to, among other things, execute and file documents
required for our qualification, continuance or dissolution. The
power of attorney also grants our general partner the authority
to amend, and to make consents and waivers under, our
partnership agreement.
Cash
Distributions
Our partnership agreement specifies the manner in which we will
make cash distributions to holders of our common units and other
partnership securities as well as to our general partner in
respect of its general partner interest and its incentive
distribution rights. For a description of these cash
distribution provisions, please read Provisions of Our
Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions.
Capital
Contributions
Unitholders are not obligated to make additional capital
contributions, except as described below under
Limited Liability.
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For a discussion of our general partners right to
contribute capital to maintains its 2% general partner interest
if we issue additional units, please read
Issuance of Additional Securities.
Voting
Rights
The following is a summary of the unitholder vote required for
the matters specified below. Matters requiring the approval of a
unit majority require:
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during the subordination period, the approval of a majority of
the common units, excluding those common units held by our
general partner and its affiliates, and a majority of the
subordinated units, voting as separate classes; and
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after the subordination period, the approval of a majority of
the common units and Class B units, if any, voting as a
single class.
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In voting their common, Class B and subordinated units, our
general partner and its affiliates will have no fiduciary duty
or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners,
including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests
of us or the limited partners.
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Issuance of additional units
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No approval right.
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Amendment of the partnership
agreement
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Certain amendments may be made by
the general partner without the approval of the unitholders.
Other amendments generally require the approval of a unit
majority. Please read Amendment of the
Partnership Agreement.
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Merger of our partnership or the
sale of all or substantially all of our assets
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Unit majority in certain
circumstances. Please read Merger,
Consolidation, Conversion, Sale or Other Disposition of
Assets.
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Dissolution of our partnership
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Unit majority. Please read
Termination and Dissolution.
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Continuation of our business upon
dissolution
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Unit majority. Please read
Termination and Dissolution.
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Withdrawal of the general partner
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Under most circumstances, the
approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common
units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is
required for the withdrawal of our general partner prior to
June 30, 2017 in a manner that would cause a dissolution of
our partnership. Please read Withdrawal or
Removal of the General Partner.
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Removal of the general partner
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Not less than
662/3%
of the outstanding units, voting as a single class, including
units held by our general partner and its affiliates. Please
read Withdrawal or Removal of the General
Partner.
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Transfer of the general partner
interest
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Our general partner may transfer
all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest in
us without a vote of our unitholders to an affiliate or another
person in connection with its merger or consolidation with or
into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to, such
person. The approval of a majority of the common units,
excluding common units held by the general partner and its
affiliates, is required in other circumstances for a transfer of
the general partner interest to a third party prior to
June 30, 2017. See Transfer of General
Partner Units.
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Transfer of incentive distribution
rights
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Our general partner may transfer
any or all of the incentive distribution rights without a vote
of our unitholders to an affiliate or another person as part of
our general partners merger or consolidation with or into,
or sale of all or substantially all of its assets or the sale of
all of the ownership interests in such holder to, such person.
The approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common
units held by the general partner and its affiliates, is
required in other circumstances for a transfer of the incentive
distribution rights to a third party prior to June 30,
2017. Please read Transfer of Incentive
Distribution Rights.
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Transfer of ownership interests in
our general partner
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No approval required at any time.
Please read Transfer of
Ownership Interests in the General Partner.
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Limited
Liability
Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the
control of our business within the meaning of the Delaware Act
and that he otherwise acts in conformity with the provisions of
the partnership agreement, his liability under the Delaware Act
will be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount
of capital he is obligated to contribute to us for his common
units plus his share of any undistributed profits and assets. If
it were determined, however, that the right, or exercise of the
right, by the limited partners as a group:
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to remove or replace the general partner;
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to approve some amendments to the partnership agreement; or
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to take other action under the partnership agreement;
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constituted participation in the control of our
business for the purposes of the Delaware Act, then the limited
partners could be held personally liable for our obligations
under the laws of Delaware, to the same extent as the general
partner. This liability would extend to persons who transact
business with us who reasonably believe that the limited partner
is a general partner. Neither the partnership agreement nor the
Delaware Act specifically provides for legal recourse against
the general partner if a limited partner were to lose limited
liability through any fault of the general partner. While this
does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal
recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in
Delaware case law.
Under the Delaware Act, a limited partnership may not make a
distribution to a partner if, after the distribution, all
liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities
to partners on account of their partnership interests and
liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to
specific property of the partnership, would exceed the fair
value of the assets of the limited partnership. For the purpose
of determining the fair value of the assets of a limited
partnership, the Delaware Act provides that the fair value of
property subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is
limited shall be included in the assets of the limited
partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that
property exceeds the nonrecourse liability. The Delaware Act
provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and
knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution was
in violation of the Delaware Act shall be liable to the limited
partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years.
Under the Delaware Act, a substituted limited partner of a
limited partnership is liable for the obligations of his
assignor to make contributions to the partnership, except that
such person is not obligated for liabilities unknown to him at
the time he became a limited partner and that could not be
ascertained from the partnership agreement.
Our subsidiaries conduct business in nine states and we may have
subsidiaries that conduct business in other states in the
future. Maintenance of our limited liability as a limited
partner of the operating
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partnership may require compliance with legal requirements in
the jurisdictions in which the operating partnership conducts
business, including qualifying our subsidiaries to do business
there.
Limitations on the liability of limited partners for the
obligations of a limited partner have not been clearly
established in many jurisdictions. If, by virtue of our
partnership interest in our operating partnership or otherwise,
it were determined that we were conducting business in any state
without compliance with the applicable limited partnership or
limited liability company statute, or that the right or exercise
of the right by the limited partners as a group to remove or
replace the general partner, to approve some amendments to the
partnership agreement, or to take other action under the
partnership agreement constituted participation in the
control of our business for purposes of the statutes of
any relevant jurisdiction, then the limited partners could be
held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that
jurisdiction to the same extent as the general partner under the
circumstances. We will operate in a manner that the general
partner considers reasonable and necessary or appropriate to
preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.
Issuance
of Additional Securities
Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited
number of additional partnership securities for the
consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our
general partner without the approval of the unitholders.
It is possible that we will fund acquisitions through the
issuance of additional common units, subordinated units or other
partnership securities. Holders of any additional common units
we issue will be entitled to share equally with the
then-existing holders of common units in our distributions of
available cash. In addition, the issuance of additional common
units or other partnership securities may dilute the value of
the interests of the then-existing holders of common units in
our net assets.
In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of our
partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership
securities that, as determined by our general partner, may have
special voting rights to which the common units are not
entitled. In addition, our partnership agreement does not
prohibit the issuance by our subsidiaries of equity securities,
which may effectively rank senior to the common units.
Upon issuance of additional partnership securities (other than
the issuance of common units upon exercise by the underwriters
of their option to purchase additional common units, the
issuance of Class B units in connection with a reset of the
incentive distribution target levels or the issuance of
partnership securities upon conversion of outstanding
partnership securities), our general partner will be entitled,
but not required, to make additional capital contributions to
the extent necessary to maintain its 2% general partner interest
in us. Our general partners 2% interest in us will be
reduced if we issue additional units in the future and our
general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of
capital to us to maintain its 2% general partner interest.
Moreover, our general partner will have the right, which it may
from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its
affiliates, to purchase common units, subordinated units or
other partnership securities whenever, and on the same terms
that, we issue those securities to persons other than our
general partner and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to
maintain the percentage interest of the general partner and its
affiliates, including such interest represented by common units
and subordinated units, that existed immediately prior to each
issuance. The holders of common units will not have preemptive
rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership
securities.
Amendment
of the Partnership Agreement
General. Amendments to our partnership
agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent of our
general partner. However, our general partner will have no duty
or obligation to propose any amendment and may decline to do so
free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the
limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in
the best interests of us or the limited partners. In order to
adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed
below, our general partner is required to seek written approval
of the holders of the number of units required to approve the
amendment or call a
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meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the
proposed amendment. Except as described below, an amendment must
be approved by a unit majority.
Prohibited Amendments. No amendment may
be made that would:
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enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without its
consent, unless approved by at least a majority of the type or
class of limited partner interests so affected; or
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enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or
rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable,
reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to our general partner
or any of its affiliates without the consent of our general
partner, which consent may be given or withheld at its option.
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The provision of our partnership agreement preventing the
amendments having the effects described in any of the clauses
above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at
least 90% of the outstanding units voting together as a single
class (including units owned by our general partner and its
affiliates). Upon completion of the offering, our general
partner and its affiliates will own approximately 84.9% of the
outstanding common and subordinated units.
No Unitholder Approval. Our general
partner may generally make amendments to our partnership
agreement without the approval of any limited partner to reflect:
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a change in our name, the location of our principal place of our
business, our registered agent or our registered office;
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the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners
in accordance with our partnership agreement;
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a change that our general partner determines to be necessary or
appropriate to qualify or continue our qualification as a
limited partnership or a partnership in which the limited
partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or
to ensure that neither we nor the operating partnership nor any
of its subsidiaries will be treated as an association taxable as
a corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income
tax purposes;
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an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of our counsel,
to prevent us or our general partner or its directors, officers,
agents or trustees from in any manner being subjected to the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment
Advisors Act of 1940, or plan asset regulations
adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, or ERISA, whether or not substantially similar to plan
asset regulations currently applied or proposed;
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an amendment that our general partner determines to be necessary
or appropriate for the authorization of additional partnership
securities or rights to acquire partnership securities,
including any amendment that our general partner determines is
necessary or appropriate in connection with:
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the adjustments of the minimum quarterly distribution, first
target distribution, second target distribution and third target
distribution in connection with the reset of our general
partners incentive distribution rights as described under
Provisions of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions General Partners Right to Reset
Incentive Distribution Levels; or
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the implementation of the provisions relating to our general
partners right to reset its incentive distribution rights
in exchange for Class B units; and
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any modification of the incentive distribution rights made in
connection with the issuance of additional partnership
securities or rights to acquire partnership securities, provided
that, any such modifications and related issuance of partnership
securities have received approval by a majority of the members
of the conflicts committee of our general partner;
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any amendment expressly permitted in our partnership agreement
to be made by our general partner acting alone;
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an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a merger
agreement that has been approved under the terms of our
partnership agreement;
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any amendment that our general partner determines to be
necessary or appropriate for the formation by us of, or our
investment in, any corporation, partnership or other entity, as
otherwise permitted by our partnership agreement;
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a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes;
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conversions into, mergers with or conveyances to another limited
liability entity that is newly formed and has no assets,
liabilities or operations at the time of the conversion, merger
or conveyance other than those it receives by way of the
conversion, merger or conveyance; or
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any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters
described in the clauses above.
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In addition, our general partner may make amendments to our
partnership agreement without the approval of any limited
partner if our general partner determines that those amendments:
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do not adversely affect in any material respect the limited
partners considered as a whole or any particular class of
limited partners as compared to other classes of limited
partners;
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are necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements,
conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive,
order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or
judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute;
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are necessary or appropriate to facilitate the trading of
limited partner interests or to comply with any rule,
regulation, guideline or requirement of any securities exchange
on which the limited partner interests are or will be listed for
trading;
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are necessary or appropriate for any action taken by our general
partner relating to splits or combinations of units under the
provisions of our partnership agreement; or
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are required to effect the intent expressed in this prospectus
or the intent of the provisions of our partnership agreement or
are otherwise contemplated by our partnership agreement.
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Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder
Approval. For amendments of the type not
requiring unitholder approval, our general partner will not be
required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will
not result in a loss of limited liability to the limited
partners or result in our being treated as an entity for federal
income tax purposes in connection with any of the amendments. No
other amendments to our partnership agreement will become
effective without the approval of holders of at least 90% of the
outstanding units voting as a single class unless we first
obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment
will not affect the limited liability under applicable law of
any of our limited partners.
In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would
have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of
any type or class of outstanding units in relation to other
classes of units will require the approval of at least a
majority of the type or class of units so affected. Any
amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take
any action is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of
limited partners whose aggregate outstanding units constitute
not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced.
Merger,
Consolidation, Conversion, Sale or Other Disposition of
Assets
A merger, consolidation or conversion of us requires the prior
consent of our general partner. However, our general partner
will have no duty or obligation to consent to any merger,
consolidation or conversion and may decline to do so free of any
fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited
partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best
interest of us or the limited partners.
In addition, the partnership agreement generally prohibits our
general partner without the prior approval of the holders of a
unit majority, from causing us to, among other things, sell,
exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our
assets in a single transaction or a series of related
transactions, including by
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way of merger, consolidation or other combination, or approving
on our behalf the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of our subsidiaries. Our general
partner may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a
security interest in all or substantially all of our assets
without that approval. Our general partner may also sell all or
substantially all of our assets under a foreclosure or other
realization upon those encumbrances without that approval.
Finally, our general partner may consummate any merger without
the prior approval of our unitholders if we are the surviving
entity in the transaction, our general partner has received an
opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters,
the transaction would not result in a material amendment to the
partnership agreement, each of our units will be an identical
unit of our partnership following the transaction, and the
partnership securities to be issued do not exceed 20% of our
outstanding partnership securities immediately prior to the
transaction.
If the conditions specified in the partnership agreement are
satisfied, our general partner may convert us or any of our
subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity or merge us or
any of our subsidiaries into, or convey all of our assets to, a
newly formed entity if the sole purpose of that conversion,
merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in our legal
form into another limited liability entity, our general partner
has received an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability
and tax matters, and the governing instruments of the new entity
provide the limited partners and the general partner with the
same rights and obligations as contained in the partnership
agreement. The unitholders are not entitled to dissenters
rights of appraisal under the partnership agreement or
applicable Delaware law in the event of a conversion, merger or
consolidation, a sale of substantially all of our assets or any
other similar transaction or event.
Termination
and Dissolution
We will continue as a limited partnership until terminated under
our partnership agreement. We will dissolve upon:
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the election of our general partner to dissolve us, if approved
by the holders of units representing a unit majority;
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there being no limited partners, unless we are continued without
dissolution in accordance with applicable Delaware law;
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the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of our
partnership; or
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the withdrawal or removal of our general partner or any other
event that results in its ceasing to be our general partner
other than by reason of a transfer of its general partner
interest in accordance with our partnership agreement or
withdrawal or removal following approval and admission of a
successor.
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Upon a dissolution under the last clause above, the holders of a
unit majority may also elect, within specific time limitations,
to continue our business on the same terms and conditions
described in our partnership agreement by appointing as a
successor general partner an entity approved by the holders of
units representing a unit majority, subject to our receipt of an
opinion of counsel to the effect that:
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the action would not result in the loss of limited liability of
any limited partner; and
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neither our partnership, our operating partnership nor any of
our other subsidiaries would be treated as an association
taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an entity
for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of that right
to continue.
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Liquidation
and Distribution of Proceeds
Upon our dissolution, unless we are continued as a new limited
partnership, the liquidator authorized to wind up our affairs
will, acting with all of the powers of our general partner that
are necessary or appropriate to liquidate our assets and apply
the proceeds of the liquidation as described in Provisions
of Our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash
Distributions Distributions of Cash Upon
Liquidation. The liquidator may defer liquidation or
distribution of our assets for a reasonable period of time or
distribute assets to partners in kind if it determines that a
sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to our
partners.
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Withdrawal
or Removal of the General Partner
Except as described below, our general partner has agreed not to
withdraw voluntarily as our general partner prior to
June 30, 2017 without obtaining the approval of the holders
of at least a majority of the outstanding common units,
excluding common units held by the general partner and its
affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding
limited liability and tax matters. On or after June 30,
2017, our general partner may withdraw as general partner
without first obtaining approval of any unitholder by giving
90 days written notice, and that withdrawal will not
constitute a violation of our partnership agreement.
Notwithstanding the information above, our general partner may
withdraw without unitholder approval upon 90 days
notice to the limited partners if at least 50% of the
outstanding common units are held or controlled by one person
and its affiliates other than the general partner and its
affiliates. In addition, the partnership agreement permits our
general partner in some instances to sell or otherwise transfer
all of its general partner interest in us without the approval
of the unitholders. Please read Transfer of
General Partner Units and Transfer of
Incentive Distribution Rights.
Upon withdrawal of our general partner under any circumstances,
other than as a result of a transfer by our general partner of
all or a part of its general partner interest in us, the holders
of a unit majority, voting as separate classes, may select a
successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is
not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding
limited liability and tax matters cannot be obtained, we will be
dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within a specified
period after that withdrawal, the holders of a unit majority
agree in writing to continue our business and to appoint a
successor general partner. Please read
Termination and Dissolution.
Our general partner may not be removed unless that removal is
approved by the vote of the holders of not less than
662/3%
of the outstanding units, voting together as a single class,
including units held by our general partner and its affiliates,
and we receive an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability
and tax matters. Any removal of our general partner is also
subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common
units and Class B units, if any, voting as a separate
class, and subordinated units, voting as a separate class. The
ownership of more than
331/3%
of the outstanding units by our general partner and its
affiliates would give them the practical ability to prevent our
general partners removal. At the closing of this offering,
our general partner and its affiliates will own 84.9% of the
outstanding common and subordinated units.
Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general
partner is removed as our general partner under circumstances
where cause does not exist and units held by the general partner
and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal:
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the subordination period will end, and all outstanding
subordinated units will immediately convert into common units on
a
one-for-one
basis;
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units will be extinguished; and
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our general partner will have the right to convert its general
partner interest and its incentive distribution rights into
common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests
based on the fair market value of those interests at that time.
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In the event of removal of a general partner under circumstances
where cause exists or withdrawal of a general partner where that
withdrawal violates our partnership agreement, a successor
general partner will have the option to purchase the general
partner interest and incentive distribution rights of the
departing general partner for a cash payment equal to the fair
market value of those interests. Under all other circumstances
where a general partner withdraws or is removed by the limited
partners, the departing general partner will have the option to
require the successor general partner to purchase the general
partner interest of the departing general partner and its
incentive distribution rights for fair market value. In each
case, this fair market value will be determined by agreement
between the departing general partner and the successor general
partner. If no agreement is reached, an independent investment
banking firm or other independent expert selected by the
departing general partner and the successor general partner will
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determine the fair market value. Or, if the departing general
partner and the successor general partner cannot agree upon an
expert, then an expert chosen by agreement of the experts
selected by each of them will determine the fair market value.
If the option described above is not exercised by either the
departing general partner or the successor general partner, the
departing general partners general partner interest and
its incentive distribution rights will automatically convert
into common units equal to the fair market value of those
interests as determined by an investment banking firm or other
independent expert selected in the manner described in the
preceding paragraph.
In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing
general partner for all amounts due the departing general
partner, including, without limitation, all employee-related
liabilities, including severance liabilities, incurred for the
termination of any employees employed by the departing general
partner or its affiliates for our benefit.
Transfer
of General Partner Units
Except for transfer by our general partner of all, but not less
than all, of its general partner units to:
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an affiliate of our general partner (other than an
individual); or
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another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of our
general partner with or into another entity or the transfer by
our general partner of all or substantially all of its assets to
another entity,
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our general partner may not transfer all or any of its general
partner units to another person prior to June 30, 2017
without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of
the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our
general partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this
transfer, the transferee must assume, among other things, the
rights and duties of our general partner, agree to be bound by
the provisions of our partnership agreement, and furnish an
opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters.
Our general partner and its affiliates may at any time, transfer
units to one or more persons, without unitholder approval,
except that they may not transfer subordinated units to us.
Transfer
of Ownership Interests in the General Partner
At any time, Spectra Energy and its affiliates may sell or
transfer all or part of their partnership interests in our
general partner, or their membership interest in Spectra Energy
Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of our general partner, to
an affiliate or third party without the approval of our
unitholders.
Transfer
of Incentive Distribution Rights
Our general partner or its affiliates or a subsequent holder may
transfer its incentive distribution rights to an affiliate of
the holder (other than an individual) or another entity as part
of the merger or consolidation of such holder with or into
another entity, the sale of all of the ownership interest in the
holder or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets to,
that entity without the prior approval of the unitholders. Prior
to June 30, 2017, other transfers of incentive distribution
rights will require the affirmative vote of holders of a
majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units
held by our general partner and its affiliates. On or after
June 30, 2017, the incentive distribution rights will be
freely transferable.
Change of
Management Provisions
Our partnership agreement contains specific provisions that are
intended to discourage a person or group from attempting to
remove Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP as our general
partner or otherwise change our management. If any person or
group other than our general partner and its affiliates acquires
beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units, that
person or group loses voting rights on all of its units. This
loss of voting rights does not apply to any person or group that
acquires the units
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from our general partner or its affiliates and any transferees
of that person or group approved by our general partner or to
any person or group who acquires the units with the prior
approval of the board of directors of our general partner.
Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general
partner is removed as our general partner under circumstances
where cause does not exist and units held by our general partner
and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal:
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the subordination period will end and all outstanding
subordinated units will immediately convert into common units on
a
one-for-one
basis;
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units will be extinguished; and
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our general partner will have the right to convert its general
partner units and its incentive distribution rights into common
units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests based
on the fair market value of those interests at that time.
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Limited
Call Right
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding limited partner
interests of any class, our general partner will have the right,
which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates
or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the limited
partner interests of the class held by unaffiliated persons as
of a record date to be selected by our general partner, on at
least 10 but not more than 60 days notice. The purchase
price in the event of this purchase is the greater of:
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the highest cash price paid by either of our general partner or
any of its affiliates for any limited partner interests of the
class purchased within the 90 days preceding the date on
which our general partner first mails notice of its election to
purchase those limited partner interests; and
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the current market price as of the date three days before the
date the notice is mailed.
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As a result of our general partners right to purchase
outstanding limited partner interests, a holder of limited
partner interests may have his limited partner interests
purchased at a price that may be lower than market prices at
various times prior to such purchase or lower than a unitholder
may anticipate the market price to be in the future. The tax
consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right
are the same as a sale by that unitholder of his common units in
the market. Please read Material Tax
Consequences Disposition of Common Units.
Non-Taxpaying
Assignees; Redemption
To avoid any adverse effect on the maximum applicable rates
chargeable to customers by our subsidiaries that are regulated
interstate natural gas pipelines, or in order to reverse an
adverse determination that has occurred regarding such maximum
rate, transferees (including purchasers from the underwriters in
this offering) are required to fill out a properly completed
transfer application certifying, and our general partner, acting
on our behalf, may at any time require each unitholder to
re-certify:
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that the transferee or unitholder is an individual or an entity
subject to United States federal income taxation on the income
generated by us; or
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that, if the transferee unitholder is an entity not subject to
United States federal income taxation on the income generated by
us, as in the case, for example, of a mutual fund taxed as a
regulated investment company or a partnership, all the
entitys owners are subject to United States federal income
taxation on the income generated by us.
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This certification can be changed in any manner our general
partner determines is necessary or appropriate to implement its
original purpose.
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If a unitholder fails to furnish:
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a transfer application containing the required certification;
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a re-certification containing the required certification within
30 days after request; or
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provides a false certification; then
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we will have the right, which we may assign to any of our
affiliates, to acquire all but not less than all of the units
held by such unitholder. Further, the units will not be entitled
to any allocations of income or loss, distributions or voting
rights while held by such unitholder.
The purchase price in the event of such an acquisition for each
unit held by such unitholder will be the lesser of:
(1) the price paid by such unitholder for the relevant
unit; and
(2) the current market price as of the date three days
before the date the notice is mailed.
The purchase price will be paid in cash or by delivery of a
promissory note, as determined by our general partner. Any such
promissory note will bear interest at the rate of 5% annually
and be payable in three equal annual installments of principal
and accrued interest, commencing one year after the redemption
date.
Meetings;
Voting
Except as described below regarding a person or group owning 20%
or more of any class of units then outstanding, record holders
of units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and
to vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon
matters for which approvals may be solicited.
Our general partner does not anticipate that any meeting of
unitholders will be called in the foreseeable future. Any action
that is required or permitted to be taken by the unitholders may
be taken either at a meeting of the unitholders or without a
meeting if consents in writing describing the action so taken
are signed by holders of the number of units necessary to
authorize or take that action at a meeting. Meetings of the
unitholders may be called by our general partner or by
unitholders owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the
class for which a meeting is proposed. Unitholders may vote
either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a
majority of the outstanding units of the class or classes for
which a meeting has been called represented in person or by
proxy will constitute a quorum unless any action by the
unitholders requires approval by holders of a greater percentage
of the units, in which case the quorum will be the greater
percentage.
Each record holder of a unit has a vote according to his
percentage interest in us, although additional limited partner
interests having special voting rights could be issued. Please
read Issuance of Additional Securities.
However, if at any time any person or group acquires, in the
aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of
units then outstanding, other than our general partner, its
affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such
units with the prior approval of the board of directors of our
general partner, that person or group will lose voting rights on
all of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter
and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending
notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes,
determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar
purposes. Common units held in nominee or street name account
will be voted by the broker or other nominee in accordance with
the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement
between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise.
Except as our partnership agreement otherwise provides,
subordinated units will vote together with common units and
Class B units as a single class.
Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required
or permitted to be given or made to record holders of common
units under our partnership agreement will be delivered to the
record holder by us or by the transfer agent.
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Status as
Limited Partner
By transfer of common units in accordance with our partnership
agreement, each transferee of common units shall be admitted as
a limited partner with respect to the common units transferred
when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and
records. Except as described under Limited
Liability, the common units will be fully paid, and
unitholders will not be required to make additional
contributions.
Non-Citizen
Assignees; Redemption
If we are or become subject to federal, state or local laws or
regulations that, in the reasonable determination of our general
partner, create a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture
of any property that we have an interest in because of the
nationality, citizenship or other related status of any limited
partner, we may redeem the units held by the limited partner at
their current market price on the redemption date. In order to
avoid any cancellation or forfeiture, our general partner may
require each limited partner to furnish information about his
nationality, citizenship or related status. If a limited partner
fails to furnish information about his nationality, citizenship
or other related status within 30 days after a request for
the information or our general partner determines after receipt
of the information that the limited partner is not an eligible
citizen, the limited partner may be treated as a non-citizen
assignee. A non-citizen assignee is entitled to an interest
equivalent to that of a limited partner for the right to share
in allocations and distributions from us, including liquidating
distributions. A non-citizen assignee does not have the right to
direct the voting of his units and may not receive distributions
in-kind upon our liquidation.
Indemnification
Under our partnership agreement, in most circumstances, we will
indemnify the following persons, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar
events:
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our general partner;
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any departing general partner;
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any person who is or was an affiliate of a general partner or
any departing general partner;
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any person who is or was a director, officer, member, partner,
fiduciary or trustee of any entity set forth in the preceding
three bullet points;
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any person who is or was serving as director, officer, member,
partner, fiduciary or trustee of another person at the request
of our general partner or any departing general partner; and
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any person designated by our general partner.
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Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of
our assets. Unless it otherwise agrees, our general partner will
not be personally liable for, or have any obligation to
contribute or lend funds or assets to us to enable us to
effectuate, indemnification. We may purchase insurance against
liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by persons
for our activities, regardless of whether we would have the
power to indemnify the person against liabilities under our
partnership agreement.
Reimbursement
of Expenses
Our partnership agreement requires us to reimburse our general
partner for all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or
payments it makes on our behalf and all other expenses allocable
to us or otherwise incurred by our general partner in connection
with operating our business. These expenses include salary,
bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons
who perform services for us or on our behalf and expenses
allocated to our general partner by its affiliates. The general
partner is entitled to determine in good faith the expenses that
are allocable to us.
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Books and
Reports
Our general partner is required to keep appropriate books of our
business at our principal offices. The books will be maintained
for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual
basis. For tax and fiscal reporting purposes, our fiscal year is
the calendar year.
We will furnish or make available to record holders of common
units, within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year,
an annual report containing audited financial statements and a
report on those financial statements by our independent public
accountants. Except for our fourth quarter, we will also furnish
or make available summary financial information within
90 days after the close of each quarter.
We will furnish each record holder of a unit with information
reasonably required for tax reporting purposes within
90 days after the close of each calendar year. This
information is expected to be furnished in summary form so that
some complex calculations normally required of partners can be
avoided. Our ability to furnish this summary information to
unitholders will depend on the cooperation of unitholders in
supplying us with specific information. Every unitholder will
receive information to assist him in determining his federal and
state tax liability and filing his federal and state income tax
returns, regardless of whether he supplies us with information.
Right to
Inspect Our Books and Records
Our partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can,
for a purpose reasonably related to his interest as a limited
partner, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of
such demand and at his own expense, have furnished to him:
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a current list of the name and last known address of each
partner;
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a copy of our tax returns;
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information as to the amount of cash, and a description and
statement of the agreed value of any other property or services,
contributed or to be contributed by each partner and the date on
which each partner became a partner;
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copies of our partnership agreement, our certificate of limited
partnership, related amendments and powers of attorney under
which they have been executed;
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information regarding the status of our business and financial
condition; and
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any other information regarding our affairs as is just and
reasonable.
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Our general partner may, and intends to, keep confidential from
the limited partners, trade secrets or other information the
disclosure of which our general partner believes in good faith
is not in our best interests or that we are required by law or
by agreements with third parties to keep confidential.
Registration
Rights
Under our partnership agreement, we have agreed to register for
resale under the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws any common units, subordinated units or other partnership
securities proposed to be sold by our general partner or any of
its affiliates or their assignees if an exemption from the
registration requirements is not otherwise available. These
registration rights continue for two years following any
withdrawal or removal of Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP as
general partner. We are obligated to pay all expenses incidental
to the registration, excluding underwriting discounts and
commissions. Please read Units Eligible for Future
Sale.
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UNITS
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
After the sale of the common units offered hereby and assuming
that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase
additional units, management of our general partner and Spectra
Energy and its affiliates will hold an aggregate of
34,629,880 common units and 21,638,730 subordinated units.
The sale of these units could have an adverse impact on the
price of the common units or on any trading market that may
develop.
The common units sold in the offering will generally be freely
transferable without restriction or further registration under
the Securities Act, except that any common units owned by an
affiliate of ours may not be resold publicly except
in compliance with the registration requirements of the
Securities Act or under an exemption under Rule 144 or
otherwise. Rule 144 permits securities acquired by an
affiliate of the issuer to be sold into the market in an amount
that does not exceed, during any three-month period, the greater
of:
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1% of the total number of the securities outstanding; or
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the average weekly reported trading volume of the common units
for the four calendar weeks prior to the sale.
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Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to specific manner of
sale provisions, holding period requirements, notice
requirements and the availability of current public information
about us. A person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate
of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale,
and who has beneficially owned his common units for at least two
years, would be entitled to sell common units under
Rule 144 without regard to the public information
requirements, volume limitations, manner of sale provisions and
notice requirements of Rule 144.
The partnership agreement does not restrict our ability to issue
any partnership securities at any time. Any issuance of
additional common units or other equity securities would result
in a corresponding decrease in the proportionate ownership
interest in us represented by, and could adversely affect the
cash distributions to and market price of, common units then
outstanding. Please read The Partnership
Agreement Issuance of Additional Securities.
Under our partnership agreement, our general partner and its
affiliates have the right to cause us to register under the
Securities Act and state securities laws the offer and sale of
any common units, subordinated units or other partnership
securities that they hold. Subject to the terms and conditions
of our partnership agreement, these registration rights allow
our general partner and its affiliates or their assignees
holding any units or other partnership securities to require
registration of any of these units or other partnership
securities and to include them in a registration by us of other
units, including units offered by us or by any unitholder. Our
general partner will continue to have these registration rights
for two years following its withdrawal or removal as our general
partner. In connection with any registration of this kind, we
will indemnify each unitholder participating in the registration
and its officers, directors and controlling persons from and
against any liabilities under the Securities Act or any state
securities laws arising from the registration statement or
prospectus. We will bear all costs and expenses incidental to
any registration, excluding any underwriting discounts and a
structuring fee. Except as described below, our general partner
and its affiliates may sell their units or other partnership
interests in private transactions at any time, subject to
compliance with applicable laws.
Spectra Energy, our partnership, our operating company, our
general partner and the directors and executive officers of our
general partner, have agreed not to sell any common units they
beneficially own for a period of 180 days from the date of
this prospectus. For a description of these
lock-up
provisions, please read Underwriting.
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MATERIAL
TAX CONSEQUENCES
This section is a summary of the material tax considerations
that may be relevant to prospective unitholders who are
individual citizens or residents of the United States and,
unless otherwise noted in the following discussion, is the
opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., counsel to our
general partner and us, as to all material tax matters and all
legal conclusions insofar as it relates to matters of United
States federal income tax law and legal conclusions with respect
to those matters. This section is based upon current provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code, existing and proposed regulations
and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of
which are subject to change. Later changes in these authorities
may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the
consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise
requires, references in this section to us or
we are references to Spectra Energy Partners, LP and
our operating company.
The following discussion does not comment on all federal income
tax matters affecting us or our unitholders. Moreover, the
discussion focuses on unitholders who are individual citizens or
residents of the United States and has only limited application
to corporations, estates, trusts, nonresident aliens or other
unitholders subject to specialized tax treatment, such as
tax-exempt institutions, foreign persons, individual retirement
accounts (IRAs), real estate investment trusts (REITs) or mutual
funds. Accordingly, we encourage each prospective unitholder to
consult, and depend on, his own tax advisor in analyzing the
federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences particular to
him of the ownership or disposition of common units.
All statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions, but
not as to factual matters, contained in this section, unless
otherwise noted, are the opinion of Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P. and are, to the extent noted herein, based on the
accuracy of the representations made by us.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding
any matter affecting us or prospective unitholders. Instead, we
will rely on opinions of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Unlike
a ruling, an opinion of counsel represents only that
counsels best legal judgment and does not bind the IRS or
the courts. Accordingly, the opinions and statements made herein
may not be sustained by a court if contested by the IRS. Any
contest of this sort with the IRS may materially and adversely
impact the market for the common units and the prices at which
common units trade. In addition, the costs of any contest with
the IRS, principally legal, accounting and related fees, will
result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our
unitholders and our general partner and thus will be borne
indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner.
Furthermore, the tax treatment of us, or of an investment in us,
may be significantly modified by future legislative or
administrative changes or court decisions. Any modifications may
or may not be retroactively applied.
For the reasons described below, Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion with respect to the following
specific federal income tax issues: (1) the treatment of a
unitholder whose common units are loaned to a short seller to
cover a short sale of common units (please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Treatment of Short Sales); (2) whether our monthly
convention for allocating taxable income and losses is permitted
by existing Treasury Regulations (please read
Disposition of Common Units
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees); and
(3) whether our method for depreciating Section 743
adjustments is sustainable in certain cases (please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Section 754 Election).
Partnership
Status
A partnership is not a taxable entity and incurs no federal
income tax liability. Instead, each partner of a partnership is
required to take into account his share of items of income,
gain, loss and deduction of the partnership in computing his
federal income tax liability, regardless of whether cash
distributions are made to him by the partnership. Distributions
by a partnership to a partner are generally not taxable unless
the amount of cash distributed is in excess of the
partners adjusted basis in his partnership interest.
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Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that
publicly traded partnerships will, as a general rule, be taxed
as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the
Qualifying Income Exception, exists with respect to
publicly traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the gross
income for every taxable year consists of qualifying
income. Qualifying income includes income and gains
derived from the transportation, storage, processing and
marketing of crude oil, natural gas and products thereof. Other
types of qualifying income include interest (other than from a
financial business), dividends, gains from the sale of real
property and gains from the sale or other disposition of capital
assets held for the production of income that otherwise
constitutes qualifying income. We estimate that less than 1% of
our gross current income is not qualifying income; however, this
estimate could change from time to time. Based upon and subject
to this estimate, the factual representations made by us and the
general partner and a review of the applicable legal
authorities, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is of the opinion
that at least 90% of our current gross income constitutes
qualifying income.
No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS and the IRS
has made no determination as to our status for federal income
tax purposes or whether our operations generate qualifying
income under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue
Code. Instead, we will rely on the opinion of Vinson &
Elkins L.L.P. on such matters. It is the opinion of
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. that, based upon the Internal
Revenue Code, its regulations, published revenue rulings and
court decisions and the representations described below, we will
be classified as a partnership and the operating company will be
disregarded as an entity separate from us for federal income tax
purposes.
In rendering its opinion, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has
relied on factual representations made by us and the general
partner. The representations made by us and our general partner
upon which Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has relied are:
(a) Neither we nor the operating company will elect to be
treated as a corporation; and
(b) For each taxable year, more than 90% of our gross
income will be income that Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has
opined or will opine is qualifying income within the
meaning of Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.
If we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, other than a
failure that is determined by the IRS to be inadvertent and that
is cured within a reasonable time after discovery, we will be
treated as if we had transferred all of our assets, subject to
liabilities, to a newly formed corporation, on the first day of
the year in which we fail to meet the Qualifying Income
Exception, in return for stock in that corporation, and then
distributed that stock to the unitholders in liquidation of
their interests in us. This contribution and liquidation should
be tax-free to unitholders and us so long as we, at that time,
do not have liabilities in excess of the tax basis of our
assets. Thereafter, we would be treated as a corporation for
federal income tax purposes.
If we were treated as a corporation in any taxable year, either
as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception
or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction
would be reflected only on our tax return rather than being
passed through to our unitholders, and our net income would be
taxed to us at corporate rates. In addition, any distribution
made to a unitholder would be treated as either taxable dividend
income, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, or, in the absence of earnings and profits, a
nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the
unitholders tax basis in his common units, or taxable
capital gain, after the unitholders tax basis in his
common units is reduced to zero. Accordingly, taxation as a
corporation would result in a material reduction in a
unitholders cash flow and after-tax return and thus would
likely result in a substantial reduction of the value of the
units.
The discussion below is based on Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P.s opinion that we will be classified as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Limited
Partner Status
Unitholders who have become limited partners of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP will be treated as partners of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP for federal income tax purposes. Also, unitholders
whose common
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units are held in street name or by a nominee and who have the
right to direct the nominee in the exercise of all substantive
rights attendant to the ownership of their common units will be
treated as partners of Spectra Energy Partners, LP for federal
income tax purposes.
A beneficial owner of common units whose units have been
transferred to a short seller to complete a short sale would
appear to lose his status as a partner with respect to those
units for federal income tax purposes. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Treatment of Short Sales.
Income, gain, deductions or losses would not appear to be
reportable by a unitholder who is not a partner for federal
income tax purposes, and any cash distributions received by a
unitholder who is not a partner for federal income tax purposes
would therefore appear to be fully taxable as ordinary income.
These holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with
respect to their tax consequences of holding common units in
Spectra Energy Partners, LP.
The references to unitholders in the discussion that
follows are to persons who are treated as partners in Spectra
Energy Partners, LP for federal income tax purposes.
Tax
Consequences of Unit Ownership
Flow-Through of Taxable Income. We will
not pay any federal income tax. Instead, each unitholder will be
required to report on his income tax return his share of our
income, gains, losses and deductions without regard to whether
corresponding cash distributions are received by him.
Consequently, we may allocate income to a unitholder even if he
has not received a cash distribution. Each unitholder will be
required to include in income his allocable share of our income,
gains, losses and deductions for our taxable year ending with or
within his taxable year. Our taxable year ends on
December 31.
Treatment of
Distributions. Distributions by us to a
unitholder generally will not be taxable to the unitholder for
federal income tax purposes, except to the extent the amount of
any such cash distribution exceeds his tax basis in his common
units immediately before the distribution. Our cash
distributions in excess of a unitholders tax basis
generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or
exchange of the common units, taxable in accordance with the
rules described under Disposition of Common
Units. Any reduction in a unitholders share of our
liabilities for which no partner, including the general partner,
bears the economic risk of loss, known as nonrecourse
liabilities, will be treated as a distribution of cash to
that unitholder. To the extent our distributions cause a
unitholders at risk amount to be less than
zero at the end of any taxable year, he must recapture any
losses deducted in previous years. Please read
Limitations on Deductibility of Losses.
A decrease in a unitholders percentage interest in us
because of our issuance of additional common units will decrease
his share of our nonrecourse liabilities, and thus will result
in a corresponding deemed distribution of cash. A non-pro rata
distribution of money or property may result in ordinary income
to a unitholder, regardless of his tax basis in his common
units, if the distribution reduces the unitholders share
of our unrealized receivables, including
depreciation recapture,
and/or
substantially appreciated inventory items, both as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code, and collectively,
Section 751 Assets. To that extent, he will be
treated as having been distributed his proportionate share of
the Section 751 Assets and having exchanged those assets
with us in return for the non-pro rata portion of the actual
distribution made to him. This latter deemed exchange will
generally result in the unitholders realization of
ordinary income, which will equal the excess of (1) the
non-pro rata portion of that distribution over (2) the
unitholders tax basis for the share of Section 751
Assets deemed relinquished in the exchange.
Ratio of Taxable Income to
Distributions. We estimate that a purchaser
of common units in this offering who owns those common units
from the date of closing of this offering through the record
date for distributions for the period ending December 31,
2010, will be allocated, on a cumulative basis, an amount of
federal taxable income for that period that will be 20% or less
of the cash distributed with respect to that period. Thereafter,
we anticipate that the ratio of allocable taxable income to cash
distributions to the unitholders will increase. These estimates
are based upon the assumption that gross income from operations
will approximate the amount required to make the minimum
quarterly distribution on all units and other
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assumptions with respect to capital expenditures, cash flow, net
working capital and anticipated cash distributions. These
estimates and assumptions are subject to, among other things,
numerous business, economic, regulatory, competitive and
political uncertainties beyond our control. Further, the
estimates are based on current tax law and tax reporting
positions that we will adopt and with which the IRS could
disagree. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that these estimates
will prove to be correct. The actual percentage of distributions
that will constitute taxable income could be higher or lower
than expected, and any differences could be material and could
materially affect the value of the common units. For example,
the ratio of allocable taxable income to cash distributions to a
purchaser of common units in this offering will be greater, and
perhaps substantially greater, than our estimate with respect to
the period described above if:
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gross income from operations exceeds the amount required to make
the minimum quarterly distribution on all units, yet we only
distribute the minimum quarterly distribution on all
units; or
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we make a future offering of common units and use the proceeds
of the offering in a manner that does not produce substantial
additional deductions during the period described above, such as
to repay indebtedness outstanding at the time of this offering
or to acquire property that is not eligible for depreciation or
amortization for federal income tax purposes or that is
depreciable or amortizable at a rate significantly slower than
the rate applicable to our assets at the time of this offering.
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Basis of Common Units. A
unitholders initial tax basis for his common units will be
the amount he paid for the common units plus his share of our
nonrecourse liabilities. That basis will be increased by his
share of our income and by any increases in his share of our
nonrecourse liabilities. That basis will be decreased, but not
below zero, by distributions from us, by the unitholders
share of our losses, by any decreases in his share of our
nonrecourse liabilities and by his share of our expenditures
that are not deductible in computing taxable income and are not
required to be capitalized. A unitholder will have no share of
our debt that is recourse to our general partner, but will have
a share, generally based on his share of profits, of our
nonrecourse liabilities. Please read
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss.
Limitations on Deductibility of
Losses. The deduction by a unitholder of his
share of our losses will be limited to the tax basis in his
units and, in the case of an individual unitholder or a
corporate unitholder, if more than 50% of the value of the
corporate unitholders stock is owned directly or
indirectly by or for five or fewer individuals or some
tax-exempt organizations, to the amount for which the unitholder
is considered to be at risk with respect to our
activities, if that is less than his tax basis. A unitholder
must recapture losses deducted in previous years to the extent
that distributions cause his at risk amount to be less than zero
at the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a
unitholder or recaptured as a result of these limitations will
carry forward and will be allowable to the extent that his tax
basis or at risk amount, whichever is the limiting factor, is
subsequently increased. Upon the taxable disposition of a unit,
any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by losses that
were previously suspended by the at risk limitation but may not
be offset by losses suspended by the basis limitation. Any
excess loss above that gain previously suspended by the at risk
or basis limitations is no longer utilizable.
In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the
tax basis of his units, excluding any portion of that basis
attributable to his share of our nonrecourse liabilities,
reduced by (i) any portion of that basis representing
amounts otherwise protected against loss because of a guarantee,
stop loss agreement or other similar arrangement and
(ii) any amount of money he borrows to acquire or hold his
units, if the lender of those borrowed funds owns an interest in
us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to the units
for repayment. A unitholders at risk amount will increase
or decrease as the tax basis of the unitholders units
increases or decreases, other than tax basis increases or
decreases attributable to increases or decreases in his share of
our nonrecourse liabilities.
The passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals,
estates, trusts and some closely-held corporations and personal
service corporations can deduct losses from passive activities,
which are generally trade or business activities in which the
taxpayer does not materially participate, only to the extent of
the taxpayers income from those passive activities. The
passive loss limitations are applied separately with
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respect to each publicly traded partnership. Consequently, any
passive losses we generate will only be available to offset our
passive income generated in the future and will not be available
to offset income from other passive activities or investments,
including our investments or investments in other publicly
traded partnerships, or salary or active business income.
Passive losses that are not deductible because they exceed a
unitholders share of income we generate may be deducted in
full when he disposes of his entire investment in us in a fully
taxable transaction with an unrelated party. The passive
activity loss limitations are applied after other applicable
limitations on deductions, including the at risk rules and the
basis limitation.
A unitholders share of our net income may be offset by any
of our suspended passive losses, but it may not be offset by any
other current or carryover losses from other passive activities,
including those attributable to other publicly traded
partnerships.
Limitations on Interest Deductions. The
deductibility of a non-corporate taxpayers
investment interest expense is generally limited to
the amount of that taxpayers net investment
income. Investment interest expense includes:
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interest on indebtedness properly allocable to property held for
investment;
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our interest expense attributed to portfolio income; and
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the portion of interest expense incurred to purchase or carry an
interest in a passive activity to the extent attributable to
portfolio income.
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The computation of a unitholders investment interest
expense will take into account interest on any margin account
borrowing or other loan incurred to purchase or carry a unit.
Net investment income includes gross income from property held
for investment and amounts treated as portfolio income under the
passive loss rules, less deductible expenses, other than
interest, directly connected with the production of investment
income, but generally does not include gains attributable to the
disposition of property held for investment. The IRS has
indicated that net passive income earned by a publicly traded
partnership will be treated as investment income to its
unitholders. In addition, the unitholders share of our
portfolio income will be treated as investment income.
Entity-Level Collections. If we
are required or elect under applicable law to pay any federal,
state, local or foreign income tax on behalf of any unitholder
or our general partner or any former unitholder, we are
authorized to pay those taxes from our funds. That payment, if
made, will be treated as a distribution of cash to the
unitholder on whose behalf the payment was made. If the payment
is made on behalf of a person whose identity cannot be
determined, we are authorized to treat the payment as a
distribution to all current unitholders. We are authorized to
amend our partnership agreement in the manner necessary to
maintain uniformity of intrinsic tax characteristics of units
and to adjust later distributions, so that after giving effect
to these distributions, the priority and characterization of
distributions otherwise applicable under the partnership
agreement is maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by
us as described above could give rise to an overpayment of tax
on behalf of an individual unitholder in which event the
unitholder would be required to file a claim in order to obtain
a credit or refund.
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and
Deduction. In general, if we have a net
profit, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction will be
allocated among our general partner and the unitholders in
accordance with their percentage interests in us. At any time
that distributions are made to the common units in excess of
distributions to the subordinated units, or incentive
distributions are made to our general partner, gross income will
be allocated to the recipients to the extent of these
distributions. If we have a net loss for the entire year, that
loss will be allocated first to our general partner and the
unitholders in accordance with their percentage interests in us
to the extent of their positive capital accounts and, second, to
our general partner.
Specified items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be
allocated to account for the difference between the tax basis
and fair market value of property contributed to us by our
general partner and its affiliates, referred to in this
discussion as Contributed Property. The effect of
these allocations to a
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unitholder purchasing common units in this offering will be
essentially the same as if the tax basis of our assets were
equal to their fair market value at the time of this offering.
In addition, items of recapture income will be allocated to the
extent possible to the unitholder who was allocated the
deduction giving rise to the treatment of that gain as recapture
income in order to minimize the recognition of ordinary income
by some unitholders. Finally, although we do not expect that our
operations will result in the creation of negative capital
accounts, if negative capital accounts nevertheless result,
items of our income and gain will be allocated in such amount
and manner as is needed to eliminate the negative balance as
quickly as possible.
An allocation of items of our income, gain, loss or deduction,
other than an allocation required by the Internal Revenue Code
to eliminate the difference between a partners
book capital account, credited with the fair market
value of Contributed Property, and tax capital
account, credited with the tax basis of Contributed Property,
referred to in this discussion as the Book-Tax
Disparity, will generally be given effect for federal
income tax purposes in determining a partners share of an
item of income, gain, loss or deduction only if the allocation
has substantial economic effect. In any other case, a
partners share of an item will be determined on the basis
of his interest in us, which will be determined by taking into
account all the facts and circumstances, including:
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his relative contributions to us;
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the interests of all the partners in profits and losses;
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the interest of all the partners in cash flow; and
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the rights of all the partners to distributions of capital upon
liquidation.
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Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is of the opinion that, with
the exception of the issues described in Tax
Consequences of Unit Ownership Section 754
Election and Disposition of Common
Units Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees, allocations under our partnership agreement
will be given effect for federal income tax purposes in
determining a partners share of an item of income, gain,
loss or deduction.
Treatment of Short Sales. A unitholder
whose units are loaned to a short seller to cover a
short sale of units may be considered as having disposed of
those units. If so, he would no longer be treated for tax
purposes as a partner with respect to those units during the
period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the
disposition. As a result, during this period:
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any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those
units would not be reportable by the unitholder;
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any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those
units would be fully taxable; and
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all of these distributions would appear to be ordinary income.
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Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion
regarding the treatment of a unitholder where common units are
loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale of common units;
therefore, unitholders desiring to assure their status as
partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a
short seller are urged to modify any applicable brokerage
account agreements to prohibit their brokers from loaning their
units. The IRS has announced that it is actively studying issues
relating to the tax treatment of short sales of partnership
interests. Please also read Disposition of
Common Units Recognition of Gain or Loss.
Alternative Minimum Tax. Each
unitholder will be required to take into account his
distributive share of any items of our income, gain, loss or
deduction for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. The
current minimum tax rate for noncorporate taxpayers is 26% on
the first $175,000 of alternative minimum taxable income in
excess of the exemption amount and 28% on any additional
alternative minimum taxable income. Prospective unitholders are
urged to consult with their tax advisors as to the impact of an
investment in units on their liability for the alternative
minimum tax.
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Tax Rates. In general, the highest
effective United States federal income tax rate for individuals
is currently 35.0% and the maximum United States federal income
tax rate for net capital gains of an individual is currently
15.0% if the asset disposed of was held for more than twelve
months at the time of disposition.
Section 754 Election. We will make
the election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal
Revenue Code. That election is irrevocable without the consent
of the IRS. The election will generally permit us to adjust a
common unit purchasers tax basis in our assets
(inside basis) under Section 743(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code to reflect his purchase price. This
election does not apply to a person who purchases common units
directly from us. The Section 743(b) adjustment belongs to
the purchaser and not to other unitholders. For purposes of this
discussion, a unitholders inside basis in our assets will
be considered to have two components: (1) his share of our
tax basis in our assets (common basis) and
(2) his Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis.
Where the remedial allocation method is adopted (which we will
adopt), the Treasury Regulations under Section 743 of the
Internal Revenue Code require a portion of the
Section 743(b) adjustment that is attributable to recovery
property under Section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code to
be depreciated over the remaining cost recovery period for the
Section 704(c) built-in gain. Under Treasury Regulation
Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6),
a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to property
subject to depreciation under Section 167 of the Internal
Revenue Code, rather than cost recovery deductions under
Section 168, is generally required to be depreciated using
either the straight-line method or the 150% declining balance
method. Under our partnership agreement, our general partner is
authorized to take a position to preserve the uniformity of
units even if that position is not consistent with these and any
other Treasury Regulations. Please read
Uniformity of Units.
Although Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is unable to opine as
to the validity of this approach because there is no direct or
indirect controlling authority on this issue, we intend to
depreciate the portion of a Section 743(b) adjustment
attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value of
Contributed Property, to the extent of any unamortized Book-Tax
Disparity, using a rate of depreciation or amortization derived
from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life
applied to the common basis of the property, or treat that
portion as
non-amortizable
to the extent attributable to property the common basis of which
is not amortizable. This method is consistent with the methods
employed by other publicly traded partnerships but is arguably
inconsistent with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6),
which is not expected to directly apply to a material portion of
our assets. To the extent this Section 743(b) adjustment is
attributable to appreciation in value in excess of the
unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, we will apply the rules
described in the Treasury Regulations and legislative history.
If we determine that this position cannot reasonably be taken,
we may take a depreciation or amortization position under which
all purchasers acquiring units in the same month would receive
depreciation or amortization, whether attributable to common
basis or a Section 743(b) adjustment, based upon the same
applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in
our assets. This kind of aggregate approach may result in lower
annual depreciation or amortization deductions than would
otherwise be allowable to some unitholders. Please read
Uniformity of Units. A unitholders
tax basis for his common units is reduced by his share of our
deductions (whether or not such deductions were claimed on an
individuals income tax return) so that any position we
take that understates deductions will overstate the common
unitholders basis in his common units, which may cause the
unitholder to understate gain or overstate loss on any sale of
such units. Please read Disposition of Common
Units Recognition of Gain or Loss. The IRS may
challenge our position with respect to depreciating or
amortizing the Section 743(b) adjustment we take to
preserve the uniformity of the units. If such a challenge were
sustained, the gain from the sale of units might be increased
without the benefit of additional deductions.
A Section 754 election is advantageous if the
transferees tax basis in his units is higher than the
units share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets
immediately prior to the transfer. In that case, as a result of
the election, the transferee would have, among other items, a
greater amount of depreciation and depletion deductions and his
share of any gain or loss on a sale of our assets would be less.
Conversely, a Section 754 election is disadvantageous if
the transferees tax basis in his units is lower than those
units share of the
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aggregate tax basis of our assets immediately prior to the
transfer. Thus, the fair market value of the units may be
affected either favorably or unfavorably by the election. A
basis adjustment is required regardless of whether a
Section 754 election is made in the case of a transfer of
an interest in us if we have a substantial builtin loss
immediately after the transfer, or if we distribute property and
have a substantial basis reduction. Generally a builtin
loss or a basis reduction is substantial if it exceeds $250,000.
The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are
complex and will be made on the basis of assumptions as to the
value of our assets and other matters. For example, the
allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment among our
assets must be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue
Code. The IRS could seek to reallocate some or all of any
Section 743(b) adjustment allocated by us to our tangible
assets to goodwill instead. Goodwill, as an intangible asset, is
generally nonamortizable or amortizable over a longer period of
time or under a less accelerated method than our tangible
assets. We cannot assure you that the determinations we make
will not be successfully challenged by the IRS and that the
deductions resulting from them will not be reduced or disallowed
altogether. Should the IRS require a different basis adjustment
to be made, and should, in our opinion, the expense of
compliance exceed the benefit of the election, we may seek
permission from the IRS to revoke our Section 754 election.
If permission is granted, a subsequent purchaser of units may be
allocated more income than he would have been allocated had the
election not been revoked.
Tax
Treatment of Operations
Accounting Method and Taxable Year. We
use the year ending December 31 as our taxable year and the
accrual method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
Each unitholder will be required to include in income his share
of our income, gain, loss and deduction for our taxable year
ending within or with his taxable year. In addition, a
unitholder who has a taxable year ending on a date other than
December 31 and who disposes of all of his units following
the close of our taxable year but before the close of his
taxable year must include his share of our income, gain, loss
and deduction in income for his taxable year, with the result
that he will be required to include in income for his taxable
year his share of more than one year of our income, gain, loss
and deduction. Please read Disposition of
Common Units Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees.
Initial Tax Basis, Depreciation and
Amortization. The tax basis of our assets
will be used for purposes of computing depreciation and cost
recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain or loss on the
disposition of these assets. The federal income tax burden
associated with the difference between the fair market value of
our assets and their tax basis immediately prior to this
offering will be borne by our general partner. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction.
To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation
and cost recovery methods that will result in the largest
deductions being taken in the early years after assets are
placed in service. Because our general partner may determine not
to adopt the remedial method of allocation with respect to any
difference between the tax basis and the fair market value of
goodwill immediately prior to this or any future offering, we
may not be entitled to any amortization deductions with respect
to any goodwill conveyed to us on formation or held by us at the
time of any future offering. Please read
Uniformity of Units. Property we
subsequently acquire or construct may be depreciated using
accelerated methods permitted by the Internal Revenue Code.
If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure or
otherwise, all or a portion of any gain, determined by reference
to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature
of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed
as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Similarly, a
unitholder who has taken cost recovery or depreciation
deductions with respect to property we own will likely be
required to recapture some or all of those deductions as
ordinary income upon a sale of his interest in us. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction and
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss.
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The costs we incur in selling our units (called
syndication expenses) must be capitalized and cannot
be deducted currently, ratably or upon our termination. There
are uncertainties regarding the classification of costs as
organization expenses, which may be amortized by us, and as
syndication expenses, which may not be amortized by us. The
underwriting discounts and commissions we incur will be treated
as syndication expenses.
Valuation and Tax Basis of Our
Properties. The federal income tax
consequences of the ownership and disposition of units will
depend in part on our estimates of the relative fair market
values, and the initial tax bases, of our assets. Although we
may from time to time consult with professional appraisers
regarding valuation matters, we will make many of the relative
fair market value estimates ourselves. These estimates and
determinations of basis are subject to challenge and will not be
binding on the IRS or the courts. If the estimates of fair
market value or basis are later found to be incorrect, the
character and amount of items of income, gain, loss or
deductions previously reported by unitholders might change, and
unitholders might be required to adjust their tax liability for
prior years and incur interest and penalties with respect to
those adjustments.
Disposition
of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss. Gain or
loss will be recognized on a sale of units equal to the
difference between the amount realized and the unitholders
tax basis for the units sold. A unitholders amount
realized will be measured by the sum of the cash or the fair
market value of other property received by him plus his share of
our nonrecourse liabilities. Because the amount realized
includes a unitholders share of our nonrecourse
liabilities, the gain recognized on the sale of units could
result in a tax liability in excess of any cash received from
the sale.
Prior distributions from us in excess of cumulative net taxable
income for a common unit that decreased a unitholders tax
basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income
if the common unit is sold at a price greater than the
unitholders tax basis in that common unit, even if the
price received is less than his original cost.
Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder,
other than a dealer in units, on the sale or
exchange of a unit held for more than one year will generally be
taxable as capital gain or loss. Capital gain recognized by an
individual on the sale of units held more than twelve months
will generally be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. However, a
portion of this gain or loss will be separately computed and
taxed as ordinary income or loss under Section 751 of the
Internal Revenue Code to the extent attributable to assets
giving rise to depreciation recapture or other unrealized
receivables or to inventory items we own. The
term unrealized receivables includes potential
recapture items, including depreciation recapture. Ordinary
income attributable to unrealized receivables, inventory items
and depreciation recapture may exceed net taxable gain realized
upon the sale of a unit and may be recognized even if there is a
net taxable loss realized on the sale of a unit. Thus, a
unitholder may recognize both ordinary income and a capital loss
upon a sale of units. Net capital losses may offset capital
gains and no more than $3,000 of ordinary income, in the case of
individuals, and may only be used to offset capital gains in the
case of corporations.
The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a
partnership in separate transactions must combine those
interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those
interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of
those interests, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated
to the interests sold using an equitable
apportionment method, which generally means that the tax
basis allocated to the interest sold equals an amount that bears
the same relation to the partners tax basis in his entire
interest in the partnership as the value of the interest sold
bears to the value of the partners entire interest in the
partnership. Treasury Regulations under Section 1223 of the
Internal Revenue Code allow a selling unitholder who can
identify common units transferred with an ascertainable holding
period to elect to use the actual holding period of the common
units transferred. Thus, according to the ruling, a common
unitholder will be unable to select high or low basis common
units to sell as would be the case with corporate stock, but,
according to the regulations, may designate specific common
units sold for purposes of determining the holding period of
units transferred. A unitholder electing to use the actual
holding period of
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common units transferred must consistently use that
identification method for all subsequent sales or exchanges of
common units. A unitholder considering the purchase of
additional units or a sale of common units purchased in separate
transactions is urged to consult his tax advisor as to the
possible consequences of this ruling and application of the
regulations.
Specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code affect the
taxation of some financial products and securities, including
partnership interests, by treating a taxpayer as having sold an
appreciated partnership interest, one in which gain
would be recognized if it were sold, assigned or terminated at
its fair market value, if the taxpayer or related persons
enter(s) into:
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a short sale;
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an offsetting notional principal contract; or
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a futures or forward contract with respect to the partnership
interest or substantially identical property.
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Moreover, if a taxpayer has previously entered into a short
sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or
forward contract with respect to the partnership interest, the
taxpayer will be treated as having sold that position if the
taxpayer or a related person then acquires the partnership
interest or substantially identical property. The Secretary of
the Treasury is also authorized to issue regulations that treat
a taxpayer that enters into transactions or positions that have
substantially the same effect as the preceding transactions as
having constructively sold the financial position.
Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees. In general, our taxable income
and losses will be determined annually, will be prorated on a
monthly basis and will be subsequently apportioned among the
unitholders in proportion to the number of units owned by each
of them as of the opening of the applicable exchange on the
first business day of the month, which we refer to in this
prospectus as the Allocation Date. However, gain or
loss realized on a sale or other disposition of our assets other
than in the ordinary course of business will be allocated among
the unitholders on the Allocation Date in the month in which
that gain or loss is recognized. As a result, a unitholder
transferring units may be allocated income, gain, loss and
deduction realized after the date of transfer.
The use of this method may not be permitted under existing
Treasury Regulations. Accordingly, Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P. is unable to opine on the validity of this method of
allocating income and deductions between transferee and
transferor unitholders. If this method is not allowed under the
Treasury Regulations, or only applies to transfers of less than
all of the unitholders interest, our taxable income or
losses might be reallocated among the unitholders. We are
authorized to revise our method of allocation between transferee
and transferor unitholders, as well as unitholders whose
interests vary during a taxable year, to conform to a method
permitted under future Treasury Regulations.
A unitholder who owns units at any time during a quarter and who
disposes of them prior to the record date set for a cash
distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our
income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to that quarter
but will not be entitled to receive that cash distribution.
Notification Requirements. A unitholder
who sells any of his units is generally required to notify us in
writing of that sale within 30 days after the sale (or, if
earlier, January 15 of the year following the sale). A purchaser
of units who purchases units from another unitholder is also
generally required to notify us in writing of that purchase
within 30 days after the purchase. Upon receiving such
notifications, we are required to notify the IRS of that
transaction and to furnish specified information to the
transferor and transferee. Failure to notify us of a purchase
may, in some cases, lead to the imposition of penalties.
However, these reporting requirements do not apply to a sale by
an individual who is a citizen of the United States and who
effects the sale or exchange through a broker who will satisfy
such requirements.
Constructive Termination. We will be
considered to have been terminated for tax purposes if there is
a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in our
capital and profits within a twelve-month period. A constructive
termination results in the closing of our taxable year for all
unitholders. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable
year other than a fiscal year ending December 31, the
closing of our
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taxable year may result in more than twelve months of our
taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income
for the year of termination. We would be required to make new
tax elections after a termination, including a new election
under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a
termination would result in a deferral of our deductions for
depreciation. A termination could also result in penalties if we
were unable to determine that the termination had occurred.
Moreover, a termination might either accelerate the application
of, or subject us to, any tax legislation enacted before the
termination.
Uniformity
of Units
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of units, we
must maintain uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics
of the units to a purchaser of these units. In the absence of
uniformity, we may be unable to completely comply with a number
of federal income tax requirements, both statutory and
regulatory. A lack of uniformity can result from a literal
application of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6).
Any non-uniformity could have a negative impact on the value of
the units. Please read Tax Consequences of
Unit Ownership Section 754 Election.
We intend to depreciate the portion of a Section 743(b)
adjustment attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value
of Contributed Property, to the extent of any unamortized
Book-Tax Disparity, using a rate of depreciation or amortization
derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful
life applied to the common basis of that property, or treat that
portion as nonamortizable, to the extent attributable to
property the common basis of which is not amortizable,
consistent with the regulations under Section 743 of the
Internal Revenue Code, even though that position may be
inconsistent with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6),
which is not expected to directly apply to a material portion of
our assets. Please read Tax Consequences of
Unit Ownership Section 754 Election. To
the extent that the Section 743(b) adjustment is
attributable to appreciation in value in excess of the
unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, we will apply the rules
described in the Treasury Regulations and legislative history.
If we determine that this position cannot reasonably be taken,
we may adopt a depreciation and amortization position under
which all purchasers acquiring units in the same month would
receive depreciation and amortization deductions, whether
attributable to a common basis or Section 743(b)
adjustment, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had
purchased a direct interest in our property. If this position is
adopted, it may result in lower annual depreciation and
amortization deductions than would otherwise be allowable to
some unitholders and risk the loss of depreciation and
amortization deductions not taken in the year that these
deductions are otherwise allowable. This position will not be
adopted if we determine that the loss of depreciation and
amortization deductions will have a material adverse effect on
the unitholders. If we choose not to utilize this aggregate
method, we may use any other reasonable depreciation and
amortization method to preserve the uniformity of the intrinsic
tax characteristics of any units that would not have a material
adverse effect on the unitholders. The IRS may challenge any
method of depreciating the Section 743(b) adjustment
described in this paragraph. If this challenge were sustained,
the uniformity of units might be affected, and the gain from the
sale of units might be increased without the benefit of
additional deductions. Please read Disposition
of Common Units Recognition of Gain or Loss.
Tax-Exempt
Organizations and Other Investors
Ownership of units by employee benefit plans, other tax-exempt
organizations, non-resident aliens, foreign corporations and
other foreign persons raises issues unique to those investors
and, as described below, may have substantially adverse tax
consequences to them.
Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from
federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and
other retirement plans, are subject to federal income tax on
unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income
allocated to a unitholder that is a tax-exempt organization will
be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them.
Non-resident aliens and foreign corporations, trusts or estates
that own units will be considered to be engaged in business in
the United States because of the ownership of units. As a
consequence, they will be required to file federal tax returns
to report their share of our income, gain, loss or deduction and
pay
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federal income tax at regular rates on their share of our net
income or gain. Moreover, under rules applicable to publicly
traded partnerships, we will withhold at the highest applicable
effective tax rate from cash distributions made quarterly to
foreign unitholders. Each foreign unitholder must obtain a
taxpayer identification number from the IRS and submit that
number to our transfer agent on a
Form W-8BEN
or applicable substitute form in order to obtain credit for
these withholding taxes. A change in applicable law may require
us to change these procedures.
In addition, because a foreign corporation that owns units will
be treated as engaged in a United States trade or business, that
corporation may be subject to the United States branch profits
tax at a rate of 30%, in addition to regular federal income tax,
on its share of our income and gain, as adjusted for changes in
the foreign corporations U.S. net equity,
which are effectively connected with the conduct of a United
States trade or business. That tax may be reduced or eliminated
by an income tax treaty between the United States and the
country in which the foreign corporate unitholder is a
qualified resident. In addition, this type of
unitholder is subject to special information reporting
requirements under Section 6038C of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Under a ruling of the IRS, a foreign unitholder who sells or
otherwise disposes of a unit will be subject to federal income
tax on gain realized on the sale or disposition of that unit to
the extent that this gain is effectively connected with a United
States trade or business of the foreign unitholder. Because a
foreign unitholder is considered to be engaged in business in
the United States by virtue of the ownership of units, under
this ruling a foreign unitholder who sells or otherwise disposes
of a unit generally will be subject to federal income tax on
gain realized on the sale or disposition of units. Apart from
the ruling, a foreign unitholder will not be taxed or subject to
withholding upon the sale or disposition of a unit if he has
owned less than 5% in value of the units during the five-year
period ending on the date of the disposition and if the units
are regularly traded on an established securities market at the
time of the sale or disposition.
Administrative
Matters
Information Returns and Audit
Procedures. We intend to furnish to each
unitholder, within 90 days after the close of each calendar
year, specific tax information, including a
Schedule K-1,
which describes his share of our income, gain, loss and
deduction for our preceding taxable year. In preparing this
information, which will not be reviewed by counsel, we will take
various accounting and reporting positions, some of which have
been mentioned earlier, to determine each unitholders
share of income, gain, loss and deduction. We cannot assure you
that those positions will in all cases yield a result that
conforms to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code,
Treasury Regulations or administrative interpretations of the
IRS. Neither we nor Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. can assure
prospective unitholders that the IRS will not successfully
contend in court that those positions are impermissible. Any
challenge by the IRS could negatively affect the value of the
units.
The IRS may audit our federal income tax information returns.
Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit may require each
unitholder to adjust a prior years tax liability, and
possibly may result in an audit of his return. Any audit of a
unitholders return could result in adjustments not related
to our returns as well as those related to our returns.
Partnerships generally are treated as separate entities for
purposes of federal tax audits, judicial review of
administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement
proceedings. The tax treatment of partnership items of income,
gain, loss and deduction are determined in a partnership
proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the
partners. The Internal Revenue Code requires that one partner be
designated as the Tax Matters Partner for these
purposes. Our partnership agreement names our General Partner as
our Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner will make some elections on our behalf
and on behalf of unitholders. In addition, the Tax Matters
Partner can extend the statute of limitations for assessment of
tax deficiencies against unitholders for items in our returns.
The Tax Matters Partner may bind a unitholder with less than a
1% profits interest in us to a settlement with the IRS unless
that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with the IRS, not
to give that authority to the Tax Matters Partner. The Tax
Matters Partner may seek
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judicial review, by which all the unitholders are bound, of a
final partnership administrative adjustment and, if the Tax
Matters Partner fails to seek judicial review, judicial review
may be sought by any unitholder having at least a 1% interest in
profits or by any group of unitholders having in the aggregate
at least a 5% interest in profits. However, only one action for
judicial review will go forward, and each unitholder with an
interest in the outcome may participate.
A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the
treatment of any item on his federal income tax return that is
not consistent with the treatment of the item on our return.
Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency
requirement may subject a unitholder to substantial penalties.
Nominee Reporting. Persons who hold an
interest in us as a nominee for another person are required to
furnish to us:
(a) the name, address and taxpayer identification number of
the beneficial owner and the nominee;
(b) whether the beneficial owner is:
1. a person that is not a United States person;
2. a foreign government, an international organization or
any wholly owned agency or instrumentality of either of the
foregoing; or
3. a tax-exempt entity;
(c) the amount and description of units held, acquired or
transferred for the beneficial owner; and
(d) specific information including the dates of
acquisitions and transfers, means of acquisitions and transfers,
and acquisition cost for purchases, as well as the amount of net
proceeds from sales.
Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish
additional information, including whether they are United States
persons and specific information on units they acquire, hold or
transfer for their own account. A penalty of $50 per
failure, up to a maximum of $100,000 per calendar year, is
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for failure to report that
information to us. The nominee is required to supply the
beneficial owner of the units with the information furnished to
us.
Accuracy-Related Penalties. An
additional tax equal to 20% of the amount of any portion of an
underpayment of tax that is attributable to one or more
specified causes, including negligence or disregard of rules or
regulations, substantial understatements of income tax and
substantial valuation misstatements, is imposed by the Internal
Revenue Code. No penalty will be imposed, however, for any
portion of an underpayment if it is shown that there was a
reasonable cause for that portion and that the taxpayer acted in
good faith regarding that portion.
For individuals, a substantial understatement of income tax in
any taxable year exists if the amount of the understatement
exceeds the greater of 10% of the tax required to be shown on
the return for the taxable year or $5,000 ($10,000 for most
corporations). The amount of any understatement subject to
penalty generally is reduced if any portion is attributable to a
position adopted on the return:
(1) for which there is, or was, substantial
authority; or
(2) as to which there is a reasonable basis and the
pertinent facts of that position are disclosed on the return.
If any item of income, gain, loss or deduction included in the
distributive shares of unitholders might result in that kind of
an understatement of income for which no
substantial authority exists, we must disclose the
pertinent facts on our return. In addition, we will make a
reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for
unitholders to make adequate disclosure on their returns and to
take other actions as may be appropriate to permit unitholders
to avoid liability for this penalty. More stringent rules apply
to tax shelters, which we do not believe includes us.
A substantial valuation misstatement exists if the value of any
property, or the adjusted basis of any property, claimed on a
tax return is 200% or more of the amount determined to be the
correct amount of the valuation or adjusted basis. No penalty is
imposed unless the portion of the underpayment attributable
176
to a substantial valuation misstatement exceeds $5,000 ($10,000
for most corporations). If the valuation claimed on a return is
400% or more than the correct valuation, the penalty imposed
increases to 40%.
Reportable Transactions. If we were to
engage in a reportable transaction, we (and possibly
you and others) would be required to make a detailed disclosure
of the transaction to the IRS. A transaction may be a reportable
transaction based upon any of several factors, including the
fact that it is a type of tax avoidance transaction publicly
identified by the IRS as a listed transaction or
that it produces certain kinds of losses for partnerships,
individuals, S corporations, and trusts in excess of
$2 million in any single year, or $4 million in any
combination of tax years. Our participation in a reportable
transaction could increase the likelihood that our federal
income tax information return (and possibly your tax return)
would be audited by the IRS. Please read
Information Returns and Audit Procedures.
Moreover, if we were to participate in a reportable transaction
with a significant purpose to avoid or evade tax, or in any
listed transaction, you may be subject to the following
provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004:
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accuracy-related penalties with a broader scope, significantly
narrower exceptions, and potentially greater amounts than
described above at Accuracy Related
Penalties,
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for those persons otherwise entitled to deduct interest on
federal tax deficiencies, nondeductibility of interest on any
resulting tax liability and
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in the case of a listed transaction, an extended statute of
limitations.
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We do not expect to engage in any reportable
transactions.
State,
Local, Foreign and Other Tax Considerations
In addition to federal income taxes, you likely will be subject
to other taxes, such as state, local and foreign income taxes,
unincorporated business taxes, and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that may be imposed by the various
jurisdictions in which we do business or own property or in
which you are a resident. Although an analysis of those various
taxes is not presented here, each prospective unitholder should
consider their potential impact on his investment in us. We will
initially own property or conduct business in the States of
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Each of these states
other than Texas and Florida currently imposes a personal income
tax on individuals. A majority of these states impose an income
tax on corporations and other entities. We may also own property
or conduct business in other jurisdictions that impose an income
tax in the future. Although you may not be required to file a
return and pay taxes in some jurisdictions because your income
from the jurisdictions falls below the filing and payment
requirement, you will be required to file income tax returns and
to pay income taxes in many of these jurisdictions in which we
do business or own property and may be subject to penalties for
failure to comply with those requirements. In some
jurisdictions, tax losses may not produce a tax benefit in the
year incurred and may not be available to offset income in
subsequent taxable years. Some of the jurisdictions may require
us, or we may elect, to withhold a percentage of income from
amounts to be distributed to a unitholder who is not a resident
of the jurisdiction. Withholding, the amount of which may be
greater or less than a particular unitholders income tax
liability to the jurisdiction, generally does not relieve a
nonresident unitholder from the obligation to file an income tax
return. Amounts withheld will be treated as if distributed to
unitholders for purposes of determining the amounts distributed
by us. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership Entity-Level Collections. Based
on current law and our estimate of our future operations, the
general partner anticipates that any amounts required to be
withheld will not be material.
It is the responsibility of each unitholder to investigate
the legal and tax consequences, under the laws of pertinent
jurisdictions, of his investment in us. Accordingly, each
prospective unitholder is urged to consult, and depend upon, his
tax counsel or other advisor with regard to those matters.
Further, it is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all
state, local and foreign, as well as United States federal tax
returns, that may be required of him. Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion on the state, local or
foreign tax consequences of an investment in us.
177
SELLING
UNITHOLDER
If the underwriters exercise all or any portion of their option
to purchase additional common units, we will issue up to
1,500,000 additional common units, and we will redeem an equal
number of units from our general partner, which will be deemed
to be a selling unitholder and an underwriter in this offering.
The redemption price per common unit will be equal to the price
per common unit (net of underwriting discounts and a structuring
fee) sold to the underwriters upon exercise of their option.
The following table sets forth information concerning the
ownership of common units by our general partner. The numbers in
the table are presented assuming:
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the underwriters option to purchase additional units is
not exercised; and
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the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional
units in full.
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Units Owned Immediately
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Units Owned
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After Exercise of
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Immediately After
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Underwriters Option and
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This Offering
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Related Unit Redemption
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Assuming
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Assuming
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Underwriters
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Underwriters
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Option is Not
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Option is Exercised
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Name of Selling Unitholder
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Exercised
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Percent(1)
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in Full
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Percent(1)
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Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP
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1,500,000
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2.2
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%
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0
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(1) |
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Percentage of total units outstanding, including common units,
subordinated units and general partner units. |
178
INVESTMENT
IN SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
PLANS
An investment in us by an employee benefit plan is subject to
additional considerations because the investments of these plans
are subject to the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited
transaction provisions of ERISA and restrictions imposed by
Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. For these
purposes the term employee benefit plan includes,
but is not limited to, qualified pension, profit-sharing and
stock bonus plans, Keogh plans, simplified employee pension
plans and tax deferred annuities or IRAs established or
maintained by an employer or employee organization. Among other
things, consideration should be given to:
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whether the investment is prudent under
Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA;
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whether in making the investment, that plan will satisfy the
diversification requirements of Section 404(a)(1)(C) of
ERISA; and
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whether the investment will result in recognition of unrelated
business taxable income by the plan and, if so, the potential
after-tax investment return. Please read Material Tax
Consequences Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other
Investors.
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The person with investment discretion with respect to the assets
of an employee benefit plan, often called a fiduciary, should
determine whether an investment in us is authorized by the
appropriate governing instrument and is a proper investment for
the plan.
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code prohibit employee benefit plans, and also IRAs that
are not considered part of an employee benefit plan, from
engaging in specified transactions involving plan
assets with parties that are parties in
interest under ERISA or disqualified persons
under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the plan.
In addition to considering whether the purchase of common units
is a prohibited transaction, a fiduciary of an employee benefit
plan should consider whether the plan will, by investing in us,
be deemed to own an undivided interest in our assets, with the
result that our operations would be subject to the regulatory
restrictions of ERISA, including its prohibited transaction
rules, as well as the prohibited transaction rules of the
Internal Revenue Code.
The Department of Labor regulations provide guidance with
respect to whether the assets of an entity in which employee
benefit plans acquire equity interests would be deemed
plan assets under some circumstances. Under these
regulations, an entitys assets would not be considered to
be plan assets if, among other things:
(a) the equity interests acquired by employee benefit plans
are publicly offered securities i.e., the
equity interests are widely held by 100 or more investors
independent of the issuer and each other, freely transferable
and registered under some provisions of the federal securities
laws;
(b) the entity is an operating
company, i.e., it is primarily engaged
in the production or sale of a product or service other than the
investment of capital either directly or through a
majority-owned subsidiary or subsidiaries; or
(c) there is no significant investment by benefit plan
investors, which is defined to mean that less than 25% of the
value of each class of equity interest is held by the employee
benefit plans referred to above, IRAs and other employee benefit
plans not subject to ERISA, including governmental plans.
Our assets should not be considered plan assets
under these regulations because it is expected that the
investment will satisfy the requirements in (a) above.
Plan fiduciaries contemplating a purchase of common units should
consult with their own counsel regarding the consequences under
ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code in light of the serious
penalties imposed on persons who engage in prohibited
transactions or other violations.
179
UNDERWRITING
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. are
acting as joint bookrunning managers of the offering and
representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the
terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated
the date of this prospectus, each underwriter named below has
severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that
underwriter, the number of common units set forth opposite the
underwriters name.
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Number of
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Common Units
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Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
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2,600,000
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Lehman Brothers Inc.
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2,600,000
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
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1,300,000
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UBS Securities LLC
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1,300,000
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Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC
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1,300,000
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A.G. Edwards & Sons,
Inc.
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450,000
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Raymond James &
Associates, Inc.
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450,000
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Total
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10,000,000
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The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase the common units included in this
offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and
to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase
all the common units (other than those covered by their option
to purchase additional common units described below) if they
purchase any of the units.
The underwriters propose to offer some of the common units
directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on
the cover page of the prospectus and some of the units to
dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to
exceed $0.825 per unit. If all of the units are not sold at
the initial offering price, the representatives may change the
public offering price and the other selling terms. The
representatives have advised us that the underwriters do not
intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of
the total number of our units offered by them.
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
1,500,000 additional common units at the public offering price
less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise
the option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments,
if any, in connection with this offering. To the extent the
option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of
additional units approximately proportionate to that
underwriters initial purchase commitment.
We, our general partner, all of the officers and directors of
our general partner, and Spectra Energy and certain of its
affiliates have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from
the date of this prospectus, we and they will not, without the
prior written consent of the representatives, dispose of or
hedge any of our common units or any securities convertible into
or exchangeable for our common units. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the
180-day
period, we issue an earnings release or material news or a
material event relating to us occurs; or (2) prior to the
expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the restrictions described above shall continue to apply
until the expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event.
The representatives, in their sole discretion, may release any
of the securities subject to these
lock-up
agreements at any time without notice. The representatives have
no present intent or arrangement to release any of the
securities subject to these
lock-up
agreements. The release of any
lock-up is
considered on a case by case basis. Factors in deciding whether
to release common units may include the length of time before
the lock-up
expires, the number of units involved, the reason for the
requested release, market conditions, the trading price of our
common units, historical trading volumes of our common units and
whether the person seeking the release is an officer, director
or affiliate of us.
180
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to 5% of the
common units for sale at the initial offering price to persons
who are directors, officers and employees of our general
partner, or who are otherwise associated with us through a
directed unit program. The number of common units available for
sale to the general public will be reduced by the number of
directed units purchased by participants in the program. Any
directed units not purchased will be offered by the underwriters
to the general public on the same basis as all other common
units offered. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters
against certain liabilities and expenses, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, in connection with the sales of the
directed units. The common units reserved for sale under the
directed unit program will be subject to a
lock-up
agreement for up to 180 days following this offering,
subject to the extension described above.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our
common units. Consequently, the initial public offering price
for the units will be determined by negotiations between our
general partner and the representatives. Among the factors
considered in determining the initial public offering price will
be our record of operations, our current financial condition,
our future prospects, our markets, the economic conditions in
and future prospects for the industry in which we compete, our
management, and currently prevailing general conditions in the
equity securities markets, including current market valuations
of publicly traded partnerships considered comparable to our
partnership. We cannot assure you, however, that the prices at
which the units will sell in the public market after this
offering will not be lower than the initial public offering
price or that an active trading market in our common units will
develop and continue after this offering.
The common units have been approved for listing on the New York
Stock Exchange under the symbol SEP.
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and
commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection
with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no
exercise and full exercise of the underwriters option to
purchase additional common units.
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No Exercise
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Full Exercise
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Per Unit
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$
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1.375
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$
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1.375
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Total
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$
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13,750,000
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$
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15,812,500
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In addition, we will pay a structuring fee equal to an aggregate
of 0.25% of the gross proceeds from this offering, or
approximately $550,000 ($632,500 in the event the underwriters
exercise their option to purchase additional common units in
full), to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc.
for evaluation, analysis and structuring of our partnership.
We estimate that our portion of the total expenses of this
offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions and
structuring fees, will be approximately $6.2 million. The
underwriters have agreed to reimburse us for a portion of these
expenses in an amount of up to 0.25% of the gross proceeds of
this offering (including any exercise of the underwriters
option to purchase additional common units).
In no event will the maximum amount of compensation to be paid
to NASD members in connection with this offering exceed 10% of
the gross proceeds (plus 0.5% for bona fide, accountable due
diligence expenses).
Our partnership agreement requires that all common unitholders
be Eligible Holders. Eligible Holders are individuals or
entities subject to United States federal income taxation on the
income generated by us or entities not subject to United States
federal income taxation on the income generated by us, so long
as all of the entitys beneficial owners are subject to
such taxation. Accordingly, all potential investors who are not
individuals must have completed and returned the Certification
Form for Non-individual Investors attached as Appendix C to
this prospectus to the underwriter with whom they placed an
order by the date indicated on the form in order to be allocated
common units in this offering. As all individuals are Eligible
Holders, they were not required to complete and return a
Certification Form for Non-individual Investors.
In connection with the offering, Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
on behalf of the underwriters, may purchase and sell common
units in the open market. These transactions may include short
sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing
transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common
units in excess of the number of units to be purchased by the
underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate
181
short position. Covered short sales are sales of
units made in an amount up to the number of units represented by
the underwriters option to purchase additional common
units. In determining the source of units to close out the
covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will
consider, among other things, the price of units available for
purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which
they may purchase units through their option to purchase
additional common units. Transactions to close out the covered
syndicate short position involve either purchases of the common
units in the open market after the distribution has been
completed or the exercise of their option to purchase additional
common units. The underwriters may also make naked
short sales of units in excess of their option to purchase
additional common units. The underwriters must close out any
naked short position by purchasing common units in the open
market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if
the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward
pressure on the price of the units in the open market after
pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in
the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or
purchases of units in the open market while the offering is in
progress.
The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids
permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a
syndicate member when an underwriter repurchases units
originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover
syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases.
Any of these activities, as well as purchases by the
underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of
preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the
units. They may also cause the price of the units to be higher
than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in
the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct
these transactions on The New York Stock Exchange or otherwise.
If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may
discontinue them at any time.
The underwriters have performed from time to time and are
performing investment banking and advisory services for us and
Spectra Energy and its predecessor and affiliates for which they
have received and will receive customary fees and expenses. In
addition, the underwriters may, from time to time, engage in
other transactions with and perform services for Spectra Energy
or us in the ordinary course of their business. Affiliates of
Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities
LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC are lenders under our new
credit facility.
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available by one
or more of the underwriters. The representatives may agree to
allocate a number of units to underwriters for sale to their
online brokerage account holders. The representatives will
allocate units to underwriters that may make Internet
distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In
addition, units may be sold by the underwriters to securities
dealers who resell units to online brokerage account holders.
Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information
on any underwriters web site and any information contained
in any other web site maintained by an underwriter is not part
of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this
prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed
by us or any underwriter in its capacity as an underwriter and
should not be relied upon by investors.
We, our general partner and Spectra Energy have agreed to
indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to
contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make
because of any of those liabilities.
Because the National Association of Securities Dealers views the
units offered by this prospectus as interests in a direct
participation program, the offering is being made in compliance
with Rule 2810 of the NASDs Conduct Rules. Investor
suitability with respect to the units should be judged similarly
to the suitability with respect to other securities that are
listed for trading on a national securities exchange.
182
VALIDITY
OF THE COMMON UNITS
The validity of the common units will be passed upon for us by
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas and for the
underwriters by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas.
EXPERTS
The combined financial statements of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006,
included in this prospectus and the related financial statement
schedules included elsewhere in the registration statement have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
appearing herein (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
on the combined financial statements and financial statement
schedule and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the
preparation of the combined financial statements of Spectra
Energy Partners Predecessor from the separate records maintained
by Spectra Energy Capital, LLC) and have been so included in
reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
The balance sheet of Spectra Energy Partners, LP as of
March 26, 2007 and the balance sheet of Spectra Energy
Partners (DE) GP, LP as of March 26, 2007 included in this
prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in
their reports appearing herein, and are included in reliance
upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Market Hub Partners
Holding, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and
2005 and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006, included in this prospectus have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the report
of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting
and auditing.
The financial statements of Gulfstream Natural Gas System,
L.L.C. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, included in
this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated
in their report appearing herein, and are included in reliance
upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or
the SEC, a registration statement on
Form S-l
regarding the common units. This prospectus does not contain all
of the information found in the registration statement. For
further information regarding us and the common units offered by
this prospectus, you may desire to review the full registration
statement, including its exhibits and schedules, filed under the
Securities Act. The registration statement of which this
prospectus forms a part, including its exhibits and schedules,
may be inspected and copied at the public reference room
maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of the materials may also be
obtained from the SEC at prescribed rates by writing to the
public reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street,
N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain
information on the operation of the public reference room by
calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC maintains a web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov. Our registration statement, of which this
prospectus constitutes a part, can be downloaded from the
SECs web site.
We intend to furnish our unitholders annual reports containing
our audited financial statements and furnish or make available
quarterly reports containing our unaudited interim financial
information for the first three fiscal quarters of each of our
fiscal years.
183
INDEX TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
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F-3
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F-4
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F-5
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F-6
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F-8
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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS
PREDECESSOR COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
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F-11
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F-12
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F-13
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F-14
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F-15
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|
|
|
|
|
F-16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-38
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS (DE)
GP, LP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GULFSTREAM NATURAL GAS SYSTEM,
L.L.C. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-54
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-57
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-60
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARKET HUB PARTNERS HOLDING,
LLC CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-71
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-73
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-2
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Introduction
The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of Spectra
Energy Partners, LP as of March 31, 2007, for the year
ended December 31, 2006, and for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 are based upon the historical audited
and unaudited combined financial statements of Spectra Energy
Partners Predecessor (the Predecessor). The Predecessor includes
100% of East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC (East Tennessee), 50.0%
of Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC (Market Hub), and 24.5% of
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC (Gulfstream). The Predecessor
includes East Tennessee in its financial statements, and
accounts for the interests in Gulfstream and Market Hub using
the equity method of accounting. Following the offering, Spectra
Energy Partners, LP (the Partnership) will own these entities in
the same proportions as represented in the Predecessor, and
consequently, the Partnership will consolidate its interest in
East Tennessee and will account for its 50.0% interest in Market
Hub and its 24.5% in Gulfstream using the equity method of
accounting.
The contribution by Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy) to the
Partnership of the East Tennessee, Market Hub and Gulfstream
assets will be recorded at historical cost as it is considered
to be a reorganization of entities under common control. Unless
the context otherwise requires, references herein to the
Partnership include the Partnership and its operating companies.
The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if the
transactions to be effected at the closing of this offering had
taken place on March 31, 2007, in the case of the
pro forma balance sheet, and as of January 1, 2006, in
the case of the pro forma statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 2006 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2007. The unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements have been prepared on the assumption that the
Partnership will be treated as a partnership for federal income
tax purposes. The unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the notes
accompanying such unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements and with the historical audited combined financial
statements and related notes set forth elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet and the unaudited
pro forma combined statement of operations were derived by
adjusting the historical audited combined financial statements
of the Predecessor. The adjustments are based upon currently
available information and certain estimates and assumptions.
Actual effects of these transactions will differ from the pro
forma adjustments. However, the Predecessors management
(management) believes that the assumptions provide a reasonable
basis for presenting the significant effects of the transactions
as contemplated and that the pro forma adjustments are factually
supportable and give appropriate effect to the expected impact
of events that are directly attributable to the formation of the
Partnership, the transfer of the operations of the Predecessor
and the related transactions, and that are expected to have a
continuing impact on the Partnership.
In connection with the offering:
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy or its subsidiaries will contribute certain of
their assets to us or our subsidiaries;
|
|
|
|
we will issue to Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP, a
subsidiary of Spectra Energy, a 2% general partner interest in
us and all of our incentive distribution rights, which will
entitle our general partner to increasing percentages of the
cash we distribute in excess of $0.345 per unit per quarter
(115% of the minimum quarterly distribution);
|
|
|
|
we will issue 10,000,000 common units to the public in this
offering, representing a 14.8% limited partner interest in us,
and will use the proceeds as described in Use of
Proceeds;
|
|
|
|
we expect to borrow approximately $163.1 million in term
debt and $125 million in revolving debt under our
$500 million credit facility; and
|
|
|
|
we will enter into an omnibus agreement with Spectra Energy, our
general partner and certain of their affiliates pursuant to
which we will reimburse Spectra Energy for the payment of
certain operating expenses and for providing various general and
administrative services.
|
The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are not
necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have
occurred if the Partnership had assumed the operations of the
Predecessor on the dates indicated or which would be obtained in
the future.
F-3
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
Partners Predecessor
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
|
|
$
|
80,531
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
80,531
|
|
Transportation of natural
gas affiliates
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
Storage of natural gas and other
|
|
|
2,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
82,609
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,609
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
|
|
|
8,970
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,970
|
|
Operations, maintenance and
other affiliates
|
|
|
12,861
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,861
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
Other Income and
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income and expenses
|
|
|
42,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,870
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
8,642
|
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,657
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
16,549
|
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200
|
(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before Income
Taxes
|
|
|
72,349
|
|
|
|
(8,107
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,242
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
10,741
|
|
|
|
(10,288
|
)(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
453
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
2,181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
63,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General partners interest in
net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,276
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partners interest in
net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
62,513
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per limited
partners unit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of limited
partners units outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,629,880
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,638,730
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements
F-4
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
Partners Predecessor
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except unit and per unit data)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
|
|
$
|
24,950
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
24,950
|
|
Transportation of natural
gas affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Storage of natural gas and other
|
|
|
1,483
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,483
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
26,433
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,433
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
|
|
|
3,587
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,587
|
|
Operations, maintenance and
other affiliates
|
|
|
3,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,318
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
Other Income and
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
Other income (expenses), net
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income and expenses
|
|
|
11,397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
2,161
|
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,170
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
4,137
|
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,343
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50
|
(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before Income
Taxes
|
|
|
23,936
|
|
|
|
(2,026
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,910
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
4,733
|
|
|
|
(4,524
|
)(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
2,498
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
21,701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General partners interest in
net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
434
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partners interest in
net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
21,267
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per limited
partners unit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of limited
partners units outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,629,880
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated units
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,638,730
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements
F-5
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
March 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
Partners Predecessor
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
220,000
|
(d)
|
|
$
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,950
|
)(e)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,000
|
)(f)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(163,050
|
)(g)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163,050
|
(h)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000
|
(i)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,000
|
)(j)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(288,050
|
)(k)
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade
|
|
|
9,921
|
|
|
|
(9,921
|
)(l)
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivables
|
|
|
1,800
|
|
|
|
(1,800
|
)(l)
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas imbalance
receivables affiliates
|
|
|
8,053
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,053
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
1,477
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,477
|
|
Taxes receivable
affiliates
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,620
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,620
|
|
Short-term investments
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
163,050
|
(g)
|
|
|
163,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
24,050
|
|
|
|
161,329
|
|
|
|
185,379
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments and Other
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in unconsolidated
affiliates
|
|
|
450,068
|
|
|
|
(1,973
|
)(l)
|
|
|
441,409
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,277
|
)(m)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(409
|
)(n)
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
118,293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118,293
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments and other assets
|
|
|
568,361
|
|
|
|
(8,659
|
)
|
|
|
559,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
799,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
799,540
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
(110,751
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(110,751
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Deferred
Debits
|
|
|
10,766
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
(j)
|
|
|
11,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
$
|
153,670
|
|
|
$
|
1,445,636
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements
F-6
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
March 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
|
Partners Predecessor
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
Partners, LP
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND NET PARENT
INVESTMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable trade
|
|
$
|
2,753
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,753
|
|
Accounts payable trade
affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes accrued
|
|
|
2,024
|
|
|
|
(2,024
|
)(c)
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes accrued
affiliates
|
|
|
6,465
|
|
|
|
(6,465
|
)(c)
|
|
|
|
|
Interest accrued
|
|
|
2,498
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,498
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
8,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,242
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables
|
|
|
3,238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,238
|
|
Natural gas imbalance
payables affiliate
|
|
|
3,421
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,421
|
|
Other
|
|
|
3,003
|
|
|
|
(711
|
)(m)
|
|
|
2,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
31,644
|
|
|
|
(9,200
|
)
|
|
|
22,444
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term Debt
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
163,050
|
(h)
|
|
|
438,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000
|
(i)
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
114,230
|
|
|
|
(109,460
|
)(c)
|
|
|
4,770
|
|
Other
|
|
|
8,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred credits and other
liabilities
|
|
|
122,620
|
|
|
|
(109,460
|
)
|
|
|
13,160
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners Capital/Parent
Net Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent net investment
|
|
|
983,989
|
|
|
|
117,949
|
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,000
|
)(f)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(288,050
|
)(k)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,694
|
)(l)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,566
|
)(m)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(409
|
)(n)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(768,219
|
)(o)
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
3,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,713
|
|
Common unitholders
public
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
220,000
|
(d)
|
|
|
200,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,950
|
)(e)
|
|
|
|
|
Common unitholders
sponsor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
461,695
|
(o)
|
|
|
461,695
|
|
Convertible subordinated
unitholders sponsor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288,493
|
(o)
|
|
|
288,493
|
|
General partner interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,031
|
(o)
|
|
|
18,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total partners
capital/parent net equity
|
|
|
987,702
|
|
|
|
(15,720
|
)
|
|
|
971,982
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and
Partners Capital/Parent Net Equity
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
$
|
153,670
|
|
|
$
|
1,445,636
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements
F-7
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
NOTES TO
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis
of Presentation, The Offering and Other Transactions
The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of Spectra
Energy Partners, LP (the Partnership) have been prepared from
information derived from historical audited combined financial
statements of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor appearing
elsewhere in this prospectus, and the assumptions outlined in
Note 2 below. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of
operations assumes the offering and transactions as described in
this prospectus occurred on January 1, 2006 for the year
ended December 31, 2006 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2007, and the unaudited pro forma combined
balance sheet assumes that the offering and the transactions
occurred as of March 31, 2007. These adjustments do not
include the effects of the exercise of the underwriters
option. The adjustments are based upon currently available
information and certain estimates and assumptions, and therefore
the actual effects of these transactions will differ from the
pro forma adjustments.
The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements reflect
the following significant assumptions and transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessees and Market Hubs distribution of
accounts receivable of $11.7 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, to Spectra Energy;
|
|
|
|
The net proceeds to Spectra Energy Partners, LP of
$206.3 million from the issuance and sale of
10.0 million common units at an assumed initial offering
price of $22.00 per unit, and the payment of underwriting
commissions of $13.8 million;
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Partner, LPs borrowings under a new
$500 million credit facility of approximately
$163.1 million in term debt and $125 million in
revolving debt;
|
|
|
|
The use of proceeds and borrowings to pay transaction expenses
and underwriting commissions, reimburse subsidiaries of Spectra
Energy for certain capital expenditures, fund working capital,
and invest in qualifying securities; and
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy will indemnify us for certain environmental and
tax liabilities and title and right-of-way defects.
|
Upon completion of this offering, Spectra Energy Partners, LP
anticipates incurring incremental general and administrative
expense of approximately $5.5 million per year as a result
of being a publicly traded limited partnership, including costs
associated with annual and quarterly reports to unitholders, tax
return and
Schedule K-1
preparation and distribution, investor relations activities,
registrar and transfer agent fees, incremental director and
officer liability insurance costs and director compensation. The
unaudited pro forma combined financial statements do not reflect
these expenses because they are not currently factually
supportable as we have not clearly defined the expected scope of
required services and we have not finalized negotiations on
terms and fees with Spectra Energy and its affiliates.
2. Pro
Forma Adjustments and Assumptions
(a) Reflects the interest expense related to the borrowings
described in (h) and (i) below, and the interest
income related to the qualifying securities described in
(g) below. The interest expense for the revolving debt is
based on an estimated average variable interest rate of 6%. The
term debt interest expense is based on an estimated average
variable rate of 5.55%. The interest income is based on an
estimated average variable rate of 5.30%. A change of 1% would
have increased or decreased the net interest expense and
interest income by $1.3 million for 2006 and
$0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
(b) Reflects the amortization of the deferred issuance
costs related to the debt described in (g) and
(h) below over the term of the associated debt,
5 years.
(c) Reflects the elimination of historical income taxes for
all current and deferred taxes apart from Tennessee state income
taxes which will continue to be borne by the Partnership
post-offering.
F-8
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
NOTES TO
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(d) Reflects the gross proceeds to the Partnership of
$220.0 million from the issuance and sale of
10.0 million common units at an initial public offering
price of $22.00 per unit.
(e) Reflects the payment of underwriting commission of
$13.8 million and other offering expenses of
$6.2 million for a total of $20.0 million, which will
be allocated to the public common units.
(f) Reflects the distribution of $26.0 million to
reimburse subsidiaries of Spectra Energy for certain capital
expenditures incurred prior to the offering.
(g) Reflects the purchase of $163.1 million of
qualifying investment grade securities using a portion of the
proceeds from the offering. These securities are pledged as
collateral for the borrowings under the term loan portion of our
credit facility.
(h) Reflects $163.1 million of term borrowings under
the term portion of the new $500 million credit facility.
(i) Reflects $125 million of revolving borrowings
under the revolving portion of the new $500 million credit
facility.
(j) Reflects estimated deferred debt issuance costs
associated with the new $500 million credit facility.
(k) Reflects the distribution to Spectra Energy of a
portion of the net proceeds from the offering and borrowings
under the new credit facility.
(l) Reflects the distribution to Spectra Energy of accounts
receivable of an estimated $11.7 million for East Tennessee
and an estimated $3.9 million for Market Hub.
(m) Reflects the partnerships share of a distribution
from Market Hub and a distribution to East Tennessee by Spectra
Energy Capital for funds swept by Spectra Energy Capital as part
of its treasury management activities for security deposits
received by Market Hub.
(n) Reflects Spectra Energys retention of certain
Market Hub assets related to Copiah County Storage Co, LLC that
will not be transferred to the Partnership as part of the
offering.
(o) Reflects the conversion of the adjusted parent net
investment of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor of
$768.2 million from parent net investment to common and
subordinated limited partner capital of Spectra Energy Partners,
LP and the general partners interest in Spectra Energy
Partners, LP. The conversion is allocated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
$461.7 million for 34,629,880 common units purchased
by Spectra Energy;
|
|
|
|
$288.5 million for 21,638,730 subordinated units; and
|
|
|
|
$18.0 million for 1,352,421 general partner units.
|
After the conversion, the equity amounts of the common and
subordinated unitholders are 66% and 32%, respectively, of total
capital, with the remaining 2% capital representing the general
partner interest.
Common units accrue cumulative cash distributions for any period
in which the available cash is not adequate to achieve the
minimum distribution of $0.30 per quarter.
The subordinated units may convert to common units should
certain performance milestones be reached. The subordination
period also will end upon the removal of our general partner
other than for cause if the units held by our general partner
and its affiliates are not voted in favor of such removal. When
the subordination period ends, all remaining subordinated units
will convert into common units on a
one-for-one
basis, and the common units will no longer be entitled to
arrearages.
The above assumes that the underwriters over-allotment
option is not exercised. If the underwriters exercise their
option to purchase additional common units in full, we would
receive approximately $30.9 million of net proceeds from
the sale of these common units and will (1) use such net
proceeds from
F-9
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
NOTES TO
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
the sale of these additional units to purchase an equivalent
amount of qualifying securities and (2) borrow an
additional amount under the term loan facility equal to such net
proceeds.
3. Pro
Forma Net Income per Unit
Pro forma net income per unit is determined by dividing the pro
forma net income that would have been allocated, in accordance
with the provisions of the limited partnership agreement, to the
common and subordinated unitholders by the number of common and
subordinated units to be outstanding at the closing of the
offering. For purposes of this calculation, we assumed that
(1) pro forma distributions were equal to pro forma
earnings, (2) the number of units outstanding was
44,629,880 common and 21,638,730 subordinated, and (3) all
units were assumed to have been outstanding since the beginning
of the periods presented. During each quarter of the year ended
December 31, 2006, the Minimum Quarterly Distribution would
have been made to all common unitholders, amounting to an annual
distribution of $1.20 per common unit, and the subordinated
unitholders would have received distributions to the extent of
remaining distributable earnings, amounting to an annual
distribution of $0.41 per subordinated unit. During the quarter
ended March 31, 2007, the $0.32 per unit would have been
distributed to all common and subordinated unitholders. Although
the $0.32 exceeds the Minimum Quarterly Distribution amount of
$0.30 per unit, it is below the first target distribution level
of $0.345 per unit. Pursuant to the partnership agreement, to
the extent that the quarterly distributions exceed certain
targets, the general partner is entitled to receive certain
incentive distributions that will result in more net income
proportionately being allocated to the general partner than to
the holders of common and subordinated units. The pro forma net
income per unit calculations reflect the fact that no incentive
distributions were made to the general partner.
Staff Accounting Bulletin 1:B:3 requires that certain
distributions to owners prior to or coincident with an initial
public offering be considered as distributions in contemplation
of that offering. Upon completion of this offering, the
Partnership intends to distribute approximately
$314.1 million in cash to affiliates of Spectra Energy.
This distribution will be paid with $26 million of offering
proceeds, $125 million of borrowing under the new revolving
credit facility and $163.1 million of borrowing under the
new term loan facility. Assuming additional common units were
issued to give effect to this distribution, pro forma net income
per common unit would have been $1.04 for the year ended
December 31, 2006. For the three months ended
March 31, 2007, pro forma net income per common unit would
have been $0.30.
F-10
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Spectra Energy Corp
Houston, Texas
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of
Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor (the Company) as
of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related combined
statements of operations, parent net equity and comprehensive
income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2006. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in Item 16. These
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal
control over financial reporting. Our audits included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such combined financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial
position of Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the combined results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic combined
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
The accompanying combined financial statements have been
prepared from the separate records maintained by Spectra Energy
Capital, LLC and may not necessarily be indicative of the
conditions that would have existed or the results of operations
if the Company had been operated as an unaffiliated entity.
Portions of certain expenses represent allocations made from and
are applicable to Spectra Energy Capital, LLC as a whole.
/s/ Deloitte
& Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2007 (May 7, 2007 as to paragraph 4 of
Note 11)
F-11
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
COMBINED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
|
|
$
|
80,531
|
|
|
$
|
77,553
|
|
|
$
|
69,242
|
|
Transportation of natural gas -
affiliates
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
9,352
|
|
Storage of natural gas and other
|
|
|
2,032
|
|
|
|
2,300
|
|
|
|
3,122
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
82,609
|
|
|
|
80,003
|
|
|
|
81,716
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
|
|
|
8,970
|
|
|
|
16,680
|
|
|
|
19,679
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
- affiliates
|
|
|
12,861
|
|
|
|
7,968
|
|
|
|
6,402
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
5,264
|
|
|
|
518
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
44,994
|
|
|
|
53,552
|
|
|
|
48,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
37,615
|
|
|
|
26,451
|
|
|
|
33,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income and
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
41,105
|
|
|
|
46,287
|
|
|
|
35,495
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
1,765
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income and expenses
|
|
|
42,870
|
|
|
|
46,815
|
|
|
|
36,980
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before Income
Taxes
|
|
|
72,349
|
|
|
|
64,784
|
|
|
|
62,353
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
10,741
|
|
|
|
7,834
|
|
|
|
9,202
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to combined financial statements
F-12
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
COMBINED
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $241 thousand, and $274 thousand,
respectively
|
|
$
|
9,098
|
|
|
$
|
8,898
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivables
|
|
|
3,077
|
|
|
|
3,577
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivables
- affiliates
|
|
|
4,615
|
|
|
|
21,363
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
2,460
|
|
|
|
1,503
|
|
Taxes receivable - affiliates
|
|
|
1,488
|
|
|
|
1,156
|
|
Other
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
331
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
20,776
|
|
|
|
36,828
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments and Other
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in unconsolidated
affiliates
|
|
|
442,793
|
|
|
|
422,340
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
118,293
|
|
|
|
118,293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments and other assets
|
|
|
561,086
|
|
|
|
540,633
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
800,053
|
|
|
|
706,669
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
(108,233
|
)
|
|
|
(90,353
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
691,820
|
|
|
|
616,316
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Deferred
Debits
|
|
|
10,900
|
|
|
|
8,995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
1,284,582
|
|
|
$
|
1,202,772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND NET PARENT
EQUITY
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable trade
|
|
$
|
122
|
|
|
$
|
2,061
|
|
Accounts payable trade - affiliates
|
|
|
2,115
|
|
|
|
974
|
|
Taxes accrued
|
|
|
3,419
|
|
|
|
4,163
|
|
Taxes accrued - affiliates
|
|
|
3,337
|
|
|
|
5,820
|
|
Interest accrued
|
|
|
357
|
|
|
|
357
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
8,917
|
|
|
|
14,967
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables
|
|
|
1,103
|
|
|
|
7,673
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables -
affiliates
|
|
|
3,367
|
|
|
|
20,143
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,810
|
|
|
|
896
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
25,547
|
|
|
|
57,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term Debt
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
113,011
|
|
|
|
96,811
|
|
Other
|
|
|
6,899
|
|
|
|
3,211
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred credits and other
liabilities
|
|
|
119,910
|
|
|
|
100,022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and
Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent Net Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent net investment
|
|
|
985,333
|
|
|
|
891,586
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
3,792
|
|
|
|
4,110
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total parent net equity
|
|
|
989,125
|
|
|
|
895,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Parent
Net Equity
|
|
$
|
1,284,582
|
|
|
$
|
1,202,772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to combined financial statements
F-13
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
COMBINED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
61,608
|
|
|
$
|
56,950
|
|
|
$
|
53,151
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
(41,105
|
)
|
|
|
(46,287
|
)
|
|
|
(35,495
|
)
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction equity
|
|
|
(1,760
|
)
|
|
|
(506
|
)
|
|
|
(1,483
|
)
|
Distributions received from equity
investments
|
|
|
20,335
|
|
|
|
29,645
|
|
|
|
13,720
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
12,813
|
|
|
|
4,369
|
|
|
|
31,165
|
|
(Increase) decrease in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
301
|
|
|
|
(1,804
|
)
|
|
|
(2,757
|
)
|
Accounts receivable - affiliates
|
|
|
(252
|
)
|
|
|
2,738
|
|
|
|
1,909
|
|
Taxes receivable - affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,121
|
|
|
|
11,630
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(878
|
)
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
1,207
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
(7,725
|
)
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
2,145
|
|
Increase (decrease) in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
|
757
|
|
|
|
(4,526
|
)
|
Accounts payable - affiliates
|
|
|
(856
|
)
|
|
|
930
|
|
|
|
(261
|
)
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
(401
|
)
|
|
|
1,838
|
|
|
|
(1,785
|
)
|
Accrued taxes - affiliates
|
|
|
(2,944
|
)
|
|
|
5,689
|
|
|
|
347
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
(9,033
|
)
|
|
|
6,038
|
|
|
|
(1,336
|
)
|
Other current liabilities -
affiliates
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
(4,421
|
)
|
|
|
(1,861
|
)
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
13,025
|
|
|
|
7,475
|
|
|
|
(3,275
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
62,278
|
|
|
$
|
93,272
|
|
|
$
|
83,987
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(85,910
|
)
|
|
|
(59,316
|
)
|
|
|
(34,269
|
)
|
Distributions received from equity
investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152,143
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by
investing activities
|
|
$
|
(85,910
|
)
|
|
$
|
92,827
|
|
|
$
|
(34,269
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members dividend (East
Tennessee Natural Gas)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,000
|
)
|
Transfers from (to) Parent, net
|
|
|
23,632
|
|
|
|
(186,099
|
)
|
|
|
(46,718
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
|
|
$
|
23,632
|
|
|
$
|
(186,099
|
)
|
|
$
|
(49,718
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of the period
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Disclosures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest, net of
amount capitalized
|
|
$
|
8,591
|
|
|
$
|
8,566
|
|
|
$
|
12,955
|
|
Cash paid (refunded) to (from)
Parent for income taxes
|
|
|
1,086
|
|
|
|
(5,518
|
)
|
|
|
(37,369
|
)
|
Significant non-cash transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer of assets from affiliate
|
|
$
|
(8,506
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Contribution of assets to affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,018
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred taxes related to transfer
of assets from affiliate
|
|
|
2,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas imbalances receivables
|
|
|
17,248
|
|
|
|
(24,940
|
)
|
|
|
(1,005
|
)
|
Property, plant and equipment
accruals
|
|
|
1,554
|
|
|
|
12,220
|
|
|
|
(20,893
|
)
|
Capitalization of development costs
|
|
|
5,701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to combined financial statements
F-14
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
COMBINED
STATEMENTS OF PARENT NET EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent Net
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
Parent Net
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Income (Loss)
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance January 1,
2004
|
|
$
|
1,021,321
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,021,321
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
53,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,151
|
|
Members dividends
|
|
|
(3,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,000
|
)
|
Net transfers to parent
|
|
|
(46,719
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46,719
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2004
|
|
$
|
1,024,753
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,024,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
56,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,950
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gains on cash flow
hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,167
|
|
|
|
4,167
|
|
Reclassification into earnings
from cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(57
|
)
|
|
|
(57
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,060
|
|
Net transfers to parent
|
|
|
(190,117
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(190,117
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2005
|
|
$
|
891,586
|
|
|
$
|
4,110
|
|
|
$
|
895,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
61,608
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,608
|
|
Other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification into earnings
from cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(318
|
)
|
|
|
(318
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,290
|
|
Net transfers from parent
|
|
|
32,139
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,139
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2006
|
|
$
|
985,333
|
|
|
$
|
3,792
|
|
|
$
|
989,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to combined financial statements
F-15
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
|
|
1.
|
Description
of Business and Basis of Presentation
|
These financial statements of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor (the Company) are prepared in connection with the
proposed initial public offering of limited partnership units in
Spectra Energy Partners, LP (the Partnership), which was formed
in March 2007 and which will own certain of the operations
and assets of the Company, as further described below. Through
its operating units, the Company is engaged in the
transportation of natural gas through interstate pipeline
systems that serve the southeastern United States, and the
storage of natural gas in underground facilities that are
located in southeast Texas and in south central Louisiana.
The Company is comprised of companies that were subsidiaries of
Duke Energy Corporation (Duke Energy) for the periods presented
in these financial statements.
In June 2006, the Board of Directors of Duke Energy authorized
management to pursue a plan to create two separate publicly
traded companies by spinning off Duke Energys natural gas
business to Duke Energy shareholders. The spin-off was completed
on January 2, 2007, at which time Spectra Energy became a
separate publicly-traded entity. Spectra Energy primarily owns
the Natural Gas Transmission and Field Services segments of
Spectra Energy Capital LLC (Spectra Energy Capital), formerly
Duke Capital LLC.
The combined financial statements of the Company have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States on the basis of Spectra
Energys Predecessor historical ownership percentages of
the operations that are expected to be contributed to the
Partnership. These historical ownership percentages included:
100% for East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC (East Tennessee), 50% of
Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC (Market Hub) and 24.5% of
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC (Gulfstream). The Company
accounts for investments in
20%-to
50%-owned
affiliates, and investments in less than 20% owned affiliates
where it has the ability to exercise significant influence,
under the equity method. Accordingly, the combined historical
financial statements for the Company, as the financial statement
predecessor to the Partnership, reflect the inclusion of East
Tennessee and investments in Market Hub and Gulfstream using the
equity method of accounting. These combined financial statements
have been prepared from the separate records maintained by
Spectra Energy Capital and may not necessarily be indicative of
the actual results of operations that might have occurred if the
Company had been operated separately during those periods.
Because a direct ownership relationship did not exist among the
entities comprising the Company, the net investment in the
Company is shown as Parent Net Equity in lieu of owners
equity in the combined financial statements.
As part of the initial public offering of limited partnership
units of the Partnership, Spectra Energy plans to contribute to
the Partnership certain of the operations and assets of the
Company. The Partnership will own 100% of East Tennessee, 50.0%
of Market Hub (excluding Spectra Energys retention of
certain Market Hub assets related to Copiah County Storage Co,
LLC that will not be transferred to the Partnership as part of
the offering) and 24.5% of Gulfstream. The Partnership is
expected to consolidate its ownership in East Tennessee, with
equity accounting for Market Hub and Gulfstream.
A subsidiary of Spectra Energy will serve as the general partner
of the Partnership and will provide services to the Partnership
pursuant to operating and management agreements between the
parties.
The accompanying combined balance sheets do not include certain
Spectra Energy Capital assets and liabilities that are not
specifically identifiable to the Company:
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy Capital managed its cash on a centralized basis
for the entire Duke Energy consolidated group, which in the
three years ended December 31, 2006, included the various
assets and operations of the companies comprising the Company.
The individual cash accounts maintained at the business unit
levels (i.e. within the Companys entities) were swept to a
Spectra Energy Capital corporate account on a daily basis,
creating an Advance Receivable between Spectra Energy Capital
(or other affiliates/corporate entities) and Company units.
Therefore, the Companys
|
F-16
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
financials do not reflect any cash balances. These net advances
do not bear interest and are carried as unsecured, intercompany
balances. Spectra Energy and the Companys operating units
expect to settle the cumulative advance balances through equity
distributions or contributions, as applicable, prior to
contribution of these units to the Partnership. Therefore, the
consolidated net advances have been reclassified to Parent Net
Equity in the Companys combined balance sheets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys financing requirements have been managed
historically with cash generated by operations and debt
issuances, as needed, by the Companys businesses.
Therefore, Spectra Energy Capitals corporate-level debt
issuances and related interest amounts, which generally financed
operations outside of the Companys operations, are not
included in the Companys historical combined financial
statements.
|
Gulfstream, as an unconsolidated affiliate of Spectra Energy
Capital, did not participate in the centralized cash management
activity of Spectra Energy Capital.
The Companys costs of doing business have been reflected
in the financial accounting records of the Company for the
periods presented. These costs include direct charges and
allocations from Spectra Energy Capital and its affiliates for:
|
|
|
|
|
Business services, such as payroll, accounts payable and
facilities management,
|
|
|
|
Corporate services, such as finance and accounting, legal, human
resources, investor relations, public and regulatory policy, and
senior executives,
|
|
|
|
Pension and other post-retirement benefit costs.
|
Transactions between the Company and other Spectra Energy
Capital operations have been identified in the combined
financial statements as transactions between affiliates (see
Note 3).
In the opinion of management, the assumptions underlying the
combined financial statements are reasonable.
|
|
2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Use of Estimates. To conform to
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United
States, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in the combined financial statements and
notes. Although these estimates are based on managements
best available knowledge at the time, actual results could
differ.
Inventory. Inventory primarily consists
of natural gas held in storage and is recorded at the lower of
cost or market value, primarily using the average cost method.
Cost-Based Regulation. The Company
accounts for its regulated operations at East Tennessee under
the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for
the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation. The economic
effects of regulation can result in a regulated company
recording assets for costs that have been or are expected to be
approved for recovery from customers or recording liabilities
for amounts that are expected to be returned to customers in the
rate-setting process in a period different from the period in
which the amounts would be recorded by an unregulated
enterprise. Accordingly, the Company records assets and
liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process
that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated
entities. Management continually assesses whether regulatory
assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors
such as applicable regulatory changes and recent rate orders
applicable to other regulated entities. Based on this continual
assessment, management believes the existing regulatory assets
are probable of recovery. These regulatory assets and
liabilities are classified in the Combined Balance Sheets as
Regulatory Assets and Deferred Debits, and Deferred Credits and
Other Liabilities. The Company periodically evaluates the
applicability of SFAS No. 71, and considers factors
such as regulatory changes and the impact of competition. If
cost-based regulation ends or competition increases, the Company
may have to reduce certain of its asset balances to reflect a
market basis lower than cost and
F-17
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
write-off the associated regulatory assets. The Company has no
regulatory liabilities for the periods included in the financial
statements. (For further information, see Note 5.)
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the
excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired.
The Company evaluates goodwill for potential impairment under
the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. Under this provision, goodwill is subject to an
annual test for impairment. The Company has designated
August 31 as the date it performs the annual review for
goodwill impairment for its reporting units. Under the
provisions of SFAS No. 142, the Company performs the
annual review for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit
level, which the Company has determined to be an operating
segment or one level below.
Impairment testing of goodwill consists of a two-step process.
The first step involves a comparison of the implied fair value
of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying
amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second
step of the process involves a comparison of the fair value and
carrying value of the goodwill of that reporting unit. If the
carrying value of the goodwill of a reporting unit exceeds the
implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is
recognized in an amount equal to the excess. Additional
impairment tests are performed between the annual reviews if
events or changes in circumstances make it more likely than not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying
amount.
The Company uses a discounted cash flow analysis to determine
fair value. Key assumptions in the determination of fair value
include the use of an appropriate discount rate and estimated
future cash flows. In estimating cash flows, the Company
incorporates expected growth rates, regulatory stability and the
ability to renew contracts, as well as other factors that affect
revenue and expense forecasts. The Company did not record any
impairment of its goodwill in 2006, 2005 and 2004, and there
have been no additions, amortizations, or other changes in the
carrying amount of goodwill during the years then ended.
Goodwill for the Companys sole operating segment, East
Tennessee, was $118,293 thousand at December 31, 2006
and 2005.
Property, Plant and
Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are
stated at the lower of historical cost less accumulated
depreciation or fair value, if impaired. The Company capitalizes
all construction-related direct labor and material costs, as
well as indirect construction costs. Indirect costs include
general engineering, taxes and the cost of funds used during
construction. The cost of renewals and betterments that extend
the useful life of property, plant and equipment is also
capitalized. The cost of repairs, replacements and major
maintenance projects, which do not extend the useful life or
increase the expected output of property, plant and equipment,
is expensed as it is incurred. Depreciation is generally
computed over the assets estimated useful life using the
straight-line method. The composite weighted-average
depreciation rates were 2.6% for 2006, 3.7% for 2005, and 3.7%
for 2004.
When the Company retires its regulated property, plant and
equipment, it charges the original cost plus the cost of
retirement, less salvage value, to accumulated depreciation and
amortization. When it sells entire regulated operating units, or
retires or sells non-regulated properties, the cost is removed
from the property account and the related accumulated
depreciation and amortization accounts are reduced. Any gain or
loss is recorded in income, unless otherwise required by the
applicable regulatory body.
Asset Retirement Obligations. In June
2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting
For Asset Retirement Obligations which was adopted by the
Company on January 1, 2003 and addresses financial
accounting and reporting for legal obligations associated with
the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the related
asset retirement costs. The standard applies to legal
obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets
that result from the acquisition, construction, development
and/or normal use of the asset. SFAS No. 143 requires
that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement
obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred,
if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair
value of the liability is added to the carrying amount of the
associated asset. This additional carrying
F-18
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
amount is then depreciated over the life of the asset. The
liability increases due to the passage of time based on the time
value of money until the obligation is settled. Subsequent to
the initial recognition, the liability is adjusted for any
revisions to the expected value of the retirement obligation
(with corresponding adjustments to property, plant, and
equipment), and for accretion of the liability due to the
passage of time. Additional depreciation expense is recorded
prospectively for any property, plant and equipment increases.
Asset retirement obligations of the Company relate primarily to
right-of-way
agreements, asbestos removal and contractual leases for land
use. In accordance with SFAS No. 143, the Company
identified certain assets that have an indeterminate life, and
thus the fair value of the retirement obligation is not
reasonably estimable. These assets included on-shore pipelines.
A liability for these asset retirement obligations will be
recorded when a fair value is determinable.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation
No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
Obligations (FIN 47). The adoption of FIN 47 had
no impact on the income of the regulated gas pipeline
operations. Any effects would be offset by the establishment of
regulatory assets and liabilities pursuant to
SFAS No. 71.
Unamortized Debt Expense. Debt expenses
incurred with the issuance of outstanding long-term debt are
deferred and amortized over the terms of the debt issues. Any
call premiums or unamortized expenses associated with
refinancing higher-cost debt obligations to finance regulated
assets and operations are amortized consistent with regulatory
treatment of those items, where appropriate.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment and Assets Held For
Sale. The Company evaluates whether
long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, have been impaired when
circumstances indicate the carrying value of those assets may
not be recoverable. For such long-lived assets, impairment
exists when its carrying value exceeds the sum of estimates of
the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and
eventual disposition of the asset. When alternative courses of
action to recover the carrying amount of a long-lived asset are
under consideration, a probability-weighted approach is used for
developing estimates of future undiscounted cash flows. If the
carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable based
on these estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the
impairment loss is measured as the excess of the assets
carrying value over its fair value, such that the assets
carrying value is adjusted to its estimated fair value.
Management assesses the fair value of long-lived assets using
commonly accepted techniques, and may use more than one source.
Sources to determine fair value include, but are not limited to,
recent third party comparable sales, internally developed
discounted cash flow analysis and analysis from outside
advisors. Significant changes in market conditions resulting
from events such as changes in commodity prices or the condition
of an asset, or a change in managements intent to utilize
the asset would generally require management to re-assess the
cash flows related to the long-lived assets.
The Company uses the criteria in SFAS No. 144,
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets to determine when an asset is classified as
held for sale. Upon classification as held for
sale, the long-lived asset or asset group is measured at
the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to
sell, depreciation is ceased and the asset or asset group is
separately presented on the Combined Balance Sheets. When an
asset or asset group meets the SFAS No. 144 criteria
for classification as held for sale within the Combined Balance
Sheets, the Company does not retrospectively adjust prior period
balance sheets to conform to current year presentation.
Equity Method Investments. The Company
accounts for investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates, and
investments in less than 20% owned affiliates where Spectra
Energy Partners Predecessor has the ability to exercise
significant influence, under the equity method.
Cash Flow Hedges. An equity investee of
the Company has entered into cash flow hedges. Changes in the
fair value of a derivative designated and qualified as a cash
flow hedge, to the extent effective, are reported as Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) of the equity investee
until
F-19
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
earnings are affected by the hedged transaction. The Company
recognizes a proportionate share of the equity investees
activity in the Combined Statements of Parent Net Equity and
Comprehensive Income.
Natural Gas Imbalances. The Combined
Balance Sheets include in-kind balances as a result of
differences in gas volumes received and delivered for customers.
Natural gas volumes owed to or by the Company are valued at
market index prices as of the balance sheet dates. Since the
settlement of imbalances in the Companys pipeline
operations is in-kind, changes in these balances do not have an
impact on the Companys Combined Statements of Cash Flows.
Accounts receivable includes $7,692 thousand and
$24,940 thousand as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and other current liabilities includes
$4,471 thousand and $20,412 thousand as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to gas
imbalances. Natural gas volumes owed to (by) the Company are
valued at natural gas market index prices as of the balance
sheet dates.
Environmental Expenditures. The Company
expenses environmental expenditures related to conditions caused
by past operations that do not generate current or future
revenues. Environmental expenditures related to operations that
generate current or future revenues are expensed or capitalized,
as appropriate. Liabilities are recorded when the necessity for
environmental remediation becomes probable and the costs can be
reasonably estimated, or when other potential environmental
liabilities are reasonably estimable and probable.
Revenue Recognition. Revenues on
natural gas transportation and storage are recognized when the
service is provided. Revenues from long-term contracts with
billed rates that decline annually are recognized evenly over
the term of the contract. This results in increasing deferred
revenue balances in the early years of the contract that are
recognized in revenue over the later years of the contract.
Revenues related to these services provided, but not yet billed,
are estimated each month. These estimates are generally based on
contract data, regulatory information, and preliminary
throughput and allocation measurements. Final bills for the
current month are billed and collected in the following month.
Differences between actual and estimated revenues are
immaterial. From time to time, certain revenues may be subject
to refund pending the outcome of rate matters before the FERC,
and reserves are established where required. There were no
pending rate cases and no related reserves were recorded as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005. The allowance for doubtful
accounts was $241 thousand for 2006, $274 thousand for
2005 and $208 thousand for 2004.
Significant Customers. The customers
accounting for 10% or more of combined revenues during the years
ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Revenues
|
|
|
|
Years Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Customer
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Atmos Energy Corporation
|
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
|
16
|
%
|
KGEN Murray I and II, LLC
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
Knoxville Utilities Board
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
Duke Energy Murray, LLC
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
(1) Percentage
below 10%
(2) Duke
Energy Murray, LLC, owned by a related party, was sold to KGEN
Murray, LLC in September 2004.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
(AFUDC). AFUDC, which represents the
estimated debt and equity costs of capital funds necessary to
finance the construction and expansion of new regulated
facilities, consists of two components, an equity component and
an interest component. The equity component is a non-cash item.
AFUDC is capitalized as a component of Property, Plant and
Equipment Cost, with offsetting credits to the Combined
Statements of Operations. After construction is completed, the
Company is permitted to recover these costs through inclusion in
the rate base calculation. The total
F-20
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
amount of AFUDC included in the Combined Statements of
Operations was $2,236 thousand in 2006, which consisted of
an equity component of $1,760 thousand and an interest expense
component of $476 thousand. The total amount of AFUDC
included in the Combined Statements of Operations was
$651 thousand in 2005, which consisted of an equity
component of $506 thousand and an interest expense
component of $145 thousand. The total amount of AFUDC
included in the Combined Statements of Operations was
$1,935 thousand in 2004, which consisted of an equity
component of $1,483 thousand and an interest expense component
of $452 thousand.
Income Taxes. Duke Energy and its
subsidiaries historically filed a consolidated federal income
tax return and other state returns as required. The
Companys East Tennessee operations were subject to
corporate income tax under a tax sharing agreement with Duke
Energy. Income taxes have been provided by the Company on the
basis of its separate company income and deductions related to
East Tennessee in accordance with established practices of Duke
Energy. Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary
differences between the GAAP and tax carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities. These differences create taxable or tax
deductible amounts for future periods.
Management evaluates and records contingent tax liabilities and
related interest based on the probability of ultimately
sustaining the tax deductions or income positions. Management
assesses the probabilities of successfully defending the tax
deductions or income positions based upon statutory, judicial or
administrative authority. There were no such contingent
liabilities recorded by the Company for the periods presented.
Market Hub and Gulfstream are not subject to income tax, but
rather the taxable income or loss of these entities is reported
on the respective income tax returns of the respective members.
Accordingly, there is no tax provision related to those entities
in these combined financial statements.
Segment
Reporting. SFAS No. 131,
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information, establishes standards for a public company to
report financial and descriptive information about its
reportable operating segments in annual and interim financial
reports. Operating segments are components of an enterprise
about which separate financial information is available and
evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in
deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. Two
or more operating segments may be aggregated into a single
reportable segment provided aggregation is consistent with the
objectives and basic principles of SFAS No. 131, if
the segments have similar economic characteristics, and the
segments are considered similar under criteria provided by
SFAS No. 131. There is no aggregation within the
Companys defined business segments. SFAS No. 131
also establishes standards and related disclosures about the way
the operating segments were determined, products and services,
geographic areas and major customers, differences between the
measurements used in reporting segment information and those
used in the Companys general-purpose financial statements,
and changes in the measurement of segment amounts from period to
period. The description of the Companys reportable
segments, consistent with how business results are expected to
be reported internally to the Partnerships management and
the disclosure of segment information in accordance with
SFAS No. 131, are presented in Note 4.
Distributions from Equity
Investees. The Company considers dividends
received from equity investees which do not exceed cumulative
equity in earnings subsequent to the date of investment as
returns on investment, and classifies these amounts as operating
activities within the accompanying Combined Statements of Cash
Flows. Cumulative dividends received in excess of cumulative
equity in earnings subsequent to the date of investment are
considered a return of investment and are classified as
investing activities within the accompanying Combined Statements
of Cash Flows.
F-21
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
New Accounting Standards. The following
new accounting standards were adopted by the Company during the
year ended December 31, 2006 and the impact of such
adoption, if applicable, has been presented in the accompanying
combined financial statements:
FSP
No. FAS 115-1
and 124-1,
The Meaning of
Other-Than-Temporary
Impairment and its Application to Certain
Investments. The Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP)
No. FAS 115-1
and 124-1 in
November 2005, which was effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2006. This FSP addresses the determination as to
when an investment is considered impaired, whether that
impairment is other than temporary and the measurement of an
impairment loss. This FSP also includes accounting
considerations subsequent to the recognition of an
other-than-temporary
impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized
losses that have not been recognized as
other-than-temporary
impairments. The guidance in this FSP amends
SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities, and SFAS No. 124,
Accounting for Certain Investments Held by
Not-for-Profit
Organizations, and APB Opinion No. 18, The
Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common
Stock. The adoption of FSP
No. FAS 115-1
and 124-1
did not have an impact on the Companys combined results of
operations, cash flows or financial position.
FERC Accounting Order. In June 2005, the FERC
issued an Order on Accounting for Pipeline Assessment Costs that
requires most pipeline inspection and integrity assessment
activities to be recognized as expenses, as incurred. In the
Order, FERC confirmed that pipeline betterments and
replacements, including those resulting from integrity
inspections, will continue to be capitalized when appropriate.
This FERC Order was effective for pipeline inspection and
integrity assessment costs incurred on or subsequent to
January 1, 2006 and increased annual expenses for the
Company by approximately $1,698 thousand. Pipeline
inspection and integrity assessment costs capitalized prior to
the effective date of the rule were not impacted.
SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior
Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current
Year Financial Statements (SAB No. 108). In
September 2006 the SEC issued SAB No. 108, which
provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the
carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be
considered in quantifying a current year misstatement.
Traditionally, there have been two widely-recognized approaches
for quantifying the effects of financial statement
misstatements. The income statement approach focuses primarily
on the impact of a misstatement on the income
statement including the reversing effect of prior
year misstatements but its use can lead to the
accumulation of misstatements in the balance sheet. The balance
sheet approach, on the other hand, focuses primarily on the
effect of correcting the period-end balance sheet with less
emphasis on the reversing effects of prior year errors on the
income statement. The SEC staff believes that registrants should
quantify errors using both a balance sheet and an income
statement approach (a dual approach) and evaluate
whether either approach results in quantifying a misstatement
that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are
considered, is material.
SAB No. 108 was effective for the year ending
December 31, 2006. SAB No. 108 permits existing
public companies to initially apply its provisions either by
(i) restating prior financial statements as if the
dual approach had always been used or (ii), under
certain circumstances, recording the cumulative effect of
initially applying the dual approach as adjustments
to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of
January 1, 2006 with an offsetting adjustment recorded to
the opening balance of retained earnings. Spectra Energy has
historically used a dual approach for quantifying identified
financial statement misstatements. Therefore, the adoption of
SAB No. 108 did not have any material impact on the
Companys consolidated results of operations, cash flows or
financial position.
F-22
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following new accounting standards were adopted by the
Company during the year ended December 31, 2005 and the
impact of such adoption, if applicable, has been presented in
the accompanying combined financial statements:
SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary
Assets an amendment of APB Opinion
No. 29. In December 2004, the FASB
issued SFAS No. 153 which amends APB Opinion
No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions, by eliminating the exception to the
fair-value principle for exchanges of similar productive assets,
which were accounted for under APB Opinion No. 29 based on
the book value of the asset surrendered with no gain or loss
recognition. SFAS No. 153 also eliminates APB Opinion
No. 29s concept of culmination of an earnings
process. The amendment requires that an exchange of nonmonetary
assets be accounted for at fair value if the exchange has
commercial substance and fair value is determinable within
reasonable limits. Commercial substance is assessed by comparing
the entitys expected cash flows immediately before and
after the exchange. If the difference is significant, the
transaction is considered to have commercial substance and
should be recognized at fair value. SFAS No. 153 was
effective for nonmonetary transactions occurring on or after
July 1, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 153 did
not have an impact on the Companys combined results of
operations, cash flows or financial position.
SFAS No. 154 Accounting Changes and Error
Corrections, or SFAS 154. In June 2005, the FASB
issued SFAS 154, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20,
or APB 20, Accounting Changes and
SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in
Interim Financial Statements. Among other changes,
SFAS 154 requires that a voluntary change in accounting
principle be applied retrospectively with all prior period
financial statements presented under the new accounting
principle, unless it is impracticable to do so. SFAS 154
also (1) provides that a change in depreciation or
amortization of a long-lived nonfinancial asset be accounted for
as a change in estimate (prospectively) that was effected by a
change in accounting principle, and (2) carries forward
without change the guidance within APB 20 for reporting the
correction of an error in previously issued financial statements
and a change in accounting estimate. The adoption of
SFAS 154 on January 1, 2006, did not have a material
impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or
financial position.
FIN 47 Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
Obligations. In March 2005, the FASB issued
FIN 47, which clarifies the accounting for conditional
asset retirement obligations as used in SFAS No. 143.
A conditional asset retirement obligation is an unconditional
legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in
which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional
on a future event that may or may not be within the control of
the entity. Therefore, an entity is required to recognize a
liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement
obligation under SFAS No. 143 if the fair value of the
liability can be reasonably estimated. The provisions of
FIN 47 were effective for the Company as of
December 31, 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have
an impact on the Companys combined results of operations,
cash flows or financial position.
FSP
No. APB 18-1,
Accounting by an Investor for Its Proportionate Share of
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of an Investee Accounted
for under the Equity Method in Accordance with APB Opinion
No. 18 upon a Loss of Significant
Influence. In July 2005, the FASB staff
issued FSP
No. APB 18-1
which provides guidance for how an investor should account for
its proportionate share of an investees equity adjustments
for other comprehensive income (OCI) upon a loss of significant
influence. APB Opinion No. 18, The Equity Method of
Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, requires a
transaction of an equity method investee of a capital nature be
accounted for as if the investee were a combined subsidiary,
which requires the investor to record its proportionate share of
the investees adjustments for OCI as increases or
decreases to the investment account with corresponding
adjustments in equity. FSP
No. APB 18-1
requires that an investors proportionate share of an
investees equity adjustments for OCI should be offset
against the carrying value of the investment at the time
significant influence is lost and equity method accounting is no
longer
F-23
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
appropriate. However, to the extent that the offset results in a
carrying value of the investment that is less than zero, an
investor should (a) reduce the carrying value of the
investment to zero and (b) record the remaining balance in
income. The guidance in FSP
No. APB 18-1
was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2005.
The adoption of FSP
No. APB 18-1
did not have a material impact on the Companys combined
results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
The following new accounting standards were adopted by the
Company during the year ended December 31, 2004 and the
impact of such adoption, if applicable, has been presented in
the accompanying combined financial statements:
FIN 46 Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities. In January 2003, the FASB issued
FIN 46 which requires the primary beneficiary of a variable
interest entitys activities to consolidate the variable
interest entity. FIN 46 defines a variable interest entity
as an entity in which the equity investors do not have
substantive voting rights and there is not sufficient equity at
risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support. The primary beneficiary absorbs
a majority of the expected losses
and/or
receives a majority of the expected residual returns of the
variable interest entitys activities. In December 2003,
the FASB issued FIN 46 (Revised December 2003),
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities An
Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46R), which
supersedes and amends the provisions of FIN 46. While
FIN 46R retains many of the concepts and provisions of
FIN 46, it also provides additional guidance and additional
scope exceptions, and incorporates FASB Staff Positions related
to the application of FIN 46.
The provisions of FIN 46 applied immediately to variable
interest entities created, or interests in variable interest
entities obtained, after January 31, 2003, while the
provisions of FIN 46R were required to be applied to those
entities, except for special purpose entities, by the end of the
first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. For
variable interest entities created, or interests in variable
interest entities obtained, on or before January 31, 2003,
FIN 46 or FIN 46R was required to be applied to
special-purpose entities by the end of the first reporting
period ending after December 15, 2003, and was required to
be applied to all other non-special purpose entities by the end
of the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004.
The adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46R did not have a
material impact on the Companys combined results of
operations, cash flows, or financial position.
The Company has not identified any variable interest entities
created, or interests in variable entities obtained, after
January 31, 2003, which require consolidation or disclosure
under FIN 46R.
Various changes and clarifications to the provisions of
FIN 46 have been made by the FASB since its original
issuance in January 2003. While not anticipated at this time,
any additional clarifying guidance or further changes to these
complex rules could have an impact on the Companys
combined financial statements.
The following new accounting standards have been issued, but has
not yet been adopted by the Company as of December 31, 2006:
FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109. In July 2006, the FASB issued
FIN 48, which provides guidance on accounting for income
tax positions about which Spectra Energy Partners has concluded
there is a level of uncertainty with respect to the recognition
in Spectra Energy Partners financial statements.
FIN 48 prescribes a minimum recognition threshold a tax
position is required to meet. Tax positions are defined very
broadly and include not only tax deductions and credits but also
decisions not to file in a particular jurisdiction, as well as
the taxability of transactions. Spectra Energy Partners will
implement FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. In
addition, subsequent accounting for FIN 48 (after
January 1, 2007) will involve an evaluation to
determine if any changes have occurred that would impact the
existing uncertain tax positions as well as determining whether
any new tax positions are uncertain. Any impacts resulting from
the evaluation of existing uncertain tax positions or from the
recognition of new
F-24
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
uncertain tax positions would impact income tax expense and
interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The implementation is not expected to result in a material
impact to the Companys combined results of operations,
cash flows or financial position.
SFAS No. 159 The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities including
an amendment of FAS 115, or SFAS 159. In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, which allows
entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure
eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are
not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. If a
company elects the fair value option for an eligible item,
changes in that items fair value in subsequent reporting
periods must be recognized in current earnings. SFAS 159
also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements
designed to draw comparison between entities that elect
different measurement attributes for similar assets and
liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for us on
January 1, 2008. We have not assessed the impact of
SFAS 159 on our consolidated results of operations, cash
flows or financial position.
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new
fair value measurements. However, in some cases, the application
of SFAS No. 157 may change the Companys current
practice for measuring and disclosing fair values under other
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements. For the Company, SFAS No. 157 is
effective as of January 2008 and must be applied prospectively,
except in certain cases. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting SFAS No. 157, and cannot currently
estimate the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its combined
results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
|
|
3.
|
Transactions
with Affiliates
|
In the normal course of business, the Company provides natural
gas transportation, storage and other services to Spectra Energy
Capital and its affiliates. In addition, the Company engages in
other transactions with affiliates, including reimbursement of
costs incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Company and
allocations from affiliates for various corporate services
including legal, accounting, treasury, information technology
and human resources. Affiliates charge such expenses based on
the cost of actual services provided or using various allocation
methodologies based on the Companys percentage of assets,
employees, earnings or other measures, as compared to other
affiliates. Management believes the allocation methodologies are
reasonable; however, these allocations and estimates may not
represent the amounts that would have been incurred had the
Company operated as a separate entity.
F-25
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Transactions with affiliates are summarized in the tables below:
Statement
of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas(1)
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
|
$
|
9,352
|
|
Operation and maintenance
expenses(2)
|
|
|
12,861
|
|
|
|
7,968
|
|
|
|
6,402
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In the normal course of business, the Company provides natural
gas transportation, storage and other services to affiliates. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes operation and maintenance costs incurred by the Company
in relation to those natural gas storage and other services
provided to Spectra Energy Capital and its affiliates as
identified above. Additionally includes costs the Company has
incurred as allocations of various overhead charges that are
based either on the cost of actual service received or using
various allocation methodologies based on the Companys
percentage of assets, employees, earnings or other measures, as
compared to Spectra Energy Capital affiliates. |
Balance
Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivable
|
|
$
|
4,615
|
|
|
$
|
21,363
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
2,115
|
|
|
|
974
|
|
Taxes accrued
|
|
|
3,337
|
|
|
|
5,820
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables
|
|
|
3,367
|
|
|
|
20,143
|
|
Taxes receivable
|
|
|
1,488
|
|
|
|
1,156
|
|
See also Notes 1, 9, 10 and 11 for discussion of other
specific related party transactions.
Advances receivable from and payable to affiliates do not bear
interest. Advances are carried as unsecured, open accounts and
are not segregated between current and non-current amounts.
Increases and decreases in advances generally result from the
movement of funds to provide for operations, capital
expenditures and debt payments of the Company.
On August 1, 2004, East Tennessee made a dividend of
approximately $3 million to Duke Energy Gas Transmission
(DEGT) through Advances Receivable (Payable)
Affiliates account, representing the Companys ownership
interest in its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duke Energy Gas
Transmission Investments, LLC and Duke Energy Gas Services
Finance Corporation.
The Companys operations are organized into one business
segment: East Tennessee. The Companys business segment is
considered the sole reportable segment under
SFAS No. 131.
East Tennessee provides interstate transportation of natural gas
and the storage and redelivery of liquified natural gas (LNG)
for customers in the southeastern U.S. These operations are
primarily subject to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) and the U.S. Department of Transportations
(DOT) rules and regulations.
The remainder of the Companys operations is presented as
Other. While it is not considered a business
segment, Other primarily includes the Companys equity
investments in Gulfstream and Market Hub, and certain
unallocated corporate costs.
F-26
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Market Hub owns and operates two natural gas storage facilities,
Moss Bluff and Egan. These two facilities have aggregate working
gas storage capacity of approximately 35 billion cubic
feet (Bcf) as of December 31, 2006. The Moss Bluff
facility consists of three storage caverns located in Southeast
Texas and has access to five major pipeline systems. The Egan
facility consists of three storage caverns located in South
Central Louisiana and has access to seven major pipeline
systems. These operations are subject to the rules and
regulations of FERC and DOT.
Gulfstream provides interstate natural gas pipeline
transportation for customers in central and southern
Florida. These operations are subject to the rules and
regulations of FERC or TRC and DOT.
Accounting policies for the Companys sole segment is the
same as those described in Note 2. Management evaluates
segment performance primarily based on earnings before interest
and taxes from continuing operations (EBIT).
On a segment basis, EBIT represents all profits from continuing
operations (both operating and non-operating) before deducting
interest and taxes.
Business
Segment Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment EBIT /
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before
|
|
|
Depreciation and
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
|
Total Revenues
|
|
|
Income Taxes
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Expenditures
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
82,609
|
|
|
$
|
42,096
|
|
|
$
|
18,986
|
|
|
$
|
85,910
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,404
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
82,609
|
|
|
|
80,500
|
|
|
|
18,986
|
|
|
|
85,910
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,151
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
82,609
|
|
|
$
|
72,349
|
|
|
$
|
18,986
|
|
|
$
|
85,910
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
80,003
|
|
|
$
|
28,722
|
|
|
$
|
23,640
|
|
|
$
|
59,316
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,568
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
80,003
|
|
|
|
73,290
|
|
|
|
23,640
|
|
|
|
59,316
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
80,003
|
|
|
$
|
64,784
|
|
|
$
|
23,640
|
|
|
$
|
59,316
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
81,716
|
|
|
$
|
36,464
|
|
|
$
|
21,492
|
|
|
$
|
34,269
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,147
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
81,716
|
|
|
|
70,611
|
|
|
|
21,492
|
|
|
|
34,269
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
81,716
|
|
|
$
|
62,353
|
|
|
$
|
21,492
|
|
|
$
|
34,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
841,789
|
|
|
$
|
780,432
|
|
Other
|
|
|
442,793
|
|
|
|
422,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
1,284,582
|
|
|
$
|
1,202,772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-27
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Regulatory Assets. Pursuant to the
requirements of SFAS No. 71, the Company records
assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking
process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated
entities. For the years presented, the Companys entities
have no regulatory liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Recovery/Refund
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Period Ends
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory asset related to income
taxes(2)
|
|
$
|
8,481
|
|
|
$
|
7,711
|
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
Vacation accrual (non-current)(2)
|
|
|
1,989
|
|
|
|
812
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Regulatory Assets
|
|
$
|
10,470
|
|
|
$
|
8,523
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All regulatory assets are excluded from rate base unless
otherwise noted.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Included in Other Regulatory Assets and Deferred Debits on the
Combined Balance Sheets. |
|
(2) |
|
These amounts are expected to be included in future rate filings. |
|
(3) |
|
Recovery/refund period currently unknown. |
East Tennessee. On November 1,
2005, East Tennessee placed into effect new rates approved by
FERC as a result of a rate settlement with customers. The
settlement agreement includes a five-year rate moratorium, a
reduction of depreciation rates, and certain operational
changes. On December 14, 2006, East Tennessee filed to
establish system wide segmentation on part of its system,
subject to FERC approval. This filing was generally supported by
the customers, and is proposed to be implemented effective
November 1, 2007.
Gulfstream. In September 2005, FERC
approved Gulfstreams Cost and Revenue study that was
required to be filed as a condition in its Phase I and
Phase II expansion projects. Gulfstream is not anticipated
to have further filing requirements until three years after its
Phase III expansion facilities are placed into service,
currently expected in 2008.
Management believes that the effect of these matters will have
no material adverse effect on the Companys future combined
results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
F-28
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Income
Tax Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Current income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
(1,622
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,240
|
|
|
$
|
(22,210
|
)(1)
|
State
|
|
|
(450
|
)
|
|
|
225
|
|
|
|
247
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current income taxes
|
|
|
(2,072
|
)
|
|
|
3,465
|
|
|
|
(21,963
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
11,489
|
|
|
|
3,068
|
|
|
|
31,094
|
(1)
|
State
|
|
|
1,324
|
|
|
|
1,301
|
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred income taxes
|
|
|
12,813
|
|
|
|
4,369
|
|
|
|
31,165
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income tax expense presented
in Combined Statements of Operations
|
|
$
|
10,741
|
|
|
$
|
7,834
|
|
|
$
|
9,202
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Current and deferred federal income taxes in 2004 were impacted
by an organizational restructuring undertaken by the
Companys parent, Spectra Energy.
|
Reconciliation
of Income Tax Expense at the U.S. Federal Statutory Income
Tax Rate to Actual Tax Expense (Statutory Rate
Reconciliation)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Income tax expense, computed at
the statutory rate of 35%
|
|
$
|
25,322
|
|
|
$
|
22,674
|
|
|
$
|
21,824
|
|
State income tax, net of federal
income tax effect
|
|
|
568
|
|
|
|
992
|
|
|
|
206
|
|
Entities not subject to income tax
|
|
|
(14,387
|
)
|
|
|
(16,200
|
)
|
|
|
(12,423
|
)
|
Other items, net
|
|
|
(763
|
)
|
|
|
368
|
|
|
|
(405
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income tax expense from
operations
|
|
$
|
10,741
|
|
|
$
|
7,834
|
|
|
$
|
9,202
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
|
12.1
|
%
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Deferred Income Tax Liability Components
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Deferred credits and other
liabilities
|
|
$
|
3,365
|
|
|
$
|
6,819
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
3,365
|
|
|
|
6,819
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated depreciation rates
|
|
|
(112,041
|
)
|
|
|
(100,253
|
)
|
State deferred income tax, net of
federal tax effect
|
|
|
(4,335
|
)
|
|
|
(3,377
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred income tax
liabilities
|
|
|
(116,376
|
)
|
|
|
(103,630
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net deferred income tax
liabilities
|
|
$
|
(113,011
|
)
|
|
$
|
(96,811
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-29
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
7.
|
Interest
Rate, Credit Risk and Financial Instruments
|
Credit Risk. The Companys
principal customers for natural gas transportation activities
are industrial end-users, marketers, exploration and production
companies, local distribution companies and utilities located
throughout the southern and southeastern U.S. The Company
has concentrations of receivables from natural gas and electric
utilities and their affiliates, as well as industrial customers,
exploration and production companies and marketers. These
concentrations of customers may affect the Companys
overall credit risk in that risk factors can negatively impact
the credit quality of the entire sector. Where exposed to credit
risk, the Company analyzes the counterparties financial
condition prior to entering into an agreement, establishes
credit limits and monitors the appropriateness of those limits
on an ongoing basis.
The Company also obtains cash or letters of credit from
customers to provide credit support outside of collateral
agreements, where appropriate, based on its financial analysis
of the customer and the regulatory or contractual terms and
conditions applicable to each transaction.
Interest Rate. Changes in interest
rates expose the Company to risk as a result of its issuance of
fixed-rate debt. The Company monitors market debt rates to
identify the need to mitigate this risk, including consideration
of hedging activities, if needed. The Company has not previously
entered into hedging contracts to mitigate this risk, except for
interest rate swaps entered into by Gulfstream in anticipation
of their $850 million in project financing, issued October
2005.
Financial Instruments. The fair value
of financial instruments is summarized in the following table.
Judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the
estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates determined
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 are not necessarily
indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in
current markets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate
|
|
|
|
Book Value
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Book Value
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Long-term debt(1)
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
$
|
150,065
|
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
$
|
152,924
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
There are no current maturities. |
The fair value of accounts receivable and accounts payable are
not materially different from their carrying amounts because of
the short-term nature of these instruments.
East Tennessee has a long-term contract with a customer with
billed amounts that decline annually over the term of the
contract. The revenues billed over the 20 year term of the
contract range from $9.9 million to $8.7 million. The
annual amount of revenue recognized is $9.4 million with
the difference deferred in Deferred Revenues, a long-term Other
Liability account. The long-term liability for this contract is
$2.3 million as of December 31, 2006 and
$1.8 million as of December 31, 2005.
|
|
9.
|
Investments
in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Related Transactions
|
Investments in affiliates that are not controlled by the
Company, but over which it has significant influence, are
accounted for using the equity method. As of December 31,
2006, the carrying amount of investments represented a 50%
interest in Market Hub and a 24.5% interest in Gulfstream. The
Companys share of net earnings from these unconsolidated
affiliates is reflected in the Combined Statements of Operations
as Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates.
The Company received distributions of $20,335 thousand in 2006
from Gulfstream. These distributions are included in
Distributions from Equity Investments within Cash Flows from
Operating Activities on the accompanying Combined Statements of
Cash Flows. In 2005, the Company received distributions of
F-30
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
$181,788 thousand from Gulfstream. Of these distributions,
$29,645 thousand are included in Distributions from Equity
Investments within Cash Flows from Operating Activities and
$152,143 thousand, characterized as a financing activity by
Gulfstream, are included in Distributions from Equity
Investments within Cash Flows from Investing Activities on the
accompanying Combined Statements of Cash Flows. The Company
received distributions of $13,720 thousand from Gulfstream in
2004. These distributions are included in Distributions from
Equity Investments within Cash Flows from Operating Activities
on the accompanying Combined Statements of Cash Flows.
In October 2005, Gulfstream issued $500,000 thousand aggregate
principal amount of 5.56% Senior Notes due 2015 and
$350,000 thousand aggregate principal amount of
6.19% Senior Notes due 2025. The proceeds were used by
Gulfstream to pay off a construction loan and the balance of the
proceeds, net of transaction costs, of approximately $621,000
thousand was distributed to the partners based upon their
ownership percentage, which resulted in the distribution of
$152,143 thousand to the Company that is classified within Cash
Flows from Investing Activities in 2005 noted above.
Investment
in Unconsolidated Affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
$
|
186,354
|
|
|
$
|
190,243
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
256,439
|
|
|
|
232,097
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
442,793
|
|
|
$
|
422,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
in Earning of Unconsolidated Affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
$
|
16,763
|
|
|
$
|
16,611
|
|
|
$
|
11,081
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
24,342
|
|
|
|
29,676
|
|
|
|
24,414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
41,105
|
|
|
$
|
46,287
|
|
|
$
|
35,495
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summarized
Combined Financial Information of Unconsolidated
Affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
104,919
|
|
|
$
|
190,901
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
2,228,787
|
|
|
|
2,106,631
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
179,925
|
|
|
|
150,562
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
855,734
|
|
|
|
881,490
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
1,298,047
|
|
|
$
|
1,265,480
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-31
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
259,061
|
|
|
$
|
223,033
|
|
|
$
|
159,458
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
101,527
|
|
|
|
73,310
|
|
|
|
61,225
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
117,106
|
|
|
|
127,153
|
|
|
|
94,057
|
|
|
|
10.
|
Property,
Plant and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Land
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
$
|
1,054
|
|
|
$
|
1,054
|
|
Natural gas transmission
|
|
|
50 years
|
|
|
|
757,345
|
|
|
|
651,531
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
3-10 years
|
|
|
|
3,392
|
|
|
|
3,220
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
3-5 years
|
|
|
|
2,415
|
|
|
|
2,453
|
|
Construction in process
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
12,265
|
|
|
|
25,823
|
|
Other
|
|
|
5-33 years
|
|
|
|
23,582
|
|
|
|
22,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
800,053
|
|
|
|
706,669
|
|
Total accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(108,233
|
)
|
|
|
(90,353
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net property, plant and
equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
691,820
|
|
|
$
|
616,316
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized interest, which includes the interest expense
component of AFUDC, amounted to $3,362 thousand for 2006, $1,421
thousand for 2005 and $2,350 thousand for 2004.
In 2006, the Company capitalized $5.7 million of previously
expensed project development costs based on managements
determination that such costs are properly included in regulated
rates. The Company also capitalized in 2005 a non-cash accrual
of $7.5 million for acquisition of right of way for the
Patriot Expansion project. In 2004, the Company capitalized
$24.0 million representing a capital accrual for the
resolution of certain construction-related litigation. (See
discussion at Note 12).
East Tennessee. In March 2006, Duke
Energy Gas Services (DEGS), an affiliated company, contributed
to East Tennessee approximately 34 miles of 10-inch
diameter pipeline running from Lee County, Virginia to an
interconnection with the Companys Hawkins County Lateral
in Rogersville, Tennessee at net book value of approximately
$8,506 thousand by an equity transfer between the
affiliated companies. Associated deferred taxes of $2,958
thousand related to such assets were transferred from the
affiliate. These assets were part of DEGS Stone Mountain
System and the remaining Stone Mountain System assets were sold
by DEGS to an unrelated third party.
On February 8, 2006, FERC issued a certificate of public
convenience and necessity authorizing East Tennessee to
construct and operate the Jewell Ridge Lateral, a 32-mile,
20-inch diameter pipeline in Tazewell and Smyth Counties,
Virginia. On March 16, 2006, FERC issued a letter order
approving the East Tennessees request to install tee and
side tap valve assemblies to its existing pipelines as part of
the Jewell Ridge Lateral project. The lateral was constructed
during the summer of 2006 and was placed into service in October
2006. The amounts capitalized to Property, Plant and Equipment
included $60,150 thousand for the Jewell Ridge Lateral natural
gas pipeline project in Southwest Virginia.
F-32
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Long-term Debt. Long-term debt consists
of notes payable of $150 million at 5.71% outstanding
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 due in one installment in
2012. Interest payments of $4,283 thousand are paid on June
and December each year through 2012.
Restrictive Debt Covenants. The
Companys debt agreement contains financial covenants which
limit the amount of debt that can be outstanding as a percentage
of the total capital. Failure to maintain the covenants could
require the Company to immediately pay down the outstanding
balance. The covenant calculations are performed by the Company
on a quarterly basis to establish that they are in compliance
with the covenant. As of December 31, 2006, the Company was
in compliance with those covenants. In addition, the debt
agreement may allow for acceleration of payments or termination
of the agreements due to nonpayment, or to the acceleration of
other significant indebtedness of the borrower or some of its
subsidiaries, if any. The debt agreement does not contain
material adverse change clauses.
The financial covenants limiting the amount of debt outstanding
as a percent of total capital effectively restrict the use of
net assets. The sum of the restricted net assets at East
Tennessee of $235 million and our proportionate
undistributed earnings of Market Hub of $113 million,
amounts to 35% of the Companys combined net assets as of
December 31, 2006. Gulfstream had no undistributed earnings
as of December 31, 2006. As such there may be a significant
restriction on the ability of East Tennessee, Market Hub and
Gulfstream to transfer funds to Spectra Energy Partners, LP by
means of intercompany loans, advances or cash dividends.
Change in Control Covenant. East
Tennessees $150 million notes contain a provision
which requires the Company to offer to redeem the notes at par
upon the occurrence of a change in control event. On
April 12, 2007, notices were sent to noteholders to
communicate this redemption offer. No noteholders accepted the
redemption offer.
|
|
12.
|
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
General Insurance. The Companys
operations have carried, through Duke Energys captive
insurance company, insurance and reinsurance coverages
consistent with companies engaged in similar commercial
operations with similar type properties. Following the
separation of Spectra Energy from Duke Energy, Spectra Energy is
providing substantially similar insurance and reinsurance
coverages. The Companys insurance coverage includes
(1) commercial general public liability insurance for
liabilities arising to third parties for bodily injury and
property damage resulting from the Companys operations;
(2) workers compensation liability coverage to
required statutory limits; (3) automobile liability
insurance for all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles covering
liabilities to third parties for bodily injury and property
damage; (4) financial services insurance policies in
support of the indemnification provisions of the Companys
by-law and, and (5) property insurance covering the
replacement value of all real and personal property damage,
including damages arising from machinery breakdowns, earthquake,
flood damage and business interruption/extra expense. All
coverages are subject to certain deductibles, terms and
conditions common for companies with similar types of operations.
The Company maintains excess liability insurance coverage above
the established primary limits for commercial general liability
and automobile liability insurance. Limits, terms, conditions
and deductibles are comparable to those carried by other energy
companies of similar size. The cost of the Parents general
insurance coverages and applicable allocations to the Company
continued to fluctuate over the past year reflecting the
changing conditions of the insurance markets.
Environmental. The Company is subject
to federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water
quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other
environmental matters. Management believes there are no matters
that will have a material adverse effect on the Companys
results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
F-33
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Litigation and Legal Proceedings. The
Company is involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in
various forums regarding performance, contracts and other
matters arising in the ordinary course of business, some of
which involve substantial amounts. Management believes that the
final disposition of these proceedings will have no material
adverse effect on the Companys results of operations, cash
flows or financial position.
The Companys prime contractor for certain capital
expansion projects claimed in a federal court lawsuit and in
arbitration that it was underpaid for services provided on the
projects. Numerous subcontractors also filed liens or lawsuits
against the Contractor and in some cases the Company. In January
2005, all disputes were resolved and litigation between the
parties was dismissed. Third party claims were also resolved in
2005 in consideration of a $24,500 thousand settlement between
the Company and the Contractor.
The Companys operating entities are involved in other
legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in various forms regarding
performance, contracts, royalty disputes, mismeasurement and
mispayment claims (some of which are brought as class actions)
and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business,
some of which involve substantial amounts. Management believes
that the final disposition of these proceedings will have no
material adverse effect on the Companys combined results
of operations, cash flows or financial position.
Other Commitments and
Contingencies. The Company enters into
contracts that require payment of cash at specified periods,
based on stated minimum quantities and prices. The following
table summarizes the Companys contractual cash obligations
for each of the periods presented. The table below excludes all
amounts classified as current liabilities on the Combined
Balance Sheets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More Than 5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
2-3 Years
|
|
|
4-5 Years
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(2007)
|
|
|
(2008 & 2009)
|
|
|
(2010 & 2011)
|
|
|
(Beyond 2011)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt(1)
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
Interest on debt obligations(2)
|
|
|
51,390
|
|
|
|
8,565
|
|
|
|
17,130
|
|
|
|
17,130
|
|
|
|
8,565
|
|
Material/capital purchases
|
|
|
894
|
|
|
|
894
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right of way payments(3)
|
|
|
5,017
|
|
|
|
5,017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations
|
|
$
|
207,301
|
|
|
$
|
14,476
|
|
|
$
|
17,130
|
|
|
$
|
17,130
|
|
|
$
|
158,565
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents future principal repayments of notes payable. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents interest expense on notes payable, based on the
stated interest rate on the notes of 5.71%. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents capital commitments for various right of way matters. |
Leases. The Company leases assets in
several areas of operations. Rental expense for these leases
were $854 thousand and $664 thousand in 2006 and 2005,
respectively.
Future minimum rental payments under operating leases for the
years 2007 through 2008 are de minimus. There are no future
minimum lease payments beyond 2008.
F-34
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. Stock-Based
Compensation
Duke Energy granted stock options, phantom stock and performance
awards to designated employees. Spectra Energy expects to make
similar grants to designated employees. The costs of these
awards are identified by employee and are an expense of the
subsidiary for which the employee works. The Company had
employees participating in the awards. Effective January 1,
2006, Duke Energy and the Company adopted
SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payments, which
requires that compensation cost relating to share-based payment
transactions be recognized in the financial statements. That
cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or
liability instruments issued.
The Company recorded $338 thousand of expense for stock options,
phantom stock and performance awards for 2006. Prior to 2006, no
Company employees received any of the Duke Energy grants of such
awards.
14. Employee
Benefit Plans
Duke Energy U.S. Retirement
Plan. Historically, the Company participated
in Duke Energys non-contributory defined benefit
retirement plan and with the separation of Spectra Energy from
Duke Energy, now participates in Spectra Energys
non-contributory defined benefit retirement plan. The plan
covers most U.S. employees using a cash balance formula. Under a
cash balance formula, a plan participant accumulates a
retirement benefit consisting of pay credits that are based upon
a percentage (which may vary with age and years of service) of
current eligible earnings and current interest credits.
Duke Energys policy is to fund amounts on an actuarial
basis to provide assets sufficient to meet benefits to be paid
to plan participants. Duke Energy did not make any contributions
to its defined benefit retirement plan in 2006 or 2005. Duke
Energy made voluntary contributions of $250 million in
2004. Duke Energy does not anticipate making a contribution to
the plan in 2007.
Actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average
remaining service period of the active employees. The average
remaining service period of the active employees covered by the
retirement plan is 11 years. Duke Energy determines the
market-related value of plan assets using a calculated value
that recognizes changes in fair value of the plan assets over
five years. Duke Energy uses a September 30 measurement date for
its defined benefit retirement plan.
The fair value of Duke Energys plan assets was
$4,324 million as of September 30, 2006 and
$2,948 million as of September 30, 2005. The projected
benefit obligation was $4,823 million as of
September 30, 2006 and $2,853 million as of
September 30, 2005. The accumulated benefit obligation was
$4,408 million at September 30, 2006 and
$2,753 million at September 30, 2005.
The Companys net periodic pension benefit expense for the
U.S. plan, as allocated by Duke Energy, was $232.5 thousand
for 2006, $159.1 thousand for 2005, and $148.6 thousand in 2004.
These allocations were based on expenses; net of asset returns,
as actuarially determined for the employees associated with the
Companys operating units.
Duke Energy also sponsors, and the Company participates in, an
employee savings plan that covers substantially all U.S.
employees. Duke Energy contributes a matching contribution equal
to 100% of before-tax employee contributions, of up to 6% of
eligible pay per period. Duke Energy expensed employer matching
contributions of $75 million in 2006, $61 million in
2005 and $57 million in 2004. The Companys net
periodic pension benefit expense for the U.S. plan, as allocated
by Duke Energy, was $374.9 thousand for 2006, $265.8
thousand for 2005, and $262.4 thousand in 2004.
Duke Energy U.S. Other Post-Retirement
Benefits. The Company participates in Duke
Energys, health care and life insurance benefit plans that
provide such benefits for retired employees on a contributory
and non-contributory basis. Employees are eligible for these
benefits if they have met age and service requirements at
retirement, as defined in the plans.
F-35
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
These benefit costs are accrued over an employees active
service period to the date of full benefits eligibility. The net
unrecognized transition obligation is amortized over
approximately 20 years. Actuarial gains and losses are
amortized over the average remaining service period of the
active employees. The average remaining service period of the
active employees covered by the plan is 13 years. The fair
value of Duke Energys plan assets was $237 million as
of September 30, 2006 and $242 million as of
September 30, 2005. The accumulated post-retirement benefit
obligation was $1,264 million as of December 31, 2006,
and $791 million as of December 31, 2005. Duke Energy
uses a September 30 measurement date for its other
post-retirement benefit plan.
The Companys net periodic post-retirement benefit cost, as
allocated by Duke Energy, was $665.0 thousand,
$511.6 thousand, and $560.8 thousand for
December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
F-36
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
|
|
$
|
24,950
|
|
|
$
|
20,938
|
|
Transportation of natural
gas affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
Storage of natural gas and other
|
|
|
1,483
|
|
|
|
1,229
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
26,433
|
|
|
|
22,221
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations, maintenance and other
|
|
|
3,587
|
|
|
|
6,420
|
|
Operations, maintenance and
other affiliates
|
|
|
3,318
|
|
|
|
4,066
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
|
1,607
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
11,747
|
|
|
|
16,847
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
5,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income and
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of
unconsolidated affiliates
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
|
|
7,059
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income and expenses
|
|
|
11,397
|
|
|
|
7,394
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings before Income
Taxes
|
|
|
23,936
|
|
|
|
10,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Tax Expense
|
|
|
4,733
|
|
|
|
1,212
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-37
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
Trade, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $232 thousand, and $241 thousand,
respectively
|
|
$
|
9,921
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivables
|
|
|
1,800
|
|
Natural gas imbalance
receivables affiliates
|
|
|
8,053
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
1,477
|
|
Taxes receivable
affiliates
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,620
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
24,050
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments and Other
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in unconsolidated
affiliates
|
|
|
450,068
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
118,293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments and other assets
|
|
|
568,361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
799,540
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
(110,751
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
688,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory Assets and Deferred
Debits
|
|
|
10,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND NET PARENT
EQUITY
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable trade
|
|
$
|
2,753
|
|
Accounts payable trade
affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes accrued
|
|
|
2,024
|
|
Taxes accrued affiliates
|
|
|
6,465
|
|
Interest accrued
|
|
|
2,498
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
8,242
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables
|
|
|
3,238
|
|
Natural gas imbalance
payables affiliates
|
|
|
3,421
|
|
Other
|
|
|
3,003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
31,644
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
114,230
|
|
Other
|
|
|
8,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred credits and other
liabilities
|
|
|
122,620
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and
Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
Parent Net Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Parent net investment
|
|
|
983,989
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
3,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total parent net equity
|
|
|
987,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Parent Net
Equity
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-38
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
19,203
|
|
|
$
|
9,493
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
Equity earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates
|
|
|
(11,385
|
)
|
|
|
(7,059
|
)
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction equity
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
(331
|
)
|
Distributions received from equity
investments
|
|
|
4,029
|
|
|
|
5,635
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,285
|
|
|
|
5,034
|
|
(Increase) decrease in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(1,714
|
)
|
|
|
(1,734
|
)
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
439
|
|
|
|
(313
|
)
|
Other assets
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
87
|
|
Increase (decrease) in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
516
|
|
|
|
(1,907
|
)
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
1,733
|
|
|
|
(3,668
|
)
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
3,310
|
|
|
|
(4,500
|
)
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
11,608
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
$
|
22,478
|
|
|
$
|
17,099
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(1,931
|
)
|
|
|
(10,841
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing
activities
|
|
$
|
(1,931
|
)
|
|
$
|
(10,841
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members dividend (East
Tennessee Natural Gas)
|
|
|
(12,500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers to Parent, net
|
|
|
(8,047
|
)
|
|
|
(6,258
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing
activities
|
|
$
|
(20,547
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,258
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of the period
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-39
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent Net
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
Parent Net
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Income (Loss)
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2005
|
|
$
|
891,586
|
|
|
$
|
4,110
|
|
|
$
|
895,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
9,493
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,493
|
|
Other comprehensive income
reclassification into earnings from cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
Net transfers from parent
|
|
|
2,248
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,248
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance March 31,
2006
|
|
$
|
903,327
|
|
|
$
|
4,031
|
|
|
$
|
907,358
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2006
|
|
$
|
985,333
|
|
|
$
|
3,792
|
|
|
$
|
989,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
19,203
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,203
|
|
Other comprehensive income
reclassification into earnings from cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
Members Dividends
|
|
|
(12,500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,500
|
)
|
Net transfers to parent
|
|
|
(8,047
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,047
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance March 31,
2007
|
|
$
|
983,989
|
|
|
$
|
3,713
|
|
|
$
|
987,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-40
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
|
|
1.
|
Description
of Business and Basis of Presentation
|
These financial statements of Spectra Energy Partners
Predecessor (the Company) are prepared in connection with the
proposed initial public offering of limited partnership units in
Spectra Energy Partners, LP (the Partnership), which was formed
in March 2007 and which will own certain of the operations and
assets of the Company, as further described below. Through its
operating units, the Company is engaged in the transportation of
natural gas through interstate pipeline systems that serve the
southeastern United States, and the storage of natural gas in
underground facilities that are located in southeast Texas and
in south central Louisiana.
The Company is comprised of companies that are subsidiaries of
Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy) for the periods presented
in these financials.
The combined financial statements of the Company have been
prepared on the basis of Spectra Energys historical
ownership percentages of the operations that are expected to be
contributed to the Partnership. These historical ownership
percentages included: 100% for East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC
(East Tennessee), 50% of Market Hub Partners, LLC (Market Hub)
and 24.5% of Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC (Gulfstream).
The Company accounts for investments in 20% to 50% owned
affiliates, and investments in less than 20% owned affiliates
where Spectra Energy Partners Predecessor has the ability to
exercise significant influence, under the equity method.
Accordingly the combined historical financial statements for the
Company, as the financial statement predecessor to the
Partnership, reflect the inclusion of East Tennessee, and
investments in Market Hub and Gulfstream using the equity method
of accounting. These combined financial statements have been
prepared from the separate records maintained by those entities
and may not necessarily be indicative of the actual results of
operations that might have occurred if the Company or the
Partnership had been operated separately during those periods.
Because a direct ownership relationship did not exist among the
entities comprising the Company, the net investment in the
Company is shown as Net Parent Investment in lieu of
owners equity in the combined financial statements.
As part of the initial public offering of limited partnership
units of the Partnership, expected to occur in the second
quarter of 2007 subject to Securities and Exchange Commission
and other approvals, Spectra Energy plans to contribute to the
Partnership certain of the operations and assets of the Company.
The Partnership will own 100% of East Tennessee, 50% of Market
Hub (excluding certain operations of Market Hub that will be
retained by Spectra Energy) and 24.5% of Gulfstream. The
Partnership is expected to consolidate its ownership in East
Tennessee, with equity accounting for Market Hub and Gulfstream.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the Companys combined financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements reflect
all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to fairly present the Companys
results of operations and financial position. Amounts reported
in the Combined Statement of Operations are not necessarily
indicative of amounts expected for the respective annual periods.
|
|
2.
|
Separation
from Duke Energy
|
In June 2006, the Board of Directors of Duke Energy Corporation
(Duke Energy) authorized management to pursue a plan to create
two separate publicly traded companies by spinning off Duke
Energys natural gas business to Duke Energy shareholders.
The spin-off was completed on January 2, 2007, at which
time Spectra Energy became a separate publicly-traded entity.
Spectra Energy primarily owns the Natural Gas Transmission and
Field Services segments of Spectra Energy Capital LLC, formerly
Duke Capital LLC.
Spectra Energy and Duke Energy Corp entered into various
agreements associated with the separation of the natural gas
businesses and related rights, obligations and assets from Duke
Energy. As a result of the
F-41
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
separation that was effective on January 2, 2007, Spectra
Energy and Duke Energy are no longer considered to be related
parties.
On January 2, 2007, Duke Energy transferred to Spectra
Energy the assets and liabilities, including related tax
impacts, associated with the Companys employee benefits
and captive insurance positions, as well as miscellaneous
corporate assets and liabilities.
See also Note (11) for further discussion of employee
benefit plans. Certain of these transfers from Duke Energy are
subject to change, primarily as a result of final actuarial
analyses of the separation of the benefit plans.
Subsidiaries of Spectra Energy and Duke Energy continue to
conduct business pursuant to ongoing contracts and arrangements
in the normal course of those operations, primarily services for
the transportation of natural gas. In addition, as a result of
the separation from Duke Energy, Spectra Energy, primarily
through Spectra Energy Capital, LLC (Spectra Capital), has newly
staffed various corporate and other support functions, such as
treasury, tax, cash management, payroll, accounts payable,
information technology, human resources, and legal and
compliance that are required for Spectra Energy to operate as a
stand-alone public company. Primarily during the first year
following the separation date, it is expected that Duke Energy
will provide certain transition services to Spectra Energy until
such time as Spectra Energy can create all of the necessary
stand-alone functions. The Duke Energy corporate costs included
in the Companys historical financial statements will be
replaced by Spectra Energys independent operating costs,
including the new corporate functions.
|
|
3.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Use of Estimates. To conform to generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States,
management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the
amounts reported in the combined financial statements and notes.
Although these estimates are based on managements best
available knowledge at the time, actual results may differ.
|
|
4.
|
Transactions
with Affiliates
|
In the normal course of business, the Company provides natural
gas transportation, storage and other services to Spectra Energy
and its affiliates. In addition, the Company engages in other
transactions with affiliates, including reimbursement of costs
incurred by affiliates on behalf of the Company and allocations
from affiliates for various corporate services including legal,
accounting, treasury, information technology and human
resources. Affiliates charge such expenses based on the cost of
actual services provided or using various allocation
methodologies based on the Companys percentage of assets,
employees, earnings or other measures, as compared to other
affiliates. Management believes the allocation methodologies are
reasonable; however, these allocations and estimates may not
represent the amounts that would have been incurred had the
Company operated as a separate entity.
Transactions with affiliates are summarized in the tables below:
Statement
of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas(1)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
54
|
|
Operating and maintenance
expenses(2)
|
|
|
3,318
|
|
|
|
4,066
|
|
F-42
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In the normal course of business, the Company provides natural
gas transportation, storage and other services to affiliates |
|
(2) |
|
Includes allocations of various overhead charges that are based
either on the cost of actual service received or using various
allocation methodologies based on the Companys percentage
of assets, employees, earnings or other measures, as compared to
Spectra Energy affiliates. |
East Tennessee. In March 2006 Duke Energy Gas Services
(DEGS), an affiliated company, contributed to East Tennessee
approximately 34 miles of 10-inch diameter pipeline running from
Lee County, Virginia to an interconnection with the
Companys Hawkins County Lateral in Rogersville, Tennessee
at net book value of approximately $8,506 thousand by a
non-cash, equity transfer between the affiliated companies.
Associated deferred taxes of $2,958 thousand related to
such assets were transferred from the affiliate. These assets
were part of DEGS Stone Mountain System and the remaining Stone
Mountain System assets were sold by DEGS to an unrelated third
party.
The Companys operations are organized into one business
segment: East Tennessee. The Companys business segment is
considered the sole reportable segment under
SFAS No. 131.
East Tennessee provides interstate transportation of natural gas
and the storage and redelivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
for customers in the southeastern U.S. These operations are
primarily subject to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) and the U.S. Department of Transportations
(DOT) rules and regulations.
The remainder of the Companys operations is presented as
Other. While it is not considered a business
segment, Other primarily includes the Companys equity
investments in Gulfstream and Market Hub, and certain
unallocated corporate costs.
Market Hub owns and operates two natural gas storage facilities,
Moss Bluff and Egan, which are located in Southeast Texas and
South Central Louisiana respectively. Market Hub operations are
subject to the rules and regulations of FERC and DOT. Gulfstream
provides interstate natural gas pipeline transportation for
customers in central and southern Florida. Gulfstream operations
are subject to the rules and regulations of FERC or Texas
Railroad Commission (TRC) and DOT.
Accounting policies for the Companys sole segment is in
conformance with U.S. GAAP and is consistent with the
Companys accounting policies.
Management evaluates segment performance primarily based on
earnings before interest and taxes from continuing operations
(EBIT). On a segment basis, EBIT represents all profits from
continuing operations (both operating and non-operating) before
deducting interest and taxes.
F-43
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Business
Segment Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment EBIT /
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
Capital and
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Earnings before
|
|
|
and
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
Income Taxes
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Expenditures
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
26,433
|
|
|
$
|
14,707
|
|
|
$
|
4,969
|
|
|
$
|
(1,931
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
26,433
|
|
|
|
26,092
|
|
|
|
4,969
|
|
|
|
(1,931
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,156
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
26,433
|
|
|
$
|
23,936
|
|
|
$
|
4,969
|
|
|
$
|
(1,931
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
22,221
|
|
|
$
|
5,713
|
|
|
$
|
4,754
|
|
|
$
|
(10,841
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
22,221
|
|
|
|
12,772
|
|
|
|
4,754
|
|
|
|
(10,841
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
22,221
|
|
|
$
|
10,705
|
|
|
$
|
4,754
|
|
|
$
|
(10,841
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
East Tennessee
|
|
$
|
841,898
|
|
|
$
|
841,789
|
|
Other
|
|
|
450,068
|
|
|
|
442,793
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total combined
|
|
$
|
1,291,966
|
|
|
$
|
1,284,582
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control Covenant. East
Tennessees $150 million notes contain a provision
which requires the Company to offer to redeem the notes at par
upon the occurrence of a change in control event. On
April 12, 2007, notices were sent to noteholders to
communicate this redemption offer. No noteholders accepted the
redemption offer.
Long-term Debt. Long-term debt consists of
notes payable of $150 million at 5.71% outstanding as
of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 due in one
installment in 2012. Interest payments of $4,283 thousand are
paid on June and December each year through 2012.
Restrictive Debt Covenants. The Companys
debt agreement contains financial covenants which limit the
amount of debt that can be outstanding as a percentage of the
total capital. Failure to maintain the covenants could require
the Company to immediately pay down the outstanding balance. The
covenant calculations are performed by the Company on a
quarterly basis to establish that they are in compliance with
the covenant. As of March 31, 2007, the Company was in
compliance with those covenants. In addition, the debt agreement
may allow for acceleration of payments or termination of the
agreements due to nonpayment, or to the acceleration of other
significant indebtedness of the borrower or some of its
subsidiaries, if any. The debt agreement does not contain
material adverse change clauses.
F-44
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The financial covenants limiting the amount of debt outstanding
as a percent of total capital effectively restrict the use of
net assets. The sum of the restricted net assets at East
Tennessee of $234 million and our proportionate
undistributed earnings of Market Hub of $120 million,
amounts to 36% of the Companys combined net assets as of
March 31, 2007. Gulfstream has no undistributed earnings as
of March 31 2007. As such there may be a significant
restriction on the ability of East Tennessee, Market Hub and
Gulfstream to transfer funds to the Partnership by means of
intercompany loans, advances or cash dividends.
|
|
7.
|
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
Environmental. The Company is subject to
federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water
quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other
environmental matters. Management believes there are no matters
that will have a material adverse effect on the Companys
results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
Litigation and Legal Proceedings. The Company
is involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in various
forums regarding performance, contracts and other matters
arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which
involve substantial amounts. Management believes that the final
disposition of these proceedings will have no material adverse
effect on the Companys results of operations, cash flows
or financial position.
The Companys operating entities are involved in other
legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in various forms regarding
performance, contracts, royalty disputes, mismeasurement and
mispayment claims (some of which are brought as class actions)
and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business,
some of which involve substantial amounts. Management believes
that the final disposition of these proceedings will have no
material adverse effect on the Companys combined results
of operations, cash flows or financial position.
|
|
8.
|
Investments
in Unconsolidated Affiliates and Related Transactions
|
Investments in affiliates that are not controlled by the
Company, but over which it has significant influence, are
accounted for using the equity method. As of March 31,
2007, the carrying amount of investments represented a 50%
interest in Market Hub and a 24.5% interest in Gulfstream. The
Companys share of net earnings from those unconsolidated
affiliates is reflected in the Combined Statements of Operations
as Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates.
Periodically, the Company receives distributions from the
unconsolidated affiliates. When received, these distributions
are included in Distributions from Equity Investments within
Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the accompanying
Combined Statements of Cash Flows. The Company received
distributions of $3,675 thousand and $5,635 from Gulfstream and
$355 thousand and $0 from Market Hub for the three month period
ending March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Investment
in Unconsolidated Affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
$
|
186,787
|
|
|
$
|
186,354
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
263,281
|
|
|
|
256,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
450,068
|
|
|
$
|
442,793
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-45
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Equity
in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Gulfstream
|
|
$
|
4,188
|
|
|
$
|
2,331
|
|
Market Hub
|
|
|
7,197
|
|
|
|
4,728
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
11,385
|
|
|
$
|
7,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summarized
Combined Financial Information of Unconsolidated
Affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets
|
|
$
|
113,473
|
|
|
$
|
104,919
|
|
Non-current assets:
|
|
|
2,245,671
|
|
|
|
2,228,787
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
165,083
|
|
|
|
179,925
|
|
Non-current liabilities:
|
|
|
880,447
|
|
|
|
855,734
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
1,313,614
|
|
|
$
|
1,298,047
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Statements of
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
58,787
|
|
|
$
|
55,830
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
14,686
|
|
|
|
24,580
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
31,609
|
|
|
|
18,952
|
|
|
|
9.
|
New
Accounting Pronouncements
|
The following new accounting pronouncements were adopted by the
Company during the periods presented subsequent to
March 31, 2006:
FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109. In July 2006, the FASB issued
FIN 48, which provides guidance on accounting for income
tax positions about which the Company has concluded there is a
level of uncertainty with respect to the recognition in its
financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a minimum
recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet. Tax
positions are defined very broadly and include not only tax
deductions and credits but also decisions not to file in a
particular jurisdiction, as well as the taxability of
transactions. The Company implemented FIN 48 effective
January 1, 2007. The implementation had no material impact
on the financial statements. Upon implementation of FIN 48,
the Company will now reflect interest expense related to taxes
as Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. In addition, subsequent accounting for FIN 48
(after January 1, 2007) will involve an evaluation to
determine if any changes have occurred that would impact the
existing uncertain tax positions as well as determining whether
any new tax positions are uncertain. Any impacts resulting from
the evaluation of existing uncertain tax positions or from the
recognition of new uncertain tax positions would impact Income
Tax Expense and Interest Expense.
F-46
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS PREDECESSOR
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following new accounting pronouncements have been issued,
but have not yet been adopted by the Company as of
March 31, 2007:
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value
Measurements. In September 2006, the FASB
issued SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value
measurements. However, in some cases, the application of
SFAS No. 157 may change the Companys current
practice for measuring and disclosing fair values under other
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements. For the Company, SFAS No. 157 is
effective as of January 1, 2008 and must be applied
prospectively except in certain cases. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 157 and
cannot currently estimate the impact that SFAS No. 157
will have on its consolidated results of operations, financial
position or cash flows.
SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities. In February 2007, the FASB
issued SFAS No. 159, which permits entities to choose
to measure certain financial instruments at fair value. For the
Company, SFAS No. 159 is effective as of
January 1, 2008 and will have no impact on amounts
presented for periods prior to the effective date. The Company
cannot currently estimate the impact that SFAS No. 159
will have on its consolidated results of operations, financial
position or cash flows and has not yet determined whether or not
it will choose to measure items subject to
SFAS No. 159 at fair value.
F-47
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Partners of Spectra Energy Partners, LP
Houston, Texas
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP (the Company) as of March 26,
2007. This financial statement is the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor
were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
balance sheet presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such balance sheet presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP as of March 26, 2007, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ Deloitte
& Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2007
F-48
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
BALANCE
SHEET
March 26,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PARTNERS EQUITY
|
Partners Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partners equity
|
|
$
|
2,940
|
|
General partners equity
|
|
|
60
|
|
Less receivables from Spectra
Energy Corp and Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP
|
|
|
(3,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and
partners equity
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See note to balance sheet
F-49
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
Spectra Energy Partners, LP (the Partnership) is a Delaware
limited partnership formed on March 19, 2007 to acquire
certain of the assets of Spectra Energy Corp (the Company),
including 100% of East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC, a 50% equity
method investment in Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC, and a
24.5% equity method investment in Gulfstream Natural Gas System,
LLC.
The Partnership intends to offer 10,000,000 common units,
representing limited partner interests, pursuant to a public
offering and to concurrently issue 34,629,880 common units
and 21,638,730 subordinated units, representing additional
limited partner interests, to subsidiaries of the Company, as
well as 1,352,421 general partner units representing an
aggregate 2% general partner interest in the Partnership and its
operating partnership on a consolidated basis to Spectra Energy
(DE) GP, LP.
Spectra Energy (DE) GP, LP, as general partner, contributed $60
and the Company and Spectra Energy (DE) GP, LP, as the
organizational limited partner, contributed $2,940 all in the
form of notes receivable to the Partnership on March 19,
2007. The receivables from the Company and Spectra Energy (DE)
GP, LP have been reflected as a deduction from Partners
equity on the accompanying balance sheet. There have been no
other transactions involving the Partnership as of
March 26, 2007.
F-50
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Partners of Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP
Houston, Texas
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Spectra Energy
Partners (DE) GP, LP (the Company) as of
March 26, 2007. This financial statement is the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial
statement based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of
material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor
were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control
over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
balance sheet presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such balance sheet presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Spectra Energy
Partners (DE) GP, LP as of March 26, 2007, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2007
F-51
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS (DE) GP, LP
BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 26, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Investment in Spectra Energy
Partners, LP
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS
EQUITY
|
Payable to Spectra Energy
Partners, LP
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
Partners Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partners equity
|
|
|
990
|
|
General partners equity
|
|
|
10
|
|
Less receivable from Spectra
Energy Corp and its subsidiaries
|
|
|
(1,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total partners
equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and
partners equity
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See note to the balance sheet
F-52
SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS (DE) GP, LP
Spectra Energy (DE) GP, LP (General Partner) is a Delaware
company formed on March 19, 2007, to become the general
partner of Spectra Energy Partners, LP (Partnership). The
General Partner is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy). The General Partner owns a
2% general partner interest in the Partnership.
On March 26, 2007, Spectra Energy contributed $1,000 in the
form of notes receivable to Spectra Energy (DE) GP, LP in
exchange for a 100% ownership interest.
The General Partner has invested $60 in the form of notes
receivable in the Partnership. There have been no other
transactions involving the General Partner as of March 26,
2007.
F-53
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.
Houston, Texas
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Gulfstream
Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (the Company) as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statements of
operations, members equity, comprehensive income, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal
control over financial reporting. Our audits included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Gulfstream Natural
Gas Systems, L.L.C. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2007
F-54
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation of natural gas
|
|
$
|
178,768
|
|
|
$
|
140,287
|
|
|
$
|
90,411
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,489
|
|
|
|
4,817
|
|
|
|
3,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
180,257
|
|
|
|
145,104
|
|
|
|
93,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations and maintenance
|
|
|
7,234
|
|
|
|
1,542
|
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
Operations and
maintenance affiliates
|
|
|
7,992
|
|
|
|
7,755
|
|
|
|
7,705
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
30,406
|
|
|
|
29,190
|
|
|
|
25,354
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
17,847
|
|
|
|
15,060
|
|
|
|
7,839
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
63,479
|
|
|
|
53,547
|
|
|
|
42,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
116,778
|
|
|
|
91,557
|
|
|
|
50,967
|
|
Gains on Sales of Other Assets
and Other, net
|
|
|
78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income and
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction equity
|
|
|
241
|
|
|
|
1,113
|
|
|
|
3,107
|
|
Other income and expenses, net
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
670
|
|
|
|
246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income and expenses
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
1,783
|
|
|
|
3,353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
48,911
|
|
|
|
27,029
|
|
|
|
13,248
|
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction borrowed
|
|
|
(124
|
)
|
|
|
(1,489
|
)
|
|
|
(4,156
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest expense
|
|
|
48,787
|
|
|
|
25,540
|
|
|
|
9,092
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
67,800
|
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements
F-55
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
29,426
|
|
|
$
|
27,255
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
14,964
|
|
|
|
19,096
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,292
|
|
|
|
2,434
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
46,682
|
|
|
|
48,785
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
1,719,116
|
|
|
|
1,708,436
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
123,866
|
|
|
|
93,524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
1,595,250
|
|
|
|
1,614,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
Charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction gross up
|
|
|
22,490
|
|
|
|
22,731
|
|
Unamortized debt expense
|
|
|
7,878
|
|
|
|
8,278
|
|
Other
|
|
|
230
|
|
|
|
192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred charges
|
|
|
30,598
|
|
|
|
31,201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
1,672,530
|
|
|
$
|
1,694,898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS
EQUITY
|
Current
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
2,004
|
|
|
$
|
5,715
|
|
Accounts payable
affiliates
|
|
|
903
|
|
|
|
834
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
13,983
|
|
|
|
5,933
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
8,244
|
|
|
|
8,931
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
5,719
|
|
|
|
6,594
|
|
Fuel tracker liabilities
|
|
|
2,455
|
|
|
|
5,493
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,345
|
|
|
|
2,160
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
34,653
|
|
|
|
35,660
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Long-term
Liabilities
|
|
|
6,160
|
|
|
|
11,441
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term Debt
|
|
|
849,571
|
|
|
|
849,534
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and
Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members equity
|
|
|
766,668
|
|
|
|
781,487
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
15,478
|
|
|
|
16,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total members equity
|
|
|
782,146
|
|
|
|
798,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and
Members Equity
|
|
$
|
1,672,530
|
|
|
$
|
1,694,898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements
F-56
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
67,800
|
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
31,099
|
|
|
|
33,716
|
|
|
|
30,679
|
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction equity
|
|
|
(241
|
)
|
|
|
(1,113
|
)
|
|
|
(3,107
|
)
|
Gains on sales of assets
|
|
|
(78
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustments from
accumulated other comprehensive income into net income
|
|
|
(1,298
|
)
|
|
|
(234
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) decrease
in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
3,772
|
|
|
|
(9,698
|
)
|
|
|
420
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(545
|
)
|
|
|
(143
|
)
|
|
|
3,575
|
|
Deferred charges
|
|
|
2,814
|
|
|
|
402
|
|
|
|
(642
|
)
|
Increase (decrease)
in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account payable
|
|
|
994
|
|
|
|
(2,066
|
)
|
|
|
102
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
8,050
|
|
|
|
4,861
|
|
|
|
(1,264
|
)
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
(687
|
)
|
|
|
6,709
|
|
|
|
1,573
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(875
|
)
|
|
|
5,830
|
|
|
|
(172
|
)
|
Fuel tracker liabilities
|
|
|
(2,260
|
)
|
|
|
2,962
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
3,197
|
|
|
|
2,940
|
|
|
|
223
|
|
Long-term liabilities
|
|
|
(5,281
|
)
|
|
|
(108
|
)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
107,083
|
|
|
|
111,858
|
|
|
|
76,617
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(21,654
|
)
|
|
|
(62,206
|
)
|
|
|
(124,057
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing
activities
|
|
|
(21,654
|
)
|
|
|
(62,206
|
)
|
|
|
(124,057
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members distributions
|
|
|
(83,000
|
)
|
|
|
(741,990
|
)
|
|
|
(56,000
|
)
|
Proceeds from the settlement of
hedge instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from the issuance of
long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
892,069
|
|
|
|
128,257
|
|
Payments for the redemption of
long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(217,680
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Payments for debt issuance costs
|
|
|
(258
|
)
|
|
|
(8,399
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities
|
|
|
(83,258
|
)
|
|
|
(58,990
|
)
|
|
|
72,257
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
|
2,171
|
|
|
|
(9,338
|
)
|
|
|
24,817
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
|
|
|
27,255
|
|
|
|
36,593
|
|
|
|
11,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year
|
|
$
|
29,426
|
|
|
$
|
27,255
|
|
|
$
|
36,593
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Disclosures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest, net of
amounts capitalized
|
|
$
|
49,423
|
|
|
$
|
15,794
|
|
|
$
|
6,349
|
|
Significant non-cash transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
accruals
|
|
|
2,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas imbalances payable
|
|
|
778
|
|
|
|
2,531
|
|
|
|
492
|
|
Allowance for funds used during
construction-gross up
|
|
|
(241
|
)
|
|
|
274
|
|
|
|
1,431
|
|
Contribution in aid of construction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,685
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hurricane insurance receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,783
|
)
|
See notes to financial statements
F-57
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
STATEMENTS
OF MEMBERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spectra Energy
|
|
|
The Williams
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital, LLC
|
|
|
Companies
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Balance January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
732,372
|
|
|
$
|
732,372
|
|
|
$
|
1,464,744
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members distributions
|
|
|
(28,000
|
)
|
|
|
(28,000
|
)
|
|
|
(56,000
|
)
|
Attributed deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
715
|
|
|
|
716
|
|
|
|
1,431
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
22,614
|
|
|
|
22,614
|
|
|
|
45,228
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31, 2004
|
|
$
|
727,701
|
|
|
$
|
727,702
|
|
|
$
|
1,455,403
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members distributions
|
|
|
(370,995
|
)
|
|
|
(370,995
|
)
|
|
|
(741,990
|
)
|
Attributed deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
274
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
8,505
|
|
|
|
8,505
|
|
|
|
17,010
|
|
Reclassification into earnings
from cash flow hedges
|
|
|
(117
|
)
|
|
|
(117
|
)
|
|
|
(234
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
|
33,900
|
|
|
|
33,900
|
|
|
|
67,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31, 2005
|
|
$
|
399,131
|
|
|
$
|
399,132
|
|
|
$
|
798,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members distributions
|
|
|
(41,500
|
)
|
|
|
(41,500
|
)
|
|
|
(83,000
|
)
|
Attributed deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
(120
|
)
|
|
|
(121
|
)
|
|
|
(241
|
)
|
Reclassification into earnings
from cash flow hedges
|
|
|
(649
|
)
|
|
|
(649
|
)
|
|
|
(1,298
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
|
34,211
|
|
|
|
34,211
|
|
|
|
68,422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
391,073
|
|
|
$
|
391,073
|
|
|
$
|
782,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements
F-58
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
68,422
|
|
|
$
|
67,800
|
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gain on cash flow
hedges
|
|
|
16,776
|
|
|
|
17,010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification adjustment into
earnings
|
|
|
(1,298
|
)
|
|
|
(234
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other comprehensive income
|
|
|
15,478
|
|
|
|
16,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Comprehensive
Income
|
|
$
|
83,900
|
|
|
$
|
84,576
|
|
|
$
|
45,228
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements
F-59
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004
In June 2006, the Board of Directors of Duke Energy Corporation
(Duke Energy) authorized management to pursue a plan to create
two separate publicly traded companies by spinning off Duke
Energys natural gas business to Duke Energy shareholders.
The spin-off was completed on January 2, 2007 creating
Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy), which primarily owns the
Natural Gas Transmission and Field Services segments of Spectra
Energy Capital LLC (Spectra Energy Capital), formerly Duke
Capital LLC. Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (the Company)
is 50% owned by Spectra Energy.
The Company was formed on May 17, 1999 as a Delaware
limited liability company.
The Company is an interstate natural gas pipeline system owned
50% by a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corporation (Duke Energy) and
50% by a subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams).
The Company is under the joint management of Duke Energy, which
provides the business functions, and of Williams, which provides
the technical functions.
In May 2002, the Company placed the Phase I facilities in
service which consists of 582 miles of pipeline which
originates near Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama,
extends in a southeasterly direction across the Gulf of Mexico
into southern Tampa Bay, Florida, continues east across central
Florida, turns north through Polk County and terminates in
Osceola County, Florida. In February 2005, the Company placed
the Phase II facilities in service, which extends the
pipeline system an additional 109 miles across to eastern
Florida and into Martin County, Florida.
The Company can transport up to 1.1 billion cubic feet of
natural gas each day from natural gas reserves in the Mobile Bay
area of the Gulf of Mexico to a variety of customers, including
electric utilities, local distribution companies and municipal
users in gas markets in south and central Florida. The pipeline
has seven supply connection points in Mississippi and Alabama.
The Companys interstate natural gas transmission
operations are subject to the rules and regulations of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
|
|
2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis of Presentation. The financial
statements reflect the financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows of the Company. The financial
statements do not include any of the assets, liabilities,
revenues, or expenses of the members.
Use of Estimates. To conform to
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United
States, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in the Financial Statements and Notes.
Although these estimates are based on managements best
available knowledge at the time, actual results could differ.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. All liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less at
date of purchase are considered cash equivalents.
Accounting for Hedges. The Company
entered into derivative transactions that are hedges of the
future cash flows of forecasted transactions (cash flow hedges).
These derivatives are recorded on the Balance Sheets at their
fair value as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Cash
outflows and inflows related to derivative instruments are a
component of operating and financing cash flows in the
accompanying Statements of Cash Flows.
Qualifying non-trading derivatives may be designated as either a
hedge of a forecasted transaction or future cash flows (cash
flow hedge). For all hedge contracts, the Company provides
formal documentation of the hedge in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133,
F-60
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities. In addition, at inception and on a monthly
basis the Company formally assesses whether the hedge contract
is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows. The
Company documents hedging activity by transaction type (i.e.
swaps) and risk management strategy (i.e. interest rate risk).
Cash Flow Hedges. Changes in the fair value of
a derivative designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to
the extent effective, are included in Statements of
Members Equity and Comprehensive Income as Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) until earnings are affected by
the hedged transaction. The Company discontinues hedge
accounting prospectively when it has determined that a
derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, or when it
is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction
will occur. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the
derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the
derivative is subject to the
Mark-to-Market
Model of Accounting (MTM Model) prospectively. Gains and losses
related to discontinued hedges that were previously accumulated
in AOCI will remain in AOCI until the underlying contract is
reflected in earnings; unless it is probable that the hedged
forecasted transaction will not occur at which time associated
deferred amounts in AOCI are immediately recognized in current
earnings.
Valuation. When available, quoted market
prices or prices obtained through external sources are used to
measure a contracts fair value. For contracts with a
delivery location or duration for which quoted market prices are
not available, fair value is determined based on internally
developed valuation techniques or models.
Property, Plant and
Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are
stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. The
Company capitalizes all construction-related direct labor and
material costs, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect
costs include administrative and general costs and the cost of
funds used during construction. The cost of renewals and
betterments that extend the useful life of property, plant and
equipment is also capitalized. The cost of repairs, replacements
and major maintenance projects, which do not extend the useful
life or increase the expected output of property, plant and
equipment, is expensed as it is incurred. Depreciation is
generally computed over the assets estimated useful life
using the straight-line method. The composite weighted-average
depreciation rates were 1.8% for 2006, 1.9% for 2005 and 1.7%
for 2004.
When the Company retires its regulated property, plant and
equipment, it charges the original cost plus the cost of
retirement, less salvage value, to accumulated depreciation and
amortization. When it sells entire regulated operating units, or
retires or sells non-regulated properties, the cost is removed
from the property account and the related accumulated
depreciation and amortization accounts are reduced. Any gain or
loss is recorded as income, unless otherwise required by the
FERC.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143,
SFAS No. 143, Accounting For Asset Retirement
Obligations (SFAS No. 143) which was
adopted by the Company on January 1, 2003 and addresses
financial accounting and reporting for legal obligations
associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and
the related asset retirement costs. The standard applies to
legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived
assets that result from the acquisition, construction,
development
and/or
normal use of the asset. SFAS No. 143 requires that
the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation
be recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a
reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of
the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated
asset. This additional carrying amount is then depreciated over
the life of the asset. The liability increases due to the
passage of time based on the time value of money until the
obligation is settled. Subsequent to the initial recognition,
the liability is adjusted for any revisions to the expected
value of the retirement obligation (with corresponding
adjustments to property, plant, and equipment), and for
accretion of the liability due to the passage of time.
Additional depreciation expense is recorded prospectively for
any property, plant and equipment increases.
F-61
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Asset retirement obligations of the Company relate primarily to
right-of-way
agreements, asbestos removal and contractual leases for land
use. In accordance with SFAS No. 143, the Company
identified certain assets that have an indeterminate life, and
thus the fair value of the retirement obligation is not
reasonably estimable. These assets included on-shore pipelines.
A liability for these asset retirement obligations will be
recorded when a fair value is determinable.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation
No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
Obligations (FIN 47). The adoption of FIN 47 had
no impact on the income of the regulated gas pipeline
operations. Any effects would be offset by the establishment of
regulatory assets and liabilities pursuant to
SFAS No. 71.
Unamortized Debt Expense. Debt expenses
incurred with the issuance of outstanding long-term debt are
amortized over the terms of the debt issues. Any call premiums
or unamortized expenses associated with refinancing higher-cost
debt obligations to finance regulated assets and operations are
amortized consistent with regulatory treatment of those items,
where appropriate. The unamortized amount was $7,878 thousand
and $8,278 thousand at December 31, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and is classified in Deferred Charges in the
accompanying Balance Sheets.
Cost-Based Regulation. The Company
accounts for certain of its regulated operations under the
provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation
(SFAS No. 71). The economic effects of regulation can
result in a regulated company recording assets for costs that
have been or are expected to be approved for recovery from
customers or recording liabilities for amounts that are expected
to be returned to customers in the rate-setting process in a
period different from the period in which the amounts would be
recorded by an unregulated enterprise. Accordingly, the Company
records assets and liabilities that result from the regulated
ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for
non-regulated entities. Management continually assesses whether
regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering
factors such as applicable regulatory changes, recent rate
orders applicable to other regulated entities, and the status of
any pending or potential deregulation legislation. Based on this
continual assessment, management believes the existing
regulatory assets are probable of recovery. These regulatory
assets are primarily classified in the Balance Sheets as
Deferred Charges. The Company periodically evaluates the
applicability of SFAS No. 71, and considers factors
such as regulatory changes and the impact of competition. If
cost-based regulation ends or competition increases, the Company
may have to reduce its asset balances to reflect a market basis
less than cost and write-off their associated regulatory assets
and liabilities.
Revenue Recognition. Revenues on
natural gas transportation are recognized when the service is
provided. From time to time, certain revenues may be subject to
refund pending the outcome of rate matters before the FERC, and
reserves are established where required. There were no pending
rate cases and no related reserves were recorded as of
December 31, 2006, or 2005. The allowances for doubtful
accounts were $54 thousand, and $0 as of December 31, 2006,
and December 31, 2005, respectively.
F-62
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Customer billings that are equal to or greater than 10% of
revenues during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
are as follows:
Customer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Florida Power & Light
Company
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
|
23
|
%
|
Florida Power Corporation
|
|
|
22
|
%
|
|
|
23
|
%
|
|
|
29
|
%
|
TECO Energy and subsidiaries
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
Calpine Energy and subsidiaries
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
(AFUDC). AFUDC, which represents the
estimated debt and equity costs of capital funds necessary to
finance the construction of new regulated facilities, consists
of two components, an equity component and an interest
component. The equity component is a non-cash item. AFUDC is
capitalized as a component of Property, Plant and Equipment
cost, with offsetting credits to the Statements of Operations.
After construction is completed, the Company is permitted to
recover these costs through inclusion in the rate base and in
the depreciation provision. The total amount of AFUDC included
in the Statements of Operations for 2006 was $365 thousand,
which consisted of an equity component of $241 thousand and an
interest expense component of $124 thousand. The total amount of
AFUDC included in the Statements of Operations for 2005 was
$2,602 thousand, which consisted of an equity component of
$1,113 thousand and an interest expense component of $1,489
thousand. The total amount of AFUDC included in the Statements
of Operations for 2004 was $7,263 thousand, which consisted of
an equity component of $3,107 thousand and an interest expense
component of $4,156 thousand.
Income Taxes. The Company is not
subject to income tax, but rather the taxable income or loss of
the Company is reported on the respective income tax returns of
its members. Accordingly, there is no federal tax provision in
these financial statements. Since the Company is not responsible
for the attributed income taxes, amounts related to the
gross-up of
AFUDC-Equity are carried in the individual capital accounts of
the members. Deferred charges at December 31, 2006, and
2005, reflect the deferred income tax effect of the AFUDC equity
gross up of $22,490 thousand and $22,731 thousand, respectively.
New Accounting Standards. The following
new accounting standard has been issued, but has not yet been
adopted by the Company as of December 31, 2006:
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements
(SFAS No. 157). In September 2006, the
FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value
measurements. However, in some cases, the application of
SFAS No. 157 may change the Companys current
practice for measuring and disclosing fair values under other
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements. For the Company, SFAS No. 157 is
effective as of January 2008 and must be applied prospectively
except in certain cases. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting SFAS No. 157, and cannot currently
estimate the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its
consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial
position.
In September 2005, FERC approved Gulfstreams Cost and
Revenue study that was required to be filled as a condition in
its Phase I and Phase II expansion projects.
Gulfstream is not anticipated to have
F-63
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
further filing requirements until three years after its recently
announced Phase III expansion facilities are placed into
service, currently expected in 2008.
FERC Accounting Order. In June 2005,
FERC issued an Order on Accounting for Pipeline Assessment Costs
that requires most pipeline inspection and integrity assessment
activities to be recognized as expenses, as incurred. In the
Order, FERC confirmed that pipeline betterments and
replacements, including those resulting from integrity
inspections, will continue to be capitalized when appropriate.
This FERC Order is effective for pipeline inspection and for
integrity assessment costs incurred on or subsequent to
January 1, 2006, and increased annual expenses for the
Company by an immaterial amount for 2006. Pipeline inspection
and integrity assessment costs capitalized prior to the
effective date of the rule are not impacted.
|
|
4.
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Statements
of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance expenses
|
|
$
|
7,992
|
|
|
$
|
7,755
|
|
|
$
|
7,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment(a)
|
|
$
|
2,995
|
|
|
$
|
12,066
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
903
|
|
|
|
834
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Reflects amounts billed in the annual period. |
In 2005, approximately $9,622 thousand of this amount consisted
of a construction fee to Gulfstream Management &
Operating Services, L.L.C. (GMOS) related to the successful
completion of Phase II pipeline construction. In 2006,
there was not a construction fee.
GMOS, 50%-owned by an affiliate of Duke Energy and 50%-owned by
an affiliate of Williams, provides management, construction and
operating services pursuant to agreements entered into with the
Company and with affiliates of Duke Energy and Williams. GMOS
bills the Company for services rendered including labor and
benefit costs, employee expenses, overhead costs and in some
cases, third party costs. Such amounts are reflected in the
Statements of Operations for the year as Operation and
Maintenance Expenses or in the Balance Sheets as Property, Plant
and Equipment, as appropriate.
The Balance Sheets include in-kind balances as a result of
differences in gas volumes received and delivered for customers.
Since the settlement of imbalances is in-kind, changes in the
balances do not have an impact on the Companys Statements
of Cash Flows. Accounts Receivable include $1,712 thousand and
$1,802 thousand as of both December 31, 2006 and 2005,
respectively, and Other Current Liabilities include $1,345
thousand and $2,161 thousand, as of December 31, 2006 and
2005, respectively, related to gas imbalances. Natural gas
volumes owed to (by) the Company are valued at natural gas
market index prices as of the balance sheet dates.
F-64
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
6.
|
Property,
Plant and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Land
|
|
N/A
|
|
$
|
18,013
|
|
|
$
|
18,208
|
|
Natural gas transmission
|
|
60 years
|
|
|
1,642,926
|
|
|
|
1,634,239
|
|
Equipment
|
|
5-7 years
|
|
|
1,257
|
|
|
|
1,231
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
|
417
|
|
Construction in process
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
12,193
|
|
|
|
10,114
|
|
Other
|
|
5-20 years
|
|
|
44,310
|
|
|
|
44,227
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
1,719,116
|
|
|
|
1,708,436
|
|
Total accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
(123,866
|
)
|
|
|
(93,524
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net property, plant and
equipment
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,595,250
|
|
|
$
|
1,614,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.
|
Hedging
Activities, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk
|
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges. The
Company was exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in
interest rates. To protect the Company from increasing interest
rates and the resulting higher cost of the debt that was issued
in 2005, the Company made a decision to lock in existing
interest rates by using financial derivatives (swaps) for hedge
strategies. The total amount of the debt issued was $850,000
thousand of which $500,000 thousand was hedged. As of
September 30, 2005, the Company entered into interest rate
swaps totaling $500,000 thousand, all of which were terminated
on October 12, 2005, prior to the issuance of the related
debt. These derivatives were initially recorded on the Balance
Sheets at their fair value as Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (AOCI). Changes in the fair value of a derivative
designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent
effective, are included in Statements of Members Equity
and Comprehensive Income as Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income until earnings are affected by the hedged transaction.
Subsequent to the termination of the interest rate hedges,
deferred gains of $15,478 thousand in AOCI as of
December 31, 2006 will continue to be amortized to interest
expense over the term of the new debt issued through
November 1, 2015.
Financial Instruments. The
Companys financial instruments include $850,000 thousand
of long-term debt with an approximate fair value of $852,492
thousand and $857,584 thousand as of December 31, 2006 and
2005, respectively. Judgment is required in interpreting market
data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the
estimates determined as of December 31, 2006, and 2005, are
not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have
realized in current markets.
Credit Risk. The Companys
principal customers for natural gas transportation are utilities
located throughout the state of Florida. The Company has
concentrations of receivables from utilities throughout Florida.
These concentrations of customers may affect the Companys
overall credit risk in that risk factors can negatively impact
the credit quality of the entire sector. Where exposed to credit
risk, the Company analyzes the counterparties financial
condition prior to entering into an agreement, establishes
credit limits and monitors the appropriateness of those limits
on an ongoing basis. The Company also obtains cash, letters of
credit or other acceptable forms of security from customers,
where appropriate, based on its financial analysis of the
customer and the regulatory or contractual terms and conditions
applicable to each transaction.
Long-term Debt. In October 2005, the
Company entered into two fixed rate senior notes. $500,000
thousand mature on November 1, 2015, and $350,000 thousand
mature on November 1, 2025. Proceeds
F-65
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
from the debt issuance were used to repay the existing
indebtedness and the remaining proceeds were distributed to the
Companys members.
Debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Note payable, 5.56%
|
|
$
|
500,000
|
|
|
$
|
500,000
|
|
Note payable, 6.19%
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
Unamortized debt discount
|
|
|
(429
|
)
|
|
|
(466
|
)
|
Total debt
|
|
$
|
849,571
|
|
|
$
|
849,534
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less current maturity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Long-term portion
|
|
$
|
849,571
|
|
|
$
|
849,534
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
General Insurance. The Company carries,
through Williams, insurance consistent with companies engaged in
similar commercial operations with similar type properties. The
Companys insurance coverage includes (1) excess
liability insurance for liabilities arising to third parties for
bodily injury and property damage resulting from the
Companys operations; and (2) automobile liability
insurance for all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles covering
liabilities to third parties for bodily injury and property
damage. Each owner insures their 50% ownership of the
Companys property with insurance covering the replacement
value of all real and personal property damage, including
damages arising from machinery breakdowns, earthquake, and flood
damage. The Company has onshore business interruption/extra
expense insurance. All coverages are subject to certain
deductibles, terms and conditions common for companies with
similar types of operations.
Each owner of the Company also maintains excess liability
insurance coverage for their ownership interest excess of the
limits for excess liability insurance maintained by the Company.
Limits, terms, conditions and deductibles are comparable to
those carried by other energy companies of similar size.
The cost of the Companys general insurance coverages
continued to fluctuate over the past year reflecting the
changing conditions of the insurance markets.
Environmental. The Company is subject
to federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water
quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other
environmental matters. Management believes that there are no
matters that will have a material adverse effect on the
Companys results of operations, cash flows or financial
position.
Litigation. The Company is involved in
legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in various forums,
regarding performance, contracts and other matters arising in
the ordinary course of business, some of which involve
substantial amounts. Management believes that the final
disposition of these proceedings will have no material adverse
effect on consolidated results of operations, cash flows or
financial position.
Contractual Obligations. The Company
enters into contracts that require payment of cash at certain
specified periods, based on certain specified minimum quantities
and prices. The following table summarizes the Companys
contractual cash obligations for each of the periods presented.
The table below excludes all amounts classified as current
liabilities on the Balance Sheets, other than current maturities
of long-term
F-66
GULFSTREAM
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM, L.L.C.
NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
debt. It is expected that the majority of current liabilities on
the Balance Sheets will be paid in cash in 2006.
Payment
Due By Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than
|
|
|
2-3 Years
|
|
|
4-5 Years
|
|
|
More than
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
(2008 &
|
|
|
(2010 &
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(2007)
|
|
|
2009)
|
|
|
2011)
|
|
|
(Beyond 2011)
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
$
|
850,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
850,000
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
811
|
|
|
|
419
|
|
|
|
284
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
|
|
Material/Capital purchases(1)
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
|
|
6,000
|
|
|
|
6,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations
|
|
$
|
862,811
|
|
|
$
|
6,419
|
|
|
$
|
6,284
|
|
|
$
|
108
|
|
|
$
|
850,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company entered into a contract in which it will provide a
$28,000 thousand contribution in aid of construction
(CIAC), under the provisions of its FERC gas
tariff, to a customer in six unequal installments through
December 31, 2008. In return for the $28,000 thousand
payment, the customer will construct a lateral that will connect
to the Companys mainline. The customer agreed to execute
two consecutive Firm Transportation Service (FTS)
contracts that will be used on the Companys mainline
system. These contracts combined began on June 1, 2005, and
will extend through December 31, 2028. The Company has
recorded an asset of $26,100 thousand which is included within
Property, Plant and Equipment and a corresponding liability
which is included in Other Current Liabilities and Long-term
Liabilities on the Companys Balance Sheets. Through
December 31, 2006, the Company has paid $16,000 thousand to
the customer pursuant to the contract. |
F-67
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC
Houston, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, members
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to
have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal
control over financial reporting. Our audits included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ Deloitte
& Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2007
F-68
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salt cavern storage revenues
|
|
$
|
75,645
|
|
|
$
|
64,667
|
|
|
$
|
56,261
|
|
Salt cavern storage
revenues affiliates
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
|
3,564
|
|
|
|
6,787
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,851
|
|
|
|
9,698
|
|
|
|
2,795
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
78,804
|
|
|
|
77,929
|
|
|
|
65,843
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance
|
|
|
14,130
|
|
|
|
3,635
|
|
|
|
5,801
|
|
Operation and
maintenance affiliates
|
|
|
12,133
|
|
|
|
5,832
|
|
|
|
2,997
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
7,815
|
|
|
|
6,938
|
|
|
|
6,788
|
|
Property and other taxes
|
|
|
3,970
|
|
|
|
3,358
|
|
|
|
2,991
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
38,048
|
|
|
|
19,763
|
|
|
|
18,577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on Sale of Other Assets,
and Other, net
|
|
|
10,553
|
|
|
|
1,136
|
|
|
|
1,539
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
51,309
|
|
|
|
59,302
|
|
|
|
48,805
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
(2,636
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
48,684
|
|
|
$
|
59,353
|
|
|
$
|
48,829
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-69
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of
allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$
|
12,058
|
|
|
$
|
27,791
|
|
Accounts receivable
affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
906
|
|
|
|
6,013
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivables
|
|
|
5,957
|
|
|
|
29,073
|
|
Natural gas imbalance
receivables affiliates
|
|
|
39,316
|
|
|
|
79,107
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
58,237
|
|
|
|
142,116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances receivable
affiliates
|
|
|
94,177
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill, net of accumulated
amortization
|
|
|
200,497
|
|
|
|
200,497
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
67
|
|
|
|
1,211
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other assets
|
|
|
294,741
|
|
|
|
201,708
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and
Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
370,721
|
|
|
|
315,141
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization
|
|
|
62,523
|
|
|
|
56,331
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
308,198
|
|
|
|
258,810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
661,176
|
|
|
$
|
602,634
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS
EQUITY
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
6,034
|
|
|
$
|
714
|
|
Accounts payable
affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
516
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
1,309
|
|
|
|
930
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables
|
|
|
43,794
|
|
|
|
108,180
|
|
Natural gas imbalance
payables affiliates
|
|
|
2,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collateral liabilities
|
|
|
3,631
|
|
|
|
2,290
|
|
Collateral liabilities
affiliates
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
8,019
|
|
|
|
2,272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
120,272
|
|
|
|
114,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Credits and Other
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances payable
affiliates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,511
|
|
Other
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Other affiliates
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred credits and other
liabilities
|
|
|
25,003
|
|
|
|
20,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments &
Contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
290,258
|
|
|
|
276,382
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
225,643
|
|
|
|
190,835
|
|
Members Equity
|
|
|
515,901
|
|
|
|
467,217
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and
Members Equity
|
|
$
|
661,176
|
|
|
$
|
602,634
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-70
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
48,684
|
|
|
$
|
59,353
|
|
|
$
|
48,829
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
7,815
|
|
|
|
6,938
|
|
|
|
6,788
|
|
Gain on sale of other assets
|
|
|
(10,553
|
)
|
|
|
(1,136
|
)
|
|
|
(1,539
|
)
|
(Increase) decrease in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
5,812
|
|
|
|
15,728
|
|
|
|
(36,810
|
)
|
Accounts receivable
affiliates
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
578
|
|
|
|
128
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
6,113
|
|
|
|
(3,137
|
)
|
|
|
(808
|
)
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
260
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
21,608
|
|
|
|
(1,085
|
)
|
|
|
330
|
|
Increase (decrease) in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
5,320
|
|
|
|
(879
|
)
|
|
|
1,593
|
|
Accounts payable
affiliates
|
|
|
(516
|
)
|
|
|
516
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued taxes
|
|
|
379
|
|
|
|
(506
|
)
|
|
|
(214
|
)
|
Collateral liabilities
|
|
|
1,341
|
|
|
|
491
|
|
|
|
1,799
|
|
Collateral liabilities
affiliates
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
2,638
|
|
|
|
(14,587
|
)
|
|
|
22,852
|
|
Deferred credits and other
liabilities
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
(304
|
)
|
Deferred credits and other
liabilities affiliates
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating
activities
|
|
|
168,771
|
|
|
|
62,278
|
|
|
|
42,904
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(54,083
|
)
|
|
|
(37,987
|
)
|
|
|
(17,000
|
)
|
Net increase in advances
receivable affiliates
|
|
|
(94,177
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in advances
payable affiliates
|
|
|
(20,511
|
)
|
|
|
(24,291
|
)
|
|
|
(28,294
|
)
|
Proceeds on sale of other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing
activities
|
|
|
(168,771
|
)
|
|
|
(62,278
|
)
|
|
|
(42,904
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of year
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
Disclosures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest, net of
amounts capitalized
|
|
$
|
43
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Significant non-cash transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas imbalances
|
|
|
62,907
|
|
|
|
61,274
|
|
|
|
1,349
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
accruals
|
|
|
4,853
|
|
|
|
1,771
|
|
|
|
1,757
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
retirements
|
|
|
3,348
|
|
|
|
978
|
|
|
|
7,445
|
|
Interaccount property, plant and
equipment transfers/reclasses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,001
|
|
|
|
11,287
|
|
Intercompany property, plant and
equipment transfers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,132
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-71
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Balance January 1,
2004
|
|
$
|
359,035
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
48,829
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2004
|
|
$
|
407,864
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
59,353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2005
|
|
$
|
467,217
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
48,684
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31,
2006
|
|
$
|
515,901
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-72
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004
In June 2006, the Board of Directors of Duke Energy Corporation
(Duke Energy) authorized management to pursue a plan to create
two separate publicly traded companies by spinning off Duke
Energys natural gas business to Duke Energy shareholders.
The spin-off was completed on January 2, 2007 at which time
Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy) became a separate
publicly-traded entity. Spectra Energy primarily owns the
Natural Gas Transmission and Field Services segments of Spectra
Energy Capital LLC (Spectra Energy Capital), formerly Duke
Capital LLC. Market Hub Partners Holding, LLC (the Company) is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Spectra Energy.
The Company was converted from a Delaware limited partnership to
a Delaware limited liability company on December 31, 2003.
The Company was wholly owned by indirect subsidiaries of Duke
Energy. The Company owns and operates two natural gas storage
facilities: Moss Bluff, located near Houston, Texas and Egan,
located in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. These facilities provide
producers, end-users, local distribution companies, pipelines
and energy marketers with high deliverability storage services,
as well as hub services, such as park and loan services,
wheeling and title transfer. The Companys Egan facilities
are subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC). Moss Bluff, as a Hinshaw pipeline,
must also comply with some requirements under FERC regulations.
|
|
2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis of Presentation. The financial
statements reflect the financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows of the Company. The financial
statements do not include any of the assets, liabilities,
revenues, or expenses of the members.
Consolidation. These Consolidated
Financial Statements include, after eliminating intercompany
transactions and balances, the accounts of the Company and all
majority-owned subsidiaries.
Use of Estimates. To conform with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United
States, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements
and Notes. Although these estimates are based on
managements best available knowledge at the time, actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Inventory. Inventory primarily consists
of natural gas held in storage and is recorded at the lower of
cost or market value, primarily determined using the average
cost method. An adjustment to inventory was recorded in 2006 as
a result of a reconciliation between the physical and book
balances of natural gas held in storage. This adjustment was
recognized by reducing recorded inventory by $1,984 thousand,
increasing natural gas imbalance payables by $1,006 thousand and
charging a like amount to operation and maintenance.
Goodwill. The Company evaluates the
impairment of goodwill related to the purchase of the Company
under the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets. Under this provision, goodwill is
subject to an annual test for impairment. The Company has
designated August 31 as the date it performs the annual
review for goodwill impairment. Impairment testing of goodwill
consists of a two-step process. The first step involves a
comparison of the fair value of the Company with its carrying
amount. If the carrying amount of the company exceeds its fair
value, the second step of the process involves a comparison of
the fair value and the carrying value of the goodwill of the
Company. If the carrying value of the goodwill of the Company
exceeds the fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is
recognized in an amount equal to the excess. Additional
impairment tests are performed between the annual reviews; if
events or changes in circumstances make it more likely than not
that the fair value of the company is below its carrying amount.
F-73
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company uses a discounted cash flow analysis to determine
fair value. Key assumptions in the determination of fair value
include the use of an appropriate discount rate and estimated
future cash flows. In estimating cash flows, the Company
incorporates current market information, historical factors, and
other factors into its forecasted revenue and expenses and other
cash flow impacts.
Property, Plant and
Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are
stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company
capitalizes all construction-related direct labor and material
costs, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect costs
include general engineering, taxes and the cost of funds used
during construction. The cost of renewals and betterments that
extend the useful life of property, plant and equipment is also
capitalized. The cost of repairs, replacements and major
maintenance projects, which do not extend the useful life or
increase the expected output of property, plant and equipment,
is expensed as it is incurred. Depreciation is generally
computed over the assets estimated useful life using the
straight-line method. The composite weighted-average
depreciation rates were 3.00% for 2006, 3.01% for 2005 and 3.11%
for 2004.
When the Company retires its regulated property, plant and
equipment, it charges the original cost plus the cost of
retirement, less salvage, to accumulated depreciation and
amortization. When it sells entire regulated operating units, or
retires or sells non-regulated properties, the cost is removed
from the property account and the related accumulated
depreciation and amortization accounts are reduced. Any gain or
loss is recorded as income.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143,
Accounting For Asset Retirement Obligations
(SFAS No. 143) which was adopted by the Company
on January 1, 2003 and addresses financial accounting and
reporting for legal obligations associated with the retirement
of tangible long-lived assets and the related asset retirement
costs. The standard applies to legal obligations associated with
the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the
acquisition, construction, development
and/or
normal use of the asset. SFAS No. 143 requires that
the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation
be recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a
reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of
the liability is added to the carrying amount of the associated
asset. This additional carrying amount is then depreciated over
the life of the asset. The liability increases due to the
passage of time based on the time value of money until the
obligation is settled. Subsequent to the initial recognition,
the liability is adjusted for any revisions to the expected
value of the retirement obligation (with corresponding
adjustments to property, plant, and equipment), and for
accretion of the liability due to the passage of time.
Additional depreciation expense is recorded prospectively for
any property, plant and equipment increases.
Asset retirement obligations of the Company relate primarily to
right-of-way
agreements, asbestos removal and contractual leases for land
use. In accordance with SFAS No. 143, the Company
identified certain assets that have an indeterminate life, and
thus the fair value of the retirement obligation is not
reasonably estimable. These assets included on-shore pipelines.
A liability for these asset retirement obligations will be
recorded when a fair value is determinable.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation
No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
Obligations (FIN 47). The adoption of FIN 47 had
no impact on the income of the regulated gas pipeline
operations. Any effects would be offset by the establishment of
regulatory assets and liabilities pursuant to
SFAS No. 71.
Environmental Expenditures. The Company
expenses environmental expenditures related to conditions caused
by past operations that do not generate current or future
revenues. Environmental expenditures related to operations that
generate current or future revenues are expensed or capitalized,
as appropriate. Liabilities are recorded when the necessity for
environmental remediation becomes probable and the costs can be
reasonably estimated, or when other potential environmental
liabilities are reasonably estimable and probable.
F-74
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Revenue Recognition. Revenues on
natural gas storage are recognized when the service is provided.
There were no pending rate cases and no related reserves were
recorded as of December 31, 2006 and 2005. The allowance
for doubtful accounts was $0 as of both December 31, 2006,
and 2005.
Customer billings that exceeded 10% of revenues during the years
ended 2006, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Consolidated Revenues
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
Customer
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Northern Indiana Public Service Co
|
|
|
10.6
|
%
|
|
|
11.2
|
%
|
|
|
16.2
|
%
|
New Accounting Standards. The following
new accounting standards have been issued, but have not yet been
adopted by the Company as of December 31, 2006.
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements
(SFAS No. 157). In September 2006, the
FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and
expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value
measurements. However, in some cases, the application of
SFAS No. 157 may change the Companys current
practice for measuring and disclosing fair values under other
accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value
measurements. For the Company, SFAS No. 157 is
effective as of January 1, 2008 and must be applied
prospectively except in certain cases. The Company is currently
evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 157, and
cannot currently estimate the impact of SFAS No. 157
on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows or
financial position.
|
|
3.
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Storage of natural gas and other
services (1)
|
|
$
|
308
|
|
|
$
|
3,564
|
|
|
$
|
6,787
|
|
Operation and maintenance expenses
(2)
|
|
|
12,133
|
|
|
|
5,832
|
|
|
|
2,997
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In the normal course of business, the Company provides natural
gas storage and other services to affiliates. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes reimbursement of costs incurred by affiliates on behalf
of the Company and allocations from Spectra Capital affiliates
for various services and other costs. Affiliates charge such
expenses based on the cost of actual services provided or using
various allocation methodologies based on the Companys
percentage of assets, employees, earnings, or other measures, as
compared to other affiliates. |
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
132
|
|
Natural gas imbalance receivables
|
|
|
39,316
|
|
|
|
79,107
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
516
|
|
Natural gas imbalance payables
|
|
|
2,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collateral liabilities
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-75
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Advances receivable and payable-affiliates do not bear interest.
Advances are carried as unsecured, open accounts and are not
segregated between current and non-current amounts. Increases
and decreases in advances generally result from the movement of
funds to provide for operations and capital expenditures of the
Company.
During 2006 in accordance with the Companys credit
policies, the Company received an $80,000 thousand security
deposit from an affiliate, associated with natural gas imbalance
receivables from the affiliate. The Company is required to pay a
market rate of interest on the security deposit. Of the $80,000
thousand balance, $55,000 thousand is classified as a current
liability with $25,000 thousand classified as long term since it
relates to a contract position that is not expected to be repaid
until April 2008.
The Consolidated Balance Sheets include in-kind balances as a
result of differences in gas volumes received and delivered for
customers. Since the settlement of imbalances is in-kind,
changes in the balances do not have an impact on the
Companys Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Natural
gas volumes owed to (by) the Company are valued at natural gas
market index prices as of the balance sheet dates.
|
|
5.
|
Property,
Plant and Equipment
|
Net
Property, Plant and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Land
|
|
N/A
|
|
$
|
12,415
|
|
|
$
|
12,415
|
|
Salt Cavern Storage facilities
|
|
15-40 years
|
|
|
312,787
|
|
|
|
272,082
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment
|
|
10-40 years
|
|
|
221
|
|
|
|
217
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
|
133
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Constructions in process
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
42,583
|
|
|
|
28,179
|
|
Other
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
2,600
|
|
|
|
2,115
|
|
Total property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
370,721
|
|
|
|
315,141
|
|
Total accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
|
|
(62,523
|
)
|
|
|
(56,331
|
)
|
Total net property, plant and
equipment
|
|
|
|
$
|
308,198
|
|
|
$
|
258,810
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Risk. The Company markets high
deliverability natural gas storage services and hub services to
pipelines, local distribution companies, producers, end-users,
power generators, and energy marketers. The Company has
concentrations of receivables from these industries throughout
these regions. These concentrations of customers may affect the
Companys overall credit risk in that risk factors can
negatively impact the credit quality of the entire sector. Where
exposed to credit risk, the Company analyzes the
counterparties financial condition prior to entering into
an agreement, establishes credit limits and monitors the
appropriateness of those limits on an ongoing basis. The Company
also obtains cash, letters of credit or other acceptable forms
of security from customers, where appropriate, based on its
financial analysis of the customer and the regulatory or
contractual terms and conditions applicable to each transaction.
|
|
7.
|
Commitments
and Contingencies
|
General Insurance. The Company carries,
through a Duke Energy Affiliate, insurance and reinsurance
coverages consistent with companies engaged in similar
commercial operations with similar type properties.
F-76
MARKET
HUB PARTNERS HOLDING, LLC
NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Companys insurance coverage includes
(1) commercial general public liability insurance for
liabilities arising to third parties for bodily injury and
property damage resulting from the Companys operations;
(2) workers compensation liability coverage to
required statutory limits; (3) automobile liability
insurance for all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles covering
liabilities to third parties for bodily injury and property
damage, (4) financial services insurance policies in
support of the indemnification provisions of the Companys
by-laws and (5) property insurance covering the replacement
value of all real and personal property damage, including
damages arising from machinery breakdowns, earthquake, flood
damage and business interruption/extra expense. All coverages
are subject to certain deductibles, terms and conditions common
for companies with similar types of operations.
The Company also maintains, through an affiliate, excess
liability insurance coverage above the established primary
limits for commercial general liability and automobile liability
insurance. Limits, terms, conditions and deductibles are
comparable to those carried by other energy companies of similar
size. The cost of the Companys general insurance coverages
continued to fluctuate over the past year reflecting the
changing conditions of the insurance markets.
Environmental. The Company is subject
to federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water
quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other
environmental matters. Management believes there are no matters
that will have a material adverse effect on the Companys
results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
Litigation. The Company is involved in
legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in various forums
regarding performance, contracts and other matters arising in
the ordinary course of business, some of which involve
substantial amounts. Management believes that the final
disposition of these proceedings will have no material adverse
effect on the Companys consolidated results of operations,
cash flows or financial position.
Leases. The Company leases assets in
several areas of operations. Rental expense for these leases,
including amounts allocated from Duke Energy affiliates, was
$377 thousand for 2006, $311 thousand for 2005 and $35 thousand
for 2004.
F-77
FIRST
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
|
|
|
A-1
|
|
|
Section 1.1
|
|
|
Definitions
|
|
|
A-1
|
|
|
Section 1.2
|
|
|
Construction
|
|
|
A-16
|
|
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
|
|
|
A-16
|
|
|
Section 2.1
|
|
|
Formation
|
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A-16
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Section 2.2
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Name
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A-17
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Section 2.3
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Registered Office; Registered
Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices
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A-17
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Section 2.4
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Purpose and Business
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A-17
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Section 2.5
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Powers
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A-17
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Section 2.6
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Power of Attorney
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A-17
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Section 2.7
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Term
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A-19
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Section 2.8
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Title to Partnership Assets
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A-19
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ARTICLE III RIGHTS OF
LIMITED PARTNERS
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A-19
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Section 3.1
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Limitation of Liability
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A-19
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Section 3.2
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Management of Business
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A-19
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Section 3.3
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Outside Activities of the Limited
Partners
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A-19
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Section 3.4
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Rights of Limited Partners
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A-20
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ARTICLE IV CERTIFICATES; RECORD
HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
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A-20
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Section 4.1
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Certificates
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A-20
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Section 4.2
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Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or
Stolen Certificates
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A-21
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Section 4.3
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Record Holders
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A-21
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Section 4.4
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Transfer Generally
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A-22
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Section 4.5
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Registration and Transfer of
Limited Partner Interests
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A-22
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Section 4.6
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Transfer of the General
Partners General Partner Interest
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A-23
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Section 4.7
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Transfer of Incentive Distribution
Rights
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A-23
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Section 4.8
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Restrictions on Transfers
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A-24
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Section 4.9
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Tax Certifications; Ineligible
Holders; Citizenship Certificates; Non-citizen Assignees
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A-25
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Section 4.10
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Redemption of
Partnership Interests of Non-citizen and Ineligible Holders
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A-26
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ARTICLE V CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
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A-27
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Section 5.1
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Organizational Contributions
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A-27
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Section 5.2
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Contributions by the General
Partner and its Affiliates
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A-27
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Section 5.3
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Contributions by Initial Limited
Partners
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A-28
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Section 5.4
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Interest and Withdrawal of Capital
Contributions
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A-28
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Section 5.5
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Capital Accounts
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A-28
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Section 5.6
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Issuances of Additional
Partnership Securities
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A-31
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Section 5.7
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Conversion of Subordinated Units
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A-31
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Section 5.8
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Limited Preemptive Right
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A-32
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Section 5.9
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Splits and Combinations
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A-32
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Section 5.10
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Fully Paid and Non-Assessable
Nature of Limited Partner Interests
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A-33
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Section 5.11
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Issuance of Class B Units in
Connection with Reset of Incentive Distribution Rights
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A-33
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A-i
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ARTICLE VI ALLOCATIONS AND
DISTRIBUTIONS
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A-34
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Section 6.1
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Allocations for Capital Account
Purposes
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A-34
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Section 6.2
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Allocations for Tax Purposes
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A-41
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Section 6.3
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Requirement and Characterization
of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders
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A-42
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Section 6.4
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Distributions of Available Cash
from Operating Surplus
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A-43
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Section 6.5
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Distributions of Available Cash
from Capital Surplus
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A-44
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Section 6.6
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Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly
Distribution and Target Distribution Levels
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A-45
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Section 6.7
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Special Provisions Relating to the
Holders of Subordinated Units and Class B Units
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A-45
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Section 6.8
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Special Provisions Relating to the
Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights
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A-46
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Section 6.9
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Entity-Level Taxation
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A-46
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ARTICLE VII MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATION OF BUSINESS
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A-47
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Section 7.1
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Management
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A-47
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Section 7.2
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Certificate of Limited Partnership
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A-48
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Section 7.3
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Restrictions on the General
Partners Authority
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A-49
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Section 7.4
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Reimbursement of the General
Partner
|
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A-49
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Section 7.5
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Outside Activities
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A-50
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Section 7.6
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Loans from the General Partner;
Loans or Contributions from the Partnership or Group Members
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A-50
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Section 7.7
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Indemnification
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A-51
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Section 7.8
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Liability of Indemnitees
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A-52
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Section 7.9
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Resolution of Conflicts of
Interest; Standards of Conduct and Modification of Duties
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A-53
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Section 7.10
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Other Matters Concerning the
General Partner
|
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A-54
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Section 7.11
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Purchase or Sale of Partnership
Securities
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A-54
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Section 7.12
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Registration Rights of the General
Partner and its Affiliates
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A-55
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Section 7.13
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Reliance by Third Parties
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A-57
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ARTICLE VIII BOOKS, RECORDS,
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
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A-58
|
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Section 8.1
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Records and Accounting
|
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A-58
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Section 8.2
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Fiscal Year
|
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A-58
|
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Section 8.3
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Reports
|
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A-58
|
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ARTICLE IX TAX
MATTERS
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A-58
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Section 9.1
|
|
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Tax Returns and Information
|
|
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A-58
|
|
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Section 9.2
|
|
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Tax Elections
|
|
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A-59
|
|
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Section 9.3
|
|
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Tax Controversies
|
|
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A-59
|
|
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Section 9.4
|
|
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Withholding
|
|
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A-59
|
|
ARTICLE X ADMISSION OF
PARTNERS
|
|
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A-59
|
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Section 10.1
|
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Admission of Initial Limited
Partners
|
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A-59
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Section 10.2
|
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Admission of Substituted Limited
Partners
|
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A-59
|
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Section 10.3
|
|
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Admission of Successor General
Partner
|
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A-60
|
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Section 10.4
|
|
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Admission of Additional Limited
Partners
|
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A-60
|
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Section 10.5
|
|
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Amendment of Agreement and
Certificate of Limited Partnership
|
|
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A-60
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|
A-ii
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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ARTICLE XI WITHDRAWAL OR
REMOVAL OF PARTNERS
|
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|
A-61
|
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Section 11.1
|
|
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Withdrawal of the General Partner
|
|
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A-61
|
|
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Section 11.2
|
|
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Removal of the General Partner
|
|
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A-62
|
|
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Section 11.3
|
|
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Interest of Departing General
Partner and Successor General Partner
|
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A-62
|
|
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Section 11.4
|
|
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Termination of Subordination
Period, Conversion of Subordinated Units and Extinguishment of
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages
|
|
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A-64
|
|
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Section 11.5
|
|
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Withdrawal of Limited Partners
|
|
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A-64
|
|
ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION AND
LIQUIDATION
|
|
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A-64
|
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Section 12.1
|
|
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Dissolution
|
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A-64
|
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Section 12.2
|
|
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Continuation of the Business of
the Partnership After Dissolution
|
|
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A-64
|
|
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Section 12.3
|
|
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Liquidator
|
|
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A-65
|
|
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Section 12.4
|
|
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Liquidation
|
|
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A-65
|
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Section 12.5
|
|
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Cancellation of Certificate of
Limited Partnership
|
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A-66
|
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Section 12.6
|
|
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Return of Contributions
|
|
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A-66
|
|
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Section 12.7
|
|
|
Waiver of Partition
|
|
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A-66
|
|
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Section 12.8
|
|
|
Capital Account Restoration
|
|
|
A-66
|
|
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENT OF
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE
|
|
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A-66
|
|
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Section 13.1
|
|
|
Amendments to be Adopted Solely by
the General Partner
|
|
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A-66
|
|
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Section 13.2
|
|
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Amendment Procedures
|
|
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A-68
|
|
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Section 13.3
|
|
|
Amendment Requirements
|
|
|
A-68
|
|
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Section 13.4
|
|
|
Special Meetings
|
|
|
A-68
|
|
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Section 13.5
|
|
|
Notice of a Meeting
|
|
|
A-69
|
|
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Section 13.6
|
|
|
Record Date
|
|
|
A-69
|
|
|
Section 13.7
|
|
|
Adjournment
|
|
|
A-69
|
|
|
Section 13.8
|
|
|
Waiver of Notice; Approval of
Meeting
|
|
|
A-69
|
|
|
Section 13.9
|
|
|
Quorum and Voting
|
|
|
A-69
|
|
|
Section 13.10
|
|
|
Conduct of a Meeting
|
|
|
A-70
|
|
|
Section 13.11
|
|
|
Action Without a Meeting
|
|
|
A-70
|
|
|
Section 13.12
|
|
|
Right to Vote and Related Matters
|
|
|
A-71
|
|
ARTICLE XIV MERGER,
CONSOLIDATION OR CONVERSION
|
|
|
A-71
|
|
|
Section 14.1
|
|
|
Authority
|
|
|
A-71
|
|
|
Section 14.2
|
|
|
Procedure for Merger,
Consolidation or Conversion
|
|
|
A-71
|
|
|
Section 14.3
|
|
|
Approval by Limited Partners
|
|
|
A-72
|
|
|
Section 14.4
|
|
|
Certificate of Merger
|
|
|
A-73
|
|
|
Section 14.5
|
|
|
Effect of Merger, Consolidation or
Conversion
|
|
|
A-74
|
|
ARTICLE XV RIGHT TO ACQUIRE
LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS
|
|
|
A-74
|
|
|
Section 15.1
|
|
|
Right to Acquire Limited Partner
Interests
|
|
|
A-74
|
|
A-iii
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE XVI GENERAL
PROVISIONS
|
|
|
A-75
|
|
|
Section 16.1
|
|
|
Addresses and Notices; Written
Communications
|
|
|
A-75
|
|
|
Section 16.2
|
|
|
Further Action
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.3
|
|
|
Binding Effect
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.4
|
|
|
Integration
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.5
|
|
|
Creditors
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.6
|
|
|
Waiver
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.7
|
|
|
Third-Party Beneficiaries
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.8
|
|
|
Counterparts
|
|
|
A-76
|
|
|
Section 16.9
|
|
|
Applicable Law
|
|
|
A-77
|
|
|
Section 16.10
|
|
|
Invalidity of Provisions
|
|
|
A-77
|
|
|
Section 16.11
|
|
|
Consent of Partners
|
|
|
A-77
|
|
|
Section 16.12
|
|
|
Facsimile Signatures
|
|
|
A-77
|
|
A-iv
FIRST
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP dated as of July 2, 2007, is
entered into by and between Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP,
a Delaware limited partnership, as the General Partner, and
Spectra Energy Transmission, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the Organizational Limited Partner),
together with any other Persons who become Partners in the
Partnership or parties hereto as provided herein. In
consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements
contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions.
The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless
otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the
terms used in this Agreement.
Acquisition means any transaction in which
any Group Member acquires (through an asset acquisition, merger,
stock acquisition or other form of investment) control over all
or a portion of the assets, properties or business of another
Person for the purpose of increasing the long-term operating
capacity or asset base of the Partnership Group from the
operating capacity or asset base of the Partnership Group
existing immediately prior to such transaction.
Additional Book Basis means the portion of
any remaining Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property that is
attributable to positive adjustments made to such Carrying Value
as a result of
Book-Up
Events. For purposes of determining the extent that Carrying
Value constitutes Additional Book Basis:
(a) Any negative adjustment made to the Carrying Value of
an Adjusted Property as a result of either a Book-Down Event or
a Book-Up
Event shall first be deemed to offset or decrease that portion
of the Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is
attributable to any prior positive adjustments made thereto
pursuant to a
Book-Up
Event or Book-Down Event.
(b) If Carrying Value that constitutes Additional Book
Basis is reduced as a result of a Book-Down Event and the
Carrying Value of other property is increased as a result of
such Book-Down Event, an allocable portion of any such increase
in Carrying Value shall be treated as Additional Book Basis;
provided, that the amount treated as Additional Book Basis
pursuant hereto as a result of such Book-Down Event shall not
exceed the amount by which the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive
Adjustments after such Book-Down Event exceeds the remaining
Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the
Partnerships Adjusted Property after such Book-Down Event
(determined without regard to the application of this
clause (b) to such Book-Down Event).
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items means
any Book Basis Derivative Items that are computed with reference
to Additional Book Basis. To the extent that the Additional Book
Basis attributable to all of the Partnerships Adjusted
Property as of the beginning of any taxable period exceeds the
Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the beginning
of such period (the Excess Additional Book Basis),
the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for such period shall
be reduced by the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount
of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items determined without
regard to this sentence as the Excess Additional Book Basis
bears to the Additional Book Basis as of the beginning of such
period.
Additional Limited Partner means a Person
admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to
Section 10.4 and who is shown as such on the books and
records of the Partnership.
Adjusted Capital Account means the Capital
Account maintained for each Partner as of the end of each fiscal
year of the Partnership, (a) increased by any amounts that
such Partner is obligated to restore
A-1
under the standards set by Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c)
(or is deemed obligated to restore under Treasury
Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g)
and 1.704-2(i)(5)) and (b) decreased by (i) the amount
of all losses and deductions that, as of the end of such fiscal
year, are reasonably expected to be allocated to such Partner in
subsequent years under Sections 704(e)(2) and 706(d) of the
Code and Treasury
Regulation Section 1.751-1(b)(2)(ii),
and (ii) the amount of all distributions that, as of the
end of such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be made to
such Partner in subsequent years in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement or otherwise to the extent they exceed offsetting
increases to such Partners Capital Account that are
reasonably expected to occur during (or prior to) the year in
which such distributions are reasonably expected to be made
(other than increases as a result of a minimum gain chargeback
pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i) or 6.1(d)(ii)). The foregoing
definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply
with the provisions of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)
and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. The
Adjusted Capital Account of a Partner in respect of
a General Partner Unit, a Common Unit, a Subordinated Unit, a
Class B Unit or an Incentive Distribution Right or any
other Partnership Interest shall be the amount that such
Adjusted Capital Account would be if such General Partner Unit,
Common Unit, Subordinated Unit, Class B Unit, Incentive
Distribution Right or other Partnership Interest were the
only interest in the Partnership held by such Partner from and
after the date on which such General Partner Unit, Common Unit,
Class B Unit, Subordinated Unit, Incentive Distribution
Right or other Partnership Interest was first issued.
Adjusted Operating Surplus means, with
respect to any period, Operating Surplus generated with respect
to such period (a) less any net decrease in cash reserves
for Operating Expenditures with respect to such period not
relating to an Operating Expenditure made with respect to such
period, and (b) plus (i) any net decrease made in
subsequent periods in cash reserves for Operating Expenditures
initially established with respect to such period to the extent
such decrease results in a reduction in Adjusted Operating
Surplus in subsequent periods pursuant to clause (a) above
and (ii) any net increase in cash reserves for Operating
Expenditures with respect to such period required by any debt
instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium.
Adjusted Operating Surplus does not include that portion of
Operating Surplus included in clause (a)(i) of the
definition of Operating Surplus.
Adjusted Property means any property the
Carrying Value of which has been adjusted pursuant to
Section 5.5(d)(i) or 5.5(d)(ii).
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person,
any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common
control with, the Person in question. As used herein, the term
control means the possession, direct or indirect, of
the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.
Aggregate Quantity of Class B Units has
the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.11.
Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments
means, as of the end of any taxable period, the sum of the
Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of all the Partners.
Agreed Allocation means any allocation, other
than a Required Allocation, of an item of income, gain, loss or
deduction pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1,
including a Curative Allocation (if appropriate to the context
in which the term Agreed Allocation is used).
Agreed Value of any Contributed Property
means the fair market value of such property or other
consideration at the time of contribution as determined by the
General Partner. The General Partner shall use such method as it
determines to be appropriate to allocate the aggregate Agreed
Value of Contributed Properties contributed to the Partnership
in a single or integrated transaction among each separate
property on a basis proportional to the fair market value of
each Contributed Property.
Agreement means this First Amended and
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated
from time to time.
A-2
Assignee means a Person to whom one or more
Limited Partner Interests have been transferred in a manner
permitted under this Agreement and who has executed and
delivered a Transfer Application, including a Taxation
Certification, as required by this Agreement, but who has not
been admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner.
Associate means, when used to indicate a
relationship with any Person, (a) any corporation or
organization of which such Person is a director, officer or
partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more
of any class of voting stock or other voting interest;
(b) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at
least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person
serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and
(c) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative
of such spouse, who has the same principal residence as such
Person.
Available Cash means, with respect to any
Quarter ending prior to the Liquidation Date:
(a) the sum of (i) all cash and cash equivalents of
the Partnership Group (or the Partnerships proportionate
share of cash and cash equivalents in the case of Subsidiaries
that are not wholly owned) on hand at the end of such Quarter,
and (ii) if the General Partner so determines, all or any
portion of additional cash and cash equivalents of the
Partnership Group (or the Partnerships proportionate share
of cash and cash equivalents in the case of Subsidiaries that
are not wholly owned) on hand on the date of determination of
Available Cash with respect to such Quarter, less
(b) the amount of any cash reserves (or the
Partnerships proportionate share of cash reserves in the
case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) established by
the General Partner to (i) provide for the proper conduct
of the business of the Partnership Group (including reserves for
future capital expenditures, for anticipated future credit needs
of the Partnership Group and for refunds of collected rates
reasonably likely to be refunded as a result of a settlement or
hearing relating to FERC rate proceedings) subsequent to such
Quarter, (ii) comply with applicable law or any loan
agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or
other agreement or obligation to which any Group Member is a
party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject or
(iii) provide funds for distributions under
Section 6.4 or 6.5 in respect of any one or more of the
next four Quarters; provided, however, that the General Partner
may not establish cash reserves pursuant to (iii) above if
the effect of such reserves would be that the Partnership is
unable to distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all
Common Units, plus any Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage on all
Common Units, with respect to such Quarter; and, provided
further, that disbursements made by a Group Member or cash
reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of such
Quarter but on or before the date of determination of Available
Cash with respect to such Quarter shall be deemed to have been
made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of
determining Available Cash, within such Quarter if the General
Partner so determines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Available Cash with
respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and
any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero.
Board of Directors means the board of
directors or managers of a corporation or limited liability
company or the board of directors or board of managers of the
general partner of a limited partnership, as applicable.
Book Basis Derivative Items means any item of
income, deduction, gain or loss included in the determination of
Net Income or Net Loss that is computed with reference to the
Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property (e.g., depreciation,
depletion, or gain or loss with respect to an Adjusted Property).
Book-Down Event means an event that triggers
a negative adjustment to the Capital Accounts of the Partners
pursuant to Section 5.5(d).
Book-Tax Disparity means with respect to any
item of Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, as of the
date of any determination, the difference between the Carrying
Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and the
adjusted basis thereof for federal income tax purposes as of
such date. A Partners share of the Partnerships
Book-Tax Disparities in all of its Contributed Property and
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Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference between
such Partners Capital Account balance as maintained
pursuant to Section 5.5 and the hypothetical balance of
such Partners Capital Account computed as if it had been
maintained strictly in accordance with federal income tax
accounting principles.
Book-Up
Event means an event that triggers a positive
adjustment to the Capital Accounts of the Partners pursuant to
Section 5.5(d).
Business Day means Monday through Friday of
each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the
government of the United States of America or the State of Texas
shall not be regarded as a Business Day.
Capital Account means the capital account
maintained for a Partner pursuant to Section 5.5. The
Capital Account of a Partner in respect of a General
Partner Unit, a Common Unit, a Subordinated Unit, a Class B
Unit, an Incentive Distribution Right or any other
Partnership Interest shall be the amount that such Capital
Account would be if such General Partner Unit, Common Unit,
Subordinated Unit, Class B Unit, Incentive Distribution
Right or other Partnership Interest were the only interest
in the Partnership held by such Partner from and after the date
on which such General Partner Unit, Common Unit, Class B
Unit, Subordinated Unit, Incentive Distribution Right or other
Partnership Interest was first issued.
Capital Contribution means any cash, cash
equivalents or the Net Agreed Value of Contributed Property that
a Partner contributes to the Partnership.
Capital Improvement means any
(a) addition or improvement to the capital assets owned by
any Group Member, (b) the construction of new capital
assets or (c) capital contributions by a Group Member to a
Person that is not a Subsidiary in which a Group Member has an
equity interest to fund such Group Members Pro Rata share
of the cost of the construction of new capital assets by such
Person, in each case if such addition, improvement, acquisition
or construction is made to increase the long-term operating
capacity, asset base or income of the Partnership Group, in the
case of clauses (a) and (b), or such Person, in the case of
clause (c), from the operating capacity, asset base or
income of the Partnership Group or such Person, as the case may
be, existing immediately prior to such addition, improvement,
acquisition or construction.
Capital Surplus has the meaning assigned to
such term in Section 6.3(a).
Carrying Value means (a) with respect to
a Contributed Property, the Agreed Value of such property
reduced (but not below zero) by all depreciation, amortization
and cost recovery deductions charged to the Partners and
Assignees Capital Accounts in respect of such Contributed
Property, and (b) with respect to any other Partnership
property, the adjusted basis of such property for federal income
tax purposes, all as of the time of determination. The Carrying
Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in
accordance with Sections 5.5(d)(i) and 5.5(d)(ii) and to
reflect changes, additions or other adjustments to the Carrying
Value for dispositions and acquisitions of Partnership
properties, as deemed appropriate by the General Partner.
Cause means a court of competent jurisdiction
has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding the General
Partner liable for actual fraud or willful misconduct in its
capacity as a general partner of the Partnership.
Certificate means (a) a certificate
(i) substantially in the form of Exhibit A to this
Agreement, (ii) issued in global form in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Depositary or (iii) in
such other form as may be adopted by the General Partner, issued
by the Partnership evidencing ownership of one or more Common
Units or (b) a certificate, in such form as may be adopted
by the General Partner, issued by the Partnership evidencing
ownership of one or more other Partnership Securities.
Certificate of Limited Partnership means the
Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as referenced in
Section 7.2, as such Certificate of Limited Partnership may
be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
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Citizenship Certification means a properly
completed certificate in such form as may be specified by the
General Partner by which an Assignee or a Limited Partner
certifies that he (and if he is a nominee holding for the
account of another Person, that to the best of his knowledge
such other Person) is an Eligible Citizen.
claim (as used in Section 7.12(d)) has
the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.12(d).
Class B Unit means a Partnership
Security representing a fractional part of the
Partnership Interests of all Limited Partners, and having
the rights and obligations specified with respect to
Class B Units in this Agreement.
Closing Date means the first date on which
Common Units are issued and sold by the Partnership to the
Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of the Underwriting
Agreement.
Closing Price means, in respect of any class
of Limited Partner Interests, as of the date of determination,
the last sale price on such day, regular way, or in case no such
sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices on such day, regular way, as reported in the
principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed on the principal National Securities
Exchange (other than the Nasdaq National Market) on which the
respective Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to
trading or, if such Limited Partner Interests are not listed or
admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange (other
than the Nasdaq National Market), the last quoted price on such
day or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low
asked prices on such day in the
over-the-counter
market, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market or such other
system then in use, or, if on any such day such Limited Partner
Interests of such class are not quoted by any such organization,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day as
furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such
Limited Partner Interests of such class selected by the General
Partner, or if on any such day no market maker is making a
market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class, the fair
value of such Limited Partner Interests on such day as
determined by the General Partner.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended and in effect from time to time. Any reference herein
to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to
include a reference to any corresponding provision of any
successor law.
Combined Interest has the meaning assigned to
such term in Section 11.3(a).
Commission means the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Commodity Hedge Contract means any commodity
exchange, swap, forward, cap, floor, collar or other similar
agreement or arrangement entered into for the purpose of hedging
the Partnership Groups exposure to fluctuations in the
price of hydrocarbons in their operations and not for
speculative purposes.
Common Unit means a Partnership Security
representing a fractional part of the Partnership Interests
of all Limited Partners and Assignees, and having the rights and
obligations specified with respect to Common Units in this
Agreement. The term Common Unit does not include a
Subordinated Unit or Class B Unit prior to its conversion
into a Common Unit pursuant to the terms hereof.
Common Unit Arrearage means, with respect to
any Common Unit, whenever issued, as to any Quarter within the
Subordination Period, the excess, if any, of (a) the
Minimum Quarterly Distribution with respect to a Common Unit in
respect of such Quarter over (b) the sum of all Available
Cash distributed with respect to a Common Unit in respect of
such Quarter pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i).
Conflicts Committee means a committee of the
Board of Directors of the General Partner composed entirely of
two or more directors, each of whom (a) is not a security
holder, officer or employee of the General Partner, (b) is
not an officer, director or employee of any Affiliate of the
General Partner, (c) is not a holder of any ownership
interest in the Partnership Group other than Common Units and
(d) meets the independence standards required of directors
who serve on an audit committee of a board of directors
established by the Securities Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations of the Commission thereunder and by the National
Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed or
admitted to trading.
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Contributed Property means each property or
other asset, in such form as may be permitted by the Delaware
Act, but excluding cash, contributed to the Partnership. Once
the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted
pursuant to Section 5.5(d), such property shall no longer
constitute a Contributed Property, but shall be deemed an
Adjusted Property.
Contribution Agreement means that certain
Contribution and Conveyance Agreement, dated as of the Closing
Date, among the General Partner, the Partnership, the Operating
Partnership and certain other parties, together with the
additional conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or
referenced thereunder, as such may be amended, supplemented or
restated from time to time.
Converted Common Units has the meaning
assigned to such term in Section 6.1(d)(x)(B).
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage means, with
respect to any Common Unit, whenever issued, and as of the end
of any Quarter, the excess, if any, of (a) the sum
resulting from adding together the Common Unit Arrearage as to
an Initial Common Unit for each of the Quarters within the
Subordination Period ending on or before the last day of such
Quarter over (b) the sum of any distributions theretofore
made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(ii) and the second sentence
of Section 6.5 with respect to an Initial Common Unit
(including any distributions to be made in respect of the last
of such Quarters).
Curative Allocation means any allocation of
an item of income, gain, deduction, loss or credit pursuant to
the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(xi).
Current Market Price means, in respect of any
class of Limited Partner Interests, as of the date of
determination, the average of the daily Closing Prices per
Limited Partner Interest of such class for the
20 consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to such date.
Delaware Act means the Delaware Revised
Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del C.
Section 17-101,
et seq., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time,
and any successor to such statute.
Departing General Partner means a former
general partner from and after the effective date of any
withdrawal or removal of such former general partner pursuant to
Section 11.1 or Section 11.2.
Depositary means, with respect to any Units
issued in global form, The Depository Trust Company and its
successors and permitted assigns.
Economic Risk of Loss has the meaning set
forth in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.752-2(a).
Eligible Citizen means a Person qualified to
own interests in real property in jurisdictions in which any
Group Member does business or proposes to do business from time
to time, and whose status as a Limited Partner or Assignee the
General Partner determines does not or would not subject such
Group Member to a significant risk of cancellation or forfeiture
of any of its properties or any interest therein.
Eligible Holder means a Person either
(a) subject to United States federal income taxation on the
income generated by the Partnership or (b) not subject to
United States federal income taxation on the income generated by
the Partnership, but all of whose beneficial owners are subject
to United States federal income taxation on the income generated
by the Partnership. Schedule I to the Transfer Application
provides examples of Persons that are and Persons that are not
Eligible Holders.
Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount
has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.9.
Event of Withdrawal has the meaning assigned
to such term in Section 11.1(a).
Expansion Capital Expenditures means cash
expenditures for Acquisitions or Capital Improvements, and shall
not include Maintenance Capital Expenditures.
FERC means the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
Final Subordinated Units has the meaning
assigned to such term in Section 6.1(d)(x).
First Liquidation Target Amount has the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(E).
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First Target Distribution means
$0.345 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the period
commencing on the Closing Date and ending on September 30,
2007, it means the product of $0.345 multiplied by a fraction of
which the numerator is the number of days in such period, and of
which the denominator is 92), subject to adjustment in
accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
Fully Diluted Basis means, when calculating
the number of Outstanding Units for any period, a basis that
includes, in addition to the Outstanding Units, all Partnership
Securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights
relating to an equity interest in the Partnership (a) that
are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Units
that are senior to or pari passu with the Subordinated Units,
(b) whose conversion, exercise or exchange price is less
than the Current Market Price on the date of such calculation,
(c) that may be converted into or exercised or exchanged
for such Units prior to or during the Quarter immediately
following the end of the period for which the calculation is
being made without the satisfaction of any contingency beyond
the control of the holder other than the payment of
consideration and the compliance with administrative mechanics
applicable to such conversion, exercise or exchange and
(d) that were not converted into or exercised or exchanged
for such Units during the period for which the calculation is
being made; provided, however, that for purposes of determining
the number of Outstanding Units on a Fully Diluted Basis when
calculating whether the Subordination Period has ended or
Subordinated Units are entitled to convert into Common Units
pursuant to Section 5.7, such Partnership Securities,
options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights shall be
deemed to have been Outstanding Units only for the four Quarters
that comprise the last four Quarters of the measurement period;
provided, further, that if consideration will be paid to any
Group Member in connection with such conversion, exercise or
exchange, the number of Units to be included in such calculation
shall be that number equal to the difference between
(i) the number of Units issuable upon such conversion,
exercise or exchange and (ii) the number of Units that such
consideration would purchase at the Current Market Price.
General Partner means Spectra Energy Partners
(DE) GP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and its successors
and permitted assigns that are admitted to the Partnership as
general partner of the Partnership, in its capacity as general
partner of the Partnership (except as the context otherwise
requires).
General Partner Interest means the ownership
interest of the General Partner in the Partnership (in its
capacity as a general partner without reference to any Limited
Partner Interest held by it), which is evidenced by General
Partner Units, and includes any and all benefits to which the
General Partner is entitled as provided in this Agreement,
together with all obligations of the General Partner to comply
with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
General Partner Unit means a fractional part
of the General Partner Interest having the rights and
obligations specified with respect to the General Partner
Interest. A General Partner Unit is not a Unit.
Group means a Person that with or through any
of its Affiliates or Associates has any contract, arrangement,
understanding or relationship for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or
consent given to such Person in response to a proxy or consent
solicitation made to 10 or more Persons), exercising investment
power or disposing of any Partnership Interests with any
other Person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or
Associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
Partnership Interests.
Group Member means a member of the
Partnership Group.
Group Member Agreement means the partnership
agreement of any Group Member, other than the Partnership, that
is a limited or general partnership, the limited liability
company agreement of any Group Member that is a limited
liability company, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws
or similar organizational documents of any Group Member that is
a corporation, the joint venture agreement or similar governing
document of any Group Member that is a joint venture and the
governing or organizational or similar documents of any other
Group Member that is a Person other than a limited or general
partnership, limited liability company, corporation or joint
venture, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from
time to time.
Holder as used in Section 7.12, has the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.12(a).
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IDR Reset Election has the meaning assigned
to such term in Section 5.11(a).
Incentive Distribution Right means a
non-voting Limited Partner Interest issued to the General
Partner, which Limited Partner Interest will confer upon the
holder thereof only the rights and obligations specifically
provided in this Agreement with respect to Incentive
Distribution Rights (and no other rights otherwise available to
or other obligations of a holder of a Partnership Interest).
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the
holder of an Incentive Distribution Right shall not be entitled
to vote such Incentive Distribution Right on any Partnership
matter except as may otherwise be required by law.
Incentive Distributions means any amount of
cash distributed to the holders of the Incentive Distribution
Rights pursuant to Sections 6.4(a)(v), (vi) and
(vii) and 6.4(b)(iii), (iv) and (v).
Incremental Income Taxes has the meaning
assigned to such term in Section 6.9.
Indemnified Persons has the meaning assigned
to such term in Section 7.12(d).
Indemnitee means (a) the General
Partner, (b) any Departing General Partner, (c) any
Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any
Departing General Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a
member, partner, director, officer, fiduciary or trustee of any
Group Member (other than any Person who is or was a Limited
Partner of the Partnership in such Persons capacity as
such), the General Partner or any Departing General Partner or
any Affiliate of any Group Member, the General Partner or any
Departing General Partner, (e) any Person who is or was
serving at the request of the General Partner or any Departing
General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner or any
Departing General Partner as an officer, director, member,
partner, fiduciary or trustee of another Person; provided that a
Person shall not be an Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a
fee-for-services
basis, trustee, fiduciary or custodial services, and
(f) any Person the General Partner designates as an
Indemnitee for purposes of this Agreement.
Ineligible Holder means a Person whom the
General Partner has determined is not an Eligible Holder.
Initial Common Units means the Common Units
sold in the Initial Offering.
Initial Limited Partners means the
Organizational Limited Partner, Spectra Energy Southeast
Pipeline Corp. and the General Partner (with respect to the
Common Units, Subordinated Units and Incentive Distribution
Rights received by them pursuant to Section 5.2) and the
Underwriters, in each case upon being admitted to the
Partnership in accordance with Section 10.1.
Initial Offering means the initial offering
and sale of Common Units to the public, as described in the
Registration Statement.
Initial Unit Price means (a) with
respect to the Common Units and the Subordinated Units, the
initial public offering price per Common Unit at which the
Underwriters offered the Common Units to the public for sale as
set forth on the cover page of the prospectus included as part
of the Registration Statement and first issued at or after the
time the Registration Statement first became effective or
(b) with respect to any other class or series of Units, the
price per Unit at which such class or series of Units is
initially sold by the Partnership, as determined by the General
Partner, in each case adjusted as the General Partner determines
to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution,
subdivision or combination of Units.
Interest Rate Hedge Contract means any
interest rate exchange, swap, forward, cap, floor collar or
other similar agreement or arrangement entered into for the
purpose of reducing the exposure of the Partnership Group to
fluctuations in interest rates in their financing activities and
not for speculative purposes.
Interim Capital Transactions means the
following transactions if they occur prior to the Liquidation
Date: (a) borrowings, refinancings or refundings of
indebtedness (other than for items purchased on open account in
the ordinary course of business) by any Group Member and sales
of debt securities of any Group Member; (b) sales of equity
interests of any Group Member (including the Common Units sold
to the Underwriters pursuant to the exercise of the
Over-Allotment Option); (c) sales or other voluntary or
involuntary dispositions of any assets of any Group Member other
than (i) sales or other dispositions of inventory, accounts
receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of business,
and (ii) sales or other dispositions of assets as part of
normal retirements or replacements; (d) the termination of
Interest Rate
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Hedge Contracts or Commodity Hedge Contracts prior to the
termination date specified therein; (e) capital
contributions received; or (f) corporate reorganizations or
restructurings.
Issue Price means the price at which a Unit
is purchased from the Partnership, net of any sales commission
or underwriting discount charged to the Partnership.
Limited Partner means, unless the context
otherwise requires, (a) the Organizational Limited Partner
prior to its withdrawal from the Partnership, each Initial
Limited Partner, each Substituted Limited Partner, each
Additional Limited Partner and any Departing General Partner
upon the change of its status from General Partner to Limited
Partner pursuant to Section 11.3, in each case, in such
Persons capacity as limited partner of the Partnership or
(b) solely for purposes of Articles V, VI, VII, IX and
XII, each Assignee; provided, however, that when the term
Limited Partner is used herein in the context of any
vote or other approval, including Articles XIII and XIV,
such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include any holder
of an Incentive Distribution Right (solely with respect to its
Incentive Distribution Rights and not with respect to any other
Limited Partner Interest held by such Person) except as may be
required by law.
Limited Partner Interest means the ownership
interest of a Limited Partner or Assignee in the Partnership,
which may be evidenced by Common Units, Class B Units,
Subordinated Units, Incentive Distribution Rights or other
Partnership Securities or a combination thereof or interest
therein, and includes any and all benefits to which such Limited
Partner or Assignee is entitled as provided in this Agreement,
together with all obligations of such Limited Partner or
Assignee to comply with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement; provided, however, that when the term Limited
Partner Interest is used herein in the context of any vote
or other approval, including Articles XIII and XIV, such
term shall not, solely for such purpose, include any Incentive
Distribution Right except as may be required by law.
Limited Partner Unit means each of the Common
Units, Class B Units, Subordinated Units and other Units
representing fractional parts of the Partnership Interests
of all Limited Partners and Assignees.
Liquidation Date means (a) in the case
of an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership of
the type described in clauses (a) and (b) of the first
sentence of Section 12.2, the date on which the applicable
time period during which the holders of Outstanding Units have
the right to elect to continue the business of the Partnership
has expired without such an election being made, and (b) in
the case of any other event giving rise to the dissolution of
the Partnership, the date on which such event occurs.
Liquidator means one or more Persons selected
by the General Partner to perform the functions described in
Section 12.4 as liquidating trustee of the Partnership
within the meaning of the Delaware Act.
Maintenance Capital Expenditures means cash
expenditures (including expenditures for the addition or
improvement to the capital assets owned by any Group Member or
for the acquisition of existing, or the construction of new,
capital assets) if such expenditures are made to maintain,
including over the long term, the operating capacity, asset base
or income of the Partnership Group.
Merger Agreement has the meaning assigned to
such term in Section 14.1.
Minimum Quarterly Distribution means
$0.30 per Unit per Quarter (or with respect to the period
commencing on the Closing Date and ending on September 30,
2007, it means the product of $0.30 multiplied by a fraction of
which the numerator is the number of days in such period and of
which the denominator is 92), subject to adjustment in
accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
National Securities Exchange means an
exchange registered with the Commission under Section 6(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act and any successor to such statute.
Net Agreed Value means, (a) in the case
of any Contributed Property, the Agreed Value of such property
reduced by any liabilities either assumed by the Partnership
upon such contribution or to which such property is subject when
contributed, and (b) in the case of any property
distributed to a Partner or Assignee by the Partnership, the
Partnerships Carrying Value of such property (as adjusted
pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(ii)) at the time such property
is distributed, reduced by any indebtedness either assumed by
such Partner or Assignee upon such distribution or to which such
property is subject at the time of
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distribution, in either case, as determined under
Section 752 of the Code, and (c) in the case of a
contribution of Common Units by the General Partner to the
Partnership as a Capital Contribution pursuant to
Section 5.2(b), an amount per Common Unit contributed equal
to the Current Market Price per Common Unit as of the date of
the contribution.
Net Income means, for any taxable year, the
excess, if any, of the Partnerships items of income and
gain (other than those items taken into account in the
computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year over the Partnerships items of loss and
deduction (other than those items taken into account in the
computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year. The items included in the calculation of Net
Income shall be determined in accordance with
Section 5.5(b) and shall not include any items specially
allocated under Section 6.1(d); provided, that the
determination of the items that have been specially allocated
under Section 6.1(d) shall be made as if
Section 6.1(d)(xii) were not in this Agreement.
Net Loss means, for any taxable year, the
excess, if any, of the Partnerships items of loss and
deduction (other than those items taken into account in the
computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year over the Partnerships items of income
and gain (other than those items taken into account in the
computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year. The items included in the calculation of Net
Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b)
and shall not include any items specially allocated under
Section 6.1(d); provided, that the determination of the
items that have been specially allocated under
Section 6.1(d) shall be made as if Section 6.1(d)(xii)
were not in this Agreement.
Net Positive Adjustments means, with respect
to any Partner, the excess, if any, of the total positive
adjustments over the total negative adjustments made to the
Capital Account of such Partner pursuant to
Book-Up
Events and Book-Down Events.
Net Termination Gain means, for any taxable
year, the sum, if positive, of all items of income, gain, loss
or deduction recognized by the Partnership after the Liquidation
Date. The items included in the determination of Net Termination
Gain shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b)
and shall not include any items of income, gain or loss
specially allocated under Section 6.1(d).
Net Termination Loss means, for any taxable
year, the sum, if negative, of all items of income, gain, loss
or deduction recognized by the Partnership after the Liquidation
Date. The items included in the determination of Net Termination
Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b)
and shall not include any items of income, gain or loss
specially allocated under Section 6.1(d).
Non-citizen Assignee means a Person whom the
General Partner has determined does not constitute an Eligible
Citizen and as to whose Partnership Interest the General Partner
has become the Substituted Limited Partner, pursuant to
Section 4.9.
Nonrecourse Built-in Gain means with respect
to any Contributed Properties or Adjusted Properties that are
subject to a mortgage or pledge securing a Nonrecourse
Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be
allocated to the Partners pursuant to
Sections 6.2(b)(i)(A), 6.2(b)(ii)(A) and 6.2(b)(iii) if
such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in
full satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other
consideration.
Nonrecourse Deductions means any and all
items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including any
expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code)
that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(b),
are attributable to a Nonrecourse Liability.
Nonrecourse Liability has the meaning set
forth in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.752-1(a)(2).
Notice of Election to Purchase has the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 15.1(b).
Omnibus Agreement means that certain Omnibus
Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among Spectra Energy
Corp., the General Partner and the Partnership, as such
agreement may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to
time.
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Operating Expenditures means all Partnership
Group cash expenditures (or the Partnerships proportionate
share of expenditures in the case of Subsidiaries that are not
wholly owned), including, but not limited to, taxes,
reimbursements of the General Partner, interest payments,
payments made in the ordinary course of business under Interest
Rate Hedge Contracts and Commodity Hedge Contracts, Maintenance
Capital Expenditures, non-Pro Rata repurchases of Units (other
than those made with the proceeds of an Interim Capital
Transaction), subject to the following:
(a) payments (including prepayments and prepayment
penalties) of principal of and premium on indebtedness shall not
constitute Operating Expenditures; and
(b) Operating Expenditures shall not include
(i) Expansion Capital Expenditures, (ii) payment of
transaction expenses (including taxes) relating to Interim
Capital Transactions or (iii) distributions to Partners.
Where capital expenditures consist of both Maintenance Capital
Expenditures and Expansion Capital Expenditures, the General
Partner, with the concurrence of the Conflicts Committee, shall
determine the allocation between the portion consisting of
Maintenance Capital Expenditures and the portion consisting of
Expansion Capital Expenditures.
Operating Partnership means Spectra Energy
Partners OLP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and any
successors thereto.
Operating Surplus means, with respect to any
period ending prior to the Liquidation Date, on a cumulative
basis and without duplication,
(a) the sum of
(i) an amount equal to the sum of (A) two times the
amount needed for any one Quarter for the Partnership to pay the
minimum quarterly distribution on all Units (including the
General Partner Units) and (B) two times the amount in
excess of the minimum quarterly distribution for any quarter to
pay a distribution on all Common Units at the same per unit
amount as was distributed on the Common Units in excess of the
minimum quarterly distribution in the immediately preceding
quarter, provided the amount in (B) will be deemed to be
Operating Surplus only to the extent that the distribution paid
in respect of such amounts is paid on Common Units (or with
respect to the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending
on September 30, 2007, it means the product of
(x) $0.60 multiplied by (C) a fraction of which the
numerator is the number of days in such period and the
denominator is 92 multiplied by (D) the number of Units and
General Partner Units Outstanding on the Record Date with
respect to such period), and
(ii) all cash receipts of the Partnership Group (or the
Partnerships proportionate share of cash receipts in the
case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) for the period
beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of such
period, but excluding cash receipts from Interim Capital
Transactions (except to the extent specified in Section 6.5
and provided that cash receipts from the termination of a
Commodity Hedge Contract or an Interest Rate Hedge Contract
prior to its specified termination date shall be included in
Operating Surplus in equal quarterly installments over the
remaining scheduled life of such Commodity Hedge Contract or
Interest Rate Hedge Contract), less
(b) the sum of (i) Operating Expenditures for the
period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day
of such period and (ii) the amount of cash reserves (or the
Partnerships proportionate share of cash reserves in the
case of Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned) established by
the General Partner to provide funds for future Operating
Expenditures; provided, however, that disbursements made
(including contributions to a Group Member or disbursements on
behalf of a Group Member) or cash reserves established,
increased or reduced after the end of such period but on or
before the date of determination of Available Cash with respect
to such period shall be deemed to have been made, established,
increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Operating
Surplus, within such period if the General Partner so determines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Operating Surplus
with respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs
and any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero.
Opinion of Counsel means a written opinion of
counsel (who may be regular counsel to the Partnership or the
General Partner or any of its Affiliates) acceptable to the
General Partner.
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Option Closing Date means the date or dates
on which any Common Units are sold by the Partnership to the
Underwriters upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.
Organizational Limited Partner means Spectra
Energy Transmission, LLC in its capacity as the organizational
limited partner of the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement.
Outstanding means, with respect to
Partnership Securities, all Partnership Securities that are
issued by the Partnership and reflected as outstanding on the
Partnerships books and records as of the date of
determination; provided, however, that if at any time any Person
or Group (other than the General Partner or its Affiliates)
beneficially owns 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership
Securities of any class then Outstanding, all Partnership
Securities owned by such Person or Group shall not be voted on
any matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding when
sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any
matter (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required
votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar
purposes under this Agreement, except that Units so owned shall
be considered to be Outstanding for purposes of
Section 11.1(b)(iv) (such Units shall not, however, be
treated as a separate class of Partnership Securities for
purposes of this Agreement); provided, further, that the
foregoing limitation shall not apply to (i) any Person or
Group who acquired 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership
Securities of any class then Outstanding directly from the
General Partner or its Affiliates, (ii) any Person or Group
who acquired 20% or more of the Outstanding Partnership
Securities of any class then Outstanding directly or indirectly
from a Person or Group described in clause (i) provided
that the General Partner shall have notified such Person or
Group in writing that such limitation shall not apply, or
(iii) any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of any
Partnership Securities issued by the Partnership with the prior
approval of the Board of Directors of the General Partner.
Over-Allotment Option means the
over-allotment option granted to the Underwriters by the
Partnership pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt has the meaning set
forth in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain has the
meaning set forth in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions means any and
all items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including any
expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code)
that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i),
are attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt.
Partners means the General Partner and the
Limited Partners.
Partnership means Spectra Energy Partners,
LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Group means the Partnership and
its Subsidiaries treated as a single consolidated entity.
Partnership Interest means an interest
in the Partnership, which shall include the General Partner
Interest and Limited Partner Interests.
Partnership Minimum Gain means that amount
determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(d).
Partnership Security means any class or
series of equity interest in the Partnership (but excluding any
options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to an
equity interest in the Partnership), including Common Units,
Class B Units, Subordinated Units, General Partner Units
and Incentive Distribution Rights.
Per Unit Capital Amount means, as of any date
of determination, the Capital Account, stated on a per Unit
basis, underlying any Unit held by a Person other than the
General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner who
holds Units.
Percentage Interest means as of any date of
determination (a) as to the General Partner with respect to
General Partner Units and as to any Unitholder or Assignee
holding Units, the product obtained by multiplying (i) 100%
less the percentage applicable to clause (b) below by
(ii) the quotient obtained by
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dividing (A) the number of General Partner Units held by
the General Partner or the number of Units held by such
Unitholder or Assignee, as the case may be, by (B) the
total number of all Outstanding Units and General Partner Units,
and (b) as to the holders of other Partnership Securities
issued by the Partnership in accordance with Section 5.6,
the percentage established as a part of such issuance. The
Percentage Interest with respect to an Incentive Distribution
Right shall at all times be zero.
Person means an individual or a corporation,
firm, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture,
trust, unincorporated organization, association, government
agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
Pro Rata means (a) when used with
respect to Units or any class thereof, apportioned equally among
all designated Units in accordance with their relative
Percentage Interests, (b) when used with respect to
Partners and Assignees or Record Holders, apportioned among all
Partners and Assignees or Record Holders in accordance with
their relative Percentage Interests and (c) when used with
respect to holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, apportioned
equally among all holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in
accordance with the relative number or percentage of Incentive
Distribution Rights held by each such holder.
Purchase Date means the date determined by
the General Partner as the date for purchase of all Outstanding
Limited Partner Interests of a certain class (other than Limited
Partner Interests owned by the General Partner and its
Affiliates) pursuant to Article XV.
Quarter means, unless the context requires
otherwise, a fiscal quarter of the Partnership, or, with respect
to the fiscal quarter of the Partnership which includes the
Closing Date, the portion of such fiscal quarter after the
Closing Date.
Recapture Income means any gain recognized by
the Partnership (computed without regard to any adjustment
required by Section 734 or Section 743 of the Code)
upon the disposition of any property or asset of the
Partnership, which gain is characterized as ordinary income
because it represents the recapture of deductions previously
taken with respect to such property or asset.
Record Date means the date established by the
General Partner or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement
for determining (a) the identity of the Record Holders
entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of Limited
Partners or entitled to vote by ballot or give approval of
Partnership action in writing without a meeting or entitled to
exercise rights in respect of any lawful action of Limited
Partners or (b) the identity of Record Holders entitled to
receive any report or distribution or to participate in any
offer.
Record Holder means the Person in whose name
a Common Unit is registered on the books of the Transfer Agent
as of the opening of business on a particular Business Day, or
with respect to other Partnership Interests, the Person in
whose name any such other Partnership Interest is
registered on the books that the General Partner has caused to
be kept as of the opening of business on such Business Day.
Redeemable Interests means any
Partnership Interests for which a redemption notice has
been given, and has not been withdrawn, pursuant to
Section 4.10.
Registration Statement means the Registration
Statement on
Form S-1
(File
No. 333-141687)
as it has been or as it may be amended or supplemented from time
to time, filed by the Partnership with the Commission under the
Securities Act to register the offering and sale of the Common
Units in the Initial Offering.
Remaining Net Positive Adjustments means as
of the end of any taxable period, (i) with respect to the
Unitholders holding Common Units, Class B Units or
Subordinated Units, the excess of (a) the Net Positive
Adjustments of the Unitholders holding Common Units,
Class B Units or Subordinated Units as of the end of such
period over (b) the sum of those Partners Share of
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for each prior taxable
period, (ii) with respect to the General Partner (as holder
of the General Partner Units), the excess of (a) the Net
Positive Adjustments of the General Partner as of the end of
such period over (b) the sum of the General Partners
Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to
the General Partner Units for each prior taxable period, and
(iii) with respect to the holders of Incentive
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Distribution Rights, the excess of (a) the Net Positive
Adjustments of the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights as
of the end of such period over (b) the sum of the Share of
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items of the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights for each prior taxable period.
Required Allocations means (a) any
limitation imposed on any allocation of Net Losses or Net
Termination Losses under Section 6.1(b) or
Section 6.1(c)(ii) and (b) any allocation of an item
of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to
Section 6.1(d)(i), Section 6.1(d)(ii),
Section 6.1(d)(iv), Section 6.1(d)(vii) or
Section 6.1(d)(ix).
Residual Gain or Residual
Loss means any item of gain or loss, as the case may
be, of the Partnership recognized for federal income tax
purposes resulting from a sale, exchange or other disposition of
a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, to the extent such
item of gain or loss is not allocated pursuant to
Section 6.2(b)(i)(A) or Section 6.2(b)(ii)(A),
respectively, to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.
Reset MQD has the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 5.11(e).
Reset Notice has the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 5.11(b).
Retained Converted Subordinated Unit has the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.5(c)(ii).
Second Liquidation Target Amount has the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(F).
Second Target Distribution means
$0.375 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the period
commencing on the Closing Date and ending on September 30,
2007, it means the product of $0.375 multiplied by a fraction of
which the numerator is equal to the number of days in such
period and of which the denominator is 92), subject to
adjustment in accordance with Section 5.11,
Section 6.6 and Section 6.9.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and
any successor to such statute.
Securities Exchange Act means the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from
time to time and any successor to such statute.
Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative
Items means in connection with any allocation of
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for any taxable period,
(i) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units,
Class B Units or Subordinated Units, the amount that bears
the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as
the Unitholders Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of
the end of such period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net
Positive Adjustments as of that time, (ii) with respect to
the General Partner (as holder of the General Partner Units),
the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book
Basis Derivative Items as the General Partners Remaining
Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such period bears to
the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustment as of that time,
and (iii) with respect to the Partners holding Incentive
Distribution Rights, the amount that bears the same ratio to
such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Remaining Net
Positive Adjustments of the Partners holding the Incentive
Distribution Rights as of the end of such period bears to the
Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time.
Special Approval means approval by a majority
of the members of the Conflicts Committee.
Subordinated Unit means a Partnership
Security representing a fractional part of the
Partnership Interests of all Limited Partners and Assignees
and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to
Subordinated Units in this Agreement. The term
Subordinated Unit does not include a Common Unit or
Class B Unit. A Subordinated Unit that is convertible into
a Common Unit shall not constitute a Common Unit until such
conversion occurs.
Subordination Period means the period
commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first to occur
of:
(a) the first date on which there are no longer outstanding
any Subordinated Units due to the conversion of Subordinated
Units into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7 or
otherwise; and
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(b) the date on which the General Partner is removed as
general partner of the Partnership upon the requisite vote by
holders of Outstanding Units under circumstances where Cause
does not exist and Units held by the General Partner and its
Affiliates are not voted in favor of such removal.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person,
(a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting
power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other
governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or
indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one
or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof,
(b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which
such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of
determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership,
but only if more than 50% of the partnership interests of such
partnership (considering all of the partnership interests of the
partnership as a single class) is owned, directly or indirectly,
at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, or
(c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a
partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of
such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly,
at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority
ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the
election of a majority of the directors or other governing body
of such Person.
Substituted Limited Partner means a Person
who is admitted as a Limited Partner to the Partnership pursuant
to Section 10.2 in place of and with all the rights of a
Limited Partner and who is shown as a Limited Partner on the
books and records of the Partnership.
Surviving Business Entity has the meaning
assigned to such term in Section 14.2(b).
Target Distributions means, collectively, the
First Target Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third
Target Distribution.
Taxation Certification means a properly
completed certificate in such form or forms as may be specified
by the General Partner by which a Limited Partner or Assignee
certifies that he (and if he is a nominee holding for the
account of another Person, that to the best of his knowledge
such other Person) is an Eligible Holder and includes a Transfer
Application containing such a certification.
Third Liquidation Target Amount has the
meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(G).
Third Target Distribution means
$0.45 per Unit per Quarter (or, with respect to the period
commencing on the Closing Date and ending on September 30,
2007, it means the product of $0.45 multiplied by a fraction of
which the numerator is equal to the number of days in such
period and of which the denominator is 92), subject to
adjustment in accordance with Sections 5.11, 6.6 and 6.9.
Trading Day means, for the purpose of
determining the Current Market Price of any class of Limited
Partner Interests, a day on which the principal National
Securities Exchange on which such class of Limited Partner
Interests are listed is open for the transaction of business or,
if Limited Partner Interests of a class are not listed on any
National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking
institutions in New York City generally are open.
transfer has the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 4.4(a).
Transfer Agent means such bank, trust company
or other Person (including the General Partner or one of its
Affiliates) as shall be appointed from time to time by the
General Partner to act as registrar and transfer agent for the
Common Units; provided, that if no Transfer Agent is
specifically designated for any other Partnership Securities,
the General Partner shall act in such capacity.
Transfer Application means an application and
agreement for transfer of Units in the form set forth on the
back of a Certificate or in a form substantially to the same
effect in a separate instrument.
Underwriter means each Person named as an
underwriter in Schedule I to the Underwriting Agreement who
purchases Common Units pursuant thereto.
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Underwriting Agreement means that certain
Underwriting Agreement dated as of June 26, 2007 among the
Underwriters, the Partnership, the General Partner and the other
parties thereto, providing for the purchase of Common Units by
the Underwriters.
Unit means a Partnership Security that is
designated as a Unit and shall include Common Units,
Class B Units and Subordinated Units but shall not include
(i) General Partner Units (or the General Partner Interest
represented thereby) or (ii) Incentive Distribution Rights.
Unit Majority means (i) during the
Subordination Period, at least a majority of the Outstanding
Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General
Partner and its Affiliates), voting as a class, and at least a
majority of the Outstanding Subordinated Units, voting as a
class, and (ii) after the end of the Subordination Period,
at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and
Class B Units, if any, voting as a single class.
Unitholders means the holders of Units.
Unpaid MQD has the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(B).
Unrealized Gain attributable to any item of
Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the
excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of such
property as of such date (as determined under
Section 5.5(d)) over (b) the Carrying Value of such
property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made
pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date).
Unrealized Loss attributable to any item of
Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the
excess, if any, of (a) the Carrying Value of such property
as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to
Section 5.5(d) as of such date) over (b) the fair
market value of such property as of such date (as determined
under Section 5.5(d)).
Unrecovered Initial Unit Price means at any
time, with respect to a Unit, the Initial Unit Price less the
sum of all distributions constituting Capital Surplus
theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit and any
distributions of cash (or the Net Agreed Value of any
distributions in kind) in connection with the dissolution and
liquidation of the Partnership theretofore made in respect of an
Initial Common Unit, adjusted as the General Partner determines
to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution,
subdivision or combination of such Units.
U.S. GAAP means United States generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel has the meaning
assigned to such term in Section 11.1(b).
Section 1.2 Construction.
Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used
in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine,
feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns,
pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa;
(b) references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles
and Sections of this Agreement; (c) the terms
include, includes, including
or words of like import shall be deemed to be followed by the
words without limitation; and (d) the terms
hereof, herein or hereunder
refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
provision of this Agreement. The and headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only, and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
Section 2.1 Formation.
The General Partner and the Organizational Limited Partner have
previously formed the Partnership as a limited partnership
pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act and hereby amend
and restate the original Agreement of Limited Partnership of
Spectra Energy Partners, LP in its entirety. This amendment and
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restatement shall become effective on the date of this
Agreement. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this
Agreement, the rights, duties (including fiduciary duties),
liabilities and obligations of the Partners and the
administration, dissolution and termination of the Partnership
shall be governed by the Delaware Act. All
Partnership Interests shall constitute personal property of
the owner thereof for all purposes.
Section 2.2 Name.
The name of the Partnership shall be Spectra Energy
Partners, LP. The Partnerships business may be
conducted under any other name or names as determined by the
General Partner, including the name of the General Partner. The
words Limited Partnership, LP,
Ltd. or similar words or letters shall be included
in the Partnerships name where necessary for the purpose
of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires.
The General Partner may change the name of the Partnership at
any time and from time to time and shall notify the Limited
Partners of such change in the next regular communication to the
Limited Partners.
Section 2.3 Registered
Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices
Unless and until changed by the General Partner, the registered
office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be
located at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County,
Delaware 19801, and the registered agent for service of process
on the Partnership in the State of Delaware at such registered
office shall be The Corporation Trust Company. The principal
office of the Partnership shall be located at
5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, or such other
place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by
notice to the Limited Partners. The Partnership may maintain
offices at such other place or places within or outside the
State of Delaware as the General Partner shall determine
necessary or appropriate. The address of the General Partner
shall be 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas 77056, or
such other place as the General Partner may from time to time
designate by notice to the Limited Partners.
Section 2.4 Purpose
and Business.
The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the
Partnership shall be to (a) engage directly in, or enter
into or form, hold and dispose of any corporation, partnership,
joint venture, limited liability company or other arrangement to
engage indirectly in, any business activity that is approved by
the General Partner and that lawfully may be conducted by a
limited partnership organized pursuant to the Delaware Act and,
in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and
powers conferred upon the Partnership pursuant to the agreements
relating to such business activity, and (b) do anything
necessary or appropriate to the foregoing, including the making
of capital contributions or loans to a Group Member; provided,
however, that the General Partner shall not cause the
Partnership to engage, directly or indirectly, in any business
activity that the General Partner determines would cause the
Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for federal income
tax purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the
General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to propose or
approve, and may decline to propose or approve, the conduct by
the Partnership of any business free of any fiduciary duty or
obligation whatsoever to the Partnership, any Limited Partner or
any Assignee and, in declining to so propose or approve, shall
not be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other
standard imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement,
any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware
Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity.
Section 2.5 Powers.
The Partnership shall be empowered to do any and all acts and
things necessary or appropriate for the furtherance and
accomplishment of the purposes and business described in
Section 2.4 and for the protection and benefit of the
Partnership.
Section 2.6 Power
of Attorney.
(a) Each Limited Partner and each Assignee hereby
constitutes and appoints the General Partner and, if a
Liquidator shall have been selected pursuant to
Section 12.3, the Liquidator (and any successor to the
Liquidator by merger, transfer, assignment, election or
otherwise) and each of their authorized officers and
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attorneys-in-fact,
as the case may be, with full power of substitution, as his true
and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact,
with full power and authority in his name, place and stead, to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and
record in the appropriate public offices (A) all
certificates, documents and other instruments (including this
Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all
amendments or restatements hereof or thereof) that the General
Partner or the Liquidator determines to be necessary or
appropriate to form, qualify or continue the existence or
qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a
partnership in which the limited partners have limited
liability) in the State of Delaware and in all other
jurisdictions in which the Partnership may conduct business or
own property; (B) all certificates, documents and other
instruments that the General Partner or the Liquidator
determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect, in
accordance with its terms, any amendment, change, modification
or restatement of this Agreement; (C) all certificates,
documents and other instruments (including conveyances and a
certificate of cancellation) that the General Partner or the
Liquidator determines to be necessary or appropriate to reflect
the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement; (D) all certificates,
documents and other instruments relating to the admission,
withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Partner pursuant to,
or other events described in, Article IV, Article X,
Article XI or Article XII; (E) all certificates,
documents and other instruments relating to the determination of
the rights, preferences and privileges of any class or series of
Partnership Securities issued pursuant to Section 5.6; and
(F) all certificates, documents and other instruments
(including agreements and a certificate of merger or conversion)
relating to a merger, consolidation or conversion of the
Partnership pursuant to Article XIV; and
(ii) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and
record all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates,
documents and other instruments that the General Partner or the
Liquidator determines to be necessary or appropriate to
(A) make, evidence, give, confirm or ratify any vote,
consent, approval, agreement or other action that is made or
given by the Partners hereunder or is consistent with the terms
of this Agreement or (B) effectuate the terms or intent of
this Agreement; provided, that when required by
Section 13.3 or any other provision of this Agreement that
establishes a percentage of the Limited Partners or of the
Limited Partners of any class or series required to take any
action, the General Partner and the Liquidator may exercise the
power of attorney made in this Section 2.6(a)(ii) only
after the necessary vote, consent or approval of the Limited
Partners or of the Limited Partners of such class or series, as
applicable.
Nothing contained in this Section 2.6(a) shall be construed
as authorizing the General Partner to amend this Agreement
except in accordance with Article XIII or as may be
otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement.
(b) The foregoing power of attorney is hereby declared to
be irrevocable and a power coupled with an interest, and it
shall survive and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, not
be affected by, the subsequent death, incompetency, disability,
incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of any
Limited Partner or Assignee and the transfer of all or any
portion of such Limited Partners or Assignees
Partnership Interest and shall extend to such Limited
Partners or Assignees heirs, successors, assigns and
personal representatives. Each such Limited Partner or Assignee
hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the
General Partner or the Liquidator acting in good faith pursuant
to such power of attorney; and each such Limited Partner or
Assignee, to the maximum extent permitted by law, hereby waives
any and all defenses that may be available to contest, negate or
disaffirm the action of the General Partner or the Liquidator
taken in good faith under such power of attorney. Each Limited
Partner or Assignee shall execute and deliver to the General
Partner or the Liquidator, within 15 days after receipt of
the request therefor, such further designation, powers of
attorney and other instruments as the General Partner or the
Liquidator may request in order to effectuate this Agreement and
the purposes of the Partnership.
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Section 2.7 Term.
The term of the Partnership commenced upon the filing of the
Certificate of Limited Partnership in accordance with the
Delaware Act and shall continue in existence until the
dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions
of Article XII. The existence of the Partnership as a
separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of
the Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the
Delaware Act.
Section 2.8 Title
to Partnership Assets.
Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and
whether tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by
the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner or Assignee,
individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest
in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any
or all of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the
Partnership, the General Partner, one or more of its Affiliates
or one or more nominees, as the General Partner may determine.
The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any
Partnership assets for which record title is held in the name of
the General Partner or one or more of its Affiliates or one or
more nominees shall be held by the General Partner or such
Affiliate or nominee for the use and benefit of the Partnership
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided,
however, that the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts
to cause record title to such assets (other than those assets in
respect of which the General Partner determines that the expense
and difficulty of conveyancing makes transfer of record title to
the Partnership impracticable) to be vested in the Partnership
as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, further, that,
prior to the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner or as
soon thereafter as practicable, the General Partner shall use
reasonable efforts to effect the transfer of record title to the
Partnership and, prior to any such transfer, will provide for
the use of such assets in a manner satisfactory to the General
Partner. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the
property of the Partnership in its books and records,
irrespective of the name in which record title to such
Partnership assets is held.
ARTICLE III
RIGHTS OF
LIMITED PARTNERS
Section 3.1 Limitation
of Liability.
The Limited Partners and the Assignees shall have no liability
under this Agreement except as expressly provided in this
Agreement or the Delaware Act.
Section 3.2 Management
of Business.
No Limited Partner or Assignee, in its capacity as such, shall
participate in the operation, management or control (within the
meaning of the Delaware Act) of the Partnerships business,
transact any business in the Partnerships name or have the
power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Partnership.
Any action taken by any Affiliate of the General Partner or any
officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner,
agent or trustee of the General Partner or any of its
Affiliates, or any officer, director, employee, manager, member,
general partner, agent or trustee of a Group Member, in its
capacity as such, shall not be deemed to be participation in the
control of the business of the Partnership by a limited partner
of the Partnership (within the meaning of
Section 17-303(a)
of the Delaware Act) and shall not affect, impair or eliminate
the limitations on the liability of the Limited Partners or
Assignees under this Agreement.
Section 3.3 Outside
Activities of the Limited Partners.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.5, any Limited
Partner or Assignee shall be entitled to and may have business
interests and engage in business activities in addition to those
relating to the Partnership, including business interests and
activities in direct competition with the Partnership Group.
Neither the Partnership nor any of the other Partners or
Assignees shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in
any business ventures of any Limited Partner or Assignee.
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Section 3.4 Rights
of Limited Partners.
(a) In addition to other rights provided by this Agreement
or by applicable law, and except as limited by
Section 3.4(b), each Limited Partner shall have the right,
for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partners
interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon
reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand,
and at such Limited Partners own expense:
(i) to obtain true and full information regarding the
status of the business and financial condition of the
Partnership;
(ii) promptly after its becoming available, to obtain a
copy of the Partnerships federal, state and local income
tax returns for each year;
(iii) to obtain a current list of the name and last known
business, residence or mailing address of each Partner;
(iv) to obtain a copy of this Agreement and the Certificate
of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto, together with
copies of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant
to which this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership
and all amendments thereto have been executed;
(v) to obtain true and full information regarding the
amount of cash and a description and statement of the Net Agreed
Value of any other Capital Contribution by each Partner and that
each Partner has agreed to contribute in the future, and the
date on which each became a Partner; and
(vi) to obtain such other information regarding the affairs
of the Partnership as is just and reasonable.
(b) The General Partner may keep confidential from the
Limited Partners and Assignees, for such period of time as the
General Partner deems reasonable, (i) any information that
the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of
trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of
which the General Partner in good faith believes (A) is not
in the best interests of the Partnership Group, (B) could
damage the Partnership Group or its business or (C) that
any Group Member is required by law or by agreement with any
third party to keep confidential (other than agreements with
Affiliates of the Partnership the primary purpose of which is to
circumvent the obligations set forth in this Section 3.4).
ARTICLE IV
CERTIFICATES;
RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS;
REDEMPTION OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Section 4.1 Certificates.
Upon the Partnerships issuance of Common Units,
Subordinated Units or Class B Units to any Person, the
Partnership shall issue, upon the request of such Person, one or
more Certificates in the name of such Person (or, if issued in
global form, in the name of the Depositary or its nominee)
evidencing the number of such Units being so issued. In
addition, (a) upon the General Partners request, the
Partnership shall issue to it one or more Certificates in the
name of the General Partner evidencing its General Partner Units
and (b) upon the request of any Person owning Incentive
Distribution Rights or any other Partnership Securities other
than Common Units, Subordinated Units or Class B Units, the
Partnership shall issue to such Person one or more certificates
evidencing such Incentive Distribution Rights or other
Partnership Securities other than Common Units, Subordinated
Units or Class B Units. Certificates shall be executed on
behalf of the Partnership by the Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer or any
Vice President and the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, or
other authorized officer or director of the General Partner. No
Common Unit Certificate shall be valid for any purpose until it
has been countersigned by the Transfer Agent; provided, however,
the Units may be certificated or uncertificated as provided in
the Delaware Act; provided, further, that if the General Partner
elects to issue Common Units in global form, the Common Unit
Certificates shall be valid upon receipt of a certificate from
the Transfer Agent certifying that
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the Common Units have been duly registered in accordance with
the directions of the Partnership. Subject to the requirements
of Section 6.7(b) and Section 6.7(c), the Partners
holding Certificates evidencing Subordinated Units may exchange
such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units on or
after the date on which such Subordinated Units are converted
into Common Units pursuant to the terms of Section 5.7.
Subject to the requirements of Section 6.7(e), the Partners
holding Certificates evidencing Class B Units may exchange
such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units on or
after the period set forth in Section 5.11(f) pursuant to
the terms of Section 5.11.
Section 4.2 Mutilated,
Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.
(a) If any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the
Transfer Agent (for Common Units) or the General Partner (for
Partnership Securities other than Common Units), the appropriate
officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership
shall execute, and the Transfer Agent (for Common Units) or the
General Partner (for Partnership Securities other than Common
Units) shall countersign and deliver in exchange therefor, a new
Certificate evidencing the same number and type of Partnership
Securities as the Certificate so surrendered.
(b) The appropriate officers of the General Partner on
behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and the
Transfer Agent (for Common Units) shall countersign, a new
Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued, or
issue uncertificated Common Units, if the Record Holder of the
Certificate:
(i) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance
satisfactory to the General Partner, that a previously issued
Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen;
(ii) requests the issuance of a new Certificate or the
issuance of uncertificated Units before the General Partner has
notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for
value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;
(iii) if requested by the General Partner, delivers to the
General Partner a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to
the General Partner, with surety or sureties and with fixed or
open penalty as the General Partner may direct to indemnify the
Partnership, the Partners, the General Partner and the Transfer
Agent against any claim that may be made on account of the
alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate; and
(iv) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by
the General Partner.
If a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to notify the General
Partner within a reasonable period of time after he has notice
of the loss, destruction or theft of a Certificate, and a
transfer of the Limited Partner Interests represented by the
Certificate is registered before the Partnership, the General
Partner or the Transfer Agent receives such notification, the
Limited Partner or Assignee shall be precluded from making any
claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or the
Transfer Agent for such transfer or for a new Certificate or
uncertificated Units.
(c) As a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate
or uncertificated Units under this Section 4.2, the General
Partner may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation
thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses
of the Transfer Agent) reasonably connected therewith.
Section 4.3 Record
Holders.
The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the Record Holder
as the Partner or Assignee with respect to any
Partnership Interest and, accordingly, shall not be bound
to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in,
such Partnership Interest on the part of any other Person,
regardless of whether the Partnership shall have actual or other
notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law or any
applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any
National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests
are listed or admitted to trading. Without limiting the
foregoing, when a Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust
company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the
foregoing) is acting as nominee, agent or in some other
representative capacity for another Person in acquiring
and/or
holding
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Partnership Interests, as between the Partnership on the
one hand, and such other Persons on the other, such
representative Person (a) shall be the Partner or Assignee
(as the case may be) of record and beneficially, and
(b) shall be bound by this Agreement and shall have the
rights and obligations of a Partner or Assignee (as the case may
be) hereunder and as, and to the extent, provided for herein.
Section 4.4 Transfer
Generally.
(a) The term transfer, when used in this
Agreement with respect to a Partnership Interest, shall be
deemed to refer to a transaction (i) by which the General
Partner assigns its General Partner Units to another Person or
by which a holder of Incentive Distribution Rights assigns its
Incentive Distribution Rights to another Person, and includes a
sale, assignment, gift, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation,
mortgage, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise
or (ii) by which the holder of a Limited Partner Interest
(other than an Incentive Distribution Right) assigns such
Limited Partner Interest to another Person who is or becomes a
Limited Partner or an Assignee, and includes a sale, assignment,
gift, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise,
excluding a pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage but
including any transfer upon foreclosure of any pledge,
encumbrance, hypothecation or mortgage.
(b) No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in
whole or in part, except in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in this Article IV. Any transfer or
purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in
accordance with this Article IV shall be null and void.
(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed
to prevent a disposition by any stockholder, member, partner or
other owner of the General Partner of any or all of the shares
of stock, membership interests, partnership interests or other
ownership interests in the General Partner.
Section 4.5 Registration
and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests.
(a) The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept on
behalf of the Partnership a register in which, subject to such
reasonable regulations as it may prescribe and subject to the
provisions of Section 4.5(b), the Partnership will provide
for the registration and transfer of Limited Partner Interests.
The Transfer Agent is hereby appointed registrar and transfer
agent for the purpose of registering Common Units and transfers
of such Common Units as herein provided. The Partnership shall
not recognize transfers of Certificates evidencing Limited
Partner Interests unless such transfers are effected in the
manner described in this Section 4.5. Upon surrender of a
Certificate for registration of transfer of any Limited Partner
Interests evidenced by a Certificate, and subject to the
provisions of Section 4.5(b), the appropriate officers of
the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute
and deliver, and in the case of Common Units, the Transfer Agent
shall countersign and deliver, in the name of the holder or the
designated transferee or transferees, as required pursuant to
the holders instructions, one or more new Certificates
evidencing the same aggregate number and type of Limited Partner
Interests as was evidenced by the Certificate so surrendered.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.9, the
General Partner shall not recognize any transfer of Limited
Partner Interests until the Certificates evidencing such Limited
Partner Interests are surrendered for registration of transfer
and such Certificates are accompanied by a Transfer Application,
properly completed and including a Taxation Certification, duly
executed by the transferee (or the transferees
attorney-in-fact
duly authorized in writing). No charge shall be imposed by the
General Partner for such transfer; provided, that as a condition
to the issuance of any new Certificate under this
Section 4.5, the General Partner may require the payment of
a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
that may be imposed with respect thereto. No distributions or
allocations will be made in respect of the Limited Partner
Interests until a properly completed Transfer Application has
been delivered with respect to such Limited Partner Interests.
(c) Upon the receipt of proper transfer instructions from
the registered owner of uncertificated Common Units, such
uncertificated Common Units shall be cancelled, issuance of new
equivalent uncertificated Common Units or Certificates shall be
made to the holder of Common Units entitled thereto and the
transaction shall be recorded upon the books of the Partnership.
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(d) Limited Partner Interests may be transferred only in
the manner described in this Section 4.5. The transfer of
any Limited Partner Interests and the admission of any new
Limited Partner shall not constitute an amendment to this
Agreement.
(e) Until admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner
pursuant to Section 10.2, the Record Holder of a Limited
Partner Interest shall be an Assignee in respect of such Limited
Partner Interest. Limited Partners may include custodians,
nominees or any other individual or entity in its own or any
representative capacity.
(f) A transferee of a Limited Partner Interest who has
completed and delivered a Transfer Application shall be deemed
to have (i) requested admission as a Substituted Limited
Partner, (ii) agreed to comply with and be bound by and to
have executed this Agreement, (iii) represented and
warranted that such transferee has the right, power and
authority and, if an individual, the capacity to enter into this
Agreement, (iv) granted the powers of attorney set forth in
this Agreement, and (v) given the consents and approvals
and made the waivers contained in this Agreement.
(g) The General Partner and its Affiliates shall have the
right at any time to transfer their Subordinated Units,
Class B Units and Common Units (whether issued upon
conversion of the Subordinated Units or otherwise) to one or
more Persons.
Section 4.6 Transfer
of the General Partners General Partner Interest.
(a) Subject to Section 4.6(c) below, prior to
June 30, 2017, the General Partner shall not transfer all
or any part of its General Partner Interest (represented by
General Partner Units) to a Person unless such transfer
(i) has been approved by the prior written consent or vote
of the holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common
Units (excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and
its Affiliates) or (ii) is of all, but not less than all,
of its General Partner Interest to (A) an Affiliate of the
General Partner (other than an individual) or (B) another
Person (other than an individual) in connection with the merger
or consolidation of the General Partner with or into such other
Person or the transfer by the General Partner of all or
substantially all of its assets to such other Person.
(b) Subject to Section 4.6(c) below, on or after
June 30, 2017, the General Partner may transfer all or any
of its General Partner Interest without Unitholder approval.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no
transfer by the General Partner of all or any part of its
General Partner Interest to another Person shall be permitted
unless (i) the transferee agrees to assume the rights and
duties of the General Partner under this Agreement and to be
bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) the
Partnership receives an Opinion of Counsel that such transfer
would not result in the loss of limited liability of any Limited
Partner under the Delaware Act or cause the Partnership to be
treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise
to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the
extent not already so treated or taxed) and (iii) such
transferee also agrees to purchase all (or the appropriate
portion thereof, if applicable) of the partnership or membership
interest of the General Partner as the general partner or
managing member, if any, of each other Group Member. In the case
of a transfer pursuant to and in compliance with this
Section 4.6, the transferee or successor (as the case may
be) shall, subject to compliance with the terms of
Section 10.3, be admitted to the Partnership as the General
Partner immediately prior to the transfer of the General Partner
Interest, and the business of the Partnership shall continue
without dissolution.
Section 4.7 Transfer
of Incentive Distribution Rights.
Prior to June 30, 2017, a holder of Incentive Distribution
Rights may transfer any or all of the Incentive Distribution
Rights held by such holder without any consent of the
Unitholders to (a) an Affiliate of such holder (other than
an individual) or (b) another Person (other than an
individual) in connection with (i) the merger or
consolidation of such holder of Incentive Distribution Rights
with or into such other Person, (ii) the transfer by such
holder of all or substantially all of its assets to such other
Person or (iii) the sale of all the ownership interests in
such holder. Any other transfer of the Incentive Distribution
Rights prior to June 30, 2017 shall require the prior
approval of holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding
Common Units (excluding Common Units held by the General Partner
and its Affiliates). On
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or after June 30, 2017, the General Partner or any other
holder of Incentive Distribution Rights may transfer any or all
of its Incentive Distribution Rights without Unitholder
approval. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
(i) the transfer of Class B Units issued pursuant to
Section 5.11, or the transfer of Common Units issued upon
conversion of the Class B Units, shall not be treated as a
transfer of all or any part of the Incentive Distribution Rights
and (ii) no transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights to
another Person shall be permitted unless the transferee agrees
to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 4.8 Restrictions
on Transfers.
(a) Except as provided in Section 4.8(e) below, and
notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article IV, no
transfer of any Partnership Interests shall be made if such
transfer would (i) violate the then applicable federal or
state securities laws or rules and regulations of the
Commission, any state securities commission or any other
governmental authority with jurisdiction over such transfer,
(ii) terminate the existence or qualification of the
Partnership under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation,
or (iii) cause the Partnership to be treated as an
association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as
an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not
already so treated or taxed).
(b) The General Partner may impose restrictions on the
transfer of Partnership Interests if it receives an Opinion
of Counsel that such restrictions are necessary to avoid a
significant risk of the Partnership becoming taxable as a
corporation or otherwise becoming taxable as an entity for
federal income tax purposes. The General Partner may impose such
restrictions by amending this Agreement; provided, however, that
any amendment that would result in the delisting or suspension
of trading of any class of Limited Partner Interests on the
principal National Securities Exchange on which such class of
Limited Partner Interests is then listed or admitted to trading
must be approved, prior to such amendment being effected, by the
holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Limited
Partner Interests of such class.
(c) The transfer of a Subordinated Unit that has converted
into a Common Unit shall be subject to the restrictions imposed
by Section 6.7(c).
(d) The transfer of a Class B Unit that has converted
into a Common Unit shall be subject to the restrictions imposed
by Section 6.7(e).
(e) Nothing contained in this Article IV, or elsewhere
in this Agreement, shall preclude the settlement of any
transactions involving Partnership Interests entered into
through the facilities of any National Securities Exchange on
which such Partnership Interests are listed or admitted to
trading.
(f) Each certificate evidencing Partnership Interests
shall bear a conspicuous legend in substantially the following
form:
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE SOLD,
OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH
TRANSFER WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR
STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION
OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR
QUALIFICATION OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP UNDER THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR (C) CAUSE SPECTRA ENERGY
PARTNERS, LP TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A
CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL
INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR
TAXED). SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS (DE) GP, LP, THE GENERAL PARTNER
OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP, MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID
A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP BECOMING
TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN
ENTITY
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FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH
ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY TRANSACTIONS
INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF
ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY IS
LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.
Section 4.9 Tax
Certifications; Ineligible Holders; Citizenship Certificates;
Non-citizen Assignees.
(a) If a transferee of a Limited Partner Interest fails to
furnish a properly completed Taxation Certification in a
Transfer Application or if, upon receipt of such Taxation
Certification or otherwise, the General Partner determines that
such transferee is not an Eligible Holder, the Limited Partner
Interests owned by such transferee shall be subject to
redemption in accordance with the provisions of
Section 4.10.
(b) The General Partner may request any Limited Partner or
Assignee to furnish to the General Partner, within 30 days
after receipt of such request, an executed Taxation
Certification or such other information concerning his federal
income tax status with respect to the income and loss generated
by the Partnership (or, if the Limited Partner or Assignee is a
nominee holding for the account of another Person, the federal
income tax status of such Person) as the General Partner may
request. If a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to furnish to
the General Partner within the aforementioned
30-day
period such Taxation Certification or other requested
information or if upon receipt of such Taxation Certification or
other requested information the General Partner determines that
a Limited Partner or Assignee is not an Eligible Holder, the
Limited Partner Interests owned by such Limited Partner or
Assignee shall be subject to redemption in accordance with the
provisions of Section 4.10. In addition, the General
Partner may require that the status of any such Limited Partner
or Assignee be changed to that of an Ineligible Holder and,
thereupon, such Non-citizen Assignee shall cease to be a Partner
and shall have no voting rights in respect of his Limited
Partner Interests. The General Partner shall be substituted for
such Ineligible Holder as the Limited Partner or Assignee in
respect of the Ineligible Holders Limited Partner
Interests and shall vote such Limited Partner Interests in
accordance with Section 4.9(b).
(c) If any Group Member is or becomes subject to any
federal, state or local law or regulation that the General
Partner determines would create a substantial risk of
cancellation or forfeiture of any property in which the Group
Member has an interest based on the nationality, citizenship or
other related status of a Limited Partner or Assignee, the
General Partner may request any Limited Partner or Assignee to
furnish to the General Partner, within 30 days after
receipt of such request, an executed Citizenship Certification
or such other information concerning his nationality,
citizenship or other related status (or, if the Limited Partner
or Assignee is a nominee holding for the account of another
Person, the nationality, citizenship or other related status of
such Person) as the General Partner may request. If a Limited
Partner or Assignee fails to furnish to the General Partner
within the aforementioned
30-day
period such Citizenship Certification or other requested
information or if upon receipt of such Citizenship Certification
or other requested information the General Partner determines
that a Limited Partner or Assignee is not an Eligible Citizen,
the Limited Partner Interests owned by such Limited Partner or
Assignee shall be subject to redemption in accordance with the
provisions of Section 4.10. In addition, the General
Partner may require that the status of any such Limited Partner
or Assignee be changed to that of a Non-citizen Assignee and,
thereupon, the General Partner shall be substituted for such
Non-citizen Assignee as the Limited Partner in respect of the
Non-citizen Assignees Limited Partner Interests.
(d) The General Partner shall, in exercising voting rights
in respect of Limited Partner Interests held by it on behalf of
Non-citizen Assignees or Ineligible Holders, distribute the
votes in the same ratios as the votes of Partners (including the
General Partner) in respect of Limited Partner Interests other
than those of Non-citizen Assignees or Ineligible Holders are
cast, either for, against or abstaining as to the matter.
(e) Upon dissolution of the Partnership, a Non-citizen
Assignee or Ineligible Holder shall have no right to receive a
distribution in kind pursuant to Section 12.4 but shall be
entitled to the cash equivalent thereof, and the Partnership
shall provide cash in exchange for an assignment of the
Non-citizen Assignees or Ineligible Holders share of
any distribution in kind. Such payment and assignment shall be
treated for
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Partnership purposes as a purchase by the Partnership from the
Non-citizen Assignee or Ineligible Holder of his Limited Partner
Interest (representing his right to receive his share of such
distribution in kind).
(f) At any time after an Ineligible Holder can and does
certify that it has become an Eligible Holder, such Ineligible
Holder may, upon application to the General Partner, request
admission as a Substituted Limited Partner with respect to any
Limited Partner Interests of such Ineligible Holder not redeemed
pursuant to Section 4.10, and upon admission of such
Ineligible Holder pursuant to Section 10.2, the General
Partner shall cease to be deemed to be the Limited Partner in
respect of such Ineligible Holders Limited Partner
Interests.
(g) At any time after he can and does certify that he has
become an Eligible Citizen, a Non-citizen Assignee may, upon
application to the General Partner, request admission as a
Substituted Limited Partner with respect to any Limited Partner
Interests of such Non-citizen Assignee not redeemed pursuant to
Section 4.10, and upon admission of such Non-citizen
Assignee pursuant to Section 10.2, the General Partner
shall cease to be deemed to be the Limited Partner in respect of
the Non-citizen Assignees Limited Partner Interests.
Section 4.10 Redemption
of Partnership Interests of Non-citizen and Ineligible
Holders.
(a) If at any time a Limited Partner, Assignee or
transferee fails to furnish a Citizenship Certification,
Taxation Certification or other information requested within the
30-day
period specified in Section 4.9(b) or 4.9(c) or in a
Transfer Application, or if upon receipt of such Citizenship
Certification, Taxation Certification, Transfer Application or
other information the General Partner determines, with the
advice of counsel, that a Limited Partner, Assignee or
transferee is not an Eligible Citizen or Eligible Holder, as the
case may be, the Partnership may, unless the Limited Partner,
Assignee or transferee establishes to the satisfaction of the
General Partner that such Limited Partner, Assignee or
transferee is an Eligible Citizen or Eligible Holder, as the
case may be, or has transferred his Partnership Interests to a
Person who is an Eligible Citizen or Eligible Holder, as the
case may be, and who furnishes a Citizenship Certification or
Taxation Certificate, as the case may be, to the General Partner
prior to the date fixed for redemption as provided below, redeem
the Limited Partner Interest of such Limited Partner, Assignee
or transferee as follows:
(i) The General Partner shall, not later than the
30th day before the date fixed for redemption, give notice
of redemption to the Limited Partner, Assignee or transferee, at
his last address designated on the records of the Partnership or
the Transfer Agent, by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid. The notice shall be deemed to have been given when so
mailed. The notice shall specify the Redeemable Interests or, if
uncertificated, upon receipt of evidence satisfactory to the
General Partner of the ownership of the Redeemable Interests,
the date fixed for redemption, the place of payment, that
payment of the redemption price will be made upon surrender of
the Certificate evidencing the Redeemable Interests and that on
and after the date fixed for redemption no further allocations
or distributions to which such person would otherwise be
entitled in respect of the Redeemable Interests will accrue or
be made.
(ii) The aggregate redemption price for Redeemable
Interests shall be an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the
Current Market Price (the date of determination of which shall
be the date fixed for redemption) of Limited Partner Interests
of the class to be so redeemed and (ii) the price paid for
such Limited Partner Interests by the Limited Partner, Assignee
or transferee. The redemption price shall be paid, as determined
by the General Partner, in cash or by delivery of a promissory
note of the Partnership in the principal amount of the
redemption price, bearing interest at the rate of 5% annually
and payable in three equal annual installments of principal
together with accrued interest, commencing one year after the
redemption date.
(iii) Upon surrender by or on behalf of the Limited
Partner, Assignee or transferee, at the place specified in the
notice of redemption, of (x) if certificated, the Certificate
evidencing the Redeemable Interests, duly endorsed in blank or
accompanied by an assignment duly executed in blank, or (y) if
uncertificated, upon receipt of evidence satisfactory to the
General Partner of the ownership of the
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Redeemable Interests, the Limited Partner, Assignee or
transferee or his duly authorized representative shall be
entitled to receive the payment therefor.
(iv) After the redemption date, Redeemable Interests shall
no longer constitute issued and Outstanding Limited Partner
Interests.
(b) The provisions of this Section 4.10 shall also be
applicable to Limited Partner Interests held by a Limited
Partner or Assignee as nominee of a Person determined to be
other than an Eligible Citizen or Eligible Holder, as the case
may be.
(c) Nothing in this Section 4.10 shall prevent the
recipient of a notice of redemption from transferring his
Limited Partner Interest before the redemption date if such
transfer is otherwise permitted under this Agreement. Upon
receipt of notice of such a transfer, the General Partner shall
withdraw the notice of redemption, provided the transferee of
such Limited Partner Interest certifies to the satisfaction of
the General Partner that he is an Eligible Citizen or Eligible
Holder, as the case may be. If the transferee fails to make such
certification, such redemption shall be effected from the
transferee on the original redemption date.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL
CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Section 5.1 Organizational
Contributions.
In connection with the formation of the Partnership under the
Delaware Act, the General Partner made an initial Capital
Contribution to the Partnership in the amount of $60.00, for a
2% General Partner Interest in the Partnership and has been
admitted as the General Partner of the Partnership, and the
Organizational Limited Partner made an initial Capital
Contribution to the Partnership in the amount of $2,940.00 for a
98% Limited Partner Interest in the Partnership and has been
admitted as a Limited Partner of the Partnership. As of the
Closing Date, the interest of the Organizational Limited
Partner, or its successor, shall be redeemed as provided in the
Contribution Agreement; and the initial Capital Contribution of
the Organizational Limited Partner, or its successor, shall
thereupon be refunded. Ninety-eight percent of any interest or
other profit that may have resulted from the investment or other
use of such initial Capital Contribution shall be allocated and
distributed to the Organizational Limited Partner, or its
successor, and the balance thereof shall be allocated and
distributed to the General Partner.
Section 5.2 Contributions
by the General Partner and its Affiliates.
(a) On the Closing Date and pursuant to the Contribution
Agreement: (i) the General Partner shall contribute to the
Partnership, as a Capital Contribution, all of its interest in
Spectra GP MHP Holding, LLC and Gulfstream Natural Gas System,
L.L.C., in exchange for (A) 1,352,421 General Partner Units
representing a continuation of its 2% General Partner Interest,
subject to all of the rights, privileges and duties of the
General Partner under this Agreement, (B) 1,500,000 Common
Units, (C) the Incentive Distribution Rights, (D) the
right to receive $288.1 million sourced to new debt
recourse to the General Partner, and (E) the right to
receive $0.3 million to reimburse it for certain capital
expenditures; (ii) Spectra Energy Transmission, LLC shall
contribute to the Partnership, as a Capital Contribution, all of
its interest in Spectra Energy Partners MHP Holdings, LLC, in
exchange for (A) 7,873,950 Common Units,
(B) 5,142,858 Subordinated Units and (C) the
right to receive $25.7 million to reimburse it for certain
capital expenditures; and (iii) Spectra Energy Southeast
Pipeline Corp. shall contribute to the Partnership, as a Capital
Contribution, a portion of its interest in Gulfstream Natural
Gas System, L.L.C., as set forth in the Contribution Agreement,
and all of its interest in East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC, in
exchange for (A) 25,255,930 Common Units and
(B) 16,495,872 Subordinated Units.
(b) Upon the issuance of any additional Limited Partner
Interests by the Partnership (other than the Common Units issued
in the Initial Offering, the Common Units issued pursuant to the
Over-Allotment Option, the Common Units and Subordinated Units
issued pursuant to Section 5.2(a), any Class B Units
issued pursuant to Section 5.11 and any Common Units issued
upon conversion of Class B Units), the
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General Partner may, in exchange for a proportionate number of
General Partner Units, make additional Capital Contributions in
an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying
(i) the quotient determined by dividing (A) the
General Partners Percentage Interest immediately prior to
the issuance of such additional Limited Partner Interests by the
Partnership by (B) 100 less the General Partners
Percentage Interest immediately prior to the issuance of such
additional Limited Partner Interests by the Partnership times
(ii) the amount contributed to the Partnership by the
Limited Partners in exchange for such additional Limited Partner
Interests. Except as set forth in Article XII, the General
Partner shall not be obligated to make any additional Capital
Contributions to the Partnership.
Section 5.3 Contributions
by Initial Limited Partners.
(a) On the Closing Date and pursuant to the Underwriting
Agreement, each Underwriter shall contribute to the Partnership
cash in an amount equal to the Issue Price per Initial Common
Unit, multiplied by the number of Common Units specified in the
Underwriting Agreement to be purchased by such Underwriter at
the Closing Date. In exchange for such Capital Contributions by
the Underwriters, the Partnership shall issue Common Units to
each Underwriter on whose behalf such Capital Contribution is
made in an amount equal to the quotient obtained by dividing
(i) the cash contribution to the Partnership by or on
behalf of such Underwriter by (ii) the Issue Price per
Initial Common Unit.
(b) Upon the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, each
Underwriter shall contribute to the Partnership cash in an
amount equal to the Issue Price per Initial Common Unit,
multiplied by the number of Common Units to be purchased by such
Underwriter at the Option Closing Date. In exchange for such
Capital Contributions by the Underwriters, the Partnership shall
issue Common Units to each Underwriter on whose behalf such
Capital Contribution is made in an amount equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing (i) the cash contributions to the
Partnership by or on behalf of such Underwriter by (ii) the
Issue Price per Initial Common Unit. Upon receipt by the
Partnership of the Capital Contributions from the Underwriters
as provided in this Section 5.3(b), the Partnership shall
use such cash to purchase qualifying investment grade
securities, which will be assigned as collateral to secure
borrowings that are, in turn, used to redeem from the General
Partner or its Affiliates that number of Common Units held by
the General Partner or its Affiliates equal to the number of
Common Units issued to the Underwriters as provided in this
Section 5.3(b).
(c) No Limited Partner Interests will be issued or issuable
as of or at the Closing Date other than (i) the Common
Units issuable pursuant to subparagraph (a) hereof in
aggregate number equal to 10,000,000, (ii) the
Option Units as such term is used in the
Underwriting Agreement in an aggregate number up to 1,500,000
issuable upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option pursuant to
subparagraph (b) hereof, (iii) the 34,629,880
Common Units and 21,638,730 Subordinated Units issuable pursuant
to Section 5.2(a) hereof and (iv) the Incentive
Distribution Rights.
Section 5.4 Interest
and Withdrawal of Capital Contributions.
No interest shall be paid by the Partnership on Capital
Contributions. No Partner or Assignee shall be entitled to the
withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the
extent, if any, that distributions made pursuant to this
Agreement or upon dissolution of the Partnership may be
considered as such by law and then only to the extent provided
for in this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly provided
in this Agreement, no Partner or Assignee shall have priority
over any other Partner or Assignee either as to the return of
Capital Contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions.
Any such return shall be a compromise to which all Partners or
Assignees agree within the meaning of
Section 17-502(b)
of the Delaware Act.
Section 5.5 Capital
Accounts.
(a) The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner (or a
beneficial owner of Partnership Interests held by a nominee
in any case in which the nominee has furnished the identity of
such owner to the Partnership in accordance with
Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable
to the General Partner) owning a Partnership Interest a
separate Capital Account with respect to such
Partnership Interest in accordance with the rules of
Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv).
Such Capital Account
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shall be increased by (i) the amount of all Capital
Contributions made to the Partnership with respect to such
Partnership Interest and (ii) all items of Partnership
income and gain (including income and gain exempt from tax)
computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated
with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to
Section 6.1, and decreased by (x) the amount of cash
or Net Agreed Value of all actual and deemed distributions of
cash or property made with respect to such
Partnership Interest and (y) all items of Partnership
deduction and loss computed in accordance with
Section 5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such
Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of
income, gain, loss or deduction which is to be allocated
pursuant to Article VI and is to be reflected in the
Partners Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition
and classification of any such item shall be the same as its
determination, recognition and classification for federal income
tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost
recovery or amortization used for that purpose), provided, that:
(i) Solely for purposes of this Section 5.5, the
Partnership shall be treated as owning directly its
proportionate share (as determined by the General Partner based
upon the provisions of the applicable Group Member Agreement or
governing, organizational or similar documents) of all property
owned by any other Group Member that is classified as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes and (y) any
other partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated
business or other entity classified as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes of which a Group Member is, directly or
indirectly, a partner.
(ii) All fees and other expenses incurred by the
Partnership to promote the sale of (or to sell) a
Partnership Interest that can neither be deducted nor
amortized under Section 709 of the Code, if any, shall, for
purposes of Capital Account maintenance, be treated as an item
of deduction at the time such fees and other expenses are
incurred and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to
Section 6.1.
(iii) Except as otherwise provided in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m),
the computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction
shall be made without regard to any election under
Section 754 of the Code which may be made by the
Partnership and, as to those items described in
Section 705(a)(1)(B) or 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, without
regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross
income or are neither currently deductible nor capitalized for
federal income tax purposes. To the extent an adjustment to the
adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to
Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant
to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m),
to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the
amount of such adjustment in the Capital Accounts shall be
treated as an item of gain or loss.
(iv) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable
disposition of any Partnership property shall be determined as
if the adjusted basis of such property as of such date of
disposition were equal in amount to the Partnerships
Carrying Value with respect to such property as of such date.
(v) In accordance with the requirements of
Section 704(b) of the Code, any deductions for
depreciation, cost recovery or amortization attributable to any
Contributed Property shall be determined as if the adjusted
basis of such property on the date it was acquired by the
Partnership were equal to the Agreed Value of such property.
Upon an adjustment pursuant to Section 5.5(d) to the
Carrying Value of any Partnership property subject to
depreciation, cost recovery or amortization, any further
deductions for such depreciation, cost recovery or amortization
attributable to such property shall be determined as if the
adjusted basis of such property were equal to the Carrying Value
of such property immediately following such adjustment.
(vi) If the Partnerships adjusted basis in a
depreciable or cost recovery property is reduced for federal
income tax purposes pursuant to Section 48(q)(1) or
48(q)(3) of the Code, the amount of such reduction shall, solely
for purposes hereof, be deemed to be an additional depreciation
or cost recovery deduction in the year such property is placed
in service and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to
Section 6.1. Any restoration of such basis pursuant to
Section 48(q)(2) of the
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Code shall, to the extent possible, be allocated in the same
manner to the Partners to whom such deemed deduction was
allocated.
(c) (i) A transferee of a Partnership Interest
shall succeed to a Pro Rata portion of the Capital Account of
the transferor relating to the Partnership Interest so
transferred.
(ii) Subject to Section 6.7(c), immediately prior to
the transfer of a Subordinated Unit or of a Subordinated Unit
that has converted into a Common Unit pursuant to
Section 5.7 by a holder thereof (other than a transfer to
an Affiliate unless the General Partner elects to have this
subparagraph 5.5(c)(ii) apply), the Capital Account
maintained for such Person with respect to its Subordinated
Units or converted Subordinated Units will (A) first, be
allocated to the Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated
Units to be transferred in an amount equal to the product of
(x) the number of such Subordinated Units or converted
Subordinated Units to be transferred and (y) the Per Unit
Capital Amount for a Common Unit, and (B) second, any
remaining balance in such Capital Account will be retained by
the transferor, regardless of whether it has retained any
Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated Units
(Retained Converted Subordinated Units).
Following any such allocation, the transferors Capital
Account, if any, maintained with respect to the retained
Subordinated Units or Retained Converted Subordinated Units, if
any, will have a balance equal to the amount allocated under
clause (B) hereinabove, and the transferees
Capital Account established with respect to the transferred
Subordinated Units or converted Subordinated Units will have a
balance equal to the amount allocated under
clause (A) hereinabove.
(d) (i) In accordance with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f),
on an issuance of additional Partnership Interests for cash
or Contributed Property, the issuance of
Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of
services or the conversion of the General Partners
Combined Interest to Common Units pursuant to
Section 11.3(b), the Capital Account of each Partner and
the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately
prior to such issuance shall be adjusted upward or downward to
reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to
such Partnership property, as if such Unrealized Gain or
Unrealized Loss had been recognized on an actual sale of each
such property immediately prior to such issuance and had been
allocated to the Partners at such time pursuant to
Section 6.1 in the same manner as any item of gain or loss
actually recognized during such period would have been
allocated. In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized
Loss, the aggregate cash amount and fair market value of all
Partnership assets (including cash or cash equivalents)
immediately prior to the issuance of additional
Partnership Interests shall be determined by the General
Partner using such method of valuation as it may adopt;
provided, however, that the General Partner, in arriving at such
valuation, must take fully into account the fair market value of
the Partnership Interests of all Partners at such time. The
General Partner shall allocate such aggregate value among the
assets of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines) to
arrive at a fair market value for individual properties.
(ii) In accordance with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f),
immediately prior to any actual or deemed distribution to a
Partner of any Partnership property (other than a distribution
of cash that is not in redemption or retirement of a
Partnership Interest), the Capital Accounts of all Partners
and the Carrying Value of all Partnership property shall be
adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or
Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as if
such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss had been recognized in a
sale of such property immediately prior to such distribution for
an amount equal to its fair market value, and had been allocated
to the Partners, at such time, pursuant to Section 6.1 in
the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized
during such period would have been allocated. In determining
such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss the aggregate cash
amount and fair market value of all Partnership assets
(including cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a
distribution shall (A) in the case of an actual
distribution that is not made pursuant to Section 12.4 or
in the case of a deemed distribution, be determined and
allocated in the same manner as that provided in
Section 5.5(d)(i) or (B) in the case of a liquidating
distribution pursuant to Section 12.4, be determined and
allocated by the Liquidator using such method of valuation as it
may adopt.
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Section 5.6 Issuances
of Additional Partnership Securities.
(a) The Partnership may issue additional Partnership
Securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights
relating to the Partnership Securities for any Partnership
purpose at any time and from time to time to such Persons for
such consideration and on such terms and conditions as the
General Partner shall determine, all without the approval of any
Limited Partners.
(b) Each additional Partnership Security authorized to be
issued by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.6(a) may be
issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any such
classes, with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and
duties (which may be senior to existing classes and series of
Partnership Securities), as shall be fixed by the General
Partner, including (i) the right to share in Partnership
profits and losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to
share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon
dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership;
(iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the
Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Partnership
Security; (v) whether such Partnership Security is issued
with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the
terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;
(vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Partnership
Security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned
or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the
Percentage Interest as to such Partnership Security; and
(viii) the right, if any, of each such Partnership Security
to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to
the relative rights, preferences and privileges of such
Partnership Security.
(c) The General Partner shall take all actions that it
determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with
(i) each issuance of Partnership Securities and options,
rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Partnership
Securities pursuant to this Section 5.6, (ii) the
conversion of the General Partner Interest (represented by
General Partner Units) or any Incentive Distribution Rights into
Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (iii) the
issuance of Class B Units pursuant to Section 5.11 and
the conversion of Class B Units into Common Units pursuant
to the terms of this Agreement, (iv) the admission of
Additional Limited Partners and (v) all additional
issuances of Partnership Securities. The General Partner shall
determine the relative rights, powers and duties of the holders
of the Units or other Partnership Securities being so issued.
The General Partner shall do all things necessary to comply with
the Delaware Act and is authorized and directed to do all things
that it determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection
with any future issuance of Partnership Securities or in
connection with the conversion of the General Partner Interest
or any Incentive Distribution Rights into Units pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement, including compliance with any statute,
rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other
governmental agency or any National Securities Exchange on which
the Units or other Partnership Securities are listed or admitted
to trading.
(d) No fractional Units shall be issued by the Partnership.
Section 5.7 Conversion
of Subordinated Units.
(a) All of the Subordinated Units shall convert into Common
Units on a
one-for-one
basis on the first Business Day of any Quarter beginning after
June 30, 2010 in respect of which:
(i) distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus
on each of the Outstanding Common Units, Subordinated Units and
General Partner Units and any other Outstanding Units that are
senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated
Units with respect to each of the three consecutive,
non-overlapping four-Quarter periods immediately preceding such
date equaled or exceeded the sum of the Minimum Quarterly
Distribution on all Outstanding Common Units, Subordinated Units
and General Partner Units and any other Outstanding Units that
are senior or equal in right of distribution to the Subordinated
Units during such periods;
(ii) the Adjusted Operating Surplus generated during each
of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-Quarter periods
immediately preceding such date equaled or exceeded the sum of
the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all of the Common Units,
Subordinated Units and General Partner Units and any other Units
that are senior or equal in right of distribution to the
Subordinated Units that were Outstanding during such periods on
a Fully Diluted Basis; and
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(iii) there are no Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.7(a), the Subordination
Period shall terminate and all Outstanding Subordinated Units
shall convert into Common Units on a
one-for-one
basis on the first Business Day following the distribution of
Available Cash to Partners pursuant to Section 6.3(a) in
respect of any Quarter ending on or after June 30, 2008 in
respect of which:
(i) distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus
under Section 6.4(a) on each of the Outstanding Common
Units, Subordinated Units and General Partner Units and any
other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of
distribution to the Subordinated Units with respect to the
four-Quarter period immediately preceding such date equaled or
exceeded the sum of the Third Target Distribution on all of the
Outstanding Common Units, Subordinated Units and General Partner
Units and any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal
in right of distribution to the Subordinated Units during such
period;
(ii) the Adjusted Operating Surplus generated during the
four-Quarter period immediately preceding such date equaled or
exceeded the sum of the Third Target Distribution on all of the
Common Units, Subordinated Units and General Partner Units and
any other Outstanding Units that are senior or equal in right of
distribution to the Subordinated Units that were Outstanding
during such period on a Fully Diluted Basis; and
(iii) there are no Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
all the then Outstanding Subordinated Units will automatically
convert into Common Units on a
one-for-one
basis as set forth in, and pursuant to the terms of,
Section 11.4.
(d) A Subordinated Unit that has converted into a Common
Unit shall be subject to the provisions of Section 6.7(b)
and Section 6.7(c).
Section 5.8 Limited
Preemptive Right.
Except as provided in this Section 5.8 and in
Section 5.2, no Person shall have any preemptive,
preferential or other similar right with respect to the issuance
of any Partnership Security, whether unissued, held in the
treasury or hereafter created. The General Partner shall have
the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in
part to any of its Affiliates, to purchase Partnership
Securities from the Partnership whenever, and on the same terms
that, the Partnership issues Partnership Securities to Persons
other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, to the extent
necessary to maintain the Percentage Interests of the General
Partner and its Affiliates equal to any or all of those
Percentage Interests that existed immediately prior to the
issuance of such Partnership Securities.
Section 5.9 Splits
and Combinations.
(a) Subject to Section 5.9(d), Section 6.6 and
Section 6.9 (dealing with adjustments of distribution
levels), the Partnership may make a Pro Rata distribution of
Partnership Securities to all Record Holders or may effect a
subdivision or combination of Partnership Securities so long as,
after any such event, each Partner shall have the same
Percentage Interest in the Partnership as before such event, and
any amounts calculated on a per Unit basis (including any Common
Unit Arrearage or Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage) or stated as
a number of Units are proportionately adjusted.
(b) Whenever such a Pro Rata distribution or subdivision or
combination of Partnership Securities is declared, the General
Partner shall select a Record Date as of which the distribution,
subdivision or combination shall be effective and shall send
notice thereof at least 20 days prior to such Record Date
to each Record Holder as of a date not less than 10 days
prior to the date of such notice. The General Partner also may
cause a firm of independent public accountants selected by it to
calculate the number of Partnership Securities to be held by
each Record Holder after giving effect to such distribution,
subdivision or combination. The General Partner shall be
entitled to rely on any certificate provided by such firm as
conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such calculation.
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(c) Promptly following any such distribution, subdivision
or combination, the Partnership may issue Certificates or
uncertificated Partnership Securities to the Record Holders of
Partnership Securities as of the applicable Record Date
representing the new number of Partnership Securities held by
such Record Holders, or the General Partner may adopt such other
procedures that it determines to be necessary or appropriate to
reflect such changes. If any such combination results in a
smaller total number of Partnership Securities Outstanding, the
Partnership shall require, as a condition to the delivery to a
Record Holder of such new Certificate or uncertificated
Partnership Securities, the surrender of any Certificate held by
such Record Holder immediately prior to such Record Date.
(d) The Partnership shall not issue fractional Units upon
any distribution, subdivision or combination of Units. If a
distribution, subdivision or combination of Units would result
in the issuance of fractional Units but for the provisions of
this Section 5.9(d), each fractional Unit shall be rounded
to the nearest whole Unit (and a 0.5 Unit shall be rounded to
the next higher Unit).
Section 5.10 Fully
Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests.
All Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to, and in
accordance with the requirements of, this Article V shall
be fully paid and non-assessable Limited Partner Interests in
the Partnership, except as such non-assessability may be
affected by
Sections 17-607
and 17-804 of the Delaware Act.
Section 5.11 Issuance
of Class B Units in Connection with Reset of Incentive
Distribution Rights.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Section 5.11,
the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights (or, if there is
more than one holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights, the
holders of a majority in interest of the Incentive Distribution
Rights) shall have the right, at any time when there are no
Subordinated Units outstanding and the Partnership has made a
distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(b)(v) for each of the
four most recently completed Quarters and the amount of each
such distribution did not exceed Adjusted Operating Surplus for
such Quarter, to make an election (the IDR Reset
Election) to cause the Minimum Quarterly Distribution
and the Target Distributions to be reset in accordance with the
provisions of Section 5.11(e) and, in connection therewith,
the holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will
become entitled to receive their respective proportionate share
of a number of Class B Units derived by dividing
(i) the average amount of cash distributions made by the
Partnership for the two full Quarters immediately preceding the
giving of the Reset Notice (as defined in Section 5.11(b))
in respect of the Incentive Distribution Rights by (ii) the
average of the cash distributions made by the Partnership in
respect of each Common Unit for the two full Quarters
immediately preceding the giving of the Reset Notice (the number
of Class B Units determined by such quotient is referred to
herein as the Aggregate Quantity of Class B
Units). Upon the issuance of such Class B Units,
the Partnership will issue to the General Partner that number of
additional General Partner Units equal to the product of
(x) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the
Percentage Interest of the General Partner immediately prior to
such issuance by (B) a percentage equal to 100% less such
Percentage Interest by (y) the number of such Class B
Units, and the General Partner shall not be obligated to make
any additional Capital Contribution to the Partnership in
exchange for such issuance. The making of the IDR Reset Election
in the manner specified in Section 5.11(b) shall cause the
Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the Target Distributions to
be reset in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.11(e) and, in connection therewith, the holder or
holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights will become
entitled to receive Class B Units and General Partner Units
on the basis specified above, without any further approval
required by the General Partner or the Unitholders, at the time
specified in Section 5.11(c) unless the IDR Reset Election
is rescinded pursuant to Section 5.11(d).
(b) To exercise the right specified in
Section 5.11(a), the holder of the Incentive Distribution
Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive
Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of
the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall deliver a written
notice (the Reset Notice) to the Partnership.
Within 10 Business Days after the receipt by the Partnership of
such Reset Notice, as the case may be, the Partnership shall
deliver a written notice to the holder or holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights of the Partnerships
determination of the aggregate number of Class B Units that
each holder of Incentive Distribution Rights will be entitled to
receive.
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(c) The holder or holders of the Incentive Distribution
Rights will be entitled to receive the Aggregate Quantity of
Class B Units and related additional General Partner Units
on the fifteenth Business Day after receipt by the Partnership
of the Reset Notice, and the Partnership shall issue
Certificates for the Class B Units to the holder or holders
of the Incentive Distribution Rights; provided, however, that
the issuance of Class B Units to the holder or holders of
the Incentive Distribution Rights shall not occur prior to the
approval of the listing or admission for trading of the Common
Units into which the Class B Units are convertible pursuant
to Section 5.11(f) by the principal National Securities
Exchange upon which the Common Units are then listed or admitted
for trading if any such approval is required pursuant to the
rules and regulations of such National Securities Exchange.
(d) If the principal National Securities Exchange upon
which the Common Units are then traded have not approved the
listing or admission for trading of the Common Units into which
the Class B Units are convertible pursuant to
Section 5.11(f) on or before the 30th calendar day
following the Partnerships receipt of the Reset Notice and
such approval is required by the rules and regulations of such
National Securities Exchange, then the holder of the Incentive
Distribution Rights (or, if there is more than one holder of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in
interest of the Incentive Distribution Rights) shall have the
right to either rescind the IDR Reset Election or elect to
receive other Partnership Securities having such terms as the
General Partner may approve, with the approval of the Conflicts
Committee, that will provide (i) the same economic value,
in the aggregate, as the Aggregate Quantity of Class B
Units would have had at the time of the Partnerships
receipt of the Reset Notice, as determined by the General
Partner, and (ii) for the subsequent conversion (on terms
acceptable to the National Securities Exchange upon which the
Common Units are then traded) of such Partnership Securities
into Common Units within not more than 12 months following
the Partnerships receipt of the Reset Notice upon the
satisfaction of one or more conditions that are reasonably
acceptable to the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights
(or, if there is more than one holder of the Incentive
Distribution Rights, the holders of a majority in interest of
the Incentive Distribution Rights).
(e) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target
Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target
Distribution shall be adjusted at the time of the issuance of
Common Units or other Partnership Securities pursuant to this
Section 5.11 such that (i) the Minimum Quarterly
Distribution shall be reset to equal to the average cash
distribution amount per Common Unit for the two Quarters
immediately prior to the Partnerships receipt of the Reset
Notice (the Reset MQD), (ii) the First
Target Distribution shall be reset to equal 115% of the Reset
MQD, (iii) the Second Target Distribution shall be reset to
equal to 125% of the Reset MQD and (iv) the Third Target
Distribution shall be reset to equal 150% of the Reset MQD.
(f) Any holder of Class B Units shall have the right
to elect, by giving written notice to the General Partner, to
convert all or a portion of the Class B Units held by such
holder, at any time following the first anniversary of the
issuance of such Class B Units, into Common Units on a
one-for-one
basis, such conversion to be effective on the second Business
Day following the General Partners receipt of such written
notice.
ARTICLE VI
ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 6.1 Allocations
for Capital Account Purposes.
For purposes of maintaining the Capital Accounts and in
determining the rights of the Partners among themselves, the
Partnerships items of income, gain, loss and deduction
(computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b)) shall be
allocated among the Partners in each taxable year (or portion
thereof) as provided herein below.
(a) Net Income. After giving
effect to the special allocations set forth in
Section 6.1(d), Net Income for each taxable year and all
items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in
computing Net Income for such taxable year shall be allocated as
follows:
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(i) First, 100% to the General Partner, in an amount equal
to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner
pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(iii) for all previous taxable
years until the aggregate Net Income allocated to the General
Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1(a)(i) for the current
taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to the
aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant
to Section 6.1(b)(iii) for all previous taxable years;
(ii) Second, 100% to the General Partner and the
Unitholders, in accordance with their respective Percentage
Interests, until the aggregate Net Income allocated to such
Partners pursuant to this Section 6.1(a)(ii) for the
current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to
the aggregate Net Losses allocated to such Partners pursuant to
Section 6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable years; and
(iii) Third, the balance, if any, 100% to the General
Partner and the Unitholders, in accordance with their respective
Percentage Interests.
(b) Net Losses. After giving
effect to the special allocations set forth in
Section 6.1(d), Net Losses for each taxable period and all
items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in
computing Net Losses for such taxable period shall be allocated
as follows:
(i) First, 100% to the General Partner and the Unitholders,
in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, until
the aggregate Net Losses allocated pursuant to this
Section 6.1(b)(i) for the current taxable year and all
previous taxable years is equal to the aggregate Net Income
allocated to such Partners pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(iii)
for all previous taxable years, provided that the Net Losses
shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(b)(i)
to the extent that such allocation would cause any Unitholder to
have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the
end of such taxable year (or increase any existing deficit
balance in its Adjusted Capital Account);
(ii) Second, 100% to the General Partner and the
Unitholders, in accordance with their respective Percentage
Interests; provided, that Net Losses shall not be allocated
pursuant to this Section 6.1(b)(ii) to the extent that such
allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance
in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable year
(or increase any existing deficit balance in its Adjusted
Capital Account); and
(iii) Third, the balance, if any, 100% to the General
Partner.
(c) Net Termination Gains and
Losses. After giving effect to the special
allocations set forth in Section 6.1(d), all items of
income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing
Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss for such taxable
period shall be allocated in the same manner as such Net
Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss is allocated hereunder.
All allocations under this Section 6.1(c) shall be made
after Capital Account balances have been adjusted by all other
allocations provided under this Section 6.1 and after all
distributions of Available Cash provided under Section 6.4
and Section 6.5 have been made; provided, however, that
solely for purposes of this Section 6.1(c), Capital
Accounts shall not be adjusted for distributions made pursuant
to Section 12.4.
(i) If a Net Termination Gain is recognized (or deemed
recognized pursuant to Section 5.5(d)), such Net
Termination Gain shall be allocated among the Partners in the
following manner (and the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall
be increased by the amount so allocated in each of the following
subclauses, in the order listed, before an allocation is made
pursuant to the next succeeding subclause):
(A) First, to each Partner having a deficit balance in its
Capital Account, in the proportion that such deficit balance
bears to the total deficit balances in the Capital Accounts of
all Partners, until each such Partner has been allocated Net
Termination Gain equal to any such deficit balance in its
Capital Account;
(B) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders
holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less
the percentage applicable to subclause (x) of this
clause (B), until the Capital Account in respect of each
Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its
Unrecovered Initial Unit Price, (2) the Minimum Quarterly
Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date
occurs, reduced by any
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distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i) or
Section 6.4(b)(i) with respect to such Common Unit for such
Quarter (the amount determined pursuant to this clause (2)
is hereinafter defined as the Unpaid MQD) and
(3) any then existing Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage;
(C) Third, if such Net Termination Gain is recognized (or
is deemed to be recognized) prior to the conversion of the last
Outstanding Class B Unit, (x) to the General Partner
in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all
Unitholders holding Class B Units, Pro Rata, a percentage
equal to 100% less the percentage applicable to
subclause (x) of this clause (C), until the
Capital Account in respect of each Class B Unit then
Outstanding equals the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial
Unit Price, and (2) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for
the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by
any distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(b)(i) with respect
to such Class B Unit for such Quarter;
(D) Fourth, if such Net Termination Gain is recognized (or
is deemed to be recognized) prior to the conversion of the last
Outstanding Subordinated Unit, (x) to the General Partner
in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all
Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage
equal to 100% less the percentage applicable to
subclause (x) of this clause (D), until the
Capital Account in respect of each Subordinated Unit then
Outstanding equals the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Initial
Unit Price, determined for the taxable year (or portion thereof)
to which this allocation of gain relates, and (2) the
Minimum Quarterly Distribution for the Quarter during which the
Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to
Section 6.4(a)(iii) with respect to such Subordinated Unit
for such Quarter;
(E) Fifth, 100% to the General Partner and all Unitholders
in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, until
the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then
Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered
Initial Unit Price, (2) the Unpaid MQD, (3) any then
existing Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage, and (4) the
excess of (aa) the First Target Distribution less the Minimum
Quarterly Distribution for each Quarter of the
Partnerships existence over (bb) the cumulative per Unit
amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is deemed to
be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(iv)
and Section 6.4(b)(ii) (the sum of (1), (2), (3) and
(4) is hereinafter defined as the First
Liquidation Target Amount);
(F) Sixth, (x) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest, (y) 13% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (z) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclause (x) and
(y) of this clause (F), until the Capital Account in
respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum
of (1) the First Liquidation Target Amount, and
(2) the excess of (aa) the Second Target Distribution less
the First Target Distribution for each Quarter of the
Partnerships existence over (bb) the cumulative per Unit
amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is deemed to
be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(v) and
Section 6.4(b)(iii) (the sum of (1) and (2) is
hereinafter defined as the Second Liquidation Target
Amount);
(G) Seventh, (x) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest, (y) 23% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (z) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclause (x) and
(y) of this clause (G), until the Capital Account in
respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum
of (1) the Second Liquidation Target Amount, and
(2) the excess of (aa) the Third Target Distribution less
the Second Target Distribution for each Quarter of the
Partnerships existence over (bb) the cumulative per Unit
amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is deemed to
be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(vi)
and Section 6.4(b)(iv) (the sum of (1) and (2) is
hereinafter defined as the Third Liquidation Target
Amount); and
(H) Finally, (x) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest, (y) 48% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and (z) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclause (x) and
(y) of this clause (H).
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(ii) If a Net Termination Loss is recognized (or deemed
recognized pursuant to Section 5.5(d)), such Net
Termination Loss shall be allocated among the Partners in the
following manner:
(A) First, if such Net Termination Loss is recognized (or
is deemed to be recognized) prior to the conversion of the last
Outstanding Subordinated Unit, (x) to the General Partner
in accordance with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all
Unitholders holding Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage
equal to 100% less the percentage applicable to
subclause (x) of this clause (A), until the
Capital Account in respect of each Subordinated Unit then
Outstanding has been reduced to zero;
(B) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Class B
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the
percentage applicable to subclause (x) of this
clause (B) until the Capital Account in respect of
each Class B Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero;
(C) Third, (x) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest and (y) to all Unitholders,
Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the percentage
applicable to subclause (x) of this
clause (B) until the Capital Account in respect of
each Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero; and
(D) Fourth, the balance, if any, 100% to the General
Partner.
(d) Special
Allocations. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Section 6.1, the following special
allocations shall be made for such taxable period:
(i) Partnership Minimum Gain
Chargeback. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Section 6.1, if there is a net decrease in
Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period,
each Partner shall be allocated items of Partnership income and
gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in
the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation
Sections 1.704-2(f)(6),
1.704-2(g)(2) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(i), or any successor provision.
For purposes of this Section 6.1(d), each Partners
Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the
allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be
effected, prior to the application of any other allocations
pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) with respect to such
taxable period (other than an allocation pursuant to
Section 6.1(d)(vi) and Section 6.1(d)(vii)). This
Section 6.1(d)(i) is intended to comply with the
Partnership Minimum Gain chargeback requirement in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(f)
and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(ii) Chargeback of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum
Gain. Notwithstanding the other provisions of
this Section 6.1 (other than Section 6.1(d)(i)),
except as provided in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-2(i)(4),
if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum
Gain during any Partnership taxable period, any Partner with a
share of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain at the beginning
of such taxable period shall be allocated items of Partnership
income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent
periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury
Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(4)
and 1.704-2(j)(2)(ii), or any successor provisions. For purposes
of this Section 6.1(d), each Partners Adjusted
Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation
of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to
the application of any other allocations pursuant to this
Section 6.1(d), other than Section 6.1(d)(i) and other
than an allocation pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(vi) and
Section 6.1(d)(vii), with respect to such taxable period.
This Section 6.1(d)(ii) is intended to comply with the
chargeback of items of income and gain requirement in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4)
and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(iii) Priority Allocations.
(A) If the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of any
property distributed (except cash or property distributed
pursuant to Section 12.4) to any Unitholder with respect to
its Units for a taxable year is greater (on a per Unit basis)
than the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of property
distributed to the other Unitholders with respect to their Units
(on a per Unit basis), then (1) there shall be allocated
income and gain to each Unitholder receiving such greater cash
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or property distribution until the aggregate amount of such
items allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A) for
the current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal
to the product of (aa) the amount by which the distribution (on
a per Unit basis) to such Unitholder exceeds the distribution
(on a per Unit basis) to the Unitholders receiving the smallest
distribution and (bb) the number of Units owned by the
Unitholder receiving the greater distribution; and (2) the
General Partner shall be allocated income and gain in an
aggregate amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying
(aa) the quotient determined by dividing (x) the General
Partners Percentage Interest at the time in which the
greater cash or property distribution occurs by (y) the sum
of 100 less the General Partners Percentage Interest at
the time in which the greater cash or property distribution
occurs times (bb) the sum of the amounts allocated in
clause (1) above.
(B) After the application of Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A),
all or any portion of the remaining items of Partnership income
or gain for the taxable period, if any, shall be allocated
(1) to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro
Rata, until the aggregate amount of such items allocated to the
holders of Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this
Section 6.1(d)(iii)(B) for the current taxable year and all
previous taxable years is equal to the cumulative amount of all
Incentive Distributions made to the holders of Incentive
Distribution Rights from the Closing Date to a date 45 days
after the end of the current taxable year; and (2) to the
General Partner an amount equal to the product of (aa) an amount
equal to the quotient determined by dividing (x) the
General Partners Percentage Interest by (y) the sum
of 100 less the General Partners Percentage Interest times
(bb) the sum of the amounts allocated in clause (1) above.
(iv) Qualified Income Offset. In the
event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments,
allocations or distributions described in Treasury
Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4),
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5),
or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain
shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and
manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the
Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of
the Code, the deficit balance, if any, in its Adjusted Capital
Account created by such adjustments, allocations or
distributions as quickly as possible unless such deficit balance
is otherwise eliminated pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i) or
Section 6.1(d)(ii).
(v) Gross Income Allocations. In the
event any Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account
at the end of any Partnership taxable period in excess of the
sum of (A) the amount such Partner is required to restore
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (B) the
amount such Partner is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to
Treasury
Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g)
and
1.704-2(i)(5),
such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership
income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as
possible; provided, that an allocation pursuant to this
Section 6.1(d)(v) shall be made only if and to the extent
that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Capital
Account as adjusted after all other allocations provided for in
this Section 6.1 have been tentatively made as if this
Section 6.1(d)(v) were not in this Agreement.
(vi) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse
Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the
Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage
Interests. If the General Partner determines that the
Partnerships Nonrecourse Deductions should be allocated in
a different ratio to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the
Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of
the Code, the General Partner is authorized, upon notice to the
other Partners, to revise the prescribed ratio to the
numerically closest ratio that does satisfy such requirements.
(vii) Partner Nonrecourse
Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for
any taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the Partner that
bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Partner
Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions
are attributable in accordance with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i).
If more than one Partner bears the Economic Risk of Loss with
respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt, such Partner Nonrecourse
Deductions
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attributable thereto shall be allocated between or among such
Partners in accordance with the ratios in which they share such
Economic Risk of Loss.
(viii) Nonrecourse Liabilities. For
purposes of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3),
the Partners agree that Nonrecourse Liabilities of the
Partnership in excess of the sum of (A) the amount of
Partnership Minimum Gain and (B) the total amount of
Nonrecourse Built-in Gain shall be allocated among the Partners
in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.
(ix) Code Section 754
Adjustments. To the extent an adjustment to the
adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to
Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant
to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m),
to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the
amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be
treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the
basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such
basis), and such item of gain or loss shall be specially
allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the manner
in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted
pursuant to such Section of the Treasury Regulations.
(x) Economic Uniformity.
(A) At the election of the General Partner with respect to
any taxable period ending upon, or after, the termination of the
Subordination Period, all or a portion of the remaining items of
Partnership income or gain for such taxable period, after taking
into account allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(iii),
shall be allocated 100% to each Partner holding Subordinated
Units that are Outstanding as of the termination of the
Subordination Period (Final Subordinated
Units) in the proportion of the number of Final
Subordinated Units held by such Partner to the total number of
Final Subordinated Units then Outstanding, until each such
Partner has been allocated an amount of income or gain that
increases the Capital Account maintained with respect to such
Final Subordinated Units to an amount equal to the product of
(A) the number of Final Subordinated Units held by such
Partner and (B) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common
Unit. The purpose of this allocation is to establish uniformity
between the Capital Accounts underlying Final Subordinated Units
and the Capital Accounts underlying Common Units held by Persons
other than the General Partner and its Affiliates immediately
prior to the conversion of such Final Subordinated Units into
Common Units. This allocation method for establishing such
economic uniformity will be available to the General Partner
only if the method for allocating the Capital Account maintained
with respect to the Subordinated Units between the transferred
and retained Subordinated Units pursuant to
Section 5.5(c)(ii) does not otherwise provide such economic
uniformity to the Final Subordinated Units.
(B) At the election of the General Partner with respect to
any taxable period ending upon, or after, the conversion of the
Class B Units pursuant to Section 5.11(f), all or a
portion of the remaining items of Partnership income or gain for
such taxable period, after taking into account allocations
pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(iii) and
Section 6.1(d)(x)(A), shall be allocated 100% to the holder
or holders of the Common Units resulting from the conversion
pursuant to Section 5.11(f) (Converted Common
Units) in the proportion of the number of the
Converted Common Units held by such holder or holders to the
total number of Converted Common Units then Outstanding, until
each such holder has been allocated an amount of income or gain
that increases the Capital Account maintained with respect to
such Converted Common Units to an amount equal to the product of
(A) the number of Converted Common Units held by such
holder and (B) the Per Unit Capital Amount for a Common
Unit. The purpose of this allocation is to establish uniformity
between the Capital Accounts underlying Converted Common Units
and the Capital Accounts underlying Common Units held by Persons
other than the General Partner and its Affiliates immediately
prior to the receipt of Common Units pursuant to
Section 5.11(f).
(xi) Curative Allocation.
(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Section 6.1, other than the Required Allocations, the
Required Allocations shall be taken into account in making the
Agreed
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Allocations so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of
items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocated to each
Partner pursuant to the Required Allocations and the Agreed
Allocations, together, shall be equal to the net amount of such
items that would have been allocated to each such Partner under
the Agreed Allocations had the Required Allocations and the
related Curative Allocation not otherwise been provided in this
Section 6.1. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence,
Required Allocations relating to (1) Nonrecourse Deductions
shall not be taken into account except to the extent that there
has been a decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain and
(2) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into
account except to the extent that there has been a decrease in
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain. Allocations pursuant to
this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) shall only be made with respect
to Required Allocations to the extent the General Partner
determines that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent
with the economic agreement among the Partners. Further,
allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) shall be
deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to
clauses (1) and (2) hereof to the extent the General
Partner determines that such allocations are likely to be offset
by subsequent Required Allocations.
(B) The General Partner shall, with respect to each taxable
period, (1) apply the provisions of
Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) in whatever order is most likely to
minimize the economic distortions that might otherwise result
from the Required Allocations, and (2) divide all
allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xi)(A) among the
Partners in a manner that is likely to minimize such economic
distortions.
(xii) Corrective Allocations. In the
event of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative
Items or any Book-Down Event or any recognition of a Net
Termination Loss, the following rules shall apply:
(A) In the case of any allocation of Additional Book Basis
Derivative Items (other than an allocation of Unrealized Gain or
Unrealized Loss under Section 5.5(d) hereof), the General
Partner shall allocate additional items of income and gain away
from the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights to the
Unitholders and the General Partner, or additional items of
deduction and loss away from the Unitholders and the General
Partner to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, to the
extent that the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items allocated
to the Unitholders or the General Partner exceed their Share of
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items. For this purpose, the
Unitholders and the General Partner shall be treated as being
allocated Additional Book Basis Derivative Items to the extent
that such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items have reduced
the amount of income that would otherwise have been allocated to
the Unitholders or the General Partner under the Partnership
Agreement (e.g., Additional Book Basis Derivative Items taken
into account in computing cost of goods sold would reduce the
amount of book income otherwise available for allocation among
the Partners). Any allocation made pursuant to this
Section 6.1(d)(xii)(A) shall be made after all of the other
Agreed Allocations have been made as if this
Section 6.1(d)(xii) were not in this Agreement and, to the
extent necessary, shall require the reallocation of items that
have been allocated pursuant to such other Agreed Allocations.
(B) In the case of any negative adjustments to the Capital
Accounts of the Partners resulting from a Book-Down Event or
from the recognition of a Net Termination Loss, such negative
adjustment (1) shall first be allocated, to the extent of
the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments, in such a
manner, as determined by the General Partner, that to the extent
possible the aggregate Capital Accounts of the Partners will
equal the amount that would have been the Capital Account
balance of the Partners if no prior
Book-Up
Events had occurred, and (2) any negative adjustment in
excess of the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments shall
be allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c) hereof.
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(C) In making the allocations required under this
Section 6.1(d)(xii), the General Partner may apply whatever
conventions or other methodology it determines will satisfy the
purpose of this Section 6.1(d)(xii).
Section 6.2 Allocations
for Tax Purposes.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, for federal income
tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction
shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its
correlative item of book income, gain, loss or
deduction is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities
attributable to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property,
items of income, gain, loss, depreciation, amortization and cost
recovery deductions shall be allocated for federal income tax
purposes among the Partners as follows:
(i) (A) In the case of a Contributed Property, such
items attributable thereto shall be allocated among the Partners
in the manner provided under Section 704(c) of the Code
that takes into account the variation between the Agreed Value
of such property and its adjusted basis at the time of
contribution; and (B) any item of Residual Gain or Residual
Loss attributable to a Contributed Property shall be allocated
among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of
book gain or loss is allocated pursuant to
Section 6.1.
(ii) (A) In the case of an Adjusted Property, such
items shall (1) first, be allocated among the Partners in a
manner consistent with the principles of Section 704(c) of
the Code to take into account the Unrealized Gain or Unrealized
Loss attributable to such property and the allocations thereof
pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(i) or Section 5.5(d)(ii),
and (2) second, in the event such property was originally a
Contributed Property, be allocated among the Partners in a
manner consistent with Section 6.2(b)(i)(A); and
(B) any item of Residual Gain or Residual Loss attributable
to an Adjusted Property shall be allocated among the Partners in
the same manner as its correlative item of book gain
or loss is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(iii) The General Partner shall apply the principles of
Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-3(d)
to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.
(c) For the proper administration of the Partnership and
for the preservation of uniformity of the Limited Partner
Interests (or any class or classes thereof), the General Partner
shall (i) adopt such conventions as it deems appropriate in
determining the amount of depreciation, amortization and cost
recovery deductions; (ii) make special allocations for
federal income tax purposes of income (including gross income)
or deductions; and (iii) amend the provisions of this
Agreement as appropriate (x) to reflect the proposal or
promulgation of Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b)
or Section 704(c) of the Code or (y) otherwise to
preserve or achieve uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests
(or any class or classes thereof). The General Partner may adopt
such conventions, make such allocations and make such amendments
to this Agreement as provided in this Section 6.2(c) only
if such conventions, allocations or amendments would not have a
material adverse effect on the Partners, the holders of any
class or classes of Limited Partner Interests issued and
Outstanding or the Partnership, and if such allocations are
consistent with the principles of Section 704 of the Code.
(d) The General Partner may determine to depreciate or
amortize the portion of an adjustment under Section 743(b)
of the Code attributable to unrealized appreciation in any
Adjusted Property (to the extent of the unamortized Book-Tax
Disparity) using a predetermined rate derived from the
depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to
the Partnerships common basis of such property, despite
any inconsistency of such approach with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6),
Treasury Regulation Section 1.197-2(g)(3), the legislative
history to Section 743 or any successor regulations thereto. If
the General Partner determines that such reporting position
cannot reasonably be taken, the General Partner may adopt
depreciation and amortization conventions under which all
purchasers acquiring Limited Partner Interests in the same month
would receive depreciation and amortization deductions, based
upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct
interest in the Partnerships property. If the General
Partner chooses not to utilize such aggregate method, the
General Partner may use any other depreciation
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and amortization conventions to preserve the uniformity of the
intrinsic tax characteristics of any Limited Partner Interests,
so long as such conventions would not have a material adverse
effect on the Limited Partners or the Record Holders of any
class or classes of Limited Partner Interests.
(e) In accordance with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.1245-1(e),
any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other
taxable disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the
extent possible, after taking into account other required
allocations of gain pursuant to this Section 6.2, be
characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to
the same extent as such Partners (or their predecessors in
interest) have been allocated any deductions directly or
indirectly giving rise to the treatment of such gains as
Recapture Income.
(f) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit
recognized by the Partnership for federal income tax purposes
and allocated to the Partners in accordance with the provisions
hereof shall be determined without regard to any election under
Section 754 of the Code that may be made by the
Partnership; provided, however, that such allocations, once
made, shall be adjusted (in the manner determined by the General
Partner) to take into account those adjustments permitted or
required by Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.
(g) Each item of Partnership income, gain, loss and
deduction, for federal income tax purposes, shall be determined
on an annual basis and prorated on a monthly basis and shall be
allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the National
Securities Exchange on which the Common Units may then be listed
or admitted to trading on the first Business Day of each month;
provided, however, such items for the period beginning on the
Closing Date and ending on the last day of the month in which
the Option Closing Date or the expiration of the Over-Allotment
Option occurs shall be allocated to the Partners as of the
opening of the National Securities Exchange on which the Common
Units may then be listed or admitted to trading on the first
Business Day of the next succeeding month; and provided,
further, that gain or loss on a sale or other disposition of any
assets of the Partnership or any other extraordinary item of
income or loss realized and recognized other than in the
ordinary course of business, as determined by the General
Partner, shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of
the National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units may
then be listed or admitted to trading on the first Business Day
of the month in which such gain or loss is recognized for
federal income tax purposes. The General Partner may revise,
alter or otherwise modify such methods of allocation to the
extent permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code and
the regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder.
(h) Allocations that would otherwise be made to a Limited
Partner under the provisions of this Article VI shall
instead be made to the beneficial owner of Limited Partner
Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee has
furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in
accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other
method determined by the General Partner.
Section 6.3 Requirement
and Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record
Holders.
(a) Within 45 days following the end of each Quarter
commencing with the Quarter ending on September 30, 2007,
an amount equal to 100% of Available Cash with respect to such
Quarter shall, subject to
Section 17-607
of the Delaware Act, be distributed in accordance with this
Article VI by the Partnership to the Partners as of the
Record Date selected by the General Partner. All amounts of
Available Cash distributed by the Partnership on any date from
any source shall be deemed to be Operating Surplus until the sum
of all amounts of Available Cash theretofore distributed by the
Partnership to the Partners pursuant to Section 6.4 equals
the Operating Surplus from the Closing Date through the close of
the immediately preceding Quarter. Any remaining amounts of
Available Cash distributed by the Partnership on such date
shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.5, be
deemed to be Capital Surplus. Notwithstanding
any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the
Partnership shall not make a distribution to any Partner on
account of its interest in the Partnership if such distribution
would violate the Delaware Act or any other applicable law.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 6.3(a), in the event of
the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership, all receipts
received during or after the Quarter in which the Liquidation
Date occurs shall be applied and distributed solely in
accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of,
Section 12.4.
(c) The General Partner may treat taxes paid by the
Partnership on behalf of, or amounts withheld with respect to,
all or less than all of the Partners, as a distribution of
Available Cash to such Partners.
(d) Each distribution in respect of a
Partnership Interest shall be paid by the Partnership,
directly or through the Transfer Agent or through any other
Person or agent, only to the Record Holder of such
Partnership Interest as of the Record Date set for such
distribution. Such payment shall constitute full payment and
satisfaction of the Partnerships liability in respect of
such payment, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have
an interest in such payment by reason of an assignment or
otherwise.
Section 6.4 Distributions
of Available Cash from Operating Surplus.
(a) During Subordination
Period. Available Cash with respect to any
Quarter within the Subordination Period that is deemed to be
Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3
or 6.5 shall, subject to
Section 17-607
of the Delaware Act, be distributed as follows, except as
otherwise contemplated by Section 5.6 in respect of other
Partnership Securities issued pursuant thereto:
(i) First, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with
its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Unitholders holding
Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the
General Partners Percentage Interest until there has been
distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an
amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such
Quarter;
(ii) Second, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with
its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Unitholders holding
Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the
General Partners Percentage Interest until there has been
distributed in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an
amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage existing
with respect to such Quarter;
(iii) Third, (x) to the General Partner in accordance with
its Percentage Interest and (y) to the Unitholders holding
Subordinated Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less
the General Partners Percentage Interest until there has
been distributed in respect of each Subordinated Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly
Distribution for such Quarter;
(iv) Fourth, to the General Partner and all Unitholders, in
accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, until
there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target
Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such
Quarter;
(v) Fifth, (A) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest; (B) 13% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (C) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and
(B) of this clause (v) until there has been
distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount
equal to the excess of the Second Target Distribution over the
First Target Distribution for such Quarter;
(vi) Sixth, (A) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest, (B) 23% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (C) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and
(B) of this subclause (vi), until there has been
distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount
equal to the excess of the Third Target Distribution over the
Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and
(vii) Thereafter, (A) to the General Partner in
accordance with its Percentage Interest; (B) 48% to the
holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and
(C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to
100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to
subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause (vii);
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provided, however, if the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the
First Target Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and
the Third Target Distribution have been reduced to zero pursuant
to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a), the distribution
of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus with
respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with
Section 6.4(a)(vii).
(b) After Subordination
Period. Available Cash with respect to any
Quarter after the Subordination Period that is deemed to be
Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3
or Section 6.5, subject to
Section 17-607
of the Delaware Act, shall be distributed as follows, except as
otherwise required by Section 5.6(b) in respect of
additional Partnership Securities issued pursuant thereto:
(i) First, 100% to the General Partner and the Unitholders
in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, until
there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly
Distribution for such Quarter;
(ii) Second, 100% to the General Partner and the
Unitholders in accordance with their respective Percentage
Interests, until there has been distributed in respect of each
Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First
Target Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for
such Quarter;
(iii) Third, (A) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest; (B) 13% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (C) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclauses (A) and
(B) of this clause (iii), until there has been distributed
in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the
excess of the Second Target Distribution over the First Target
Distribution for such Quarter;
(iv) Fourth, (A) to the General Partner in accordance
with its Percentage Interest; (B) 23% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and (C) to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to 100% less the sum
of the percentages applicable to subclause (A) and
(B) of this clause (iv), until there has been
distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount
equal to the excess of the Third Target Distribution over the
Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and
(v) Thereafter, (A) to the General Partner in
accordance with its Percentage Interest; (B) 48% to the
holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata; and
(C) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, a percentage equal to
100% less the sum of the percentages applicable to
subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause (v);
provided, however, if the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the
First Target Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and
the Third Target Distribution have been reduced to zero pursuant
to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a), the distribution
of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus with
respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with
Section 6.4(b)(v).
Section 6.5 Distributions
of Available Cash from Capital Surplus.
Available Cash that is deemed to be Capital Surplus pursuant to
the provisions of Section 6.3(a) shall, subject to
Section 17-607
of the Delaware Act, be distributed, unless the provisions of
Section 6.3 require otherwise, 100% to the General Partner
and the Unitholders in accordance with their respective
Percentage Interests, until a hypothetical holder of a Common
Unit acquired in the Initial Offering has received with respect
to such Common Unit, during the period since the Closing Date
through such date, distributions of Available Cash that are
deemed to be Capital Surplus in an aggregate amount equal to the
Initial Unit Price. Available Cash that is deemed to be Capital
Surplus shall then be distributed (A) to the General Partner in
accordance with its Percentage Interest and (B) to all
Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, a percentage equal
to 100% less the General Partners Percentage Interest
until there has been distributed in respect of each Common Unit
then Outstanding an amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit
Arrearage. Thereafter, all Available Cash shall be distributed
as if it were Operating Surplus and shall be distributed in
accordance with Section 6.4.
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Section 6.6 Adjustment
of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution
Levels.
(a) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target
Distribution, Second Target Distribution, Third Target
Distribution, Common Unit Arrearages and Cumulative Common Unit
Arrearages shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of any
distribution, combination or subdivision (whether effected by a
distribution payable in Units or otherwise) of Units or other
Partnership Securities in accordance with Section 5.9. In
the event of a distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to
be from Capital Surplus, the then applicable Minimum Quarterly
Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target
Distribution and Third Target Distribution, shall be adjusted
proportionately downward to equal the product obtained by
multiplying the otherwise applicable Minimum Quarterly
Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target
Distribution and Third Target Distribution, as the case may be,
by a fraction of which the numerator is the Unrecovered Initial
Unit Price of the Common Units immediately after giving effect
to such distribution and of which the denominator is the
Unrecovered Initial Unit Price of the Common Units immediately
prior to giving effect to such distribution.
(b) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target
Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target
Distribution, shall also be subject to adjustment pursuant to
Section 5.11 and Section 6.9.
Section 6.7 Special
Provisions Relating to the Holders of Subordinated Units and
Class B Units.
(a) Except with respect to the right to vote on or approve
matters requiring the vote or approval of a percentage of the
holders of Outstanding Common Units and the right to participate
in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and
distributions made with respect to Common Units, the holder of a
Subordinated Unit shall have all of the rights and obligations
of a Unitholder holding Common Units hereunder; provided,
however, that immediately upon the conversion of Subordinated
Units into Common Units pursuant to Section 5.7, the
Unitholder holding a Subordinated Unit shall possess all of the
rights and obligations of a Unitholder holding Common Units
hereunder, including the right to vote as a Common Unitholder
and the right to participate in allocations of income, gain,
loss and deduction and distributions made with respect to Common
Units; provided, however, that such converted Subordinated Units
shall remain subject to the provisions of
Sections 5.5(c)(ii), 6.1(d)(x)(A), 6.7(b) and 6.7(c).
(b) A Unitholder shall not be permitted to transfer a
Subordinated Unit or a Subordinated Unit that has converted into
a Common Unit pursuant to Section 5.7 (other than a
transfer to an Affiliate) if the remaining balance in the
transferring Unitholders Capital Account with respect to
the retained Subordinated Units or Retained Converted
Subordinated Units would be negative after giving effect to the
allocation under Section 5.5(c)(ii)(B).
(c) The Unitholder holding a Common Unit that has resulted
from the conversion of a Subordinated Unit pursuant to
Section 5.7 shall not be issued a Common Unit Certificate
pursuant to Section 4.1, and shall not be permitted to
transfer such Common Unit to a Person that is not an Affiliate
of the holder until such time as the General Partner determines,
based on advice of counsel, that each such Common Unit should
have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and
federal income tax characteristics, in all material respects, to
the intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics of
an Initial Common Unit. In connection with the condition imposed
by this Section 6.7(c), the General Partner may take
whatever steps are required to provide economic uniformity to
such Common Units in preparation for a transfer of such Common
Units, including the application of Sections 5.5(c)(ii),
6.1(d)(x) and 6.7(b); provided, however, that no such steps may
be taken that would have a material adverse effect on the
Unitholders holding Common Units represented by Common Unit
Certificates.
(d) Except with respect to the right to vote on or approve
matters requiring the vote or approval of a percentage of the
holders of Outstanding Common Units and the right to participate
in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and
distributions made with respect to Common Units, the holders of
Class B Units shall have all the rights and obligations of
a Unitholder holding Common Units; provided, however, that
immediately upon the conversion of Class B Units into
Common Units pursuant to Section 5.11, the Unitholders
holding a Class B Unit shall possess all the rights and
obligations of a Unitholder holding Common Units hereunder,
including the right to vote as a Common Unitholder and the
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right to participate in allocations of income, gain, loss and
deduction and distributions made with respect to Common Units;
provided, however, that such converted Class B Units shall
remain subject to the provisions of Sections 6.1(d)(x)(B)
and 6.7(e).
(e) The holder or holders of Common Units resulting from
the conversion pursuant to Section 5.11(f) of any
Class B Units pursuant to Section 5.11 shall not be
issued a Common Unit Certificate pursuant to Section 4.1,
and shall not be permitted to transfer such Common Units until
such time as the General Partner determines, based on advice of
counsel, that each such Common Unit should have, as a
substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and federal income
tax characteristics, in all material respects, to the intrinsic
economic and federal income tax characteristics of an Initial
Common Unit. In connection with the condition imposed by this
Section 6.7(d), the General Partner may take whatever steps
are required to provide economic uniformity to such Common
Units, including the application of Section 6.1(d)(x)(B);
provided, however, that no such steps may be taken that would
have a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common
Units represented by Common Unit Certificates.
Section 6.8 Special
Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive Distribution
Rights.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this
Agreement, the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights
(a) shall (i) possess the rights and obligations
provided in this Agreement with respect to a Limited Partner
pursuant to Article III and Article VII and
(ii) have a Capital Account as a Partner pursuant to
Section 5.5 and all other provisions related thereto and
(b) shall not (i) be entitled to vote on any matters
requiring the approval or vote of the holders of Outstanding
Units, except as provided by law, (ii) be entitled to any
distributions other than as provided in Sections 6.4(a)(v),
(vi) and (vii), Section 6.4(b)(iii), (iv) and
(v), and Section 12.4 or (iii) be allocated items of
income, gain, loss or deduction other than as specified in this
Article VI.
Section 6.9 Entity-Level Taxation.
If legislation is enacted or the interpretation of existing
language is modified by a governmental authority so that a Group
Member is treated as an association taxable as a corporation or
is otherwise subject to an entity-level tax for federal, state
or local income tax purposes, then the General Partner may
reduce the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the First Target
Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and the Third
Target Distribution by the amount of income taxes that are
payable by reason of any such new legislation or interpretation
(the Incremental Income Taxes), or any
portion thereof selected by the General Partner, in the manner
provided in this Section 6.9. If the General Partner elects
to reduce the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the First Target
Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and the Third
Target Distribution for any Quarter with respect to all or a
portion of any Incremental Income Taxes, the General Partner
shall estimate for such Quarter the Partnership Groups
aggregate liability (the Estimated Incremental
Quarterly Tax Amount) for all (or the relevant portion
of) such Incremental Income Taxes; provided that any difference
between such estimate and the actual tax liability for
Incremental Income Taxes (or the relevant portion thereof) for
such Quarter may, to the extent determined by the General
Partner be taken into account in determining the Estimated
Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount with respect to each Quarter in
which any such difference can be determined. For each such
Quarter, the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target
Distribution, Second Target Distribution and Third Target
Distribution, shall be the product obtained by multiplying
(a) the amounts therefor that are set out herein prior to
the application of this Section 6.9 times (b) the
quotient obtained by dividing (i) Available Cash with
respect to such Quarter by (ii) the sum of Available Cash
with respect to such Quarter and the Estimated Incremental
Quarterly Tax Amount for such Quarter, as determined by the
General Partner. For purposes of the foregoing, Available Cash
with respect to a Quarter will be deemed reduced by the
Estimated Incremental Quarterly Tax Amount for that Quarter.
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ARTICLE VII
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS
Section 7.1 Management.
(a) The General Partner shall conduct, direct and manage
all activities of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement, all management powers over the
business and affairs of the Partnership shall be exclusively
vested in the General Partner, and no Limited Partner or
Assignee shall have any management power over the business and
affairs of the Partnership. In addition to the powers now or
hereafter granted a general partner of a limited partnership
under applicable law or that are granted to the General Partner
under any other provision of this Agreement, the General
Partner, subject to Section 7.3, shall have full power and
authority to do all things and on such terms as it determines to
be necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the
Partnership, to exercise all powers set forth in
Section 2.5 and to effectuate the purposes set forth in
Section 2.4, including the following:
(i) the making of any expenditures, the lending or
borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other
contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the
issuance of evidences of indebtedness, including indebtedness
that is convertible into Partnership Securities, and the
incurring of any other obligations;
(ii) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or
rendering of periodic or other reports to governmental or other
agencies having jurisdiction over the business or assets of the
Partnership;
(iii) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge,
encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the
assets of the Partnership or the merger or other combination of
the Partnership with or into another Person (the matters
described in this clause (iii) being subject, however, to
any prior approval that may be required by Section 7.3 and
Article XIV);
(iv) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including
cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this
Agreement, including the financing of the conduct of the
operations of the Partnership Group; subject to
Section 7.6(a), the lending of funds to other Persons
(including other Group Members); the repayment or guarantee of
obligations of any Group Member; and the making of capital
contributions to any Group Member;
(v) the negotiation, execution and performance of any
contracts, conveyances or other instruments (including
instruments that limit the liability of the Partnership under
contractual arrangements to all or particular assets of the
Partnership, with the other party to the contract to have no
recourse against the General Partner or its assets other than
its interest in the Partnership, even if same results in the
terms of the transaction being less favorable to the Partnership
than would otherwise be the case);
(vi) the distribution of Partnership cash;
(vii) the selection and dismissal of employees (including
employees having titles such as president,
vice president, secretary and
treasurer) and agents, outside attorneys,
accountants, consultants and contractors and the determination
of their compensation and other terms of employment or hiring;
(viii) the maintenance of insurance for the benefit of the
Partnership Group, the Partners and Indemnitees;
(ix) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in,
and the contribution of property and the making of loans to, any
further limited or general partnerships, joint ventures,
corporations, limited liability companies or other relationships
(including the acquisition of interests in, and the
contributions of property to, any Group Member from time to
time) subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 2.4;
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(x) the control of any matters affecting the rights and
obligations of the Partnership, including the bringing and
defending of actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging
in the conduct of litigation, arbitration or mediation and the
incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and
litigation;
(xi) the indemnification of any Person against liabilities
and contingencies to the extent permitted by law;
(xii) the entering into of listing agreements with any
National Securities Exchange and the delisting of some or all of
the Limited Partner Interests from, or requesting that trading
be suspended on, any such exchange (subject to any prior
approval that may be required under Section 4.8);
(xiii) the purchase, sale or other acquisition or
disposition of Partnership Securities, or the issuance of
options, rights, warrants, appreciation rights and tracking and
phantom interests relating to Partnership Securities;
(xiv) the undertaking of any action in connection with the
Partnerships participation in any Group Member; and
(xv) the entering into of agreements with any of its
Affiliates to render services to a Group Member or to itself in
the discharge of its duties as General Partner of the
Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
any Group Member Agreement, the Delaware Act or any applicable
law, rule or regulation, each of the Partners and the Assignees
and each other Person who may acquire an interest in Partnership
Securities hereby (i) approves, ratifies and confirms the
execution, delivery and performance by the parties thereto of
this Agreement and the Group Member Agreement of each other
Group Member, the Underwriting Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement,
the Contribution Agreement and the other agreements described in
or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are
related to the transactions contemplated by the Registration
Statement; (ii) agrees that the General Partner (on its own
or through any officer of the Partnership) is authorized to
execute, deliver and perform the agreements referred to in
clause (i) of this sentence and the other agreements, acts,
transactions and matters described in or contemplated by the
Registration Statement on behalf of the Partnership without any
further act, approval or vote of the Partners or the Assignees
or the other Persons who may acquire an interest in Partnership
Securities; and (iii) agrees that the execution, delivery
or performance by the General Partner, any Group Member or any
Affiliate of any of them of this Agreement or any agreement
authorized or permitted under this Agreement (including the
exercise by the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General
Partner of the rights accorded pursuant to
Article XV) shall not constitute a breach by the
General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the
Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other Persons under
this Agreement (or any other agreements) or of any duty stated
or implied by law or equity.
Section 7.2 Certificate
of Limited Partnership.
The General Partner has caused the Certificate of Limited
Partnership to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware as required by the Delaware Act. The General Partner
shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other
certificates or documents that the General Partner determines to
be necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation,
qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a
partnership in which the limited partners have limited
liability) in the State of Delaware or any other state in which
the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. To the
extent the General Partner determines such action to be
necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file
amendments to and restatements of the Certificate of Limited
Partnership and do all things to maintain the Partnership as a
limited partnership (or a partnership or other entity in which
the limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of
the State of Delaware or of any other state in which the
Partnership may elect to do business or own property. Subject to
the terms of Section 3.4(a), the General Partner shall not
be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy
of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, any qualification
document or any amendment thereto to any Limited Partner.
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Section 7.3 Restrictions
on the General Partners Authority.
Except as provided in Article XII and Article XIV, the
General Partner may not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group,
taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related
transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation, other
combination or sale of ownership interests of the
Partnerships Subsidiaries) without the approval of holders
of a Unit Majority; provided, however, that this provision shall
not preclude or limit the General Partners ability to
mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in
all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group
and shall not apply to any forced sale of any or all of the
assets of the Partnership Group pursuant to the foreclosure of,
or other realization upon, any such encumbrance. Without the
approval of holders of a Unit Majority, the General Partner
shall not, on behalf of the Partnership, except as permitted
under Section 4.6, 11.1 and Section 11.2, elect or
cause the Partnership to elect a successor general partner of
the Partnership.
Section 7.4 Reimbursement
of the General Partner.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 7.4 and
elsewhere in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not be
compensated for its services as a general partner or managing
member of any Group Member.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Agreement, the
General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such
other basis as the General Partner may determine, for
(i) all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments
it makes on behalf of the Partnership Group (including salary,
bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to any
Person, including Affiliates of the General Partner to perform
services for the Partnership Group or for the General Partner in
the discharge of its duties to the Partnership Group and
including certain expenses allocated to the Partnership by
Affiliates of the General Partner), and (ii) all other
expenses allocable to the Partnership Group or otherwise
incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the
Partnership Groups business (including expenses allocated
to the General Partner by its Affiliates). The General Partner
shall determine the expenses that are allocable to the
Partnership Group. Reimbursements pursuant to this
Section 7.4 shall be in addition to any reimbursement to
the General Partner as a result of indemnification pursuant to
Section 7.7. Any allocation of expenses to the Partnership
by Affiliates of the General Partner in a manner consistent with
then-applicable accounting and allocation methodologies
generally permitted by FERC for rate-making purposes (or in the
absence of then-applicable methodologies permitted by FERC,
consistent with the most-recently applicable methodologies) and
past business practices shall be deemed to be fair and
reasonable to the Partnership.
(c) The General Partner, without the approval of the
Limited Partners (who shall have no right to vote in respect
thereof), may propose and adopt on behalf of the Partnership
employee benefit plans, employee programs and employee practices
(including plans, programs and practices involving the issuance
of Partnership Securities or options to purchase or rights,
warrants or appreciation rights or phantom or tracking interests
relating to Partnership Securities), or cause the Partnership to
issue Partnership Securities in connection with, or pursuant to,
any employee benefit plan, employee program or employee practice
maintained or sponsored by the General Partner, Group Member or
any Affiliates in each case for the benefit of employees and
directors of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, in
respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the
benefit of the Partnership Group. The Partnership agrees to
issue and sell to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates
any Partnership Securities that the General Partner or such
Affiliates are obligated to provide to any employees and
directors pursuant to any such employee benefit plans, employee
programs or employee practices. Expenses incurred by the General
Partner in connection with any such plans, programs and
practices (including the net cost to the General Partner or such
Affiliates of Partnership Securities purchased by the General
Partner or such Affiliates from the Partnership to fulfill
options or awards under such plans, programs and practices)
shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section 7.4(b). Any
and all obligations of the General Partner under any employee
benefit plans, employee programs or employee practices adopted
by the General Partner as permitted by this Section 7.4(c)
shall constitute obligations of the General Partner hereunder
and shall be assumed by any successor General Partner approved
pursuant to Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the
transferee of or
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successor to all of the General Partners General Partner
Interest (represented by General Partner Units) pursuant to
Section 4.6.
Section 7.5 Outside
Activities.
(a) After the Closing Date, the General Partner, for so
long as it is the General Partner of the Partnership
(i) agrees that its sole business will be to act as a
general partner or managing member, as the case may be, of the
Partnership and any other partnership or limited liability
company of which the Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a
partner or member and to undertake activities that are ancillary
or related thereto (including being a limited partner in the
Partnership) and (ii) shall not engage in any business or
activity or incur any debts or liabilities except in connection
with or incidental to (A) its performance as general
partner or managing member, if any, of one or more Group Members
or as described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement
or (B) the acquiring, owning or disposing of debt or equity
securities in any Group Member.
(b) Each Indemnitee (other than the General Partner) shall
have the right to engage in businesses of every type and
description and other activities for profit and to engage in and
possess an interest in other business ventures of any and every
type or description, whether in businesses engaged in or
anticipated to be engaged in by any Group Member, independently
or with others, including business interests and activities in
direct competition with the business and activities of any Group
Member, and none of the same shall constitute a breach of this
Agreement or any duty expressed or implied by law or equity to
any Group Member or any Partner or Assignee. None of any Group
Member, any Limited Partner or any other Person shall have any
rights by virtue of this Agreement, any Group Member Agreement,
or the partnership relationship established hereby in any
business ventures of any Indemnitee. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement or any duty existing at law, in
equity or otherwise, but subject to the proviso set forth in the
last sentence of this Section 7.5(b), (i) the engaging in
competitive activities by any Indemnitees (other than the
General Partner) in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 7.5 is hereby approved by the Partnership and all
Partners, (ii) it shall be deemed not to be a breach of any
fiduciary duty or any other obligation of any type whatsoever of
any Indemnitee for the Indemnitees (other than the General
Partner) to engage in such business interests and activities in
preference to or to the exclusion of the Partnership and
(iii) the Indemnitees shall have no obligation hereunder or
as a result of any duty expressed or implied by law to present
business opportunities to the Partnership. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the doctrine of
corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, shall not
apply to any Indemnitee (including the General Partner). No
Indemnitee (including the General Partner) who acquires
knowledge of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or
other matter that may be an opportunity for the Partnership,
shall have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to
the Partnership, and such Indemnitee (including the General
Partner) shall not be liable to the Partnership, to any Limited
Partner or any other Person for breach of any fiduciary or other
duty by reason of the fact that such Indemnitee (including the
General Partner) pursues or acquires for itself, directs such
opportunity to another Person or does not communicate such
opportunity or information to the Partnership; provided such
Indemnitee does not engage in such business or activity as a
result of or using confidential or proprietary information
provided by or on behalf of the Partnership to such Indemnitee.
(c) The General Partner and each of its Affiliates may
acquire Units or other Partnership Securities in addition to
those acquired on the Closing Date and, except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement, shall be entitled to exercise, at
their option, all rights relating to all Units or other
Partnership Securities acquired by them. The term
Affiliates when used in this
Section 7.5(c) with respect to the General Partner shall
not include any Group Member.
Section 7.6 Loans
from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from the
Partnership or Group Members.
(a) The General Partner or any of its Affiliates may lend
to any Group Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the
General Partner or any of its Affiliates, funds needed or
desired by the Group Member for such periods of time and in such
amounts as the General Partner may determine; provided, however,
that in any such case the lending party may not charge the
borrowing party interest at a
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rate greater than the rate that would be charged the borrowing
party or impose terms less favorable to the borrowing party than
would be charged or imposed on the borrowing party by unrelated
lenders on comparable loans made on an arms-length basis
(without reference to the lending partys financial
abilities or guarantees), all as determined by the General
Partner. The borrowing party shall reimburse the lending party
for any costs (other than any additional interest costs)
incurred by the lending party in connection with the borrowing
of such funds. For purposes of this Section 7.6(a) and
Section 7.6(b), the term Group Member
shall include any Affiliate of a Group Member that is controlled
by the Group Member.
(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to any Group
Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the Partnership,
funds on terms and conditions determined by the General Partner.
No Group Member may lend funds to the General Partner or any of
its Affiliates (other than another Group Member).
(c) No borrowing by any Group Member or the approval
thereof by the General Partner shall be deemed to constitute a
breach of any duty, expressed or implied, of the General Partner
or its Affiliates to the Partnership or the Limited Partners
existing hereunder, or existing at law, in equity or otherwise
by reason of the fact that the purpose or effect of such
borrowing is directly or indirectly to (i) enable
distributions to the General Partner or its Affiliates
(including in their capacities as Limited Partners) to exceed
the General Partners Percentage Interest of the total
amount distributed to all partners or (ii) hasten the
expiration of the Subordination Period or the conversion of any
Subordinated Units into Common Units.
Section 7.7 Indemnification.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to
the limitations expressly provided in this Agreement, all
Indemnitees shall be indemnified and held harmless by the
Partnership from and against any and all losses, claims,
damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including
legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest,
settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims,
demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnitee may be
involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or
otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee; provided,
that the Indemnitee shall not be indemnified and held harmless
if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by
a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect
of the matter for which the Indemnitee is seeking
indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7, the
Indemnitee acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud, willful
misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with
knowledge that the Indemnitees conduct was unlawful;
provided, further, no indemnification pursuant to this
Section 7.7 shall be available to the General Partner or
its Affiliates (other than a Group Member) with respect to its
or their obligations incurred pursuant to the Underwriting
Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement or the Contribution Agreement
(other than obligations incurred by the General Partner on
behalf of the Partnership). Any indemnification pursuant to this
Section 7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the
Partnership, it being agreed that the General Partner shall not
be personally liable for such indemnification and shall have no
obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the
Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses
(including legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee
who is indemnified pursuant to Section 7.7(a) in defending
any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time
to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to a determination
that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified upon
receipt by the Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of
the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be determined
that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified as
authorized in this Section 7.7.
(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7
shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee
may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the
holders of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests, as a matter of
law or otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitees
capacity as an Indemnitee and as to actions in any other
capacity (including any capacity under the Underwriting
Agreement), and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has
ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit
of the heirs, successors, assigns and administrators of the
Indemnitee.
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(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse
the General Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of)
insurance, on behalf of the General Partner, its Affiliates and
such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine,
against any liability that may be asserted against, or expense
that may be incurred by, such Person in connection with the
Partnerships activities or such Persons activities
on behalf of the Partnership, regardless of whether the
Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person
against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) For purposes of this Section 7.7, the Partnership
shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as
fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance
by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on,
or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or
participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed
on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan
pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines
within the meaning of Section 7.7(a); and action taken or
omitted by it with respect to any employee benefit plan in the
performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by
it to be in the best interest of the participants and
beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose
that is in the best interests of the Partnership.
(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited
Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification
provisions set forth in this Agreement.
(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in
whole or in part under this Section 7.7 because the
Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to
which the indemnification applies if the transaction was
otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
(h) The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the
benefit of the Indemnitees, their heirs, successors, assigns and
administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for
the benefit of any other Persons.
(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this
Section 7.7 or any provision hereof shall in any manner
terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or
future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership, nor the
obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee
under and in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 7.7 as in effect immediately prior to such
amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising
from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part,
prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of
when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 7.8 Liability
of Indemnitees.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
this Agreement, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary
damages to the Partnership, the Limited Partners, the Assignees
or any other Persons who have acquired interests in the
Partnership Securities, for losses sustained or liabilities
incurred as a result of any act or omission of an Indemnitee
unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment
entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that,
in respect of the matter in question, the Indemnitee acted in
bad faith or engaged in fraud, willful misconduct or, in the
case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the
Indemnitees conduct was criminal.
(b) Subject to its obligations and duties as General
Partner set forth in Section 7.1(a), the General Partner
may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement
and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either
directly or by or through its agents, and the General Partner
shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the
part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner in good
faith.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee
has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating
thereto to the Partnership or to the Partners, the General
Partner and any other Indemnitee acting in connection with the
Partnerships business or affairs shall not be liable to
the Partnership or to any Partner for its good faith reliance on
the provisions of this Agreement.
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(d) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this
Section 7.8 or any provision hereof shall be prospective
only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the
liability of the Indemnitees under this Section 7.8 as in
effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or
repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to
matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment,
modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise
or be asserted.
Section 7.9 Resolution
of Conflicts of Interest; Standards of Conduct and Modification
of Duties.
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement
or any Group Member Agreement, whenever a potential conflict of
interest exists or arises between the General Partner or any of
its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Partnership, any Group
Member, any Partner or any Assignee, on the other, any
resolution or course of action by the General Partner or its
Affiliates in respect of such conflict of interest shall be
permitted and deemed approved by all Partners, and shall not
constitute a breach of this Agreement, of any Group Member
Agreement, of any agreement contemplated herein or therein, or
of any duty stated or implied by law or equity, if the
resolution or course of action in respect of such conflict of
interest is (i) approved by Special Approval,
(ii) approved by the vote of a majority of the Outstanding
Common Units (excluding Common Units owned by the General
Partner and its Affiliates), (iii) on terms no less
favorable to the Partnership than those generally being provided
to or available from unrelated third parties or (iv) fair
and reasonable to the Partnership, taking into account the
totality of the relationships between the parties involved
(including other transactions that may be particularly favorable
or advantageous to the Partnership). The General Partner shall
be authorized but not required in connection with its resolution
of such conflict of interest to seek Special Approval of such
resolution, and the General Partner may also adopt a resolution
or course of action that has not received Special Approval. If
Special Approval is sought, then it shall be presumed that, in
making its decision, the Conflicts Committee acted in good
faith, and if Special Approval is not sought and the Board of
Directors of the General Partner determines that the resolution
or course of action taken with respect to a conflict of interest
satisfies either of the standards set forth in
clauses (iii) or (iv) above, then it shall be presumed
that, in making its decision, the Board of Directors of the
General Partner acted in good faith, and in either case, in any
proceeding brought by any Limited Partner or Assignee or by or
on behalf of such Limited Partner or Assignee or any other
Limited Partner or Assignee or the Partnership challenging such
approval, the Person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding
shall have the burden of overcoming such presumption.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or
any duty otherwise existing at law or equity, the existence of
the conflicts of interest described in the Registration
Statement are hereby approved by all Partners and shall not
constitute a breach of this Agreement.
(b) Whenever the General Partner makes a determination or
takes or declines to take any other action, or any of its
Affiliates causes it to do so, in its capacity as the general
partner of the Partnership as opposed to in its individual
capacity, whether under this Agreement, any Group Member
Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or
otherwise, then, unless another express standard is provided for
in this Agreement, the General Partner, or such Affiliates
causing it to do so, shall make such determination or take or
decline to take such other action in good faith and shall not be
subject to any other or different standards imposed by this
Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any other agreement
contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law,
rule or regulation or at equity. Whenever the Conflicts
Committee makes a determination or takes or declines to take any
other action, it shall make such determination or take or
decline to take such other action in good faith and shall not be
subject to any other or different standards imposed by this
Agreement, any Group Member Agreement, any other agreement
contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law,
rule or regulation or at equity. In order for a determination or
other action to be in good faith for purposes of
this Agreement, the Person or Persons making such determination
or taking or declining to take such other action must believe
that the determination or other action is in the best interests
of the Partnership.
(c) Whenever the General Partner makes a determination or
takes or declines to take any other action, or any of its
Affiliates causes it to do so, in its individual capacity as
opposed to in its capacity as the general partner of the
Partnership, whether under this Agreement, any Group Member
Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby or
otherwise, then the General Partner, or such Affiliates causing
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it to do so, are entitled to make such determination or to take
or decline to take such other action free of any fiduciary duty
or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership, any Limited Partner
or Assignee, and the General Partner, or such Affiliates causing
it to do so, shall not be required to act in good faith or
pursuant to any other standard imposed by this Agreement, any
Group Member Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby
or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation
or at equity. By way of illustration and not of limitation,
whenever the phrase, at the option of the General
Partner, or some variation of that phrase, is used in this
Agreement, it indicates that the General Partner is acting in
its individual capacity. For the avoidance of doubt, but subject
to Sections 4.6 and 4.7, whenever the General Partner votes or
transfers its Partnership Interests, or refrains from
voting or transferring its Partnership Interests, it shall
be acting in its individual capacity. The General Partners
organizational documents may provide that determinations to take
or decline to take any action in its individual, rather than
representative, capacity may or shall be determined by its
members, if the General Partner is a limited liability company,
stockholders, if the General Partner is a corporation, or the
members or stockholders of the General Partners general
partner, if the General Partner is a partnership.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the General Partner and its Affiliates shall have no
duty or obligation, express or implied, to (i) sell or
otherwise dispose of any asset of the Partnership Group other
than in the ordinary course of business or (ii) permit any
Group Member to use any facilities or assets of the General
Partner and its Affiliates, except as may be provided in
contracts entered into from time to time specifically dealing
with such use. Any determination by the General Partner or any
of its Affiliates to enter into such contracts shall be at its
option.
(e) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement,
neither the General Partner nor any other Indemnitee shall have
any duties or liabilities, including fiduciary duties, to the
Partnership or any Limited Partner or Assignee and the
provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict,
eliminate or otherwise modify the duties and liabilities,
including fiduciary duties, of the General Partner or any other
Indemnitee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by
the Partners to replace such other duties and liabilities of the
General Partner or such other Indemnitee.
(f) The Unitholders hereby authorize the General Partner,
on behalf of the Partnership as a partner or member of a Group
Member, to approve of actions by the general partner or managing
member of such Group Member similar to those actions permitted
to be taken by the General Partner pursuant to this
Section 7.9.
Section 7.10 Other
Matters Concerning the General Partner.
(a) The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in
acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice,
request, consent, order, bond, debenture or other paper or
document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or
presented by the proper party or parties.
(b) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel,
accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment
bankers and other consultants and advisers selected by it, and
any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon the
opinion (including an Opinion of Counsel) of such Persons as to
matters that the General Partner reasonably believes to be
within such Persons professional or expert competence
shall be conclusively presumed to have been done or omitted in
good faith and in accordance with such opinion.
(c) The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of
any of its powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any
of its duly authorized officers, a duly appointed attorney or
attorneys-in-fact
or the duly authorized officers of the Partnership or any Group
Member.
Section 7.11 Purchase
or Sale of Partnership Securities.
The General Partner may cause the Partnership to purchase or
otherwise acquire Partnership Securities; provided that, except
as permitted pursuant to Section 4.10, the General Partner
may not cause any Group Member to purchase Subordinated Units
during the Subordination Period. Such Partnership
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Securities shall be held by the Partnership as treasury
securities unless they are expressly cancelled by action of an
appropriate officer of the General Partner. As long as
Partnership Securities are held by any Group Member, such
Partnership Securities shall not be considered Outstanding for
any purpose, except as otherwise provided herein. The General
Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner may also
purchase or otherwise acquire and sell or otherwise dispose of
Partnership Securities for its own account, subject to the
provisions of Articles IV and X.
Section 7.12 Registration
Rights of the General Partner and its Affiliates.
(a) If (i) the General Partner or any Affiliate of the
General Partner (including for purposes of this
Section 7.12, any Person that is an Affiliate of the
General Partner at the date hereof notwithstanding that it may
later cease to be an Affiliate of the General Partner) holds
Partnership Securities that it desires to sell and
(ii) Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any successor
rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another exemption
from registration is not available to enable such holder of
Partnership Securities (the Holder) to
dispose of the number of Partnership Securities it desires to
sell at the time it desires to do so without registration under
the Securities Act, then at the option and upon the request of
the Holder, the Partnership shall file with the Commission as
promptly as practicable after receiving such request, and use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective and
remain effective for a period of not less than six months
following its effective date or such shorter period as shall
terminate when all Partnership Securities covered by such
registration statement have been sold, a registration statement
under the Securities Act registering the offering and sale of
the number of Partnership Securities specified by the Holder;
provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be required to
effect more than three registrations pursuant to this
Section 7.12(a) and Section 7.12(b); and provided
further, however, that if the Conflicts Committee determines in
good faith that the requested registration would be materially
detrimental to the Partnership and its Partners because such
registration would (x) materially interfere with a
significant acquisition, reorganization or other similar
transaction involving the Partnership, (y) require
premature disclosure of material information that the
Partnership has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as
confidential or (z) render the Partnership unable to comply
with requirements under applicable securities laws, then the
Partnership shall have the right to postpone such requested
registration for a period of not more than six months after
receipt of the Holders request, such right pursuant to
this Section 7.12(a) or Section 7.12(b) not to be
utilized more than once in any twelve-month period. In
connection with any registration pursuant to the first sentence
of this Section 7.12(a), the Partnership shall
(i) promptly prepare and file (A) such documents as
may be necessary to register or qualify the securities subject
to such registration under the securities laws of such states as
the Holder shall reasonably request; provided, however, that no
such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where,
as a result thereof, the Partnership would become subject to
general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do
business as a foreign corporation or partnership doing business
in such jurisdiction solely as a result of such registration,
and (B) such documents as may be necessary to apply for
listing or to list the Partnership Securities subject to such
registration on such National Securities Exchange as the Holder
shall reasonably request, and (ii) do any and all other
acts and things that may be necessary or appropriate to enable
the Holder to consummate a public sale of such Partnership
Securities in such states. Except as set forth in
Section 7.12(d), all costs and expenses of any such
registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts
and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership, without
reimbursement by the Holder.
(b) If any Holder holds Partnership Securities that it
desires to sell and Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any
successor rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another
exemption from registration is not available to enable such
Holder to dispose of the number of Partnership Securities it
desires to sell at the time it desires to do so without
registration under the Securities Act, then at the option and
upon the request of the Holder, the Partnership shall file with
the Commission as promptly as practicable after receiving such
request, and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to
become effective and remain effective for a period of not less
than six months following its effective date or such shorter
period as shall terminate when all Partnership Securities
covered by such shelf registration statement have been sold, a
shelf registration statement covering the
Partnership Securities specified by the Holder on an appropriate
form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any
similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission;
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provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be required to
effect more than three registrations pursuant to
Section 7.12(a) and this Section 7.12(b); and provided
further, however, that if the Conflicts Committee determines in
good faith that any offering under, or the use of any prospectus
forming a part of, the shelf registration statement would be
materially detrimental to the Partnership and its Partners
because such offering or use would (x) materially interfere
with a significant acquisition, reorganization or other similar
transaction involving the Partnership, (y) require
premature disclosure of material information that the
Partnership has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as
confidential or (z) render the Partnership unable to comply
with requirements under applicable securities laws, then the
Partnership shall have the right to suspend such offering or use
for a period of not more than six months after receipt of the
Holders request, such right pursuant to
Section 7.12(a) or this Section 7.12(b) not to be
utilized more than once in any twelve-month period. In
connection with any shelf registration pursuant to this
Section 7.12(b), the Partnership shall (i) promptly
prepare and file (A) such documents as may be necessary to
register or qualify the securities subject to such shelf
registration under the securities laws of such states as the
Holder shall reasonably request; provided, however, that no such
qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a
result thereof, the Partnership would become subject to general
service of process or to taxation or qualification to do
business as a foreign corporation or partnership doing business
in such jurisdiction solely as a result of such shelf
registration, and (B) such documents as may be necessary to
apply for listing or to list the Partnership Securities subject
to such shelf registration on such National Securities Exchange
as the Holder shall reasonably request, and (ii) do any and
all other acts and things that may be necessary or appropriate
to enable the Holder to consummate a public sale of such
Partnership Securities in such states. Except as set forth in
Section 7.12(d), all costs and expenses of any such shelf
registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts
and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership, without
reimbursement by the Holder.
(c) If the Partnership shall at any time propose to file a
registration statement under the Securities Act for an offering
of equity securities of the Partnership for cash (other than an
offering relating solely to an employee benefit plan), the
Partnership shall notify all Holders of such proposal and use
all reasonable efforts to include such number or amount of
securities held by the Holder in such registration statement as
the Holder shall request; provided, that the Partnership is not
required to make any effort or take any action to so include the
securities of the Holder once the registration statement is
declared effective by the Commission or otherwise becomes
effective, including any registration statement providing for
the offering from time to time of securities pursuant to
Rule 415 of the Securities Act. If the proposed offering
pursuant to this Section 7.12(c) shall be an underwritten
offering, then, in the event that the managing underwriter or
managing underwriters of such offering advise the Partnership
and the Holder in writing that in their opinion the inclusion of
all or some of the Holders Partnership Securities would
adversely and materially affect the success of the offering, the
Partnership shall include in such offering only that number or
amount, if any, of securities held by the Holder that, in the
opinion of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters,
will not so adversely and materially affect the offering. Except
as set forth in Section 7.12(d), all costs and expenses of
any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting
discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership,
without reimbursement by the Holder.
(d) If underwriters are engaged in connection with any
registration referred to in this Section 7.12, the
Partnership shall provide indemnification, representations,
covenants, opinions and other assurance to the underwriters in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such underwriters.
Further, in addition to and not in limitation of the
Partnerships obligation under Section 7.7, the
Partnership shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
indemnify and hold harmless the Holder, its officers, directors
and each Person who controls the Holder (within the meaning of
the Securities Act) and any agent thereof (collectively,
Indemnified Persons) from and against any and
all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several,
expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines,
penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from
any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in
which any Indemnified Person may be involved, or is threatened
to be involved, as a party or otherwise, under the Securities
Act or otherwise (hereinafter referred to in this
Section 7.12(d) as a claim and in the plural as
claims) based upon, arising out of or resulting from
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material
fact contained in any registration statement
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under which any Partnership Securities were registered under the
Securities Act or any state securities or Blue Sky laws, in any
preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the effective date of
such registration statement), or in any summary or final
prospectus or any free writing prospectus or in any amendment or
supplement thereto (if used during the period the Partnership is
required to keep the registration statement current), or arising
out of, based upon or resulting from the omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements made therein not
misleading; provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be
liable to any Indemnified Person to the extent that any such
claim arises out of, is based upon or results from an untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission made in such registration statement, such preliminary,
summary or final prospectus or any free writing prospectus or
such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Partnership by or on
behalf of such Indemnified Person specifically for use in the
preparation thereof.
(e) The provisions of Section 7.12(a),
Section 7.12(b) and Section 7.12(c) shall continue to
be applicable with respect to the General Partner (and any of
the General Partners Affiliates) after it ceases to be a
general partner of the Partnership, during a period of two years
subsequent to the effective date of such cessation and for so
long thereafter as is required for the Holder to sell all of the
Partnership Securities with respect to which it has requested
during such two-year period inclusion in a registration
statement otherwise filed or that a registration statement be
filed; provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be
required to file successive registration statements covering the
same Partnership Securities for which registration was demanded
during such two-year period. The provisions of
Section 7.12(d) shall continue in effect thereafter.
(f) The rights to cause the Partnership to register
Partnership Securities pursuant to this Section 7.12 may be
assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to
a transferee or assignee of such Partnership Securities,
provided (i) the Partnership is, within a reasonable time
after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name
and address of such transferee or assignee and the Partnership
Securities with respect to which such registration rights are
being assigned; and (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees
in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms set forth in
this Section 7.12.
(g) Any request to register Partnership Securities pursuant
to this Section 7.12 shall (i) specify the Partnership
Securities intended to be offered and sold by the Person making
the request, (ii) express such Persons present intent
to offer such Partnership Securities for distribution,
(iii) describe the nature or method of the proposed offer
and sale of Partnership Securities, and (iv) contain the
undertaking of such Person to provide all such information and
materials and take all action as may be required in order to
permit the Partnership to comply with all applicable
requirements in connection with the registration of such
Partnership Securities.
Section 7.13 Reliance
by Third Parties.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any
Person dealing with the Partnership shall be entitled to assume
that the General Partner and any officer of the General Partner
authorized by the General Partner to act on behalf of and in the
name of the Partnership has full power and authority to
encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all assets
of the Partnership and to enter into any authorized contracts on
behalf of the Partnership, and such Person shall be entitled to
deal with the General Partner or any such officer as if it were
the Partnerships sole party in interest, both legally and
beneficially. Each Limited Partner hereby waives, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, any and all defenses or other remedies
that may be available against such Person to contest, negate or
disaffirm any action of the General Partner or any such officer
in connection with any such dealing. In no event shall any
Person dealing with the General Partner or any such officer or
its representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of
this Agreement have been complied with or to inquire into the
necessity or expedience of any act or action of the General
Partner or any such officer or its representatives. Each and
every certificate, document or other instrument executed on
behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner or its
representatives shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and
every Person relying thereon or claiming thereunder that
(a) at the time of the execution and delivery of such
certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full
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force and effect, (b) the Person executing and delivering
such certificate, document or instrument was duly authorized and
empowered to do so for and on behalf of the Partnership and
(c) such certificate, document or instrument was duly
executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and
provisions of this Agreement and is binding upon the Partnership.
ARTICLE VIII
BOOKS,
RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
Section 8.1 Records
and Accounting.
The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept at the
principal office of the Partnership appropriate books and
records with respect to the Partnerships business,
including all books and records necessary to provide to the
Limited Partners any information required to be provided
pursuant to Section 3.4(a). Any books and records
maintained by or on behalf of the Partnership in the regular
course of its business, including the record of the Record
Holders and Assignees of Units or other Partnership Securities,
books of account and records of Partnership proceedings, may be
kept on, or be in the form of, computer disks, hard drives,
punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any
other information storage device; provided, that the books and
records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible
written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of
the Partnership shall be maintained, for financial reporting
purposes, on an accrual basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Section 8.2 Fiscal
Year.
The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be a fiscal year ending
December 31.
Section 8.3 Reports.
(a) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than
120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the
Partnership, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or
made available, by any reasonable means (including posting on or
accessible through the Partnerships or the SECs
website) to each Record Holder of a Unit as of a date selected
by the General Partner, an annual report containing financial
statements of the Partnership for such fiscal year of the
Partnership, presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP,
including a balance sheet and statements of operations,
Partnership equity and cash flows, such statements to be audited
by a firm of independent public accountants selected by the
General Partner.
(b) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than
90 days after the close of each Quarter except the last
Quarter of each fiscal year, the General Partner shall cause to
be mailed or made available, by any reasonable means (including
posting on or accessible through the Partnerships or the
SECs website) to each Record Holder of a Unit, as of a
date selected by the General Partner, a report containing
unaudited financial statements of the Partnership and such other
information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or
rule of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are
listed or admitted to trading, or as the General Partner
determines to be necessary or appropriate.
ARTICLE IX
TAX MATTERS
Section 9.1 Tax
Returns and Information.
The Partnership shall timely file all returns of the Partnership
that are required for federal, state and local income tax
purposes on the basis of the accrual method and the taxable year
or years that it is required by law to adopt, from time to time,
as determined by the General Partner. In the event the
Partnership is required to use a taxable year other than a year
ending on December 31, the General Partner shall use
reasonable efforts to change the taxable year of the Partnership
to a year ending on December 31. The tax information
reasonably required by Record Holders for federal and state
income tax reporting purposes with respect to a taxable year
shall be furnished to them within 90 days of the close of
the
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calendar year in which the Partnerships taxable year ends.
The classification, realization and recognition of income, gain,
losses and deductions and other items shall be on the accrual
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
Section 9.2 Tax
Elections.
(a) The Partnership shall make the election under
Section 754 of the Code in accordance with applicable
regulations thereunder, subject to the reservation of the right
to seek to revoke any such election upon the General
Partners determination that such revocation is in the best
interests of the Limited Partners. Notwithstanding any other
provision herein contained, for the purposes of computing the
adjustments under Section 743(b) of the Code, the General
Partner shall be authorized (but not required) to adopt a
convention whereby the price paid by a transferee of a Limited
Partner Interest will be deemed to be the lowest quoted closing
price of the Limited Partner Interests on any National
Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are
listed or admitted to trading during the calendar month in which
such transfer is deemed to occur pursuant to Section 6.2(g)
without regard to the actual price paid by such transferee.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the General
Partner shall determine whether the Partnership should make any
other elections permitted by the Code.
Section 9.3 Tax
Controversies.
Subject to the provisions hereof, the General Partner is
designated as the Tax Matters Partner (as defined in the Code)
and is authorized and required to represent the Partnership (at
the Partnerships expense) in connection with all
examinations of the Partnerships affairs by tax
authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial
proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional
services and costs associated therewith. Each Partner agrees to
cooperate with the General Partner and to do or refrain from
doing any or all things reasonably required by the General
Partner to conduct such proceedings.
Section 9.4 Withholding.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the
General Partner is authorized to take any action that may be
required to cause the Partnership and other Group Members to
comply with any withholding requirements established under the
Code or any other federal, state or local law including pursuant
to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code. To the
extent that the Partnership is required or elects to withhold
and pay over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from
the allocation or distribution of income to any Partner or
Assignee (including by reason of Section 1446 of the Code),
the General Partner may treat the amount withheld as a
distribution of cash pursuant to Section 6.3 in the amount
of such withholding from such Partner.
ARTICLE X
ADMISSION OF
PARTNERS
Section 10.1 Admission
of Initial Limited Partners.
Upon the issuance by the Partnership of Common Units,
Subordinated Units and Incentive Distribution Rights to the
General Partner, Spectra Energy Transmission LLC, Spectra Energy
Southeast Pipeline Corp. and the Underwriters as described in
Article V in connection with the Initial Offering, the
General Partner shall admit such parties to the Partnership as
Initial Limited Partners in respect of the Common Units,
Subordinated Units or Incentive Distribution Rights issued to
them.
Section 10.2 Admission
of Substituted Limited Partners.
By transfer of a Limited Partner Interest in accordance with
Article IV, the transferor shall be deemed to have given
the transferee the right to seek admission as a Substituted
Limited Partner subject to the conditions of, and in the manner
permitted under, this Agreement. A transferor of a Certificate
representing a Limited Partner Interest shall, however, only
have the authority to convey to a purchaser or other
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transferee who does not execute and deliver a Transfer
Application (a) the right to negotiate such Certificate to
a purchaser or other transferee and (b) the right to
transfer the right to request admission as a Substituted Limited
Partner to such purchaser or other transferee in respect of the
transferred Limited Partner Interests. No transferor of a
Limited Partner Interest or other Person shall have any
obligation or responsibility to provide a Transfer Application
or Taxation Certification to a transferee or assist or
participate in any way with respect to the completion or
delivery thereof. Each transferee of a Limited Partner Interest
(including any nominee holder or an agent acquiring such Limited
Partner Interest for the account of another Person) who executes
and delivers a properly completed Transfer Application,
containing a Taxation Certification, shall, by virtue of such
execution and delivery, be an Assignee. Such Assignee shall
automatically be admitted to the Partnership as a Substituted
Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so
transferred to such Person at such time as such transfer is
recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and until
so recorded, such transferee shall be an Assignee. The General
Partner shall periodically, but no less frequently than on the
first Business Day of each calendar quarter, cause any
unrecorded transfers of Limited Partner Interests with respect
to which a properly completed, duly executed Transfer
Application has been received to be recorded in the books and
records of the Partnership. An Assignee shall have an interest
in the Partnership equivalent to that of a Limited Partner with
respect to allocations and distributions, including liquidating
distributions, of the Partnership. With respect to voting rights
attributable to Limited Partner Interests that are held by
Assignees, the General Partner shall be deemed to be the Limited
Partner with respect thereto and shall, in exercising the voting
rights in respect of such Limited Partner Interests on any
matter, vote such Limited Partner Interests at the written
direction of the Assignee who is the Record Holder of such
Limited Partner Interests. If no such written direction is
received, such Limited Partner Interests will not be voted. An
Assignee shall have no other rights of a Limited Partner.
Section 10.3 Admission
of Successor General Partner.
A successor General Partner approved pursuant to
Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 or the transferee of or
successor to all of the General Partner Interest (represented by
General Partner Units) pursuant to Section 4.6 who is
proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be
admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner, effective
immediately prior to the withdrawal or removal of the
predecessor or transferring General Partner, pursuant to
Section 11.1 or 11.2 or the transfer of the General Partner
Interest (represented by General Partner Units) pursuant to
Section 4.6, provided, however, that no such successor
shall be admitted to the Partnership until compliance with the
terms of Section 4.6 has occurred and such successor has
executed and delivered such other documents or instruments as
may be required to effect such admission. Any such successor
shall, subject to the terms hereof, carry on the business of the
members of the Partnership Group without dissolution.
Section 10.4 Admission
of Additional Limited Partners.
(a) A Person (other than the General Partner, an Initial
Limited Partner or a Substituted Limited Partner) who makes a
Capital Contribution to the Partnership in accordance with this
Agreement shall be admitted to the Partnership as an Additional
Limited Partner only upon furnishing to the General Partner:
(i) evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the
General Partner of all of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, including the power of attorney granted in
Section 2.6,
(ii) a properly completed Taxation Certification; and
(iii) such other documents or instruments as may be
required by the General Partner to effect such Persons
admission as an Additional Limited Partner.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 10.4, no Person shall be admitted as an Additional
Limited Partner without the consent of the General Partner. The
admission of any Person as an Additional Limited Partner shall
become effective on the date upon which the name of such Person
is recorded as such in the books and records of the Partnership,
following the consent of the General Partner to such admission.
Section 10.5 Amendment
of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership.
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To effect the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the
General Partner shall take all steps necessary or appropriate
under the Delaware Act to amend the records of the Partnership
to reflect such admission and, if necessary, to prepare as soon
as practicable an amendment to this Agreement and, if required
by law, the General Partner shall prepare and file an amendment
to the Certificate of Limited Partnership, and the General
Partner may for this purpose, among others, exercise the power
of attorney granted pursuant to Section 2.6.
ARTICLE XI
WITHDRAWAL
OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS
Section 11.1 Withdrawal
of the General Partner.
(a) The General Partner shall be deemed to have withdrawn
from the Partnership upon the occurrence of any one of the
following events (each such event herein referred to as an
Event of Withdrawal);
(i) The General Partner voluntarily withdraws from the
Partnership by giving written notice to the other Partners;
(ii) The General Partner transfers all of its rights as
General Partner pursuant to Section 4.6;
(iii) The General Partner is removed pursuant to
Section 11.2;
(iv) The General Partner (A) makes a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors; (B) files a
voluntary bankruptcy petition for relief under Chapter 7 of
the United States Bankruptcy Code; (C) files a petition or
answer seeking for itself a liquidation, dissolution or similar
relief (but not a reorganization) under any law; (D) files
an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the
material allegations of a petition filed against the General
Partner in a proceeding of the type described in
clauses (A)-(C) of this Section 11.1(a)(iv); or
(E) seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of
a trustee (but not a
debtor-in-possession),
receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or any
substantial part of its properties;
(v) A final and non-appealable order of relief under
Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is entered
by a court with appropriate jurisdiction pursuant to a voluntary
or involuntary petition by or against the General
Partner; or
(vi) (A) in the event the General Partner is a
corporation, a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent is
filed for the General Partner, or 90 days expire after the
date of notice to the General Partner of revocation of its
charter without a reinstatement of its charter, under the laws
of its state of incorporation; (B) in the event the General
Partner is a partnership or a limited liability company, the
dissolution and commencement of winding up of the General
Partner; (C) in the event the General Partner is acting in
such capacity by virtue of being a trustee of a trust, the
termination of the trust; (D) in the event the General
Partner is a natural person, his death or adjudication of
incompetency; and (E) otherwise in the event of the
termination of the General Partner.
If an Event of Withdrawal specified in Section 11.1(a)(iv),
(v) or (vi)(A), (B), (C) or (E) occurs, the
withdrawing General Partner shall give notice to the Limited
Partners within 30 days after such occurrence. The Partners
hereby agree that only the Events of Withdrawal described in
this Section 11.1 shall result in the withdrawal of the
General Partner from the Partnership.
(b) Withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership
upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall not
constitute a breach of this Agreement under the following
circumstances: (i) at any time during the period beginning
on the Closing Date and ending at 12:00 midnight, Central Time,
on June 30, 2017, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws
by giving at least 90 days advance notice of its
intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners; provided, that
prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, the withdrawal
is approved by Unitholders holding at least a majority of the
Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units held by the
General Partner and its Affiliates) and the General Partner
delivers to the Partnership an Opinion of Counsel
(Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel) that such
withdrawal
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(following the selection of the successor General Partner) would
not result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited
Partner or any Group Member or cause any Group Member to be
treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise
to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the
extent not already so treated or taxed); (ii) at any time
after 12:00 midnight, Central Time, on June 30, 2017, the
General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least
90 days advance notice to the Unitholders, such
withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in such notice;
(iii) at any time that the General Partner ceases to be the
General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(ii) or is
removed pursuant to Section 11.2; or
(iv) notwithstanding clause (i) of this sentence, at
any time that the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by
giving at least 90 days advance notice of its
intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners, such withdrawal
to take effect on the date specified in the notice, if at the
time such notice is given one Person and its Affiliates (other
than the General Partner and its Affiliates) own beneficially or
of record or control at least 50% of the Outstanding Units. The
withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the
occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall also constitute the
withdrawal of the General Partner as general partner or managing
member, if any, to the extent applicable, of the other Group
Members. If the General Partner gives a notice of withdrawal
pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i), the holders of a Unit
Majority, may, prior to the effective date of such withdrawal,
elect a successor General Partner. The Person so elected as
successor General Partner shall automatically become the
successor general partner or managing member, to the extent
applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General
Partner is a general partner or a managing member. If, prior to
the effective date of the General Partners withdrawal, a
successor is not selected by the Unitholders as provided herein
or the Partnership does not receive a Withdrawal Opinion of
Counsel, the Partnership shall be dissolved in accordance with
Section 12.1. Any successor General Partner elected in
accordance with the terms of this Section 11.1 shall be
subject to the provisions of Section 10.3.
Section 11.2 Removal
of the General Partner.
The General Partner may be removed if such removal is approved
by the Unitholders holding at least 662/3% of the Outstanding
Units (including Units held by the General Partner and its
Affiliates) voting as a single class. Any such action by such
holders for removal of the General Partner must also provide for
the election of a successor General Partner by the Unitholders
holding a majority of the outstanding Common Units and
Class B Units, if any, voting as a single class and a
majority of the outstanding Subordinated Units (if any
Subordinated Units are then Outstanding) voting as a class
(including, in each case, Units held by the General Partner and
its Affiliates). Such removal shall be effective immediately
following the admission of a successor General Partner pursuant
to Section 10.3. The removal of the General Partner shall
also automatically constitute the removal of the General Partner
as general partner or managing member, to the extent applicable,
of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a
general partner or a managing member. If a Person is elected as
a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this
Section 11.2, such Person shall, upon admission pursuant to
Section 10.3, automatically become a successor general
partner or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the
other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general
partner or a managing member. The right of the holders of
Outstanding Units to remove the General Partner shall not exist
or be exercised unless the Partnership has received an opinion
opining as to the matters covered by a Withdrawal Opinion of
Counsel. Any successor General Partner elected in accordance
with the terms of this Section 11.2 shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 10.3.
Section 11.3 Interest
of Departing General Partner and Successor General Partner.
(a) In the event of (i) withdrawal of the General
Partner under circumstances where such withdrawal does not
violate this Agreement or (ii) removal of the General
Partner by the holders of Outstanding Units under circumstances
where Cause does not exist, if the successor General Partner is
elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or
Section 11.2, the Departing General Partner shall have the
option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the departure
of such Departing General Partner, to require its successor to
purchase its General Partner Interest (represented by General
Partner Units) and its general partner interest (or equivalent
interest), if any, in the other Group Members and all of its
Incentive Distribution Rights (collectively, the
Combined Interest) in exchange for an amount
in cash equal to the
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fair market value of such Combined Interest, such amount to be
determined and payable as of the effective date of its
departure. If the General Partner is removed by the Unitholders
under circumstances where Cause exists or if the General Partner
withdraws under circumstances where such withdrawal violates
this Agreement, and if a successor General Partner is elected in
accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or
Section 11.2 (or if the business of the Partnership is
continued pursuant to Section 12.2 and the successor
General Partner is not the former General Partner), such
successor shall have the option, exercisable prior to the
effective date of the departure of such Departing General
Partner (or, in the event the business of the Partnership is
continued, prior to the date the business of the Partnership is
continued), to purchase the Combined Interest for such fair
market value of such Combined Interest of the Departing General
Partner. In either event, the Departing General Partner shall be
entitled to receive all reimbursements due such Departing
General Partner pursuant to Section 7.4, including any
employee-related liabilities (including severance liabilities),
incurred in connection with the termination of any employees
employed by the Departing General Partner or its Affiliates
(other than any Group Member) for the benefit of the Partnership
or the other Group Members.
For purposes of this Section 11.3(a), the fair market value
of the Departing General Partners Combined Interest shall
be determined by agreement between the Departing General Partner
and its successor or, failing agreement within 30 days
after the effective date of such Departing General
Partners departure, by an independent investment banking
firm or other independent expert selected by the Departing
General Partner and its successor, which, in turn, may rely on
other experts, and the determination of which shall be
conclusive as to such matter. If such parties cannot agree upon
one independent investment banking firm or other independent
expert within 45 days after the effective date of such
departure, then the Departing General Partner shall designate an
independent investment banking firm or other independent expert,
the Departing General Partners successor shall designate
an independent investment banking firm or other independent
expert, and such firms or experts shall mutually select a third
independent investment banking firm or independent expert, which
third independent investment banking firm or other independent
expert shall determine the fair market value of the Combined
Interest of the Departing General Partner. In making its
determination, such third independent investment banking firm or
other independent expert may consider the then current trading
price of Units on any National Securities Exchange on which
Units are then listed or admitted to trading, the value of the
Partnerships assets, the rights and obligations of the
Departing General Partner and other factors it may deem relevant.
(b) If the Combined Interest is not purchased in the manner
set forth in Section 11.3(a), the Departing General Partner
(or its transferee) shall become a Limited Partner and its
Combined Interest shall be converted into Common Units pursuant
to a valuation made by an investment banking firm or other
independent expert selected pursuant to Section 11.3(a),
without reduction in such Partnership Interest (but subject
to proportionate dilution by reason of the admission of its
successor). Any successor General Partner shall indemnify the
Departing General Partner (or its transferee) as to all debts
and liabilities of the Partnership arising on or after the date
on which the Departing General Partner (or its transferee)
becomes a Limited Partner. For purposes of this Agreement,
conversion of the Combined Interest of the Departing General
Partner to Common Units will be characterized as if the
Departing General Partner (or its transferee) contributed its
Combined Interest to the Partnership in exchange for the newly
issued Common Units.
(c) If a successor General Partner is elected in accordance
with the terms of Section 11.1 or Section 11.2 (or if
the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to
Section 12.2 and the successor General Partner is not the
former General Partner) and the option described in
Section 11.3(a) is not exercised by the party entitled to
do so, the successor General Partner shall, at the effective
date of its admission to the Partnership, contribute to the
Partnership cash in the amount equal to the product of the
(x) quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Percentage
Interest of the General Partner Interest of the Departing
General Partner by (B) a percentage equal to 100% less the
Percentage Interest of the General Partner Interest of the
Departing General Partner and (y) the Net Agreed Value of
the Partnerships assets on such date. In such event, such
successor General Partner shall, subject to the following
sentence, be entitled to its Percentage Interest of all
Partnership allocations and distributions to which the Departing
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General Partner was entitled in respect of its General Partner
Interest. In addition, the successor General Partner shall cause
this Agreement to be amended to reflect that, from and after the
date of such successor General Partners admission, the
successor General Partners interest in all Partnership
distributions and allocations shall be its Percentage Interest.
Section 11.4 Termination
of Subordination Period, Conversion of Subordinated Units and
Extinguishment of Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, if the General
Partner is removed as general partner of the Partnership under
circumstances where Cause does not exist and Units held by the
General Partner and its Affiliates are not voted in favor of
such removal, (i) the Subordination Period will end and all
Outstanding Subordinated Units will immediately and
automatically convert into Common Units on a
one-for-one
basis (provided, however, that such converted
Subordinated Units shall remain subject to the provisions of
Sections 5.5(c)(ii), 6.1(d)(x) and 6.7(c)), (ii) all
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages on the Common Units will be
extinguished and (iii) the General Partner will have the
right to convert its General Partner Interest (represented by
General Partner Units) and its Incentive Distribution Rights
into Common Units or to receive cash in exchange therefor in
accordance with Section 11.3.
Section 11.5 Withdrawal
of Limited Partners.
No Limited Partner shall have any right to withdraw from the
Partnership; provided, however, that when a transferee of a
Limited Partners Limited Partner Interest becomes a Record
Holder of the Limited Partner Interest so transferred, such
transferring Limited Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner
with respect to the Limited Partner Interest so transferred.
ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION
AND LIQUIDATION
Section 12.1 Dissolution.
The Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of
Substituted Limited Partners or Additional Limited Partners or
by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement. Upon the removal or other
event of withdrawal of the General Partner, if a successor
General Partner is elected pursuant to Section 11.1,
Section 11.2 or Section 12.2, the Partnership shall not be
dissolved and such successor General Partner shall continue the
business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and
(subject to Section 12.2) its affairs shall be wound up,
upon:
(a) an Event of Withdrawal of the General Partner as
provided in Section 11.1(a) (other than
Section 11.1(a)(ii)), unless a successor is elected and an
Opinion of Counsel is received as provided in
Section 11.1(b) or 11.2 and such successor is admitted to
the Partnership pursuant to Section 10.3;
(b) an election to dissolve the Partnership by the General
Partner that is approved by the holders of a Unit Majority;
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the
Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware
Act; or
(d) at any time there are no Limited Partners, unless the
Partnership is continued without dissolution in accordance with
the Delaware Act.
Section 12.2 Continuation
of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution.
Upon (a) dissolution of the Partnership following an Event
of Withdrawal caused by the withdrawal or removal of the General
Partner as provided in Section 11.1(a)(i) or (iii) and
the failure of the Partners to select a successor to such
Departing General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or
Section 11.2, then within 90 days thereafter, or
(b) dissolution of the Partnership upon an event
constituting an Event of Withdrawal as defined in
Section 11.1(a)(iv), (v) or (vi), then, to the maximum
extent permitted by law, within 180 days thereafter, the
holders of a Unit Majority may elect to continue the business of
the Partnership on
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the same terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement by
appointing as a successor General Partner a Person approved by
the holders of a Unit Majority. Unless such an election is made
within the applicable time period as set forth above, the
Partnership shall dissolve and conduct only activities necessary
to wind up its affairs. If such an election is so made, then:
(i) the Partnership shall continue without dissolution
unless earlier dissolved in accordance with this
Article XII;
(ii) if the successor General Partner is not the former
General Partner, then the interest of the former General Partner
shall be treated in the manner provided in
Section 11.3; and
(iii) the successor General Partner shall be admitted to
the Partnership as General Partner, effective as of the Event of
Withdrawal, by agreeing in writing to be bound by this Agreement;
provided, that the right of the holders of a Unit Majority to
approve a successor General Partner and to continue the business
of the Partnership shall not exist and may not be exercised
unless the Partnership has received an Opinion of Counsel that
(x) the exercise of the right would not result in the loss
of limited liability of any Limited Partner and (y) neither
the Partnership nor any Group Member would be treated as an
association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as
an entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of
such right to continue (to the extent not already so treated or
taxed).
Section 12.3 Liquidator.
Upon dissolution of the Partnership, the General Partner shall
select one or more Persons to act as Liquidator. The Liquidator
(if other than the General Partner) shall be entitled to receive
such compensation for its services as may be approved by holders
of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units and
Subordinated Units voting as a single class. The Liquidator (if
other than the General Partner) shall agree not to resign at any
time without 15 days prior notice and may be removed
at any time, with or without cause, by notice of removal
approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding
Common Units, Class B Units (if any), and Subordinated
Units voting as a single class. Upon dissolution, removal or
resignation of the Liquidator, a successor and substitute
Liquidator (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and
duties of the original Liquidator) shall within 30 days
thereafter be approved by holders of at least a majority of the
Outstanding Common Units, Class B Units (if any), and
Subordinated Units voting as a single class. The right to
approve a successor or substitute Liquidator in the manner
provided herein shall be deemed to refer also to any such
successor or substitute Liquidator approved in the manner herein
provided. Except as expressly provided in this Article XII,
the Liquidator approved in the manner provided herein shall have
and may exercise, without further authorization or consent of
any of the parties hereto, all of the powers conferred upon the
General Partner under the terms of this Agreement (but subject
to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and otherwise,
upon the exercise of such powers, other than the limitation on
sale set forth in Section 7.3) necessary or appropriate to
carry out the duties and functions of the Liquidator hereunder
for and during the period of time required to complete the
winding up and liquidation of the Partnership as provided for
herein.
Section 12.4 Liquidation.
The Liquidator shall proceed to dispose of the assets of the
Partnership, discharge its liabilities, and otherwise wind up
its affairs in such manner and over such period as determined by
the Liquidator, subject to
Section 17-804
of the Delaware Act and the following:
(a) The assets may be disposed of by public or private sale
or by distribution in kind to one or more Partners on such terms
as the Liquidator and such Partner or Partners may agree. If any
property is distributed in kind, the Partner receiving the
property shall be deemed for purposes of Section 12.4(c) to
have received cash equal to its fair market value; and
contemporaneously therewith, appropriate cash distributions must
be made to the other Partners. The Liquidator may defer
liquidation or distribution of the Partnerships assets for
a reasonable time if it determines that an immediate sale or
distribution of all or some of the Partnerships assets
would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners.
The Liquidator may distribute the Partnerships assets, in
whole or in
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part, in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical
or would cause undue loss to the Partners.
(b) Liabilities of the Partnership include amounts owed to
the Liquidator as compensation for serving in such capacity
(subject to the terms of Section 12.3) and amounts to
Partners otherwise than in respect of their distribution rights
under Article VI. With respect to any liability that is
contingent, conditional or unmatured or is otherwise not yet due
and payable, the Liquidator shall either settle such claim for
such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of
cash or other assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any
unused portion of the reserve shall be distributed as additional
liquidation proceeds.
(c) All property and all cash in excess of that required to
discharge liabilities as provided in Section 12.4(b) shall
be distributed to the Partners in accordance with, and to the
extent of, the positive balances in their respective Capital
Accounts, as determined after taking into account all Capital
Account adjustments (other than those made by reason of
distributions pursuant to this Section 12.4(c)) for the
taxable year of the Partnership during which the liquidation of
the Partnership occurs (with such date of occurrence being
determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)),
and such distribution shall be made by the end of such taxable
year (or, if later, within 90 days after said date of such
occurrence).
Section 12.5 Cancellation
of Certificate of Limited Partnership.
Upon the completion of the distribution of Partnership cash and
property as provided in Section 12.4 in connection with the
liquidation of the Partnership, the Certificate of Limited
Partnership and all qualifications of the Partnership as a
foreign limited partnership in jurisdictions other than the
State of Delaware shall be canceled and such other actions as
may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.
Section 12.6 Return
of Contributions.
The General Partner shall not be personally liable for, and
shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or
property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate, the
return of the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners or
Unitholders, or any portion thereof, it being expressly
understood that any such return shall be made solely from
Partnership assets.
Section 12.7 Waiver
of Partition.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby
waives any right to partition of the Partnership property.
Section 12.8 Capital
Account Restoration.
No Limited Partner shall have any obligation to restore any
negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of the
Partnership. The General Partner shall be obligated to restore
any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of
its interest in the Partnership by the end of the taxable year
of the Partnership during which such liquidation occurs, or, if
later, within 90 days after the date of such liquidation.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT OF
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE
Section 13.1 Amendments
to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner.
Each Partner agrees that the General Partner, without the
approval of any Partner or Assignee, may amend any provision of
this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file
and record whatever documents may be required in connection
therewith, to reflect:
(a) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location
of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the
registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of
the Partnership;
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(b) admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of
Partners in accordance with this Agreement;
(c) a change that the General Partner determines to be
necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue the
qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership or a
partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability
under the laws of any state or to ensure that the Group Members
will not be treated as associations taxable as corporations or
otherwise taxed as entities for federal income tax purposes;
(d) a change that the General Partner determines,
(i) does not adversely affect in any material respect the
Limited Partners considered as a whole or any particular class
of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of
Partnership Interests, (ii) to be necessary or
appropriate to (A) satisfy any requirements, conditions or
guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or
regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority
or contained in any federal or state statute (including the
Delaware Act) or (B) facilitate the trading of the Units
(including the division of any class or classes of Outstanding
Units into different classes to facilitate uniformity of tax
consequences within such classes of Units) or comply with any
rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National
Securities Exchange on which the Units are or will be listed or
admitted to trading, (iii) to be necessary or appropriate
in connection with action taken by the General Partner pursuant
to Section 5.9 or (iv) is required to effect the
intent expressed in the Registration Statement or the intent of
the provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise contemplated by
this Agreement;
(e) a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the
Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner
determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a
change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership
including, if the General Partner shall so determine, a change
in the definition of Quarter and the dates on which
distributions are to be made by the Partnership;
(f) an amendment that is necessary, in the Opinion of
Counsel, to prevent the Partnership, or the General Partner or
its directors, officers, trustees or agents from in any manner
being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended, or plan asset regulations adopted under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended,
regardless of whether such are substantially similar to plan
asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the United
States Department of Labor;
(g) an amendment that the General Partner determines to be
necessary or appropriate in connection with the authorization of
issuance of any class or series of Partnership Securities
pursuant to Section 5.6, including any amendment that the
General Partner determines is necessary or appropriate in
connection with (i) the adjustments of the Minimum
Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target
Distribution and Third Target Distribution pursuant to the
provisions of Section 5.11, (ii) the implementation of
the provisions of Section 5.11 or (iii) any modifications
to the Incentive Distribution Rights made in connection with the
issuance of Partnership Securities pursuant to Section 5.6,
provided that, with respect to this clause (iii), the
modifications to the Incentive Distribution Rights and the
related issuance of Partnership Securities have received Special
Approval;
(h) any amendment expressly permitted in this Agreement to
be made by the General Partner acting alone;
(i) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by
a Merger Agreement approved in accordance with Section 14.3;
(j) an amendment that the General Partner determines to be
necessary or appropriate to reflect and account for the
formation by the Partnership of, or investment by the
Partnership in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company or other entity, in connection with
the conduct by the Partnership of activities permitted by the
terms of Section 2.4;
(k) a merger, conveyance or conversion pursuant to
Section 14.3(d); or
(l) any other amendments substantially similar to the
foregoing.
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Section 13.2 Amendment
Procedures.
Except as provided in Section 13.1 and Section 13.3,
all amendments to this Agreement shall be made in accordance
with the requirements contained in this Section 13.2.
Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed only by the General
Partner; provided, however, to the full extent permitted by law,
that the General Partner shall have no duty or obligation to
propose any amendment to this Agreement and may decline to do so
free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to the
Partnership, any Limited Partner or Assignee and, in declining
to propose an amendment, to the fullest extent permitted by law
shall not be required to act in good faith or pursuant to any
other standard imposed by this Agreement, any Group Member
Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the
Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity.
A proposed amendment shall be effective upon its approval by the
General Partner and the holders of a Unit Majority, unless a
greater or different percentage is required under this Agreement
or by Delaware law. Each proposed amendment that requires the
approval of the holders of a specified percentage of Outstanding
Units shall be set forth in a writing that contains the text of
the proposed amendment. If such an amendment is proposed, the
General Partner shall seek the written approval of the requisite
percentage of Outstanding Units or call a meeting of the
Unitholders to consider and vote on such proposed amendment. The
General Partner shall notify all Record Holders upon final
adoption of any such proposed amendments.
Section 13.3 Amendment
Requirements.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.1 and
Section 13.2, no provision of this Agreement that
establishes a percentage of Outstanding Units (including Units
deemed owned by the General Partner) required to take any action
shall be amended, altered, changed, repealed or rescinded in any
respect that would have the effect of reducing such voting
percentage unless such amendment is approved by the written
consent or the affirmative vote of holders of Outstanding Units
whose aggregate Outstanding Units constitute not less than the
voting requirement sought to be reduced.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.1 and
Section 13.2, no amendment to this Agreement may
(i) enlarge the obligations of any Limited Partner without
its consent, unless such shall be deemed to have occurred as a
result of an amendment approved pursuant to
Section 13.3(c), or (ii) enlarge the obligations of,
restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any
way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable
to, the General Partner or any of its Affiliates without its
consent, which consent may be given or withheld at its option.
(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3, and without
limitation of the General Partners authority to adopt
amendments to this Agreement without the approval of any
Partners or Assignees as contemplated in Section 13.1, any
amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the
rights or preferences of any class of Partnership Interests
in relation to other classes of Partnership Interests must
be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the
Outstanding Partnership Interests of the class affected.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
except for amendments pursuant to Section 13.1 and except
as otherwise provided by Section 14.3(b), no amendments
shall become effective without the approval of the holders of at
least 90% of the Outstanding Units voting as a single class
unless the Partnership obtains an Opinion of Counsel to the
effect that such amendment will not affect the limited liability
of any Limited Partner under applicable law.
(e) Except as provided in Section 13.1, this
Section 13.3 shall only be amended with the approval of the
holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding Units.
Section 13.4 Special
Meetings.
All acts of Limited Partners to be taken pursuant to this
Agreement shall be taken in the manner provided in this
Article XIII. Special meetings of the Limited Partners may
be called by the General Partner or by Limited Partners owning
20% or more of the Outstanding Units of the class or classes for
which a meeting is proposed. Limited Partners shall call a
special meeting by delivering to the General Partner one or more
requests in writing stating that the signing Limited Partners
wish to call a special meeting and indicating the
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general or specific purposes for which the special meeting is to
be called. Within 60 days after receipt of such a call from
Limited Partners or within such greater time as may be
reasonably necessary for the Partnership to comply with any
statutes, rules, regulations, listing agreements or similar
requirements governing the holding of a meeting or the
solicitation of proxies for use at such a meeting, the General
Partner shall send a notice of the meeting to the Limited
Partners either directly or indirectly through the Transfer
Agent. A meeting shall be held at a time and place determined by
the General Partner on a date not less than 10 days nor
more than 60 days after the time notice of the meeting is
given as provided in Section 16.1. Limited Partners shall
not vote on matters that would cause the Limited Partners to be
deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the
business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the
Limited Partners limited liability under the Delaware Act
or the law of any other state in which the Partnership is
qualified to do business.
Section 13.5 Notice
of a Meeting.
Notice of a meeting called pursuant to Section 13.4 shall
be given to the Record Holders of the class or classes of Units
for which a meeting is proposed in writing by mail or other
means of written communication in accordance with
Section 16.1 at least 10 days in advance of such meeting.
The notice shall be deemed to have been given at the time when
deposited in the mail or sent by other means of written
communication.
Section 13.6 Record
Date.
For purposes of determining the Limited Partners entitled to
notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Limited Partners or to
give approvals without a meeting as provided in
Section 13.11 the General Partner may set a Record Date,
which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60 days
before (a) the date of the meeting (unless such requirement
conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of
any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed
or admitted to trading, in which case the rule, regulation,
guideline or requirement of such National Securities Exchange
shall govern) or (b) in the event that approvals are sought
without a meeting, the date by which Limited Partners are
requested in writing by the General Partner to give such
approvals. If the General Partner does not set a Record Date,
then (a) the Record Date for determining the Limited
Partners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the
Limited Partners shall be the close of business on the day next
preceding the day on which notice is given, and (b) the
Record Date for determining the Limited Partners entitled to
give approvals without a meeting shall be the date the first
written approval is deposited with the Partnership in care of
the General Partner in accordance with Section 13.11.
Section 13.7 Adjournment.
When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice
need not be given of the adjourned meeting and a new Record Date
need not be fixed, if the time and place thereof are announced
at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless such
adjournment shall be for more than 45 days. At the
adjourned meeting, the Partnership may transact any business
which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the
adjournment is for more than 45 days or if a new Record
Date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the
adjourned meeting shall be given in accordance with this
Article XIII.
Section 13.8 Waiver
of Notice; Approval of Meeting.
The transactions of any meeting of Limited Partners, however
called and noticed, and whenever held, shall be as valid as if
it had occurred at a meeting duly held after regular call and
notice, if a quorum is present either in person or by proxy.
Attendance of a Limited Partner at a meeting shall constitute a
waiver of notice of the meeting, except when the Limited Partner
attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business
because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened; and
except that attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right
to disapprove the consideration of matters required to be
included in the notice of the meeting, but not so included, if
the disapproval is expressly made at the meeting.
Section 13.9 Quorum
and Voting.
The holders of a majority of the Outstanding Units of the class
or classes for which a meeting has been called (including
Outstanding Units deemed owned by the General Partner)
represented in person or by
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proxy shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Limited Partners
of such class or classes unless any such action by the Limited
Partners requires approval by holders of a greater percentage of
such Units, in which case the quorum shall be such greater
percentage. At any meeting of the Limited Partners duly called
and held in accordance with this Agreement at which a quorum is
present, the act of Limited Partners holding Outstanding Units
that in the aggregate represent a majority of the Outstanding
Units entitled to vote and be present in person or by proxy at
such meeting shall be deemed to constitute the act of all
Limited Partners, unless a greater or different percentage is
required with respect to such action under the provisions of
this Agreement, in which case the act of the Limited Partners
holding Outstanding Units that in the aggregate represent at
least such greater or different percentage shall be required.
The Limited Partners present at a duly called or held meeting at
which a quorum is present may continue to transact business
until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
Limited Partners to leave less than a quorum, if any action
taken (other than adjournment) is approved by the required
percentage of Outstanding Units specified in this Agreement
(including Outstanding Units deemed owned by the General
Partner). In the absence of a quorum any meeting of Limited
Partners may be adjourned from time to time by the affirmative
vote of holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Units
entitled to vote at such meeting (including Outstanding Units
deemed owned by the General Partner) represented either in
person or by proxy, but no other business may be transacted,
except as provided in Section 13.7.
Section 13.10 Conduct
of a Meeting.
The General Partner shall have full power and authority
concerning the manner of conducting any meeting of the Limited
Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including the
determination of Persons entitled to vote, the existence of a
quorum, the satisfaction of the requirements of
Section 13.4, the conduct of voting, the validity and
effect of any proxies and the determination of any
controversies, votes or challenges arising in connection with or
during the meeting or voting. The General Partner shall
designate a Person to serve as chairman of any meeting and shall
further designate a Person to take the minutes of any meeting.
All minutes shall be kept with the records of the Partnership
maintained by the General Partner. The General Partner may make
such other regulations consistent with applicable law and this
Agreement as it may deem advisable concerning the conduct of any
meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in
writing, including regulations in regard to the appointment of
proxies, the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes and
approvals, the submission and examination of proxies and other
evidence of the right to vote, and the revocation of approvals
in writing.
Section 13.11 Action
Without a Meeting.
If authorized by the General Partner, any action that may be
taken at a meeting of the Limited Partners may be taken without
a meeting if an approval in writing setting forth the action so
taken is signed by Limited Partners owning not less than the
minimum percentage of the Outstanding Units (including Units
deemed owned by the General Partner) that would be necessary to
authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all the
Limited Partners were present and voted (unless such provision
conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of
any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed
or admitted to trading, in which case the rule, regulation,
guideline or requirement of such National Securities Exchange
shall govern). Prompt notice of the taking of action without a
meeting shall be given to the Limited Partners who have not
approved in writing. The General Partner may specify that any
written ballot submitted to Limited Partners for the purpose of
taking any action without a meeting shall be returned to the
Partnership within the time period, which shall be not less than
20 days, specified by the General Partner. If a ballot
returned to the Partnership does not vote all of the Units held
by the Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be deemed to have
failed to receive a ballot for the Units that were not voted. If
approval of the taking of any action by the Limited Partners is
solicited by any Person other than by or on behalf of the
General Partner, the written approvals shall have no force and
effect unless and until (a) they are deposited with the
Partnership in care of the General Partner, (b) approvals
sufficient to take the action proposed are dated as of a date
not more than 90 days prior to the date sufficient
approvals are deposited with the Partnership and (c) an
Opinion of Counsel is delivered to the General Partner to the
effect that the exercise of such right and the action proposed
to be taken with respect to any particular matter (i) will
not cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in
the management and
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control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to
jeopardize the Limited Partners limited liability, and
(ii) is otherwise permissible under the state statutes then
governing the rights, duties and liabilities of the Partnership
and the Partners.
Section 13.12 Right
to Vote and Related Matters.
(a) Only those Record Holders of the Units on the Record
Date set pursuant to Section 13.6 (and also subject to the
limitations contained in the definition of
Outstanding) shall be entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners or to act with respect to
matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Units have
the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to
votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding
Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of
the Record Holders of such Outstanding Units.
(b) With respect to Units that are held for a Persons
account by another Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust
company or clearing corporation, or an agent of any of the
foregoing), in whose name such Units are registered, such other
Person shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such
Units on any matter, and unless the arrangement between such
Persons provides otherwise, vote such Units in favor of, and at
the direction of, the Person who is the beneficial owner, and
the Partnership shall be entitled to assume it is so acting
without further inquiry. The provisions of this
Section 13.12(b) (as well as all other provisions of this
Agreement) are subject to the provisions of Section 4.3.
ARTICLE XIV
MERGER,
CONSOLIDATION OR CONVERSION
Section 14.1 Authority.
The Partnership may merge or consolidate with or into one or
more corporations, limited liability companies, statutory trusts
or associations, real estate investment trusts, common law
trusts or unincorporated businesses, including a partnership
(whether general or limited (including a limited liability
partnership)) or convert into any such entity, whether such
entity is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any
other state of the United States of America, pursuant to a
written plan of merger or consolidation (Merger
Agreement) or a written plan of conversion
(Plan of Conversion), as the case may be, in
accordance with this Article XIV.
Section 14.2 Procedure
for Merger, Consolidation or Conversion.
(a) Merger, consolidation or conversion of the Partnership
pursuant to this Article XIV requires the prior consent of
the General Partner, provided, however, that, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, the General Partner shall have no duty
or obligation to consent to any merger, consolidation or
conversion of the Partnership and may decline to do so free of
any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership,
any Limited Partner or Assignee and, in declining to consent to
a merger, consolidation or conversion, shall not be required to
act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard imposed by
this Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or under
the Act or any other law, rule or regulation or at equity.
(b) If the General Partner shall determine to consent to
the merger or consolidation, the General Partner shall approve
the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth:
(i) name and state of domicile of each of the business
entities proposing to merge or consolidate;
(ii) the name and state of domicile of the business entity
that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the
Surviving Business Entity);
(iii) the terms and conditions of the proposed merger or
consolidation;
(iv) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the
equity securities of each constituent business entity for, or
into, cash, property or interests, rights, securities or
obligations of the Surviving Business Entity; and (i) if
any general or limited partner interests, securities or rights
of any
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constituent business entity are not to be exchanged or converted
solely for, or into, cash, property or general or limited
partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the
Surviving Business Entity, the cash, property or interests,
rights, securities or obligations of any general or limited
partnership, corporation, trust, limited liability company,
unincorporated business or other entity (other than the
Surviving Business Entity) which the holders of such general or
limited partner interests, securities or rights are to receive
in exchange for, or upon conversion of their interests,
securities or rights, and (ii) in the case of securities
represented by certificates, upon the surrender of such
certificates, which cash, property or general or limited partner
interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving
Business Entity or any general or limited partnership,
corporation, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated
business or other entity (other than the Surviving Business
Entity), or evidences thereof, are to be delivered;
(v) a statement of any changes in the constituent documents
or the adoption of new constituent documents (the articles or
certificate of incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of
trust, certificate or agreement of limited partnership,
certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement,
operating agreement or other similar charter or governing
document) of the Surviving Business Entity to be effected by
such merger or consolidation;
(vi) the effective time of the merger, which may be the
date of the filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to
Section 14.4 or a later date specified in or determinable
in accordance with the Merger Agreement (provided, that if the
effective time of the merger is to be later than the date of the
filing of such certificate of merger, the effective time shall
be fixed at a date or time certain at or prior to the time of
the filing of such certificate of merger and stated
therein); and
(vii) such other provisions with respect to the proposed
merger or consolidation that the General Partner determines to
be necessary or appropriate.
(c) If the General Partner shall determine to consent to
the conversion, the General Partner shall approve the Plan of
Conversion, which shall set forth:
(i) the name of the converting entity and the converted
entity;
(ii) a statement that the Partnership is continuing its
existence in the organizational form of the converted entity;
(iii) a statement as to the type of entity that the
converted entity is to be and the state or country under the
laws of which the converted entity is to be incorporated, formed
or organized;
(iv) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the
equity securities of each constituent business entity for, or
into, cash, property or interests, rights, securities or
obligations of the converted entity;
(v) in an attachment or exhibit, the certificate of limited
partnership of the Partnership; and
(vi) in an attachment or exhibit, the certificate of
limited partnership, articles of incorporation, or other
organizational documents of the converted entity;
(vii) the effective time of the conversion, which may be
the date of the filing of the articles of conversion or a later
date specified in or determinable in accordance with the Plan of
Conversion (provided, that if the effective time of the
conversion is to be later than the date of the filing of such
articles of conversion, the effective time shall be fixed at a
date or time certain at or prior to the time of the filing of
such articles of conversion and stated therein); and
(viii) such other provisions with respect to the proposed
conversion that the General Partner determines to be necessary
or appropriate.
Section 14.3 Approval
by Limited Partners.
(a) Except as provided in Sections 14.3(d) and
14.3(c), the General Partner, upon its approval of the Merger
Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, shall
direct that the Merger Agreement
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or the Plan of Conversion, as applicable, be submitted to a vote
of Limited Partners, whether at a special meeting or by written
consent, in either case in accordance with the requirements of
Article XIII. A copy or a summary of the Merger Agreement
or the Plan of Conversion, as the case may be, shall be included
in or enclosed with the notice of a special meeting or the
written consent.
(b) Except as provided in Sections 14.3(d) and
14.3(c), the Merger Agreement or Plan of Conversion, as the case
may be, shall be approved upon receiving the affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of a Unit Majority.
(c) Except as provided in Sections 14.3(d) and
14.3(c), after such approval by vote or consent of the Limited
Partners, and at any time prior to the filing of the certificate
of merger or articles of conversion pursuant to
Section 14.4, the merger, consolidation or conversion may
be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth
in the Merger Agreement or Plan of Conversion, as the case may
be.
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this
Article XIV or in this Agreement, the General Partner is
permitted, without Limited Partner approval, to convert the
Partnership or any Group Member into a new limited liability
entity, to merge the Partnership or any Group Member into, or
convey all of the Partnerships assets to, another limited
liability entity that shall be newly formed and shall have no
assets, liabilities or operations at the time of such
conversion, merger or conveyance other than those it receives
from the Partnership or other Group Member if (i) the
General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that the
conversion, merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not
result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited
Partner or cause the Partnership to be treated as an association
taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity
for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not previously
treated as such), (ii) the sole purpose of such conversion,
merger, or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the legal
form of the Partnership into another limited liability entity
and (iii) the governing instruments of the new entity
provide the Limited Partners and the General Partner with the
same rights and obligations as are herein contained.
(e) Additionally, notwithstanding anything else contained
in this Article XIV or in this Agreement, the General
Partner is permitted, without Limited Partner approval, to merge
or consolidate the Partnership with or into another entity if
(A) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel
that the merger or consolidation, as the case may be, would not
result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited
Partner or cause the Partnership to be treated as an association
taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity
for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not previously
treated as such), (B) the merger or consolidation would not
result in an amendment to the Partnership Agreement, other than
any amendments that could be adopted pursuant to
Section 13.1, (C) the Partnership is the Surviving
Business Entity in such merger or consolidation, (D) each
Unit outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the
merger or consolidation is to be an identical Unit of the
Partnership after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, and (E) the number of Partnership Securities
to be issued by the Partnership in such merger or consolidation
do not exceed 20% of the Partnership Securities Outstanding
immediately prior to the effective date of such merger or
consolidation.
(f) Pursuant to
Section 17-211(g)
of the Delaware Act, an agreement of merger or consolidation
approved in accordance with this Article XIV may
(a) effect any amendment to this Agreement or
(b) effect the adoption of a new partnership agreement for
the Partnership if it is the Surviving Business Entity. Any such
amendment or adoption made pursuant to this Section 14.3
shall be effective at the effective time or date of the merger
or consolidation.
Section 14.4 Certificate
of Merger.
Upon the required approval by the General Partner and the
Unitholders of a Merger Agreement or the Plan of Conversion, as
the case may be, a certificate of merger or articles of
conversion, as applicable, shall be executed and filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in conformity with
the requirements of the Delaware Act.
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Section 14.5 Effect
of Merger, Consolidation or Conversion.
(a) At the effective time of the certificate of merger:
(i) all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the
business entities that has merged or consolidated, and all
property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of
those business entities and all other things and causes of
action belonging to each of those business entities, shall be
vested in the Surviving Business Entity and after the merger or
consolidation shall be the property of the Surviving Business
Entity to the extent they were of each constituent business
entity;
(ii) the title to any real property vested by deed or
otherwise in any of those constituent business entities shall
not revert and is not in any way impaired because of the merger
or consolidation;
(iii) all rights of creditors and all liens on or security
interests in property of any of those constituent business
entities shall be preserved unimpaired; and
(iv) all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent
business entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity
and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if the
debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by
it.
(b) At the effective time of the articles of conversion:
(i) the Partnership shall continue to exist, without
interruption, but in the organizational form of the converted
entity rather than in its prior organizational form;
(ii) all rights, title, and interests to all real estate
and other property owned by the Partnership shall continue to be
owned by the converted entity in its new organizational form
without reversion or impairment, without further act or deed,
and without any transfer or assignment having occurred, but
subject to any existing liens or other encumbrances thereon;
(iii) all liabilities and obligations of the Partnership
shall continue to be liabilities and obligations of the
converted entity in its new organizational form without
impairment or diminution by reason of the conversion;
(iv) all rights of creditors or other parties with respect
to or against the prior interest holders or other owners of the
Partnership in their capacities as such in existence as of the
effective time of the conversion will continue in existence as
to those liabilities and obligations and may be pursued by such
creditors and obligees as if the conversion did not occur;
(v) a proceeding pending by or against the Partnership or
by or against any of Partners in their capacities as such may be
continued by or against the converted entity in its new
organizational form and by or against the prior partners without
any need for substitution of parties; and
(vi) the Partnership Units that are to be converted into
partnership interests, shares, evidences of ownership, or other
securities in the converted entity as provided in the plan of
conversion shall be so converted, and Partners shall be entitled
only to the rights provided in the Plan of Conversion.
ARTICLE XV
RIGHT TO
ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS
Section 15.1 Right
to Acquire Limited Partner Interests.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement,
if at any time the General Partner and its Affiliates hold more
than 80% of the total Limited Partner Interests of any class
then Outstanding, the General Partner shall then have the right,
which right it may assign and transfer in whole or in part to
the Partnership or any Affiliate of the General Partner,
exercisable at its option, to purchase all, but not less than
all, of such Limited Partner Interests of such class then
Outstanding held by Persons other than the General Partner and
its Affiliates, at the greater of (x) the Current Market
Price as of the date three days prior to the date that the
notice described in Section 15.1(b) is mailed and
(y) the highest price paid by
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the General Partner or any of its Affiliates for any such
Limited Partner Interest of such class purchased during the
90-day
period preceding the date that the notice described in
Section 15.1(b) is mailed.
(b) If the General Partner, any Affiliate of the General
Partner or the Partnership elects to exercise the right to
purchase Limited Partner Interests granted pursuant to
Section 15.1(a), the General Partner shall deliver to the
Transfer Agent notice of such election to purchase (the
Notice of Election to Purchase) and shall
cause the Transfer Agent to mail a copy of such Notice of
Election to Purchase to the Record Holders of Limited Partner
Interests of such class or classes (as of a Record Date selected
by the General Partner) at least 10, but not more than 60,
days prior to the Purchase Date. Such Notice of Election to
Purchase shall also be published for a period of at least three
consecutive days in at least two daily newspapers of general
circulation printed in the English language and published in the
Borough of Manhattan, New York. The Notice of Election to
Purchase shall specify the Purchase Date and the price
(determined in accordance with Section 15.1(a)) at which
Limited Partner Interests will be purchased and state that the
General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case
may be, elects to purchase such Limited Partner Interests, upon
surrender of Certificates representing such Limited Partner
Interests in exchange for payment, at such office or offices of
the Transfer Agent as the Transfer Agent may specify, or as may
be required by any National Securities Exchange on which such
Limited Partner Interests are listed. Any such Notice of
Election to Purchase mailed to a Record Holder of Limited
Partner Interests at his address as reflected in the records of
the Transfer Agent shall be conclusively presumed to have been
given regardless of whether the owner receives such notice. On
or prior to the Purchase Date, the General Partner, its
Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall deposit
with the Transfer Agent cash in an amount sufficient to pay the
aggregate purchase price of all of such Limited Partner
Interests to be purchased in accordance with this
Section 15.1. If the Notice of Election to Purchase shall
have been duly given as aforesaid at least 10 days prior to
the Purchase Date, and if on or prior to the Purchase Date the
deposit described in the preceding sentence has been made for
the benefit of the holders of Limited Partner Interests subject
to purchase as provided herein, then from and after the Purchase
Date, notwithstanding that any Certificate shall not have been
surrendered for purchase, all rights of the holders of such
Limited Partner Interests (including any rights pursuant to
Article IV, Article V, Article VI, and
Article XII) shall thereupon cease, except the right
to receive the purchase price (determined in accordance with
Section 15.1(a)) for Limited Partner Interests therefor,
without interest, upon surrender to the Transfer Agent of the
Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests, and
such Limited Partner Interests shall thereupon be deemed to be
transferred to the General Partner, its Affiliate or the
Partnership, as the case may be, on the record books of the
Transfer Agent and the Partnership, and the General Partner or
any Affiliate of the General Partner, or the Partnership, as the
case may be, shall be deemed to be the owner of all such Limited
Partner Interests from and after the Purchase Date and shall
have all rights as the owner of such Limited Partner Interests
(including all rights as owner of such Limited Partner Interests
pursuant to Article IV, Article V, Article VI and
Article XII).
(c) At any time from and after the Purchase Date, a holder
of an Outstanding Limited Partner Interest subject to purchase
as provided in this Section 15.1 may surrender his
Certificate evidencing such Limited Partner Interest to the
Transfer Agent in exchange for payment of the amount described
in Section 15.1(a), therefor, without interest thereon.
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
Section 16.1 Addresses
and Notices; Written Communications.
(a) Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials
required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner or
Assignee under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by
first class United States mail or by other means of written
communication to the Partner or Assignee at the address
described below. Any notice, payment or report to be given or
made to a Partner or Assignee hereunder shall be deemed
conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to
give such notice or report or to make such payment shall be
deemed
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conclusively to have been fully satisfied, upon sending of such
notice, payment or report to the Record Holder of such
Partnership Securities at his address as shown on the records of
the Transfer Agent or as otherwise shown on the records of the
Partnership, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have
an interest in such Partnership Securities by reason of any
assignment or otherwise. An affidavit or certificate of making
of any notice, payment or report in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 16.1 executed by the General
Partner, the Transfer Agent or the mailing organization shall be
prima facie evidence of the giving or making of such notice,
payment or report. If any notice, payment or report addressed to
a Record Holder at the address of such Record Holder appearing
on the books and records of the Transfer Agent or the
Partnership is returned by the United States Postal Service
marked to indicate that the United States Postal Service is
unable to deliver it, such notice, payment or report and any
subsequent notices, payments and reports shall be deemed to have
been duly given or made without further mailing (until such time
as such Record Holder or another Person notifies the Transfer
Agent or the Partnership of a change in his address) if they are
available for the Partner or Assignee at the principal office of
the Partnership for a period of one year from the date of the
giving or making of such notice, payment or report to the other
Partners and Assignees. Any notice to the Partnership shall be
deemed given if received by the General Partner at the principal
office of the Partnership designated pursuant to
Section 2.3. The General Partner may rely and shall be
protected in relying on any notice or other document from a
Partner, Assignee or other Person if believed by it to be
genuine.
(b) The terms in writing, written
communications, written notice and words of
similar import shall be deemed satisfied under this Agreement by
use of
e-mail and
other forms of electronic communication.
Section 16.2 Further
Action.
The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all
information and take or refrain from taking action as may be
necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this
Agreement.
Section 16.3 Binding
Effect.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators,
successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 16.4 Integration.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the
parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining
thereto.
Section 16.5 Creditors.
None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the
benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the
Partnership.
Section 16.6 Waiver.
No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of
any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or
to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof
shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other
covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 16.7 Third-Party
Beneficiaries.
Each Partner agrees that any Indemnitee shall be entitled to
assert rights and remedies hereunder as a third-party
beneficiary hereto with respect to those provisions of this
Agreement affording a right, benefit or privilege to such
Indemnitee.
Section 16.8 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which
together shall constitute an agreement binding on all the
parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not
signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party
shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing
its
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signature hereto or, in the case of a Person acquiring a Unit,
upon accepting the certificate evidencing such Unit or executing
and delivering a Transfer Application as herein described,
independently of the signature of any other party.
Section 16.9 Applicable
Law.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to
the principles of conflicts of law.
Section 16.10 Invalidity
of Provisions.
If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality
and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein
shall not be affected thereby.
Section 16.11 Consent
of Partners.
Each Partner hereby expressly consents and agrees that, whenever
in this Agreement it is specified that an action may be taken
upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the
Partners, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of
less than all of the Partners and each Partner shall be bound by
the results of such action.
Section 16.12 Facsimile
Signatures.
The use of facsimile signatures affixed in the name and on
behalf of the transfer agent and registrar of the Partnership on
certificates representing Common Units is expressly permitted by
this Agreement.
[REMAINDER
OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this
Agreement as of the date first written above.
GENERAL PARTNER
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS (DE) GP, LP
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By:
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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS GP, LLC,
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its general partner
Name:
ORGANIZATIONAL LIMITED PARTNER
SPECTRA ENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC
Name:
LIMITED PARTNERS:
All Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited
Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now
and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to
the General Partner.
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS (DE) GP, LP
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By:
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Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC,
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its general partner
Name:
[Signature Page First Amended & Restated
Agreement
of Limited Partnership of Spectra Energy Partners, LP]
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EXHIBIT A
to the First Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of
Spectra Energy Partners, LP
Certificate
Evidencing Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests in
Spectra Energy Partners, LP
In accordance with Section 4.1 of the First Amended and
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to
time (the Partnership Agreement), Spectra
Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the
Partnership), hereby certifies
that
(the Holder) is the registered owner of
Common Units representing limited partner interests in the
Partnership (the Common Units) transferable
on the books of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized
attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed
and accompanied by a properly executed application for transfer
of the Common Units represented by this Certificate. The rights,
preferences and limitations of the Common Units are set forth
in, and this Certificate and the Common Units represented hereby
are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and
provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the
Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished
without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership
at, the principal office of the Partnership located at
5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, Texas, 77056. Capitalized
terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given
them in the Partnership Agreement.
The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have
(i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited
Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to
have executed the Partnership Agreement, (ii) represented
and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority
and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the
Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the powers of attorney
provided for in the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the
waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the
Partnership Agreement.
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF
SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE SOLD,
OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH
TRANSFER WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR
STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION
OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR
QUALIFICATION OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP UNDER THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR (C) CAUSE SPECTRA ENERGY
PARTNERS, LP TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A
CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL
INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR
TAXED). SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS (DE) GP, LP, THE GENERAL PARTNER
OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP, MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID
A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP BECOMING
TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN
ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE RESTRICTIONS SET
FORTH ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY
TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE
FACILITIES OF ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS
SECURITY IS LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.
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This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it
has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and
Registrar.
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Dated:
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Spectra Energy Partners, LP
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Countersigned and Registered by:
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By:
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Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP,
LP,
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its General Partner
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By:
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Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC,
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its General Partner
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_
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By: _
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as Transfer Agent and Registrar
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Name: _
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By: _
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By: _
_
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Authorized Signature
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Secretary
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[Reverse of Certificate]
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the
face of this Certificate, shall be construed as follows
according to applicable laws or regulations:
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TEN COM -
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as tenants in common
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UNIF GIFT/TRANSFERS MIN ACT
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TEN ENT -
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as tenants by the entireties
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Custodian
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(Cust) (Minor)
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JT TEN -
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as joint tenants with right of
survivorship and not as tenants in common
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under Uniform Gifts/Transfers to
CD Minors Act (State)
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Additional abbreviations, though not in the above list, may also
be used.
FOR VALUE
RECEIVED,
hereby assigns, conveys, sells and transfers
unto
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(Please print or typewrite nameand
address of Assignee)
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(Please insert Social Security or
otheridentifying number of Assignee)
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Common Units representing limited partner interests evidenced by
this Certificate, subject to the Partnership Agreement, and does
hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint
as its
attorney-in-fact
with full power of substitution to transfer the same on the
books of Spectra Energy Partners, LP
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Date:
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NOTE:
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The signature to any endorsement
hereon must correspond with the name as written upon the face of
this Certificate in every particular, without alteration,
enlargement or change.
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THE SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE
GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS,
STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION
PROGRAM), PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15
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(Signature)
(Signature)
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No transfer of the Common Units evidenced hereby will be
registered on the books of the Partnership, unless the
Certificate evidencing the Common Units to be transferred is
surrendered for registration or transfer and an Application for
Transfer of Common Units has been properly completed and
executed by a transferee either (a) on the form set forth
below or (b) on a separate application that the Partnership
will furnish on request without charge. A transferor of the
Common Units shall have no duty to the transferee with respect
to execution of the Application for Transfer of Common Units in
order for such transferee to obtain registration of the transfer
of the Common Units.
A-2
APPLICATION
FOR TRANSFER OF COMMON UNITS
Transferees of Common Units must execute and deliver this
application to Spectra Energy Partners, LP, c/o Spectra
Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP, 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston,
Texas, 77056; Attn: CFO, to be admitted as limited partners
to Spectra Energy Partners, LP.
The undersigned (Assignee) hereby applies for
transfer to the name of the Assignee of the Common Units
evidenced hereby and hereby certifies to Spectra Energy
Partners, LP (the Partnership) that the
Assignee (including to the best of Assignees knowledge,
any person for whom the Assignee will hold the Common Units) is
an Eligible
Holder.1
The Assignee (a) requests admission as a Substituted
Limited Partner and agrees to comply with and be bound by, and
hereby executes, the First Amended and Restated Agreement of
Limited Partnership of Spectra Energy Partners, LP, as amended,
supplemented or restated to the date hereof (the
Partnership Agreement), (b) represents
and warrants that the Assignee has all right, power and
authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter
into the Partnership Agreement, (c) appoints the General
Partner of the Partnership and, if a Liquidator shall be
appointed, the Liquidator of the Partnership as the
Assignees
attorney-in-fact
to execute, swear to, acknowledge and file any document,
including the Partnership Agreement and any amendment thereto
and the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership
and any amendment thereto, necessary or appropriate for the
Assignees admission as a Substituted Limited Partner and
as a party to the Partnership Agreement, (d) gives the
powers of attorney provided for in the Partnership Agreement,
and (e) makes the waivers and gives the consents and
approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement. Capitalized
terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned to such
terms in the Partnership Agreement. This application constitutes
a Taxation Certification, as defined in the Partnership
Agreement.
Date:
Social Security or other identifying number
Signature of Assignee
Purchase Price including commissions, if any
Name and Address of Assignee
Type of Entity (check one):
o Individual
o Partnership
o Corporation
o Trust
o Other (specify)
1 The
Term Eligible Holder means (a) an individual or
entity subject to United States federal income taxation on the
income generated by the Partnership; or (b) an entity not
subject to United States federal income taxation on the income
generated by the Partnership, so long as all of the
entitys owners are subject to United States federal income
taxation on the income generated by the Partnership. Individuals
or entities are subject to taxation, in the context of defining
an Eligible Holder, to the extent they are taxable on the items
of income and gain allocated by the Partnership or would be
taxable on the items of income and gain allocated by the
Partnership if they had no offsetting deductions or tax credits
unrelated to the ownership of the Common Units. Schedule I
below contains a list of various types of investors that are
categorized and identified as either Eligible
Holders or Non-Eligible Holders.
A-3
If not an Individual (check one):
o the entity is subject
to United States federal income taxation on the income generated
by the Partnership;
o the entity is not
subject to United States federal income taxation, but it is a
pass-through entity and all of its beneficial owners are subject
to United States federal income tax on the income generated by
the Partnership;
o the entity is not
subject to United States federal income taxation and it is
(a) not a pass-through entity or (b) a pass-through
entity, but not all of its beneficial owners are subject to
United States federal income taxation on the income generated by
the Partnership. Important Note by checking
this box, the Assignee is contradicting its certification that
it is an Eligible Holder.
Nationality (check one):
o U.S. Citizen,
Resident or Domestic
Entity o
Non-resident Alien
o Foreign Corporation
If the U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity box is
checked, the following certification must be completed.
Under Section 1445(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the Code), the Partnership must
withhold tax with respect to certain transfers of property if a
holder of an interest in the Partnership is a foreign person. To
inform the Partnership that no withholding is required with
respect to the undersigned interestholders interest in it,
the undersigned hereby certifies the following (or, if
applicable, certifies the following on behalf of the
interestholder).
Complete Either A or B:
A. Individual Interestholder
1. I am not a non-resident alien for purposes of
U.S. income taxation.
2. My U.S. taxpayer identification number (Social
Security Number)
is .
3. My home address
is .
B. Partnership, Corporation or Other Interestholder
1.
is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust
(Name of Interestholder) or foreign estate (as those terms are
defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations).
2. The interestholders U.S. employer
identification number
is .
3. The interestholders office address and place of
incorporation (if applicable)
is .
The interestholder agrees to notify the Partnership within sixty
(60) days of the date the interestholder becomes a foreign
person.
The interestholder understands that this certificate may be
disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by the Partnership and that any false
statement contained herein could be punishable by fine,
imprisonment or both.
A-4
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this
certification and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is
true, correct and complete and, if applicable, I further declare
that I have authority to sign this document on behalf of:
Name of Interestholder
Signature and Date
Title (if applicable)
Note: If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company,
clearing corporation, other nominee holder or an agent of any of
the foregoing, and is holding for the account of any other
person, this application should be completed by an officer
thereof or, in the case of a broker or dealer, by a registered
representative who is a member of a registered national
securities exchange or a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., or, in the case of any other nominee
holder, a person performing a similar function. If the Assignee
is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing corporation,
other nominee owner or an agent of any of the foregoing, the
above certification as to any person for whom the Assignee will
hold the Common Units shall be made to the best of the
Assignees knowledge.
A-5
SCHEDULE I
Eligible
Holders
The following are considered Eligible Holders:
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Individuals (U.S. or
non-U.S.)
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C corporations (U.S. or
non-U.S.)
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Tax exempt organizations subject to tax on unrelated business
taxable income or UBTI, including IRAs, 401(k) plans
and Keough accounts
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S corporations with shareholders that are individuals,
trusts or tax exempt organizations subject to tax on UBTI
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Potentially
Eligible Holders
The following are considered Eligible Holders, unless the
information in parenthesis applies:
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S corporations (unless they have ESOP shareholders*()
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Partnerships (unless their partners include mutual funds, real
estate investment trusts or REITs, governmental
entities and agencies, S corporations with ESOP
shareholders* or other partnerships with such partners)
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Trusts (unless beneficiaries are not subject to tax)
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Non-Eligible
Holders
The following are not considered Eligible Holders:
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Mutual Funds
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REITs
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Governmental entities and agencies
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S corporations with ESOP shareholders*
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( * S corporations
with ESOP shareholders are S corporations with
shareholders that include employee stock ownership plans.
A-6
Appendix B
APPLICATION
FOR TRANSFER OF COMMON UNITS
Transferees of Common Units must execute and deliver this
application to SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP, c/o Spectra
Energy Partners GP, LP, 5400 Westheimer Ct., Houston, TX 77056;
Attn: CFO, to be admitted as limited partners to SPECTRA
ENERGY PARTNERS, LP.
The undersigned (Assignee) hereby applies for
transfer to the name of the Assignee of the Common Units
evidenced hereby and hereby certifies to SPECTRA ENERGY
PARTNERS, LP (the Partnership) that the Assignee
(including to the best of Assignees knowledge, any person
for whom the Assignee will hold the Common Units) is an Eligible
Holder.*(
The Assignee (a) requests admission as a Substituted
Limited Partner and agrees to comply with and be bound by, and
hereby executes, the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of the Partnership, as amended, supplemented or
restated to the date hereof (the Partnership
Agreement), (b) represents and warrants that the
Assignee has all right, power and authority and, if an
individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership
Agreement, (c) appoints the General Partner of the
Partnership and, if a Liquidator shall be appointed, the
Liquidator of the Partnership as the Assignees
attorney-in-fact
to execute, swear to, acknowledge and file any document,
including, without limitation, the Partnership Agreement and any
amendment thereto and the Certificate of Limited Partnership of
the Partnership and any amendment thereto, necessary or
appropriate for the Assignees admission as a Substituted
Limited Partner and as a party to the Partnership Agreement,
(d) gives the powers of attorney provided for in the
Partnership Agreement, and (e) makes the waivers and gives
the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership
Agreement. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Partnership Agreement.
This application constitutes a Taxation Certification, as
defined in the Partnership Agreement.
Date:
Social Security or other identifying number of Assignee
Signature of Assignee
Purchase Price including commissions, if any Name and Address of
Assignee
Type of Entity (check one):
o Individual
o Partnership
o Corporation
o Trust
o Other (specify)
( * The Term Eligible
Holder means (a) an individual or entity subject to
United States federal income taxation on the income generated by
the Partnership; or (b) an entity not subject to United
States federal income taxation on the income generated by the
Partnership, so long as all of the entitys owners are
subject to United States federal income taxation on the income
generated by the Partnership. Individuals or entities are
subject to taxation, in the context of defining an Eligible
Holder, to the extent they are taxable on the items of income
and gain allocated by the Partnership or would be taxable on the
items of income and gain allocated by the Partnership if they
had no offsetting deductions or tax credits unrelated to the
ownership of the Common Units. Schedule I hereto contains a
list of various types of investors that are categorized and
identified as either Eligible Holders or
Non-Eligible Holders.
B-1
If not an Individual (check one):
o the entity is subject
to United States federal income taxation on the income generated
by the Partnership;
o the entity is not
subject to United States federal income taxation, but it is a
pass-through entity and all of its beneficial owners are subject
to United States federal income taxation on the income generated
by the Partnership;
o the entity is not
subject to United States federal income taxation and it is
(a) not a pass-through entity or (b) a pass-through
entity, but not all of its beneficial owners are subject to
United States federal income taxation on the income generated by
the Partnership. Important Note by checking
this box, the Assignee is contradicting its certification that
it is an Eligible Holder.
Nationality (check one):
o U.S. Citizen,
Resident or Domestic
Entity o
Non-resident Alien
o Foreign Corporation
If the U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity box is
checked, the following certification must be completed.
Under Section 1445(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the Code), the Partnership must withhold
tax with respect to certain transfers of property if a holder of
an interest in the Partnership is a foreign person. To inform
the Partnership that no withholding is required with respect to
the undersigned interestholders interest in it, the
undersigned hereby certifies the following (or, if applicable,
certifies the following on behalf of the interestholder).
Complete Either A or B:
A. Individual Interestholder
1. I am not a non-resident alien for purposes of
U.S. income taxation.
2. My U.S. taxpayer identification number (Social
Security Number)
is .
3. My home address
is .
B. Partnership, Corporation or Other Interestholder
1. The interestholder is not a foreign corporation, foreign
partnership, foreign trust or foreign estate (as those terms are
defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations).
2. The interestholders U.S. employer
identification number
is .
3. The interestholders office address and place of
incorporation (if applicable)
is .
The interestholder agrees to notify the Partnership within sixty
(60) days of the date the interestholder becomes a foreign
person.
The interestholder understands that this certificate may be
disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission by the Partnership and that any false
statement contained herein could be punishable by fine,
imprisonment or both.
B-2
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this
certification and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is
true, correct and complete and, if applicable, I further declare
that I have authority to sign this document on behalf of:
Name of Interestholder
Signature and Date
Title (if applicable)
Note: If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company,
clearing corporation, other nominee holder or an agent of any of
the foregoing, and is holding for the account of any other
person, this application should be completed by an officer
thereof or, in the case of a broker or dealer, by a registered
representative who is a member of a registered national
securities exchange or a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., or, in the case of any other nominee
holder, a person performing a similar function. If the Assignee
is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing corporation,
other nominee owner or an agent of any of the foregoing, the
above certification as to any person for whom the Assignee will
hold the Common Units shall be made to the best of the
Assignees knowledge.
B-3
SCHEDULE I
Eligible
Holders
The following are considered Eligible Holders:
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Individuals (U.S. or
non-U.S.)
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C corporations (U.S. or
non-U.S.)
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Tax exempt organizations subject to tax on unrelated business
taxable income or UBTI, including IRAs, 401(k) plans
and Keough accounts
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S corporations with shareholders that are individuals,
trusts or tax exempt organizations subject to tax on UBTI
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Potentially
Eligible Holders
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S corporations (unless they have ESOP shareholders*()
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Partnerships (unless its partners include mutual funds, real
estate investment trusts or REITs, governmental
entities and agencies, S corporations with ESOP
shareholders* or other partnerships with such partners)
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Trusts (unless beneficiaries are not subject to tax)
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Non-Eligible
Holders
The following are not considered Eligible Holders:
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Mutual Funds
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REITs
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Governmental entities and agencies
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S corporations with ESOP shareholders*
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( * S corporations with
ESOP shareholders are S corporations with
shareholders that include employee stock ownership plans.
B-4
Appendix C
CERTIFICATION
FORM FOR NON-INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS
As described in this Prospectus, only Eligible Holders (as
defined on Schedule I hereto) may purchase common units in
the Partnerships proposed public offering (the
Offering). In order to comply with this requirement,
all potential investors that are not natural persons, including
institutions, partnerships and trusts (Non-individual
Investors), must complete this Certification Form.
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If you have an institutional sales account with Citigroup Global
Markets Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc., you should fax signed
forms to (646) 328-2872 by 12:00 pm Eastern time on
June 26, 2007 (the Return Date).
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If you have any other type of brokerage account with any of the
broker-dealers on page 2, you should fax signed forms to
your retail broker or financial advisor upon initial indication
of interest.
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Non-individual
Investors who do not complete and return this form by the
Return Date will not be allocated units in this
offering.
1. Acknowledgement and Consent to Forward this
Certification Form. The undersigned
Non-individual Investor acknowledges and understands that an
underwriter who receives this Certification Form may forward it
to the Partnership
and/or the
transfer agent for the Common Units. Accordingly, the
undersigned hereby grants its consent for Citigroup Global
Markets Inc. or Lehman Brothers Inc. or any underwriter or
affiliate thereof listed on page 2 to forward this
Certification Form to the Partnership
and/or the
transfer agent for the Common Units.
2. Acknowledgement of Obligation to Complete a
Transfer Application. The undersigned
Non-individual Investor further acknowledges that, if it
purchases Common Units in the Offering, it must complete a
Transfer Application in the form included as Appendix B to
the Prospectus and deliver it to the address as instructed on
the Transfer Application. The undersigned Non-individual
Investor further acknowledges that no underwriter or affiliate
of an underwriter has any responsibility or obligation to
complete or deliver a Transfer Application on behalf of the
undersigned.
3. Certification as to Tax
Status. The undersigned Non-individual
Investor hereby certifies that it is either (check one):
o an entity that is subject
to United States federal income taxation on the income generated
by the Partnership; or
o an entity that is not
subject to United States federal income taxation, but is a
pass-through entity and all of its beneficial owners are subject
to United States federal income taxation on the income generated
by the Partnership.
Signing this form shall not obligate the undersigned
Non-individual Investor to provide or share any tax-related
information with the Partnership, the transfer agent or any
underwriter in connection with the purchase and sale of common
units in the Offering.
Executed this day of June , 2007.
(Name of Entity)
Name:
NON-INDIVIDUAL
INVESTOR RETAIL BROKER DEALERS
Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Lehman Brothers Private Wealth Management
C-1
SCHEDULE I
An Eligible Holder is (a) an individual or
entity subject to United States federal income taxation on the
income generated by the Partnership or (b) an entity not
subject to United States federal income taxation on the income
generated by the Partnership, so long as all of the
entitys owners are subject to United States federal income
taxation on the income generated by the Partnership or would be
taxable on the items of income and gain allocated by the
Partnership if they had no offsetting deductions or tax credits
unrelated to the ownership of the Common Units. Set forth below
is a list of various types of investors that are categorized and
identified as Eligible Holders, Potentially Eligible
Holders or Non-Eligible Holders.
Eligible
Holders
The following are considered Eligible Holders:
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Individuals (U.S. or
non-U.S.)
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C corporations (U.S. or
non-U.S.)
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Tax exempt organizations subject to tax on unrelated business
taxable income or UBTI, including IRAs, 401(k) plans
and Keough accounts
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S corporations with shareholders that are individuals,
trusts or tax exempt organizations subject to tax on UBTI
|
Potentially
Eligible Holders
The following are considered Eligible Holders, unless the
bracketed information applies:
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Partnerships (unless its partners include mutual funds, real
estate investment trusts or REITs, governmental
entities and agencies, S corporations with ESOP
shareholders1(
or other partnerships with such partners)
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Trusts (unless beneficiaries are not subject to tax)
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Non-Eligible
Holders
The following are not considered Eligible Holders:
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Mutual Funds
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REITs
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Governmental entities and agencies
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S corporations with ESOP
shareholders1
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( 1 S
corporations with ESOP shareholders are
S corporations with shareholders that include employee
stock ownership plans.
C-2
Appendix D
GLOSSARY
OF TERMS
Adjusted Operating Surplus: For any
period, operating surplus generated during that period is
adjusted to:
(a) increase operating surplus by any net decreases made in
subsequent periods in cash reserves for operating expenditures
initially established with respect to such period;
(b) decrease operating surplus by any net decrease in cash
reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period
not relating to an operating expenditure made with respect to
that period; and
(c) increase operating surplus by any net increase in cash
reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period
required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal,
interest or premium.
Adjusted operating surplus does not include the portion of
operating surplus described in subpart (a)(2) of the definition
of operating surplus in this Appendix D.
Available Cash: For any quarter ending
prior to liquidation:
(a) the sum of:
(1) all cash and cash equivalents of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP and its subsidiaries on hand at the end of that
quarter; and
(2) if our general partner so determines all or a portion
of any additional cash or cash equivalents of Spectra Energy
Partners, LP and its subsidiaries on hand on the date of
determination of available cash for that quarter;
(b) less the amount of cash reserves established by our
general partner to:
(1) provide for the proper conduct of the business of
Spectra Energy Partners, LP and its subsidiaries (including
reserves for future capital expenditures and for future credit
needs of Spectra Energy Partners, LP and its subsidiaries) after
that quarter;
(2) comply with applicable law or any debt instrument or
other agreement or obligation to which Spectra Energy Partners,
LP or any of its subsidiaries is a part or its assets are
subject; and
(3) provide funds for minimum quarterly distributions and
cumulative common unit arrearages for any one or more of the
next four quarters;
provided, however, that our general partner may not
establish cash reserves pursuant to clause (b)(3)
immediately above unless our general partner has determined that
the establishment of reserves will not prevent us from
distributing the minimum quarterly distribution on all common
units and any cumulative common unit arrearages thereon for that
quarter; and provided, further, that disbursements made
by us or any of our subsidiaries or cash reserves established,
increased or reduced after the end of that quarter but on or
before the date of determination of available cash for that
quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established,
increased or reduced, for purposes of determining available
cash, within that quarter if our general partner so determines.
Bcf: One billion cubic feet of natural
gas.
Bcf/d: One billion cubic feet per day.
Btu: British Thermal Units.
Capital Account: The capital account
maintained for a partner under the partnership agreement. The
capital account of a partner for a common unit, a Class B
unit, a subordinated unit, an incentive distribution right or
any other partnership interest will be the amount which that
capital account would be if that common unit, a Class B
unit, subordinated unit, incentive distribution right or other
partnership interest were the only interest in Spectra Energy
Partners, LP held by a partner.
D-1
Capital Surplus: All available cash
distributed by us on any date from any source will be treated as
distributed from operating surplus until the sum of all
available cash distributed since the closing of the initial
public offering equals the operating surplus from the closing of
the initial public offering through the end of the quarter
immediately preceding that distribution. Any excess available
cash distributed by us on that date will be deemed to be capital
surplus.
Closing Price: The last sale price on a
day, regular way, or in case no sale takes place on that day,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices on that day,
regular way, in either case, as reported in the principal
consolidated transaction reporting system for securities listed
or admitted to trading on the principal national securities
exchange on which the units of that class are listed or admitted
to trading. If the units of that class are not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the
last quoted price on that day. If no quoted price exists, the
average of the high bid and low asked prices on that day in the
over-the-counter
market, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange or any other
system then in use. If on any day the units of that class are
not quoted by any organization of that type, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices on that day as furnished by a
professional market maker making a market in the units of the
class selected by the our board of directors. If on that day no
market maker is making a market in the units of that class, the
fair value of the units on that day as determined reasonably and
in good faith by our board of directors.
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage: The
amount by which the minimum quarterly distribution for a quarter
during the subordination period exceeds the distribution of
available cash from operating surplus actually made for that
quarter on a common unit, cumulative for that quarter and all
prior quarters during the subordination period.
Current Market Price: For any class of
units listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange as of any date, the average of the daily closing prices
for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately prior to that
date.
Eligible Holders: Individuals or
entities either (a) subject to United States federal income
taxation on the income generated by us or (b) in the case
of entities that are pass-through entities for United States
federal income taxation, all of whose beneficial owners are
subject to United States federal income taxation on the income
generated by us.
GAAP: Generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States.
Greenfield Construction: The
construction of an asset or system in an area where no previous
facilities existed.
Interim Capital Transactions: The
following transactions if they occur prior to liquidation:
(a) borrowings, refinancings or refundings of indebtedness
and sales of debt securities (other than for items purchased on
open account in the ordinary course of business) by Spectra
Energy Partners, LP or any of its subsidiaries;
(b) sales of equity interests and debt securities of
Spectra Energy Partners, LP or any of its subsidiaries;
(c) sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of
any assets of Spectra Energy Partners, LP or any of its
subsidiaries (other than sales or other dispositions of
inventory, accounts receivable and other assets in the ordinary
course of business, and sales or other dispositions of assets as
a part of normal retirements or replacements);
(d) the termination of interest rate swap agreements or
commodity hedge contracts prior to the termination date
specified therein;
(e) capital contributions; and
(f) corporate reorganizations or restructurings.
Local Distribution Company or LDC: LDCs
are companies involved in the delivery of natural gas to
consumers within a specific geographic area.
D-2
Mcf: One thousand cubic feet of natural
gas. We have converted each of the throughput numbers from a
heating value number to a volumetric number based upon the
following conversion factor: 1 MMBtu = 1 Mcf.
MMBtu: One million British thermal
units which is roughly equivalent to one Mcf.
MMcf: One million cubic feet of natural
gas.
MMBtu/d: One million British Thermal
Units per day.
MMcf/d: One million cubic feet per day.
Operating Expenditures: All of our
expenditures and expenditures of our subsidiaries, including,
but not limited to, taxes, payments to our general partner
reimbursements of expenses incurred by our general partner on
our behalf, non-pro rata purchases of units, interest payments,
payments made in the ordinary course of business under interest
rate swap agreements and commodity hedge contracts and
maintenance capital expenditures, subject to the following:
(a) Payments (including prepayments) of principal of and
premium on indebtedness will not constitute operating
expenditures.
(b) Operating expenditures will not include:
(1) expansion capital expenditures;
(2) payment of transaction expenses (including taxes)
relating to interim capital transactions;
(3) distributions to unitholders; and
(4) non-pro rata purchases of units of any class made with
the proceeds of an interim capital transaction.
Where capital expenditures consist of both maintenance capital
expenditures and expansion capital expenditures, the general
partner, with the concurrence of the conflicts committee, shall
determine the allocation between the amounts paid for each.
Operating Surplus: For any period prior
to liquidation, on a cumulative basis and without duplication:
(a) the sum of:
(1) all cash receipts of Spectra Energy Partners, LP and
our subsidiaries for the period beginning on the closing date of
our initial public offering and ending with the last day of the
period, other than cash receipts from interim capital
transactions; and
(2) an amount equal to the sum of (A) two times the
amount needed for any one quarter for us to pay the minimum
quarterly distribution on all units (including the general
partner units) and (B) two times the amount in excess of
the minimum quarterly distribution for any quarter to pay a
distribution on all Common Units at the same per unit amount as
was distributed on the Common Units in excess of the minimum
quarterly distribution in the immediately preceding quarter,
provided the amount in (B) will be deemed to be Operating
Surplus only to the extent that the distribution paid in respect
of such amounts is paid on Common Units, less
(b) the sum of:
(1) operating expenditures for the period beginning on the
closing date of our initial public offering and ending with the
last day of that period; and
(2) the amount of cash reserves (or our proportionate share
of cash reserves in the case of subsidiaries that are not wholly
owned) established by our general partner to provide funds for
future operating expenditures; provided however, that
disbursements made (including contributions to Spectra Energy
Partners LP or our subsidiaries or disbursements on behalf of
Spectra Energy Partners, LP or our subsidiaries) or cash
reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of that
period but on or before the date of determination of available
cash for that period shall be deemed to have been made,
established, increased or reduced for purposes of determining
operating surplus, within that period if our general partner so
determines.
D-3
Peak Day: The highest level of
throughput transported through a pipeline system on any given
day.
Subordination Period: The subordination
period will extend from the closing of the initial public
offering until the first to occur of the following dates:
(a) The first day of any quarter beginning after
June 30, 2010 in respect of which each of the following
tests are met:
(1) distribution of available cash from operating surplus
on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units
equaled or exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly
distributions on all of the outstanding common units and
subordinated units for each of the three consecutive,
non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that
date;
(2) the adjusted operating surplus generated during each of
the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of
the minimum quarterly distributions on all of the outstanding
common units, subordinated units and general partner units
during those periods on a fully diluted basis; and
(3) there are no outstanding cumulative common units
arrearages.
(b) The first date after we have earned and paid at least
$0.45 per quarter (150% of the minimum quarterly distribution of
$0.30 per quarter, which is $1.80 on an annualized basis) on
each outstanding limited partner unit and general partner unit
for any four consecutive quarters ending on or after
June 30, 2008; and
(c) The date on which the general partner is removed as our
general partner upon the requisite vote by the limited partners
under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by
our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of
the removal.
When the subordination period ends, all remaining subordinated
units will convert into common units on a
one-for-one
basis, and the common units will no longer be entitled to
arrearages.
Throughput: The volume of natural gas
transported or passing through a pipeline, plant, terminal or
other facility in an economically meaningful period of time.
Working Gas: Natural gas storage
capacity that can be used for system operations or is available
to be sold to the market as firm or interruptible storage
capacity or as the storage component of no notice service.
D-4
Spectra Energy Partners,
LP
10,000,000 Common
Units
Representing Limited Partner
Interests
PROSPECTUS
JUNE 26, 2007
Citi
Lehman Brothers
Merrill Lynch &
Co.
UBS Investment Bank
Wachovia Securities
A.G. Edwards
Raymond James