Williams Partners L.P.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30,
2017
|
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
(Dollars in millions)
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
1,908
|
|
|
$
|
145
|
|
Trade accounts and other receivables (net of allowance of $6 at June 30, 2017 and $6 at December 31, 2016)
|
688
|
|
|
926
|
|
Inventories
|
150
|
|
|
138
|
|
Assets held for sale (Note 3)
|
1,004
|
|
|
24
|
|
Other current assets and deferred charges
|
191
|
|
|
181
|
|
Total current assets
|
3,941
|
|
|
1,414
|
|
Investments
|
6,675
|
|
|
6,701
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost
|
38,253
|
|
|
38,247
|
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
(10,581
|
)
|
|
(10,226
|
)
|
Property, plant, and equipment – net
|
27,672
|
|
|
28,021
|
|
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization
|
9,480
|
|
|
9,662
|
|
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other
|
450
|
|
|
467
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
48,218
|
|
|
$
|
46,265
|
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable:
|
|
|
|
Trade
|
$
|
711
|
|
|
$
|
589
|
|
Affiliate
|
130
|
|
|
109
|
|
Accrued interest
|
223
|
|
|
258
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
64
|
|
|
61
|
|
Liabilities held for sale (Note 3)
|
36
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
735
|
|
|
804
|
|
Commercial paper
|
—
|
|
|
93
|
|
Long-term debt due within one year
|
1,951
|
|
|
785
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
3,850
|
|
|
2,699
|
|
Long-term debt
|
16,614
|
|
|
17,685
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
824
|
|
|
798
|
|
Deferred income tax liabilities
|
19
|
|
|
20
|
|
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other
|
1,972
|
|
|
1,860
|
|
Contingent liabilities (Note 11)
|
|
|
|
|
Equity:
|
|
|
|
Partners’ equity:
|
|
|
|
Common units (955,793,504 and 607,064,550 units outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)
|
22,445
|
|
|
18,300
|
|
Class B units (17,317,675 and 16,690,016 units outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)
|
786
|
|
|
769
|
|
General partner
|
—
|
|
|
2,385
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
1
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
Total partners’ equity
|
23,232
|
|
|
21,453
|
|
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
|
1,707
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
Total equity
|
24,939
|
|
|
23,203
|
|
Total liabilities and equity
|
$
|
48,218
|
|
|
$
|
46,265
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Williams Partners L.P.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Williams Partners L.P.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Units
|
|
Class B Units
|
|
General
Partner
|
|
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
|
|
Total Partners’ Equity
|
|
Noncontrolling
Interests
|
|
Total
Equity
|
|
(Millions)
|
Balance – December 31, 2016
|
$
|
18,300
|
|
|
$
|
769
|
|
|
$
|
2,385
|
|
|
$
|
(1
|
)
|
|
$
|
21,453
|
|
|
$
|
1,750
|
|
|
$
|
23,203
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
937
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
954
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
Conversion to noneconomic general partner interest (Note 1)
|
2,385
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,385
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Distributions to The Williams Companies, Inc. - net
|
(8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
Sale of common units (Note 9)
|
2,212
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,212
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,212
|
|
Distributions to limited partners
|
(1,385
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,385
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,385
|
)
|
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
10
|
|
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(108
|
)
|
|
(108
|
)
|
Other
|
4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
5
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in equity
|
4,145
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
(2,385
|
)
|
|
2
|
|
|
1,779
|
|
|
(43
|
)
|
|
1,736
|
|
Balance – June 30, 2017
|
$
|
22,445
|
|
|
$
|
786
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
23,232
|
|
|
$
|
1,707
|
|
|
$
|
24,939
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Williams Partners L.P.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
1,008
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
856
|
|
|
867
|
|
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(80
|
)
|
Net (gain) loss on disposition of equity-method investments
|
(269
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Impairment of equity-method investments
|
—
|
|
|
112
|
|
Impairment of and net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses
|
(6
|
)
|
|
405
|
|
Amortization of stock-based awards
|
4
|
|
|
14
|
|
Cash provided (used) by changes in current assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Accounts and notes receivable
|
194
|
|
|
297
|
|
Inventories
|
(30
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Other current assets and deferred charges
|
(14
|
)
|
|
(20
|
)
|
Accounts payable
|
35
|
|
|
25
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
(100
|
)
|
|
58
|
|
Affiliate accounts receivable and payable – net
|
21
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
Other, including changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities
|
(191
|
)
|
|
30
|
|
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
|
1,507
|
|
|
1,666
|
|
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper – net
|
(93
|
)
|
|
(304
|
)
|
Proceeds from long-term debt
|
1,698
|
|
|
2,938
|
|
Payments of long-term debt
|
(1,535
|
)
|
|
(2,201
|
)
|
Proceeds from sales of common units
|
2,184
|
|
|
—
|
|
Contributions from general partner
|
—
|
|
|
6
|
|
Distributions paid
|
(1,357
|
)
|
|
(1,231
|
)
|
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
|
(108
|
)
|
|
(45
|
)
|
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
|
10
|
|
|
22
|
|
Distributions to The Williams Companies, Inc. – net
|
(8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Payments for debt issuance costs
|
(13
|
)
|
|
(8
|
)
|
Contribution to Gulfstream for repayment of debt
|
—
|
|
|
(148
|
)
|
Other – net
|
(23
|
)
|
|
(1
|
)
|
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
|
755
|
|
|
(972
|
)
|
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment:
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures (1)
|
(1,049
|
)
|
|
(981
|
)
|
Dispositions – net
|
(14
|
)
|
|
7
|
|
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments
|
200
|
|
|
—
|
|
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments
|
(79
|
)
|
|
(122
|
)
|
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in excess of cumulative earnings
|
258
|
|
|
261
|
|
Other – net
|
185
|
|
|
153
|
|
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
|
(499
|
)
|
|
(682
|
)
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
1,763
|
|
|
12
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents held for sale
|
—
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
145
|
|
|
96
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
$
|
1,908
|
|
|
$
|
101
|
|
_________
|
|
|
|
(1) Increases to property, plant, and equipment
|
$
|
(1,155
|
)
|
|
$
|
(983
|
)
|
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
106
|
|
|
2
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
$
|
(1,049
|
)
|
|
$
|
(981
|
)
|
See accompanying notes.
Williams Partners L.P.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
General
Our accompanying interim consolidated financial statements do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2016, in Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K dated May 25, 2017. The accompanying unaudited financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments and others that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our interim financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this report to “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to Williams Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “we,” “our,” and “us” include the operations in which we own interests accounted for as equity-method investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements. When we refer to our equity investees by name, we are referring exclusively to their businesses and operations.
We are a Delaware limited partnership whose common units are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. WPZ GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company wholly owned by The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams), serves as our general partner. Our operations are located in the United States.
Financial Repositioning
In January 2017, we announced agreements with Williams, wherein Williams permanently waived the general partner’s incentive distribution rights
(
IDRs) and converted its
2 percent
general partner interest in us to a noneconomic interest in exchange for
289 million
newly issued common units. Pursuant to this agreement, Williams also purchased approximately
277 thousand
common units for
$10 million
. Additionally, Williams purchased approximately
59 million
common units at a price of
$36.08586
per unit in a private placement transaction. According to the terms of this agreement, concurrent with our quarterly distributions in February 2017 and May 2017, Williams paid additional consideration totaling
$56 million
to us for these units. Following these transactions and as of
June 30, 2017
, Williams owns a
74 percent
limited partner interest in us.
Description of Business
Effective January 1, 2017, we implemented organizational changes, consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. Operations previously reported within the Central segment are now generally managed and presented within the West segment. Certain businesses previously reported within our NGL & Petchem Services segment are now managed and presented within the West, Atlantic-Gulf, and Northeast G&P segments. As a result, beginning with the reporting of first quarter 2017, our operations are organized into the following reportable segments: Northeast G&P, Atlantic-Gulf, West, and NGL & Petchem Services. Certain other corporate activities are included in Other. Prior period segment disclosures have been recast for these segment changes.
Northeast G&P is comprised of our midstream gathering and processing businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, as well as a
66 percent
interest in Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C. (Cardinal) (a consolidated entity), a
62 percent
equity-method investment in Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC (UEOM), a
69 percent
equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC (Laurel Mountain), a
58 percent
equity-method investment in Caiman Energy II, LLC (Caiman II),
and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average
66 percent
interest in multiple gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments).
Atlantic-Gulf is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), and significant natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a
51 percent
interest in Gulfstar One LLC (Gulfstar One) (a consolidated entity), which is a proprietary floating production system, and various petrochemical and feedstock pipelines in the Gulf Coast region, as well as a
50 percent
equity-method investment in Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), a
41 percent
interest in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) (a consolidated entity), which is under development, and a
60 percent
equity-method investment in Discovery Producer Services LLC (Discovery).
West is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest Pipeline), and our gathering, processing, and treating operations in New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, as well as the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, Delaware, and Permian basins. This segment also includes our NGL and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided
50 percent
interest in an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas, and a
50 percent
equity-method investment in Overland Pass Pipeline, LLC (OPPL), as well as our previously owned
50 percent
equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV) in the Mid-Continent region (see
Note 5 – Investing Activities
).
NGL & Petchem Services is comprised of previously owned operations, including our
88.5 percent
undivided interest in an olefins production facility in Geismar, Louisiana, which was sold in July 2017 (see
Note 3 – Assets Held for Sale
), and our refinery grade propylene splitter in the Gulf region, which we sold in June 2017. This segment also includes our previously owned Canadian assets which included an oil sands offgas processing plant located near Fort McMurray, Alberta, and a natural gas liquid (NGL)/olefin fractionation facility at Redwater, Alberta. In September 2016, these Canadian operations were sold.
Basis of Presentation
Significant risks and uncertainties
We may monetize assets that are not core to our strategy which could result in impairments of certain equity-method investments, property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets. Such impairments could potentially be caused by indications of fair value implied through the monetization process or, in the case of asset dispositions that are part of a broader asset group, the impact of the loss of future estimated cash flows.
Accounting standards issued and adopted
Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09 “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (ASU 2016-09). Among other changes, ASU 2016-09 requires entities to classify as a financing activity, on the statement of cash flows, cash paid by an employer to a taxing authority when directly withholding shares from an employee’s award to satisfy the employer’s statutory tax withholding obligation. This guidance must be applied retrospectively and we have adjusted operating and financing activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the periods presented.
Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-04 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 modifies the concept of goodwill impairment to represent the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Under ASU 2017-04, entities will no longer be required to determine the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to its individual assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment testing for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and requires a prospective transition. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed after
January 1, 2017, and we plan to adopt ASU 2017-04 in 2017. Our West reportable segment has
$47 million
of goodwill included in
Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization
in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investees, to reduce diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-15 requires a retrospective transition. We do not expect ASU 2016-15 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance also requires increased disclosures. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-13 requires varying transition methods for the different categories of amendments. Although we do not expect ASU 2016-13 to have a significant impact, it will impact our trade receivables as the related allowance for credit losses will be recognized earlier under the expected loss model.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 clarifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications, and causes lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition for capital or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are in the process of reviewing contracts to identify leases, as well as evaluating the applicability of ASU 2016-02 to contracts involving easements/rights-of-way.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 establishing Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). ASC 606 establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services and requires significantly enhanced revenue disclosures. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” (ASU 2015-14). Per ASU 2015-14, the standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ASC 606 allows either full retrospective or modified retrospective transition and early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.
We continue to evaluate the impact ASC 606 may have on our financial statements. For each revenue contract type, we conducted a formal contract review process to evaluate the impact, if any, that ASC 606 may have. As a result of that process, we expect our revenues will increase associated with accounting for noncash consideration, which exists primarily in certain of our gas processing contracts where we receive commodities as full or partial consideration for services provided. We also expect the increase in revenues will be offset by a similar increase in costs when the commodities received are subsequently monetized. We continue to evaluate the application of accounting for noncash consideration as it relates to certain other contracts where we receive or retain commodities as part of the service arrangement. We also continue to evaluate contracts with a significant financing component, which may exist in situations where the timing of the consideration we receive varies significantly from the timing of when we provide the service. As such, we are unable to determine the potential impact upon the amount and timing of revenue recognition. We continue to develop and evaluate disclosures required under the new standard, with a particular focus on the scope of contracts subject to disclosure of remaining performance obligations. Additionally, we have identified possible financial system and internal control changes necessary for adoption. We currently anticipate utilizing a modified retrospective transition upon the adoption of ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018.
Public Unit Exchange
On May 12, 2015, we entered into an agreement for a unit-for-stock transaction whereby Williams would have acquired all of our publicly held outstanding common units in exchange for shares of Williams’ common stock (WPZ Public Unit Exchange).
On September 28, 2015, we entered into a Termination Agreement and Release (Termination Agreement), terminating the WPZ Public Unit Exchange. Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, Williams was required to pay us a
$428 million
termination fee, which settled through a reduction of quarterly incentive distributions payable to Williams (such reduction not to exceed
$209 million
per quarter). Our November 2015, February 2016, and May 2016 distributions to Williams were reduced by
$209 million
,
$209 million
, and
$10 million
, respectively, related to this termination fee.
Note 2 – Variable Interest Entities
As of
June 30, 2017
, we consolidate the following variable interest entities (VIEs):
Gulfstar One
We own a
51 percent
interest in Gulfstar One, a subsidiary that, due to certain risk-sharing provisions in its customer contracts, is a VIE. Gulfstar One includes a proprietary floating-production system, Gulfstar FPS, and associated pipelines which provide production handling and gathering services in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Gulfstar One’s economic performance.
Constitution
We own a
41 percent
interest in Constitution, a subsidiary that, due to shipper fixed-payment commitments under its long-term firm transportation contracts, is a VIE. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Constitution’s economic performance. We, as construction manager for Constitution, are responsible for constructing the proposed pipeline connecting our gathering system in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and the Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems. The total remaining cost of the project is estimated to be approximately
$691 million
, which we expect will be funded with capital contributions from us and the other equity partners on a proportional basis.
In December 2014, Constitution received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate its proposed pipeline. However, in April 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) denied a necessary water quality certification for the New York portion of the pipeline. We remain steadfastly committed to the project, and in May 2016, Constitution appealed the NYSDEC’s denial of the certification.
We also filed an action in federal court seeking a declaration that the State of New York’s authority to exercise permitting jurisdiction over certain other environmental matters is preempted by federal law, but that lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice as the court determined that Constitution had not yet suffered any injury in fact. The oral argument before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the NYSDEC’s denial of Constitution’s application for water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act was held on November 16, 2016. We anticipate that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision on our appeal will be issued soon. In light of the NYSDEC’s denial of the water quality certification and the actions taken to challenge the decision, the anticipated target in-service date has been revised to as early as the first half of 2019, which assumes the timely receipt of a Notice to Proceed from the FERC. An unfavorable resolution could result in the impairment of a significant portion of the capitalized project costs, which total
$381 million
on a consolidated basis at June 30, 2017, and are included within
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost
in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
. Beginning in April 2016, we discontinued capitalization of development costs related to this project. It is also possible that we could incur certain supplier-related costs in the event of a prolonged delay or termination of the project.
Cardinal
We own a
66 percent
interest in Cardinal, a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica Shale region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Cardinal’s economic performance. We expect to fund future expansion activity with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
Jackalope
We own a
50 percent
interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C. (Jackalope), a subsidiary that provides gathering and processing services for the Powder River basin and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Jackalope’s economic performance. We expect to fund future expansion activity with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
The following table presents amounts included in our
Consolidated Balance Sheet
that are for the use or obligation of our consolidated VIEs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30,
2017
|
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
Classification
|
|
(Millions)
|
|
|
Assets (liabilities):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
39
|
|
|
$
|
82
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
Accounts receivable
|
89
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
Trade accounts and other receivables
|
Prepaid assets
|
2
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
Other current assets and deferred charges
|
Property, plant, and equipment – net
|
2,957
|
|
|
3,024
|
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment – net
|
Intangible assets
–
net
|
1,411
|
|
|
1,431
|
|
|
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization
|
Accounts payable
|
(18
|
)
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
Accounts payable – trade
|
Accrued liabilities
|
(4
|
)
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
Current deferred revenue
|
(59
|
)
|
|
(63
|
)
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
Noncurrent asset retirement obligations
|
(102
|
)
|
|
(99
|
)
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
Noncurrent deferred revenue associated with customer advance payments
|
(319
|
)
|
|
(324
|
)
|
|
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other
|
Note 3 – Assets Held for Sale
On July 6, 2017, we completed the sale of Williams Olefins, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary which owned our interest in the Geismar, Louisiana, olefins plant (Geismar Interest) for
$2.084 billion
in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. Upon closing of the sale, we entered into a long-term supply and transportation agreement with the purchaser to provide feedstock to the plant via our Bayou Ethane pipeline system. As a result of this sale, we expect to record a gain of approximately
$1.1 billion
in the third quarter of 2017.
The assets and liabilities of the Geismar olefins plant are presented as held for sale within the NGL & Petchem Services segment as of June 30, 2017. The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities included as part of the Geismar disposal group, which are presented within
Assets held for sale
and
Liabilities held for sale
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also included in
Assets held for sale
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are
$4 million
of assets held for sale within the West segment unrelated to the Geismar Interest and at December 31, 2016, were previously included in
Other current assets and deferred charges
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount
|
|
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
|
(Millions)
|
Assets:
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
72
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment – net
|
|
903
|
|
Other noncurrent assets
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,000
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
$
|
36
|
|
The following table presents the results of operations for the Geismar disposal group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Income (loss) before income taxes of the disposal group
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
25
|
|
|
$
|
48
|
|
Note 4 – Allocation of Net Income (Loss) and Distributions
The components of
Net income (loss)
within
Equity
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Net income (loss) allocated to common limited partners’ equity (1)
|
$
|
314
|
|
|
$
|
(281
|
)
|
|
$
|
937
|
|
|
$
|
(238
|
)
|
Net income (loss) allocated to Class B limited partners’ equity
|
6
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
17
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
Net income (loss) allocated to general partner’s equity (1) (2)
|
—
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
205
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
|
28
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
42
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
348
|
|
|
$
|
(77
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,008
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Net income (loss)
allocated to equity accounts above considers distributions paid to partners during the current reporting period, while
Net income (loss)
allocated within the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
considers distributions declared for the current reporting period, but paid in the subsequent period. The differences between
Net income (loss)
allocated to equity accounts and
Net income (loss)
allocated within the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the six months ended June 30, 2016, are primarily due to the timing of the waiver of IDRs associated with the Termination Agreement. (See
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
.)
|
|
|
(2)
|
As part of the first quarter 2017 Financial Repositioning (see
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
), our general partner interest in us was converted to a noneconomic interest and therefore no longer receives an allocation of net income.
|
Common Units
The Board of Directors of our general partner declared a cash distribution of
$0.60
per common unit on July 24, 2017, to be paid on August 11, 2017, to unitholders of record at the close of business on August 4, 2017.
Class B Units
The Class B units are not entitled to cash distributions. Instead, prior to conversion into common units, the Class B units receive quarterly distributions of additional paid-in-kind Class B units. Effective February 10, 2015, each Class B unit became convertible at the election of either us or the holders of such Class B unit into a common unit on a one-for-one basis. The Board of Directors of our general partner has authorized the issuance of
266,078
Class B units associated with the second-quarter distribution, to be issued on August 11, 2017.
Note 5 – Investing Activities
Acquisition of Additional Interests in Appalachia Midstream Investments
During the first quarter of 2017, we exchanged all of our
50 percent
interest in DBJV for an increased interest in two natural gas gathering systems that are part of the Appalachia Midstream Investments and
$155 million
in cash. This transaction was recorded based on our estimate of the fair value of the interests received as we have more insight to this value as we operate the underlying assets. Following this exchange, we have an approximate average
66 percent
interest in the Appalachia Midstream Investments. We continue to account for this investment under the equity-method due to the significant participatory rights of our partners such that we do not exercise control. We also sold all of our interest in Ranch Westex JV LLC for
$45 million
. These transactions resulted in a total gain of
$269 million
reflected in
Other investing income (loss) – net
in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
The fair value of the increased interests in the Appalachia Midstream Investments received as consideration was estimated to be
$1.1 billion
using an income approach based on expected cash flows and an appropriate discount rate (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). The determination of estimated future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering volumes, rates, and related capital spending. A
9.5 percent
discount rate was utilized and reflected our estimate of the cost of capital as impacted by market conditions and risks associated with the underlying business.
Impairments
The
six
months ended June 30, 2016, includes other-than-temporary impairment charges of
$59 million
and
$50 million
related to certain equity-method investments in DBJV and Laurel Mountain, respectively (see
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
).
Summarized Results of Operations for Certain Equity-Method Investments
The table below presents aggregated selected income statement data for our investments in Discovery, Gulfstream, and Appalachia Midstream Investments, which were considered significant as of June 30, 2016, in accordance with Regulation S‑X 4‑08(g).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Gross revenue
|
$
|
502
|
|
|
$
|
422
|
|
Operating income
|
300
|
|
|
244
|
|
Net income
|
269
|
|
|
204
|
|
Note 6 – Other Income and Expenses
The following table presents certain gains or losses reflected in
Other (income) expense – net
within
Costs and expenses
in our
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Atlantic-Gulf
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
|
$
|
17
|
|
|
$
|
17
|
|
West
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on contract settlements and terminations
|
(2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
NGL & Petchem Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of RGP Splitter
|
(12
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Net foreign currency exchange (gains) losses (1)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Primarily relates to gains and losses incurred on foreign currency transactions and the remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated current assets and liabilities within our former Canadian operations.
|
Additional Items
Certain additional items included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows:
|
|
•
|
Service revenues
were reduced by
$15 million
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, related to potential refunds associated with a ruling received in certain rate case litigation within the Atlantic-Gulf segment.
|
|
|
•
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
and
Operating and maintenance expenses
for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 includes severance and other related costs. The
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, includes
$25 million
in severance and other related costs associated with an approximate
10 percent
reduction in workforce in the first quarter of 2016. The amounts by segment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Northeast G&P
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
Atlantic-Gulf
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8
|
|
West
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10
|
|
NGL & Petchem Services
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4
|
|
Other
|
4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
•
|
Other income (expense) – net
below
Operating income (loss)
includes
$19 million
and
$37 million
for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2017
, respectively, and
$13 million
and
$29 million
for the three and
six
months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, for allowance for equity funds used during construction within the Atlantic-Gulf segment.
|
|
|
•
|
Other income (expense) – net
below
Operating income (loss)
for the six months ended June 30, 2017, includes a net gain of
$30 million
associated with the February 2017 early retirement of
$750 million
of
6.125 percent
senior unsecured notes that were due in 2022. (See
Note 8 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
.) The net gain within the Other segment reflects
$53 million
of unamortized premium, partially offset by
$23 million
in premiums paid.
|
Note 7 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
includes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State
|
—
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Foreign
|
—
|
|
|
(75
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(76
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(81
|
)
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(80
|
)
|
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
(80
|
)
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
(79
|
)
|
The effective income tax rates for the total provision for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2017
, are less than the federal statutory rate due to income not subject to U.S. federal tax, partially offset by the effect of Texas franchise tax.
The effective income tax rates for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2016
, are greater than the federal statutory rate due to the tax effect of a
$341 million
impairment associated with our Canadian operations (see
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
) and Texas franchise tax, partially offset by income not subject to U.S. federal tax.
Note 8 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
Long-Term Debt
Issuances and retirements
On July 6, 2017, we repaid our
$850 million
variable interest rate term loan that was due December 2018 using proceeds from the sale of our Geismar Interest. This term loan is classified as long-term in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
On June 5, 2017, we issued
$1.45 billion
of
3.75 percent
senior unsecured notes due 2027. We used the proceeds for general partnership purposes, primarily the July 3, 2017 repayment of
$1.4 billion
of
4.875 percent
senior unsecured notes that were due in 2023. These senior notes are classified as current in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet due to our intent to repay the notes with current assets.
On April 3, 2017, Northwest Pipeline issued
$250 million
of
4.0 percent
senior unsecured notes due 2027 to investors in a private debt placement. Northwest Pipeline used the net proceeds to retire
$185 million
of
5.95 percent
senior unsecured notes that matured on April 15, 2017, and for general corporate purposes. As part of the issuance, Northwest Pipeline entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the unsecured notes. Northwest Pipeline is obligated to file and consummate a registration statement for an offer to exchange the notes for a new issue of substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, within 365 days from closing and to use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the exchange offer. Northwest Pipeline is required to provide a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the notes under certain circumstances. If Northwest Pipeline fails to fulfill these obligations, additional interest will accrue on the affected securities. The rate of additional interest will be
0.25 percent
per annum on the principal amount of the affected securities for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of a registration default, increasing by an additional
0.25 percent
per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period thereafter, up to a maximum amount for all such registration defaults of
0.5 percent
annually. Following the cure of any registration defaults, the accrual of additional interest will cease.
On February 23, 2017, using proceeds received from the Financial Repositioning (see
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
), we early retired
$750 million
of
6.125 percent
senior unsecured notes that were due in 2022.
We retired
$600 million
of
7.25 percent
senior unsecured notes that matured on February 1, 2017.
Commercial Paper Program
As of June 30, 2017, no
Commercial paper
was outstanding under our
$3 billion
commercial paper program.
Credit Facilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
Stated Capacity
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
(Millions)
|
Long-term credit facility (1)
|
$
|
3,500
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of our credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program.
|
Note 9 – Partners’ Capital
Financial Repositioning
See
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
for information regarding units that were issued during the first quarter of 2017 related to the Financial Repositioning.
Distribution Reinvestment Program
The May 2017 distribution resulted in
311,279
common units issued to the public at a discounted average price of
$39.69
per unit associated with the reinvested distributions of
$12 million
.
The February 2017 distribution resulted in
395,395
common units issued to the public at a discounted average price of
$39.76
per unit associated with the reinvested distributions of
$16 million
.
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, certain of our financial assets and liabilities. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, commercial paper, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Therefore, these assets and liabilities are not presented in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
Quoted
Prices In
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
|
|
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
(Millions)
|
Assets (liabilities) at June 30, 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured on a recurring basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARO Trust investments
|
$
|
119
|
|
|
$
|
119
|
|
|
$
|
119
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Energy derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
Energy derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments
|
(6
|
)
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Additional disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivables
|
6
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Long-term debt, including current portion
|
(18,565
|
)
|
|
(19,700
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(19,700
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2016:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured on a recurring basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARO Trust investments
|
$
|
96
|
|
|
$
|
96
|
|
|
$
|
96
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Energy derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments
|
2
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
—
|
|
Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments
|
(6
|
)
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
Additional disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivables
|
15
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Long-term debt, including current portion
|
(18,470
|
)
|
|
(18,907
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(18,907
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Fair Value Methods
We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments
:
Transco deposits a portion of its collected rates, pursuant to its rate case settlement, into an external trust (ARO Trust) that is specifically designated to fund future asset retirement obligations (ARO). The ARO Trust invests in a portfolio of actively traded mutual funds that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in an active market, is classified as available-for-sale, and is reported in
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses are ultimately recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Energy derivatives
:
Energy derivatives include commodity based exchange-traded contracts and over-the-counter contracts, which consist of physical forwards, futures, and swaps that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value amounts are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the netting of asset and liability positions permitted
under the terms of our master netting arrangements. Further, the amounts do not include cash held on deposit in margin accounts that we have received or remitted to collateralize certain derivative positions. Energy derivatives assets are reported in
Other current assets and deferred charges
and
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Energy derivatives liabilities are reported in
Other accrued liabilities
and
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the
six
months ended
June 30, 2017
or
2016
.
Additional fair value disclosures
Other receivables:
Other receivables consist of margin deposits, which are reported in
Other current assets and deferred charges
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disclosed fair value of our margin deposits is considered to approximate the carrying value generally due to the short-term nature of these items.
Long-term debt, including current portion
:
The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt is determined by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments.
Nonrecurring fair value measurements
The following table presents impairments of assets and investments associated with certain nonrecurring fair value measurements within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
Classification
|
|
Segment
|
|
Date of Measurement
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Millions)
|
Canadian operations (1)
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
NGL & Petchem Services
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
$
|
924
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
341
|
|
Certain gathering operations (2)
|
Property, plant, and equipment – net
|
|
West
|
|
June 30, 2016
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
Level 3 fair value measurements of certain assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
389
|
|
Other impairments and write-downs (3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
13
|
|
Impairment of certain assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
402
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity-method investments (4)
|
Investments
|
|
West and Northeast G&P
|
|
March 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
1,294
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
109
|
|
Other equity-method investment
|
Investments
|
|
West
|
|
March 31, 2016
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Impairment of equity-method investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
112
|
|
_________________
|
|
(1)
|
Relates to our Canadian operations. We designated these operations as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. As a result, we measured the fair value of the disposal group, resulting in an impairment charge. The estimated fair value was determined by a market approach based primarily on inputs received in the marketing process and reflected our estimate of the potential assumed proceeds. We disposed of our Canadian operations through a sale during the third quarter of 2016.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Relates to certain gathering assets within the Mid-Continent region. The estimated fair value was determined by a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Reflects multiple individually insignificant impairments and write-downs of other certain assets that may no longer be in use or are surplus in nature for which the fair value was determined to be zero or an insignificant salvage value.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Relates to West’s previously owned interest in DBJV and Northeast G&P’s current equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain. Our carrying values in these equity-method investments had been written down to fair value at December 31, 2015. Our first-quarter 2016 analysis reflected higher discount rates for both of these equity-method investments, along with lower natural gas prices for Laurel Mountain. We estimated the fair value of these equity-method investments using an income approach based on expected future cash flows and appropriate discount rates. The determination of estimated future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering volumes and related capital spending. Discount rates utilized ranged from
13.0 percent
to
13.3 percent
and reflected increases in our estimated cost of capital, revised estimates of expected future cash flows, and risks associated with the underlying businesses.
|
Guarantees
We are required by our revolving credit agreement to indemnify lenders for certain taxes required to be withheld from payments due to the lenders and for certain tax payments made by the lenders. The maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnifications is based on the related borrowings and such future payments cannot currently be determined. These indemnifications generally continue indefinitely unless limited by the underlying tax regulations and have no carrying value. We have never been called upon to perform under these indemnifications and have no current expectation of a future claim.
Note 11 – Contingent Liabilities
Environmental Matters
We are a participant in certain environmental activities in various stages including assessment studies, cleanup operations, and remedial processes at certain sites, some of which we currently do not own. We are monitoring these sites in a coordinated effort with other potentially responsible parties, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other governmental authorities. We are jointly and severally liable along with unrelated third parties in some of these activities and solely responsible in others. Certain of our subsidiaries have been identified as potentially responsible parties at various Superfund and state waste disposal sites. In addition, these subsidiaries have incurred, or are alleged to have incurred, various other hazardous materials removal or remediation obligations under environmental laws. As of
June 30, 2017
, we have accrued liabilities totaling
$16 million
for these matters, as discussed below. Our accrual reflects the most likely costs of cleanup, which are generally based on completed assessment studies, preliminary results of studies, or our experience with other similar cleanup operations. Certain assessment studies are still in process for which the ultimate outcome may yield significantly different estimates of most likely costs. Any incremental amount in excess of amounts currently accrued cannot be reasonably estimated at this time due to uncertainty about the actual number of contaminated sites ultimately identified, the actual amount and extent of contamination discovered, and the final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA and other governmental authorities.
The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely promulgate and propose new rules, and issue updated guidance to existing rules. More recent rules and rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine maximum achievable control technology, new air quality standards for one hour nitrogen dioxide emissions, and volatile organic compound and methane new source performance standards impacting design and operation of storage vessels, pressure valves, and compressors. On October 1, 2015, the EPA issued its new rule regarding National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone, setting a new standard of
70 parts per billion
. We are monitoring the rule’s implementation and evaluating potential impacts to our operations. For these and other new regulations, we are unable to estimate the costs of asset additions or modifications necessary to comply due to uncertainty created by the various legal challenges to these regulations and the need for further specific regulatory guidance.
Our interstate gas pipelines are involved in remediation activities related to certain facilities and locations for polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, and other hazardous substances. These activities have involved the EPA and various state environmental authorities, resulting in our identification as a potentially responsible party at various Superfund waste sites. At
June 30, 2017
, we have accrued liabilities of
$8 million
for these costs. We expect that these costs will be recoverable through rates.
We also accrue environmental remediation costs for natural gas underground storage facilities, primarily related to soil and groundwater contamination. At
June 30, 2017
, we have accrued liabilities totaling
$8 million
for these costs.
Geismar Incident
On June 13, 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at our Geismar olefins plant and rendered the facility temporarily inoperable (Geismar Incident). As a result, there were two fatalities and numerous individuals (including employees and contractors) reported injuries. We are addressing the following contingent liabilities in connection with the Geismar Incident.
On October 21, 2013, the EPA issued an Inspection Report pursuant to the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program following its inspection of the facility on June 24 through June 28, 2013. The report notes the EPA’s preliminary determinations about the facility’s documentation regarding process safety, process hazard analysis, as well as operating procedures, employee training, and other matters. On June 16, 2014, we received a request for information related to the Geismar Incident from the EPA under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act to which we responded on August 13, 2014. The EPA could issue penalties pertaining to final determinations. Multiple lawsuits, including class actions for alleged offsite impacts, property damage, customer claims, and personal injury, have been filed against us. The first two trials, for nine plaintiffs claiming personal injury, were held in Louisiana state court in Iberville Parish, Louisiana in September and November 2016. The juries returned adverse verdicts against Williams, our subsidiary Williams Olefins, LLC, and other defendants. To date, we have settled those cases as well as settled or agreed in principle to settle numerous other personal injury claims, and such aggregate amount greater than our
$2 million
retention (deductible) value has been or will be recovered from our insurers. We believe these settlements to date substantially resolve any material exposure to such claims arising from the Geismar Incident. We believe that any additional losses arising from our alleged liability will be immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position and will be substantially covered by our general liability insurance policy, which has an aggregate limit of
$610 million
applicable to this event.
Royalty Matters
Certain of our customers, including one major customer, have been named in various lawsuits alleging underpayment of royalties and claiming, among other things, violations of anti-trust laws and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We have also been named as a defendant in certain of these cases filed in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma based on allegations that we improperly participated with that major customer in causing the alleged royalty underpayments. We believe that the claims asserted are subject to indemnity obligations owed to us by that major customer. Due to the preliminary status of the cases, we are unable to estimate a range of potential loss at this time.
Unitholder Litigation
On March 7, 2016, a purported unitholder of us filed a putative class action on behalf of certain purchasers of our units in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma. The action names as defendants, us, Williams, Williams Partners GP LLC, Alan S. Armstrong, and Donald R. Chappel and alleges violations of certain federal securities laws for failure to disclose Energy Transfer Equity, L.P.’s intention to pursue a purchase of Williams conditioned on Williams not closing the WPZ Public Unit Exchange when announcing the WPZ Public Unit Exchange. The complaint seeks, among other things, damages and an award of costs and attorneys’ fees. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on August 31, 2016. On October 17, 2016, we requested the court dismiss the action, and on March 8, 2017, the court dismissed the complaint with prejudice. On April 7, 2017, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal. We cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss at this time.
Other
In addition to the foregoing, various other proceedings are pending against us which are incidental to our operations.
Summary
We have disclosed all significant matters for which we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. We estimate that for all other matters for which we are able to reasonably estimate a range of loss, our aggregate reasonably possible losses beyond amounts accrued are immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position. These calculations have been made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties.
Note 12 – Segment Disclosures
Our reportable segments are Northeast G&P, Atlantic-Gulf, West, and NGL & Petchem Services. (See
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
.) Certain other corporate activities are included in Other.
Performance Measurement
We evaluate segment operating performance based upon
Modified EBITDA
(earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). This measure represents the basis of our internal financial reporting and is the primary performance measure used by our chief operating decision maker in measuring performance and allocating resources among our reportable segments. Intersegment revenues primarily represent the sale of NGLs from our natural gas processing plants to our marketing business.
We define
Modified EBITDA
as follows:
|
|
•
|
Net income (loss) before:
|
|
|
◦
|
Provision (benefit) for income taxes;
|
|
|
◦
|
Interest incurred, net of interest capitalized;
|
|
|
◦
|
Equity earnings (losses);
|
|
|
◦
|
Impairment of equity-method investments;
|
|
|
◦
|
Other investing income (loss)
–
net;
|
|
|
◦
|
Impairment of goodwill;
|
|
|
◦
|
Depreciation and amortization expenses;
|
|
|
◦
|
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations.
|
|
|
•
|
This measure is further adjusted to include our proportionate share (based on ownership interest) of
Modified EBITDA
from our equity-method investments calculated consistently with the definition described above.
|
The following table reflects the reconciliation of
Segment revenues
to
Total
revenues
as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Northeast
G&P
|
|
Atlantic-
Gulf
|
|
West
|
|
NGL &
Petchem
Services
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
Total
|
|
(Millions)
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
|
Segment revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
$
|
206
|
|
|
$
|
540
|
|
|
$
|
527
|
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,277
|
|
Internal
|
11
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total service revenues
|
217
|
|
|
547
|
|
|
527
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
1,277
|
|
Product sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
43
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
369
|
|
|
155
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
642
|
|
Internal
|
9
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total product sales
|
52
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
435
|
|
|
157
|
|
|
(127
|
)
|
|
642
|
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
269
|
|
|
$
|
672
|
|
|
$
|
962
|
|
|
$
|
161
|
|
|
$
|
(145
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,919
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
|
Segment revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
$
|
207
|
|
|
$
|
452
|
|
|
$
|
528
|
|
|
$
|
23
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,210
|
|
Internal
|
9
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total service revenues
|
216
|
|
|
458
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
1,210
|
|
Product sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
28
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
530
|
|
Internal
|
6
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
(88
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total product sales
|
34
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
306
|
|
|
173
|
|
|
(88
|
)
|
|
530
|
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
250
|
|
|
$
|
563
|
|
|
$
|
834
|
|
|
$
|
196
|
|
|
$
|
(103
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,740
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
|
Segment revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
$
|
414
|
|
|
$
|
1,067
|
|
|
$
|
1,045
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,533
|
|
Internal
|
20
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(36
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total service revenues
|
434
|
|
|
1,083
|
|
|
1,045
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
(36
|
)
|
|
2,533
|
|
Product sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
103
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
774
|
|
|
348
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,369
|
|
Internal
|
17
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
(257
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total product sales
|
120
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
891
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
(257
|
)
|
|
1,369
|
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
554
|
|
|
$
|
1,342
|
|
|
$
|
1,936
|
|
|
$
|
363
|
|
|
$
|
(293
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
|
Segment revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
$
|
423
|
|
|
$
|
923
|
|
|
$
|
1,059
|
|
|
$
|
31
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
2,436
|
|
Internal
|
12
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(25
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total service revenues
|
435
|
|
|
936
|
|
|
1,059
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
(25
|
)
|
|
2,436
|
|
Product sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External
|
46
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
483
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
958
|
|
Internal
|
11
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
(162
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Total product sales
|
57
|
|
|
174
|
|
|
548
|
|
|
341
|
|
|
(162
|
)
|
|
958
|
|
Total revenues
|
$
|
492
|
|
|
$
|
1,110
|
|
|
$
|
1,607
|
|
|
$
|
372
|
|
|
$
|
(187
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,394
|
|
The following table reflects the reconciliation of
Modified EBITDA
to
Net income (loss)
as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Modified EBITDA by segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Northeast G&P
|
$
|
247
|
|
|
$
|
222
|
|
|
$
|
473
|
|
|
$
|
442
|
|
Atlantic-Gulf
|
454
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
904
|
|
|
742
|
|
West
|
356
|
|
|
312
|
|
|
741
|
|
|
639
|
|
NGL & Petchem Services
|
30
|
|
|
(290
|
)
|
|
81
|
|
|
(264
|
)
|
Other
|
(11
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,076
|
|
|
604
|
|
|
2,208
|
|
|
1,559
|
|
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations
|
(11
|
)
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
(17
|
)
|
|
(16
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization expenses
|
(423
|
)
|
|
(432
|
)
|
|
(856
|
)
|
|
(867
|
)
|
Equity earnings (losses)
|
125
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
198
|
|
Impairment of equity-method investments
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
Other investing income (loss) – net
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
1
|
|
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
|
(215
|
)
|
|
(191
|
)
|
|
(409
|
)
|
|
(380
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
(205
|
)
|
|
(231
|
)
|
|
(419
|
)
|
|
(460
|
)
|
(Provision) benefit for income taxes
|
(1
|
)
|
|
80
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
79
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
348
|
|
|
$
|
(77
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,008
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
The following table reflects
Total assets
by reportable segment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
June 30,
2017
|
|
December 31,
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Northeast G&P
|
$
|
14,429
|
|
|
$
|
13,436
|
|
Atlantic-Gulf
|
14,532
|
|
|
14,176
|
|
West
|
17,062
|
|
|
18,479
|
|
NGL & Petchem Services
|
1,020
|
|
|
1,112
|
|
Other
|
1,787
|
|
|
161
|
|
Eliminations (1)
|
(612
|
)
|
|
(1,099
|
)
|
Total
|
$
|
48,218
|
|
|
$
|
46,265
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Eliminations primarily relate to the intercompany accounts and notes receivable generated by our cash management program.
|
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
We are an energy infrastructure master limited partnership focused on connecting North America’s significant hydrocarbon resource plays to growing markets for natural gas and NGLs through our gas pipeline and midstream businesses. WPZ GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company wholly owned by Williams, is our general partner.
Our interstate natural gas pipeline strategy is to create value by maximizing the utilization of our pipeline capacity by providing high quality, low cost transportation of natural gas to large and growing markets. Our gas pipeline businesses’ interstate transmission and storage activities are subject to regulation by the FERC and as such, our rates and charges for the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, and the extension, expansion or abandonment of jurisdictional facilities and accounting, among other things, are subject to regulation. The rates are established through the FERC’s ratemaking process. Changes in commodity prices and volumes transported have limited near-term impact on these revenues because the majority of cost of service is recovered through firm capacity reservation charges in transportation rates.
The ongoing strategy of our midstream operations is to safely and reliably operate large-scale midstream infrastructure where our assets can be fully utilized and drive low per-unit costs. We focus on consistently attracting new business by providing highly reliable service to our customers. These services include natural gas gathering, processing, treating, and compression, NGL fractionation and transportation, crude oil production handling and transportation, marketing services for NGL, oil and natural gas, as well as storage facilities.
Effective January 1, 2017, we implemented organizational changes, consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. Operations previously reported within the Central segment are now generally managed and presented within the West segment. Certain businesses previously within our NGL & Petchem Services segment are now managed and presented within the West, Atlantic-Gulf, and Northeast G&P segments. Certain other corporate activities are included in Other. Prior period segment disclosures have been recast for these segment changes. As a result, beginning with the reporting of first-quarter 2017, our reportable segments are Northeast G&P, Atlantic-Gulf, West, and NGL & Petchem Services, which are comprised of the following businesses:
|
|
•
|
Northeast G&P is comprised of our midstream gathering and processing businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, as well as a 66 percent interest in Cardinal (a consolidated entity), a 62 percent equity-method investment in UEOM, a 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain, a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman II, and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average 66 percent interest in multiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments).
|
|
|
•
|
Atlantic-Gulf is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Transco, and significant natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One (a consolidated entity), which is a proprietary floating production system, and various petrochemical and feedstock pipelines in the Gulf Coast region, as well as a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream, a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery, and a 41 percent interest in Constitution (a consolidated entity), which is under development.
|
|
|
•
|
West is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Northwest Pipeline, and our gathering, processing and treating operations in New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, as well as the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, Delaware, and Permian basins. This segment also includes our NGL and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided 50 percent
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
interest in an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas and a 50 percent equity-method investment in OPPL, as well as our previously owned 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV) in the Mid-Continent region (see
Note 5 – Investing Activities
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
|
|
•
|
NGL & Petchem Services is comprised of previously owned operations, including our 88.5 percent undivided interest in an olefins production facility in Geismar, Louisiana, which was sold in July 2017 (see
Note 3 – Assets Held for Sale
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements),
and
our refinery grade propylene splitter in the Gulf region, which we sold in June 2017. This segment also includes our previously owned Canadian assets which included an oil sands offgas processing plant near Fort McMurray, Alberta, and a NGL/olefin fractionation facility at Redwater, Alberta. In September 2016, these Canadian operations were sold.
|
Financial Repositioning
In January 2017, we announced agreements with Williams, wherein Williams permanently waived the general partner’s IDRs and converted its
2 percent
general partner interest in us to a noneconomic interest in exchange for
289 million
newly issued common units. Pursuant to this agreement, Williams also purchased approximately
277 thousand
common units for
$10 million
. Additionally, Williams purchased approximately
59 million
common units at a price of
$36.08586
per unit in a private placement transaction. According to the terms of this agreement, concurrent with our quarterly distributions in February 2017 and May 2017, Williams paid additional consideration totaling
$56 million
to us for these units. Following these transactions and as of June 30, 2017, Williams owns a
74 percent
limited partner interest in us.
Distributions
On July 24, 2017,
our general partner’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly distribution to unitholders of
$0.60
per common unit on August 11, 2017, on our outstanding common units to unitholders of record at the close of business on August 4, 2017.
Overview of
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests
for the
six
months ended
June 30, 2017
, changed favorably by
$994 million
compared to the
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
, reflecting a $593 million improvement in operating income primarily reflecting a $399 million decrease in
Impairments of certain assets
and increased service revenue associated with expansion projects
, a gain of $269 million associated with the disposition of certain equity-method investments in 2017 and the absence of $112 million of impairments of equity-method investments incurred in 2016.
Unless indicated otherwise, the following discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition and liquidity should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of this Form 10‑Q and our annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K dated May 25, 2017.
West
Acquisition of additional interests in Appalachia Midstream Investments
During the first quarter of 2017, we exchanged all of our 50 percent interest in DBJV for an increased interest in two natural gas gathering systems that are part of the Appalachia Midstream Investments and $155 million in cash. Following this exchange, we have an approximate average 66 percent interest in the Appalachia Midstream Investments. We also sold all of our interest in Ranch Westex JV LLC for $45 million. These transactions resulted in a total gain of $269 million reflected in
Other investing income (loss) – net
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) within the West segment. (See
Note 5 – Investing Activities
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
NGL & Petchem Services
Geismar olefins facility monetization
In July 2017, we completed the sale of our Geismar Interest for $2.084 billion in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. Additionally, we entered into a long-term supply and transportation agreement with the purchaser to provide feedstock to the plant via our Bayou Ethane pipeline system, which is expected to provide a long-term fee-based revenue stream. (See
Note 3 – Assets Held for Sale
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Following this sale, the cash proceeds were used to repay our $850 million term loan. We also plan to use these proceeds to fund a portion of the capital and investment expenditures that are a part of our growth portfolio.
Commodity Prices
NGL per-unit margins were approximately 68
percent higher in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 due to a 43 percent increase in per-unit non-ethane prices.The per-unit margin increase also reflects the absence of our former Canadian operations which had lower per-unit non-ethane margins in the prior year compared to our domestic operations. These favorable impacts were partially offset by an approximate 55 percent increase in per-unit natural gas feedstock prices.
NGL margins are defined as NGL revenues less any applicable Btu replacement cost, plant fuel, and third-party transportation and fractionation. Per-unit NGL margins are calculated based on sales of our own equity volumes at the processing plants. Our equity volumes include NGLs where we own the rights to the value from NGLs recovered at our plants under both “keep-whole” processing agreements, where we have the obligation to replace the lost heating value with natural gas, and “percent-of-liquids” agreements whereby we receive a portion of the extracted liquids with no obligation to replace the lost heating value.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
The following graph illustrates NGL production and sales volumes, as well as the margin differential between ethane and non-ethane products and the relative mix of those products.
The potential impact of commodity prices on our business for the remainder of 2017 is further discussed in the following Company Outlook.
Company Outlook
Our strategy is to provide large-scale energy infrastructure designed to maximize the opportunities created by the vast supply of natural gas and natural gas products that exists in the United States. We accomplish this by connecting the growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks with our major positions in the premier natural gas and natural gas products supply basins. We continue to maintain a strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. We believe that accomplishing these goals will position us to deliver safe and reliable service to our customers and an attractive return to our unitholders.
Our business plan for 2017 includes the previously discussed financial repositioning transactions and the monetization of our Geismar Interest. These transactions serve to improve our cost of capital, remove our need to access the public equity markets for the next several years, enhance our growth, and provide for debt reduction.
Our growth capital and investment expenditures in 2017 are expected to total $2.1 billion to $2.8 billion. Approximately $1.4 billion to $1.9 billion of our growth capital funding needs include Transco expansions and other interstate pipeline growth projects, most of which are fully contracted with firm transportation agreements. The remaining growth capital spending in 2017 primarily reflects investment in gathering and processing systems in the Northeast G&P segment limited primarily to known new producer volumes, including volumes that support Transco expansion projects including our Atlantic Sunrise project. In addition to growth capital and investment expenditures, we also remain committed to projects that maintain our assets for safe and reliable operations, as well as projects that meet legal, regulatory, and/or contractual commitments.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
As a result of our significant continued capital and investment expenditures on Transco expansions and fee-based gathering and processing projects, as well as the sale of our Canadian operations and Geismar Interest, fee-based businesses are becoming an even more significant component of our portfolio and serve to reduce the influence of commodity price fluctuations on our operating results and cash flows. We expect to benefit as continued growth in demand for low-cost natural gas is driven by increases in LNG exports, industrial demand and power generation. For the remainder of 2017, current forward market prices indicate oil and natural gas prices are expected to be relatively comparable to the same period in 2016, while NGL prices are expected to be slightly stronger. However, some of our customers may continue to curtail or delay drilling plans until there is a more sustained recovery in prices, which may negatively impact our gathering volumes. Although there has been some improvement, the credit profiles of certain of our producer customers remain challenged. Unfavorable changes in energy commodity prices or the credit profile of our producer customers may also result in noncash impairments of our assets.
In 2017, our operating results are expected to include increases from our regulated fee-based businesses recently placed in-service or expected to be placed in-service in 2017, primarily along the Transco system. For our non-regulated businesses, we anticipate increases in fee-based revenue due to expanded capacity in the Eastern Gulf area and a slight increase in fee-based revenue in the Northeast G&P segment. Partially offsetting these increases are expected declines in fee-based revenue in the West segment. We expect overall gathering and processing volumes to remain steady in 2017 and increase thereafter to meet the growing demand for natural gas and natural gas products. We also anticipate lower general and administrative expenses due to cost reduction initiatives and asset monetizations.
Potential risks and obstacles that could impact the execution of our plan include:
|
|
•
|
Opposition to infrastructure projects, including the risk of delay or denial in permits needed for our projects;
|
•
Unexpected significant increases in capital expenditures or delays in capital project execution;
•
Counterparty credit and performance risk, including that of Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its affiliates;
|
|
•
|
Lower than anticipated demand for natural gas and natural gas products which could result in lower than expected volumes, energy commodity prices and margins;
|
•
General economic, financial markets, or further industry downturn, including increased interest rates;
•
Physical damages to facilities, including damage to offshore facilities by named windstorms;
|
|
•
|
Other risks set forth under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017.
|
We seek to maintain a strong financial position and liquidity, as well as manage a diversified portfolio of energy infrastructure assets which continue to serve key growth markets and supply basins in the United States.
Expansion Projects
Our ongoing major expansion projects include the following:
Northeast G&P
Gathering System Expansion
We will continue to expand the gathering systems in the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions that are needed to meet our customers’ production plans. The expansion of the gathering infrastructure includes additional compression and gathering pipeline to the existing system.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Susquehanna Supply Hub Expansion
The Susquehanna Supply Hub Expansion, which involves two new compression facilities with an additional 49,000 horsepower and 59 miles of 12 inch to 24 inch pipeline, is expected to increase gathering capacity, allowing a certain producer to fulfill its commitment to deliver 850 Mdth/d to our Atlantic Sunrise development. We anticipate this expansion will be completed by the end of 2017.
Atlantic-Gulf
Atlantic Sunrise
In February 2017, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system along with greenfield facilities to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from the northeastern Marcellus producing area to markets along Transco’s mainline as far south as Station 85 in west central Alabama. On May 18, 2017, we received approval from the FERC for an approximate six mile route variance for the greenfield pipeline. We expect to place a portion of the mainline project facilities into service during the third quarter of 2017 and are targeting a full in-service during mid-2018, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 1,700 Mdth/d.
Constitution Pipeline
In December 2014, we received approval from the FERC to construct and operate the jointly owned Constitution pipeline, which will have an expected capacity of 650 Mdth/d. However, in April 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) denied a necessary water quality certification for the New York portion of the pipeline. We remain steadfastly committed to the project, and in May 2016, Constitution appealed the NYSDEC’s denial of the certification. We also filed an action in federal court seeking a declaration that the State of New York’s authority to exercise permitting jurisdiction over certain other environmental matters is preempted by federal law, but that lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice as the court determined that Constitution had not yet suffered any injury in fact. The oral argument before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the NYSDEC’s denial of Constitution’s application for water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act was held on November 16, 2016. We anticipate that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision on our appeal will be issued soon. (See Note 2 – Variable Interest Entities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) We currently own 41 percent of Constitution with three other parties holding 25 percent, 24 percent, and 10 percent, respectively. We will be the operator of Constitution. The 126-mile Constitution pipeline will connect our gathering system in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems in New York, as well as to a local distribution company serving New York and Pennsylvania. In light of the NYSDEC’s denial of the water quality certification and the actions taken to challenge the decision, the anticipated target in-service date has been revised to as early as the first half of 2019, which assumes the timely receipt of a Notice to Proceed from the FERC.
Dalton
In August 2016, we obtained approval from the FERC
to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system together with greenfield facilities to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 210 in New Jersey to markets in northwest Georgia. On April 1, 2017, we began providing firm transportation service through the mainline portion of the project on an interim basis and we placed the full project into service in August of 2017. The project increased capacity by 448 Mdth/d.
Garden State
In April 2016, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 210 in New Jersey to a new interconnection on our Trenton Woodbury Lateral in New Jersey. The project will be constructed in phases and is expected to increase capacity by 180 Mdth/d. We plan to place the initial phase of the project into service during the third quarter of 2017 and the remaining portion in the second quarter of 2018.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Gulf Connector
In August 2016, we filed an application with the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 65 in Louisiana to delivery points in Wharton and San Patricio Counties, Texas. The project will be constructed in two phases, with the initial phase of the project expected to be in-service during the second half of 2018 and the remaining phase in 2019, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 475 Mdth/d.
Hillabee
In February 2016, the FERC issued a certificate order for the initial phases of Transco’s Hillabee Expansion Project. The project involves an expansion of Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system from Station 85 in west central Alabama to a new interconnection with the Sabal Trail pipeline in Alabama. The project will be constructed in phases, and all of the project expansion capacity will be leased to Sabal Trail. We placed a portion of Phase I into service in June of 2017 and the remainder of Phase I into service in July of 2017. Hillabee Phase I increased capacity by 818 Mdth/d. The in-service date of Phase II is planned for the second quarter of 2020 and together they are expected to increase capacity by 1,025 Mdth/d.
In March 2016, we entered into an agreement with the member-sponsors of Sabal Trail to resolve several matters. In accordance with the agreement, the member-sponsors paid us an aggregate amount of $240 million in three equal installments as certain milestones of the project were met. The first $80 million payment was received in March 2016, the second installment was received in September 2016 and the third installment was received in July 2017. We expect to recognize income associated with these receipts over the term of the capacity lease agreement.
New York Bay Expansion
In July 2016, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Pennsylvania to the Rockaway Delivery Lateral transfer point and the Narrows meter station in Richmond County, New York. We plan to place the project into service during the fourth quarter of 2017, and it is expected to increase capacity by 115 Mdth/d.
Norphlet Project
In March 2016, we announced that we have reached an agreement to provide deepwater gas gathering services to the Appomattox development in the Gulf of Mexico. The project will provide offshore gas gathering services to our existing Transco lateral, which will provide transmission services onshore to our Mobile Bay processing facility. We also plan to make modifications to our Main Pass 261 Platform to install an alternate delivery route from the platform, as well as modifications to our Mobile Bay processing facility. The project is scheduled to go into service during the second quarter of 2020.
Northeast Supply Enhancement
In March 2017, we filed an application with the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 195 in Pennsylvania to the Rockaway Delivery Lateral transfer point. We plan to place the project into service in late 2019 or during the first half of 2020, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 400 Mdth/d.
Virginia Southside II
In July 2016, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system together with greenfield facilities to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 210 in New Jersey and Station 165 in Virginia to a new lateral extending from our Brunswick Lateral in Virginia. We plan to place the project into service during the fourth quarter of 2017 and it is expected to increase capacity by 250 Mdth/d.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
West
Eagle Ford
We plan to expand our gathering infrastructure in the Eagle Ford region in order to meet our customers’ production plans. The expansion of the gathering infrastructure includes the addition of well connections and gathering pipeline to the existing systems.
North Seattle Lateral Upgrade
In May 2017, we filed an application with the FERC to expand delivery capabilities on Northwest Pipeline’s North Seattle Lateral. The project consists of the removal and replacement of approximately 6.9 miles of 8-inch diameter pipeline with new 20-inch diameter pipeline. We plan to place the project into service as early as the fourth quarter of 2019. The project is expected to increase capacity by up to 196 Mdth/d.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Constitution Pipeline Capitalized Project Costs
As of June 30, 2017,
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost
in our Consolidated Balance Sheet includes approximately $381 million of capitalized project costs for Constitution, for which we are the construction manager and own a 41 percent consolidated interest. In December 2014, Constitution received approval from the FERC to construct and operate its proposed pipeline. However, in April 2016, the NYSDEC denied a necessary water quality certification for the New York portion of the pipeline. We remain steadfastly committed to the project, and in May 2016, Constitution appealed the NYSDEC's denial of the water quality certification.
As a result of the denial by the NYSDEC, we evaluated the capitalized project costs for impairment as recently as March 31, 2017, and determined that no impairment was necessary. Our evaluation considered probability-weighted scenarios of undiscounted future net cash flows, including a scenario assuming successful resolution with the NYSDEC and construction of the pipeline, as well as a scenario where the project does not proceed. We continue to monitor the capitalized project costs associated with Constitution for potential impairment.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Results of Operations
Consolidated Overview
The following table and discussion is a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2017
, compared to the
three and six
months ended
June 30, 2016
. The results of operations by segment are discussed in further detail following this consolidated overview discussion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
$ Change*
|
|
% Change*
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
$ Change*
|
|
% Change*
|
|
(Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Millions)
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
$
|
1,277
|
|
|
$
|
1,210
|
|
|
+67
|
|
|
+6
|
%
|
|
$
|
2,533
|
|
|
$
|
2,436
|
|
|
+97
|
|
|
+4
|
%
|
Product sales
|
642
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
+112
|
|
|
+21
|
%
|
|
1,369
|
|
|
958
|
|
|
+411
|
|
|
+43
|
%
|
Total revenues
|
1,919
|
|
|
1,740
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,902
|
|
|
3,394
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs
|
537
|
|
|
403
|
|
|
-134
|
|
|
-33
|
%
|
|
1,116
|
|
|
720
|
|
|
-396
|
|
|
-55
|
%
|
Operating and maintenance expenses
|
384
|
|
|
386
|
|
|
+2
|
|
|
+1
|
%
|
|
745
|
|
|
768
|
|
|
+23
|
|
|
+3
|
%
|
Depreciation and amortization expenses
|
423
|
|
|
432
|
|
|
+9
|
|
|
+2
|
%
|
|
856
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
+11
|
|
|
+1
|
%
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
|
154
|
|
|
139
|
|
|
-15
|
|
|
-11
|
%
|
|
310
|
|
|
320
|
|
|
+10
|
|
|
+3
|
%
|
Impairment of certain assets
|
2
|
|
|
396
|
|
|
+394
|
|
|
+99
|
%
|
|
3
|
|
|
402
|
|
|
+399
|
|
|
+99
|
%
|
Other (income) expense – net
|
7
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
+17
|
|
|
+71
|
%
|
|
10
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
+38
|
|
|
+79
|
%
|
Total costs and expenses
|
1,507
|
|
|
1,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,040
|
|
|
3,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
412
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
862
|
|
|
269
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity earnings (losses)
|
125
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
+24
|
|
|
+24
|
%
|
|
232
|
|
|
198
|
|
|
+34
|
|
|
+17
|
%
|
Impairment of equity-method investments
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
NM
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
+112
|
|
|
+100
|
%
|
Other investing income (loss) – net
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
+1
|
|
|
+100
|
%
|
|
273
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
+272
|
|
|
NM
|
|
Interest expense
|
(205
|
)
|
|
(231
|
)
|
|
+26
|
|
|
+11
|
%
|
|
(419
|
)
|
|
(460
|
)
|
|
+41
|
|
|
+9
|
%
|
Other income (expense) – net
|
15
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
+3
|
|
|
+25
|
%
|
|
64
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
+37
|
|
|
+137
|
%
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
349
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,012
|
|
|
(77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
|
1
|
|
|
(80
|
)
|
|
-81
|
|
|
NM
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
|
-83
|
|
|
NM
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
348
|
|
|
(77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
|
28
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
-15
|
|
|
-115
|
%
|
|
54
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
-12
|
|
|
-29
|
%
|
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests
|
$
|
320
|
|
|
$
|
(90
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
954
|
|
|
$
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
+ = Favorable change; - = Unfavorable change; NM = A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a change in signs, a zero-value denominator, or a percentage change greater than 200.
|
Three months ended
June 30, 2017
vs. three months ended
June 30, 2016
Service revenues
increased due to higher volumes primarily in the eastern Gulf Coast region, including the impact of new volumes at Gulfstar One related to the Gunflint expansion placed in-service in the third quarter of 2016 and the absence of the temporary shut down of Gulfstar in the second quarter of 2016 to tie-in Gunflint, and higher volumes at Devils Tower related to Kodiak field production. Additionally, Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues increased reflecting expansion projects placed in-service during 2016 and 2017. The increase in
Service revenues
was
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
partially offset by lower rates primarily in the Barnett Shale region associated with the fourth-quarter 2016 contract restructuring as well as lower volumes in most of the western and Utica Shale regions, driven by natural declines. The lower rates and volumes were partially offset by increases related to the recognition of deferred revenue in the Barnett Shale region associated with the restructuring of contracts in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Service revenues
increases were also partially offset by the absence of our former Canadian operations that were sold in the third quarter of 2016.
Product sales
increased due to higher marketing revenues primarily due to significantly higher prices and volumes. This increase is partially offset by lower olefin sales associated with decreased volumes at the RGP Splitter primarily due to the plant ceasing operations in advance of its sale in June 2017, as well as decreased volumes at our Geismar plant due to downtime associated with an electrical power outage impacting the second-quarter 2017.
The increase in
Product costs
is primarily due to the same factors that increased marketing sales, partially offset by lower olefin feedstock purchases associated with decreased volumes.
Operating and maintenance expenses
decreased primarily due to the absence of costs associated with our former Canadian operations and ongoing cost containment efforts. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in pipeline integrity testing on Transco, costs associated with Transco’s expansion projects, and general maintenance.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
increased primarily due to higher severance and organizational realignment costs primarily associated with our Other segment, partially offset by the absence of costs associated with our former Canadian operations.
The favorable change in
Impairment of certain assets
reflects the absence of 2016 impairments of our former Canadian operations and certain Mid-Continent assets (see
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The favorable change in
Other (income) expense – net
within
Operating income (loss)
includes a gain on the sale of our RGP Splitter in the second quarter of 2017.
Operating income (loss)
changed favorably primarily due to the absence of the 2016 impairments of our former Canadian operations and certain Mid-Continent assets, an increase in service revenues associated with certain projects placed in-service, and the gain on the sale of our RGP Splitter, partially offset by lower product margins primarily due a decrease in olefin production volumes.
The favorable change in
Equity earnings (losses)
is due to an increase in ownership of our Appalachian Midstream Investments and an increase from Discovery primarily due to the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue, partially offset by lower UEOM results driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system.
Interest expense
decreased primarily due to lower
Interest incurred
primarily attributable to debt retirements and the absence of borrowings on our credit facility in 2017. (See
Note 8 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
changed unfavorably primarily due to the absence of a 2016 income tax benefit associated with the impairment of our former Canadian operations. See
Note 7 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effective tax rates compared to the federal statutory rate for both periods.
The unfavorable change in
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
is primarily due to improved results in our Gulfstar operations.
Six
months ended
June 30, 2017
vs.
six
months ended
June 30, 2016
Service revenues
increased due to higher volumes primarily in the eastern Gulf Coast region, including the impact of new volumes at Gulfstar One related to the Gunflint expansion placed in-service in the third quarter of 2016, the absence of the temporary shut-down of Gulfstar One in the second quarter of 2016 to tie into Gunflint, the absence of producers’ 2016 operational issues in the Tubular Bells field in the first quarter of 2016, and higher volumes at Devils
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Tower related to Kodiak field production. Additionally, Transco experienced higher natural gas transportation fee revenues reflecting expansion projects placed in-service, as well as an increase in storage revenues due to the absence of an accrual for potential refunds associated with a ruling received in certain rate case litigation in 2016.
Service revenues
also increased due to the recognition of deferred revenue in the Barnett Shale region associated with the restructuring of contracts in the fourth quarter of 2016. These increases were partially offset by lower rates, primarily in the Barnett Shale region associated with the previously discussed contract restructure, as well as lower volumes in most of the western and Utica Shale regions, driven by natural declines and extreme weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains in 2017. The sale of our former Canadian operations also contributed to declines in service revenue.
Product sales
increased due to higher marketing revenues primarily associated with significantly higher prices and volumes. Revenues from the sale of our equity NGLs increased primarily due to significantly higher non-ethane NGL prices, partially offset by lower volumes. These increases were partially offset by lower olefin production sales primarily due to lower volumes, partially offset by higher prices. The decrease in equity NGL and olefin volumes reflect the absence of production revenues associated with our former Canadian operations that were sold in September 2016.
The increase in
Product costs
is primarily due to the same factors that increased marketing sales.
Product costs
also reflect a slight increase in costs associated with the production of NGLs and olefins.
Operating and maintenance expenses
decreased primarily due to the absence of costs associated with our former Canadian operations and lower labor-related costs resulting from our workforce reductions that occurred late in first-quarter 2016, and ongoing cost containment efforts. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in pipeline integrity testing on Transco, costs associated with Transco’s expansion projects, and general maintenance.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
decreased primarily due to lower labor-related costs resulting from our workforce reductions that occurred late in first-quarter 2016, ongoing cost containment efforts, and the absence of costs associated with our former Canadian operations. These decreases are partially offset by higher costs related to our organizational realignment and severance, primarily associated with our Other segment.
The favorable change in
Impairment of certain assets
reflects the absence of 2016 impairments of our former Canadian operations and certain Mid-Continent assets (see
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The favorable change in
Other (income) expense – net
within
Operating income (loss)
includes gains from certain contract settlements and terminations in 2017, a gain on the sale of our RGP Splitter in 2017, the absence of an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange associated with our former Canadian operations, and insurance proceeds received in 2017 associated with the Geismar Incident, partially offset by the accrual of additional expenses in 2017 related to the Geismar Incident.
Operating income (loss)
changed favorably primarily due to the absence of the 2016 impairments of our former Canadian operations and certain Mid-Continent assets, higher service revenues from expansion projects placed in-service, the absence of an operating loss associated with our former Canadian operations, as well as ongoing cost containment efforts, including the workforce reductions in first-quarter 2016.
Operating income (loss)
also improved due to gains from certain contract settlements and the sale of our RGP Splitter.
The favorable change in
Equity earnings (losses)
is due to an increase in ownership of our Appalachian Midstream Investments, improved results at Discovery attributable to the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue, and improved results at Laurel Mountain Midstream due to higher rates, partially offset by lower UEOM results driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system.
The decrease in
Impairment of equity-method investments
reflects the absence of first-quarter 2016 impairment charges associated with our DBJV and Laurel Mountain equity-method investments. (See
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Other investing income (loss) - net
reflects the gain on disposition of our investments in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC in 2017. (See
Note 5 – Investing Activities
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Interest expense
decreased primarily due to lower
Interest incurred
primarily attributable to debt retirements and the absence of borrowings on our credit facility in 2017. (See
Note 8 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Other income (expense) – net
below
Operating income (loss)
changed favorably primarily due to a $30 million net gain on early debt retirement in 2017, which is included in our Other segment. (See
Note 6 – Other Income and Expenses
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
changed unfavorably primarily due to the absence of a 2016 income tax benefit associated with the impairment of our former Canadian operations. See
Note 7 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effective tax rates compared to the federal statutory rate for both periods.
The unfavorable change in
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
is primarily due to improved results in our Gulfstar operations, partially offset by lower results for our Cardinal gathering system.
Period-Over-Period Operating Results – Segments
We evaluate segment operating performance based upon
Modified EBITDA
.
Note 12 – Segment Disclosures
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements includes a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to
Net income (loss)
. Management uses
Modified EBITDA
because it is an accepted financial indicator used by investors to compare company performance. In addition, management believes that this measure provides investors an enhanced perspective of the operating performance of our assets.
Modified EBITDA
should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Northeast G&P
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Service revenues
|
$
|
217
|
|
|
$
|
216
|
|
|
$
|
434
|
|
|
$
|
435
|
|
Product sales
|
52
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
57
|
|
Segment revenues
|
269
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
554
|
|
|
492
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs
|
(49
|
)
|
|
(34
|
)
|
|
(118
|
)
|
|
(55
|
)
|
Other segment costs and expenses
|
(89
|
)
|
|
(85
|
)
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
(180
|
)
|
Impairment of certain assets
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
(8
|
)
|
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
|
117
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
214
|
|
|
193
|
|
Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA
|
$
|
247
|
|
|
$
|
222
|
|
|
$
|
473
|
|
|
$
|
442
|
|
Three months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
three months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to higher
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
.
Service revenues
increased slightly including:
|
|
•
|
A $14 million increase in fee revenues in the Susquehanna Supply Hub driven by 16 percent higher gathered volumes reflecting increased customer production;
|
|
|
•
|
A $10 million increase in fee revenues in our Ohio Valley Midstream operations driven by higher gathering and processing volumes in second quarter 2017 reflecting the absence of shut-in volumes from second quarter 2016 as well as new production coming online;
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
|
|
•
|
Partially offset by a $26 million decrease in the Utica gathering system associated with 25 percent lower gathered volumes driven by natural declines.
|
Product sales
increased primarily due to higher non-ethane volumes within our marketing activities. The changes in marketing revenues are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases, reflected above as
Product costs
.
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
increased primarily due to a $27 million increase at Appalachian Midstream Investments reflecting our increased ownership, partially offset by an $11 million decrease at UEOM driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system as noted above.
Six months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
six months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to higher
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
.
Service revenues
decreased slightly reflecting a $47 million decrease in the Utica gathering system primarily due to 26 percent lower gathered volumes driven by natural declines, partially offset by a $23 million increase in fee revenue at Susquehanna Supply Hub driven by 12 percent higher gathered volumes reflecting increased customer production, and a $22 million increase in fee revenue at Ohio Valley Midstream reflecting the absence of shut-in volumes from the first half of 2016, as well as new production coming online.
Product sales
increased primarily due to higher non-ethane prices and volumes within our marketing activities. The changes in marketing revenues are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases, reflected above as
Product costs
.
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
changed favorably primarily due to a $29 million increase at Appalachian Midstream Investments reflecting our increased ownership acquired late in the first quarter, an $8 million increase at Laurel Mountain Midstream associated with higher gathering revenue due to higher rates reflecting higher natural gas prices, partially offset by a $21 million decrease at UEOM driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system as noted above.
Atlantic-Gulf
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Service revenues
|
$
|
547
|
|
|
$
|
458
|
|
|
$
|
1,083
|
|
|
$
|
936
|
|
Product sales
|
125
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
174
|
|
Segment revenues
|
672
|
|
|
563
|
|
|
1,342
|
|
|
1,110
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs
|
(113
|
)
|
|
(98
|
)
|
|
(231
|
)
|
|
(162
|
)
|
Other segment costs and expenses
|
(185
|
)
|
|
(172
|
)
|
|
(359
|
)
|
|
(338
|
)
|
Impairment of certain assets
|
—
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
|
80
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
152
|
|
|
134
|
|
Atlantic-Gulf Modified EBITDA
|
$
|
454
|
|
|
$
|
360
|
|
|
$
|
904
|
|
|
$
|
742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NGL margin
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
23
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
Three months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
three months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to higher service revenues and an increase in the
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
, partially offset by higher
Other segment costs and expenses
.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Service revenues
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $69 million increase in eastern Gulf Coast region fee revenues primarily related to the impact of new volumes at Gulfstar One from the Gunflint expansion placed in-service in the third quarter of 2016 and the absence of the temporary shut-down of Gulfstar One in the second quarter of 2016 to tie-in Gunflint, along with higher volumes at Devils Tower related to the Kodiak field;
|
|
|
•
|
A $27 million increase in Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues primarily due to a $30 million increase associated with expansion projects placed in-service in 2016 and 2017.
|
Product sales
increased primarily due to a $13 million increase in system management gas sales from Transco. System management gas sales are offset in
Product costs
and, therefore, have no impact on
Modified EBITDA.
Other segment costs and expenses
primarily increased due to higher Transco pipeline integrity testing and costs associated with Transco’s expansion projects, partially offset by a favorable change in equity allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC), primarily associated with an increase in Transco’s capital spending.
The increase in
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
includes an $11 million increase from Discovery primarily due to the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue.
Six months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
six months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to higher service revenues, and increase in the
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
and higher NGL margins, partially offset by higher
Other segment costs and expenses.
Service revenues
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $112 million increase in eastern Gulf Coast region fee revenues primarily related to the impact of new volumes at Gulfstar One related to the Gunflint expansion placed in-service in the third quarter of 2016, the absence of the temporary shut-down of Gulfstar One in the second quarter of 2016 to tie-in Gunflint, the absence of producers’ operational issues in the Tubular Bells field during the first quarter of 2016, and higher volumes at Devils Tower related to the Kodiak field;
|
|
|
•
|
A $31 million increase in Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues primarily due to a $43 million increase associated with expansion projects placed in-service in 2016 and 2017, partially offset by lower volume-based transportation services revenues;
|
|
|
•
|
A $15 million increase in Transco’s storage revenue related to the absence of an accrual for potential refunds associated with a ruling received in certain rate case litigation in 2016.
|
Product sales
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $45 million increase in crude oil and NGL marketing revenues. Crude oil marketing sales increased by $31 million primarily due to 28 percent higher sales prices and 19 percent higher volumes, primarily associated with the marketing of higher volumes at Devils Tower. NGL marketing sales increased $14 million primarily due to a 45 percent increase in non-ethane sales prices. These changes in marketing revenues are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases;
|
|
|
•
|
A $24 million increase in revenues from our equity NGLs primarily due to a $15 million increase as a result of sales from inventory, which temporarily increased during the latter part of 2016 while we experienced an increase in keep-whole volumes due to disrupted operations of a competitor. In addition, an $8 million increase is related to a 42 percent increase in realized non-ethane prices.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
|
|
•
|
A $12 million increase in system management gas sales from Transco. System management gas sales are offset in
Product costs
and, therefore, have no impact on
Modified EBITDA.
|
Product costs
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $44 million increase in marketing purchases (offset in
Product sales
);
|
|
|
•
|
A $13 million increase in natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs primarily due to increased sales from inventory and a 50 percent increase in per-unit natural gas prices;
|
|
|
•
|
A $12 million increase in system management gas costs (offset in
Product sales
).
|
Other segment costs and expenses
primarily increased due to higher costs associated with Transco’s expansion projects, pipeline testing and general maintenance, as well as higher general and administrative costs due to an increased share of allocated support costs. These increases are partially offset by a $16 million favorable change in equity AFUDC, associated with an increase in Transco’s capital spending which is offset by an $8 million decrease in Constitution’s equity AFUDC as we discontinued capitalization of development costs in April 2016.
The increase in
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
includes a $17 million increase from Discovery primarily associated with an $11 million increase due to the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue. The remaining increase is primarily due to higher volumes associated with the Keathley Canyon Connector platform.
West
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Service revenues
|
$
|
527
|
|
|
$
|
528
|
|
|
$
|
1,045
|
|
|
$
|
1,059
|
|
Product sales
|
435
|
|
|
306
|
|
|
891
|
|
|
548
|
|
Segment revenues
|
962
|
|
|
834
|
|
|
1,936
|
|
|
1,607
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs
|
(409
|
)
|
|
(276
|
)
|
|
(825
|
)
|
|
(498
|
)
|
Other segment costs and expenses
|
(214
|
)
|
|
(225
|
)
|
|
(412
|
)
|
|
(473
|
)
|
Impairment of certain assets
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(50
|
)
|
Proportional modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
|
18
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
53
|
|
West Modified EBITDA
|
$
|
356
|
|
|
$
|
312
|
|
|
$
|
741
|
|
|
$
|
639
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NGL margin
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
32
|
|
|
$
|
67
|
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
Three months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
three months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to lower
Impairment of certain assets
, new amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payment received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale contract restructuring, and lower segment costs and expenses, partially offset by lower gathering rates and lower volumes as a result of natural declines.
Service revenues
decreased slightly primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
Lower gathering rates in the Barnett Shale related to the fourth quarter 2016 contract restructuring, along with lower rates recognized in the Eagle Ford Shale and Niobrara regions. Rates recognized in the Niobrara region represent a portion of the total contractual rate, with the difference reflected as deferred revenue;
|
|
|
•
|
Lower volumes in most regions as a result of natural declines, partially offset by higher volumes in the Eagle Ford Shale as a result of new wells connected;
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
|
|
•
|
A $53 million increase related to the amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payment received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale contract restructuring.
|
Product sales
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $119 million increase in marketing revenues primarily due to increases in product prices including a 21 percent increase in average non-ethane per-unit sales prices, a 30 percent increase in ethane prices, and a 52 percent increase in natural gas prices. In addition, ethane and non-ethane sales volumes were 45 percent and 8 percent higher, respectively (more than offset by higher
Product costs)
;
|
|
|
•
|
A $7 million increase in revenues associated with our equity NGLs due to 18 percent higher non-ethane prices, partially offset by 10 percent lower non-ethane volumes primarily due to natural declines.
|
Product costs
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $123 million increase in marketing purchases (substantially offset in
Product sales
)
;
|
|
|
•
|
A $9 million increase in natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs primarily due to a 53 percent increase in per-unit natural gas prices.
|
Other segment costs and expenses
decreased primarily due to lower operating expenses that include lower compression costs and reductions related to ongoing cost containment efforts.
Impairment of certain assets
decreased primarily due to the absence of a $48 million impairment of certain Mid-Continent gathering assets in 2016.
Proportional modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
decreased primarily due to the divestiture of our interests in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC late in the first quarter of 2017.
Six months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
six months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to new amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payment received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale contract restructuring, lower segment costs and expenses,
lower
Impairment of certain assets,
and higher per-unit NGL margins, partially offset by lower gathering rates and volumes as a result of natural declines.
Service revenues
decreased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
Lower gathering rates in the Barnett Shale area primarily due to the fourth quarter 2016 contract restructuring, along with lower rates recognized in the Niobrara, Eagle Ford Shale, and Haynesville Shale regions. Rates recognized in the Niobrara region represent a portion of the total contractual rate, with the difference reflected as deferred revenue;
|
|
|
•
|
Lower volumes in most regions as a result of natural declines and more extreme weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains in the first quarter of 2017;
|
|
|
•
|
A $105 million increase related to the amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payment received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale contract restructuring.
|
Product sales
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $305 million increase in marketing revenues primarily due to a 43 percent increase in average non-ethane per-unit sales prices, a 38 percent increase ethane prices, and a 52 percent increase in natural gas prices. In addition, non-ethane, ethane,and natural gas sales volumes were 10 percent, 28 percent, and 41 percent higher, respectively (more than offset by higher
Product costs)
;
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
|
|
•
|
A $33 million increase in revenues associated with our equity NGLs primarily due to 43 percent higher non-ethane prices.
|
Product costs
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $306 million increase in marketing purchases (substantially offset in
Product sales
)
;
|
|
|
•
|
A $19 million increase in natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs primarily due to a 55 percent increase in per-unit natural gas prices.
|
The decrease in
Other segment costs and expenses
reflects a $34 million decline in operating expenses and a $12 million reduction in general and administrative expenses, primarily due to the 2016 workforce reductions, ongoing cost containment efforts, lower compression expenses, and a reduced share of allocated support costs. In addition, the decrease in
Other segment costs and expenses
reflects gains from contract settlements and terminations.
Impairment of certain assets
decreased primarily due to the absence of a $48 million impairment of certain Mid-Continent gathering assets in 2016.
Proportional modified EBITDA of equity-method investments
decreased primarily due to the divestiture of our interests in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC late in the first quarter of 2017.
NGL & Petchem Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(Millions)
|
Service revenues
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
23
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
31
|
|
Product sales
|
157
|
|
|
173
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
341
|
|
Segment revenues
|
161
|
|
|
196
|
|
|
363
|
|
|
372
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs
|
(107
|
)
|
|
(98
|
)
|
|
(231
|
)
|
|
(191
|
)
|
Other segment costs and expenses
|
(24
|
)
|
|
(46
|
)
|
|
(51
|
)
|
|
(103
|
)
|
Impairment of certain assets
|
—
|
|
|
(342
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(342
|
)
|
NGL & Petchem Services Modified EBITDA
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
(290
|
)
|
|
$
|
81
|
|
|
$
|
(264
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olefins margin
|
$
|
52
|
|
|
$
|
74
|
|
|
$
|
123
|
|
|
$
|
145
|
|
NGL margin
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6
|
|
Three months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
three months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
changed favorably primarily due to the absence of a $341 million impairment of our former Canadian operations in second-quarter 2016 and lower segment costs and expenses, partially offset by lower margins associated with our olefin operations.
Service revenues
declined due to the absence of revenues associated with our former Canadian operations that were sold in September 2016.
Product sales
decreased
primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $31 million decrease in olefin sales primarily due to a $17 million decrease at the RGP Splitter associated with $23 million lower volumes as the plant ceased operations in advance of its sale in June 2017, and also experienced lower production in April and May 2017 due to a third-party storage issue. The lower volumes were partially offset by $6 million higher sales prices reflecting higher propylene prices. The decrease in olefins sales also includes a $13 million decrease at our Geismar plant associated with $23 million of lower
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
volumes due to downtime related to an electrical power outage impacting second-quarter 2017, partially offset by $10 million higher sales prices primarily due to 9 percent higher ethylene prices;
|
|
•
|
A $20 million increase in marketing revenues primarily due to higher olefin volumes and prices (offset by higher
Product costs
).
|
Product costs
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $20 million increase in marketing product costs primarily due to higher olefin feedstock prices and volumes (offset by higher
Product sales
);
|
|
|
•
|
A $9 million decrease in olefin feedstock purchases primarily due to lower feedstock costs at the RGP Splitter reflecting $16 million of lower volumes associated with the issues noted above, partially offset by $7 million higher feedstock prices.
|
The decrease in
Other segment costs and expenses
is primarily due to the absence of $23 million in operating and other expenses associated with our former Canadian operations, as well as a $12 million gain on the sale of the RGP Splitter, partially offset by $12 million of higher operating and other expenses primarily due to selling expenses associated with the Geismar plant and higher operating expenses associated with repairs of the electrical outage noted above.
The decrease in
Impairment of certain assets
primarily reflects the absence of the second-quarter 2016 impairment of our former Canadian operations (see
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Six months ended June 30, 2017
vs.
six months ended June 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA
increased primarily due to the absence of a $341 million impairment of our former Canadian operations in second-quarter 2016 and lower segment costs and expenses, partially offset by lower margins associated with our olefin operations.
Service revenues
declined due to the absence of revenues associated with our former Canadian operations that were sold in September 2016.
Product sales
increased
primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $58 million increase in marketing revenues primarily due to higher olefin volumes and prices (significantly offset by higher
Product costs
);
|
|
|
•
|
A $21 million decrease in olefin sales primarily due to a $16 million decrease at our Geismar plant reflecting $60 million from lower volumes associated with the electrical outage in second-quarter 2017, as well as planned maintenance downtime in first-quarter 2017 compared with no plant downtime in the first half of 2016. The lower volumes were partially offset by $44 million associated with higher prices, primarily 26 percent higher ethylene prices. In addition, olefin sales declined $13 million due to the sale of our former Canadian business, partially offset by $8 million higher sales at our RGP Splitter primarily due to $25 million related to higher sales prices associated with higher propylene prices, partially offset by $17 million from lower volumes in second-quarter 2017, as noted above;
|
|
|
•
|
A $20 million decrease due to the absence of NGL production revenues associated with our former Canadian operations.
|
Product costs
increased primarily due to:
|
|
•
|
A $54 million increase in marketing product costs primarily due to higher olefin feedstock prices and volumes (more than offset by higher
Product sales
);
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
|
|
•
|
A $14 million decrease due to the absence of NGL product costs associated with our former Canadian operations.
|
The decrease in
Other segment costs and expenses
is primarily due to the absence of $54 million in operating and other expenses associated with our former Canadian operations, as well as a $12 million gain on the sale of the RGP Splitter, partially offset by $11 million higher operating and other expenses primarily due to selling expenses associated with the Geismar plant and higher operating expenses associated with repairs of the electrical outage noted above.
The decrease in
Impairment of certain assets
primarily reflects the absence of the 2016 impairment of our former Canadian operations (see
Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Liquidity
Outlook
Fee-based businesses are becoming an even more significant component of our portfolio and serve to reduce the influence of commodity price fluctuations on our cash flows. We expect to benefit as continued growth in demand for low-cost natural gas is driven by increases in LNG exports, industrial demand, and power generation.
As previously discussed in Company Outlook, our expected growth capital and investment expenditures total approximately $2.1 billion to $2.8 billion in 2017. Approximately $1.4 billion to $1.9 billion of our growth capital funding needs include Transco expansions and other interstate pipeline growth projects, most of which are fully contracted with firm transportation agreements. The remaining growth capital spending in 2017 primarily reflects investment in gathering and processing systems in the Northeast G&P segment limited primarily to known new producer volumes, including volumes that support Transco expansion projects including our Atlantic Sunrise project. In addition to growth capital and investment expenditures, we also remain committed to projects that maintain our assets for safe and reliable operations, as well as projects that meet legal, regulatory, and/or contractual commitments. We retain the flexibility to adjust planned levels of capital and investment expenditures in response to changes in economic conditions or business opportunities.
Liquidity
Based on our forecasted levels of cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to manage our businesses in 2017. Our expected material internal and external sources of liquidity for 2017 are as follows:
|
|
•
|
Cash and cash equivalents on hand;
|
|
|
•
|
Cash generated from operations;
|
|
|
•
|
Distributions from our equity-method investees;
|
|
|
•
|
Cash proceeds from the January 2017 and February 2017 purchase of common units by Williams (see
Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);
|
|
|
•
|
Utilization of our credit facility and/or commercial paper program;
|
|
|
•
|
Proceeds from asset monetizations.
|
We expect our material internal and external uses of liquidity to be:
|
|
•
|
Working capital requirements;
|
|
|
•
|
Capital and investment expenditures;
|
|
|
•
|
Debt service payments, including payments of long-term debt;
|
|
|
•
|
Quarterly distributions to our unitholders.
|
Potential risks associated with our planned levels of liquidity discussed above include those previously discussed in Company Outlook.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)
As of
June 30, 2017
, we had a working capital surplus of $91 million. Our available liquidity is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Available Liquidity
|
June 30, 2017
|
|
(Millions)
|
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
|
$
|
1,908
|
|
Capacity available under our $3.5 billion credit facility, less amounts outstanding under our $3 billion commercial paper program (2)
|
3,500
|
|
|
$
|
5,408
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
On July 3, 2017, a portion of these funds was used to retire our $1.4 billion of 4.875 percent senior unsecured notes. (See
Note 8 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
|
|
|
(2)
|
In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of our credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program. As of
June 30, 2017
, no
Commercial paper
was outstanding under our commercial paper program. Through
June 30, 2017
, the highest amount outstanding under our commercial paper program and credit facility during 2017 was $178 million. At
June 30, 2017
, we were in compliance with the financial covenants associated with this credit facility. Borrowing capacity available under our $3.5 billion credit facility as of August 1, 2017, was $3.5 billion.
|
Registrations
In September 2016, we filed a registration statement for our distribution reinvestment program. (See
Note 9 – Partners’ Capital
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
In February 2015, we filed a shelf registration statement, as a well-known seasoned issuer, registering common units representing limited partner interests and debt securities. Also in February 2015, we filed a shelf registration statement for the offer and sale from time to time of common units representing limited partner interests in us having an aggregate offering price of up to $1 billion. These sales are to be made over a period of time and from time to time in transactions at prices which are market prices prevailing at the time of sale, prices related to market price, or at negotiated prices. Such sales are to be made pursuant to an equity distribution agreement between us and certain banks who may act as sales agents or purchase for their own accounts as principals.
Distributions from Equity-Method Investees
The organizational documents of entities in which we have an equity-method investment generally require distribution of their available cash to their members on a quarterly basis. In each case, available cash is reduced, in part, by reserves appropriate for operating their respective businesses.
Credit Ratings
Our ability to borrow money is impacted by our credit ratings. Our current ratings are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating Agency
|
|
Outlook
|
|
Senior Unsecured
Debt Rating
|
|
Corporate Credit Rating
|
S&P Global Ratings
|
|
Stable
|
|
BBB
|
|
BBB
|
Moody’s Investors Service
|
|
Stable
|
|
Baa3
|
|
N/A
|
Fitch Ratings
|
|
Positive
|
|
BBB-
|
|
N/A
|
During March 2017, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the rating for WPZ, and in July 2017, Fitch Ratings changed the Outlook for WPZ to Positive. No assurance can be given that the credit rating agencies will continue to assign us investment-grade ratings even if we meet or exceed their current criteria for investment-grade ratios. A downgrade of our credit rating might increase our future cost of borrowing and would require us to provide additional collateral to third parties, negatively impacting our available liquidity. As of
June 30, 2017
, we estimate that a downgrade to a rating below investment-grade could require us to provide up to $379 million in additional collateral of either cash or letters of credit with third parties under existing contracts.