UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-Q
 
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017

OR
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____to_____

Commission file number: 001-37640
NBLXUPDATEDLOGOA17.JPG
NOBLE MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
47-3011449
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
1001 Noble Energy Way
 
 
Houston, Texas
 
77070
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(281) 872-3100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes  ý No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  ý     No  o
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller
reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company ” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  ý
Smaller reporting company  o
Emerging growth company ý
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  o     No ý
As of June 30, 2017 , the registrant had 20,032,586 common units and 15,902,584 subordinated units outstanding .




Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Part II. Other Information   
 
 
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings  
 
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors  
 
 
Item 5.   Other Information  
 
 
Item 6.   Exhibits  
 
 
 
 

2


Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Noble Midstream Partners LP
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts, unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017

2016

2017

2016
Revenues











Midstream Services — Affiliate
$
54,117


$
32,969


$
104,431


$
65,092

Midstream Services — Third Party
3,666




3,666



Total Revenues
57,783


32,969


108,097


65,092

Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Operating
14,293


6,685


25,694


12,573

Depreciation and Amortization
2,472


2,218


4,921


4,363

General and Administrative
3,452


2,170


6,194


4,823

Total Operating Expenses
20,217


11,073


36,809


21,759

Operating Income
37,566


21,896


71,288


43,333

Other (Income) Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense, Net of Amount Capitalized
100


(266
)

367


645

Investment Income
(1,641
)
 
(1,146
)
 
(2,706
)
 
(2,439
)
Total Other Income
(1,541
)

(1,412
)

(2,339
)

(1,794
)
Income Before Income Taxes
39,107


23,308


73,627


45,127

Income Tax Provision


8,872




17,182

Net Income and Comprehensive Income
39,107


$
14,436


73,627


$
27,945

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
7,515

 
N/A
 
17,693

 
N/A
Net Income Attributable to Noble Midstream Partners LP
31,592

 
N/A
 
55,934

 
N/A
Less: Net Income Attributable to Incentive Distribution Rights
92

 
N/A
 
92

 
N/A
Net Income Attributable to Limited Partners
$
31,500

 
N/A
 
$
55,842

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Limited Partners Per Limited Partner Unit  Basic and Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Units
$
0.98

 
N/A
 
$
1.75

 
N/A
Subordinated Units
$
0.98

 
N/A
 
$
1.75

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Limited Partner Units Outstanding  Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Units — Public
14,569

 
N/A
 
14,472

 
N/A
Common Units — Noble
1,558

 
N/A
 
1,543

 
N/A
Subordinated Units — Noble
15,903

 
N/A
 
15,903

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Limited Partner Units Outstanding  Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Units — Public
14,579

 
N/A
 
14,481

 
N/A
Common Units — Noble
1,558

 
N/A
 
1,543

 
N/A
Subordinated Units — Noble
15,903

 
N/A
 
15,903

 
N/A

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3


Noble Midstream Partners LP
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(in thousands, unaudited)
 
June 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
19,625

 
$
57,421

Accounts Receivable — Affiliate
19,644

 
19,191

Accounts Receivable — Third Party
3,666

 

Other Current Assets
531

 
380

Total Current Assets
43,466

 
76,992

  Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
472,430

 
311,045

Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
(36,420
)
 
(31,642
)
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
436,010

 
279,403

Investments
79,568

 
11,151

Deferred Charges
1,621

 
1,813

Total Assets
$
560,665

 
$
369,359

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts Payable — Affiliate

$
687

 
$
1,452

Accounts Payable — Third Party
65,047

 
12,501

Current Portion of Capital Lease
758

 
4,786

Other Current Liabilities
1,690

 
1,617

Total Current Liabilities
68,182

 
20,356

Long-Term Liabilities
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt
190,000

 

  Asset Retirement Obligations
7,124

 
5,415

Long-Term Portion of Capital Lease
3,043

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities
635

 
683

Total Liabilities
268,984

 
26,454

Commitments and Contingencies

 


EQUITY
 
 
 
Partners' Equity
 
 
 
Limited Partner
 
 
 
Common Units — Public (17,943 and 14,375 units outstanding, respectively)
463,491


311,872

Common Units — Noble (2,090 and 1,528 units outstanding, respectively)
(24,210
)
 
(3,534
)
Subordinated Units — Noble (15,903 units outstanding)
(190,482
)
 
(36,799
)
General Partner
92

 

Total Partner's Equity
248,891

 
271,539

Noncontrolling Interests
42,790

 
71,366

Total Equity
291,681

 
342,905

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
560,665

 
$
369,359


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4


Noble Midstream Partners LP
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(in thousands, unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net Income and Comprehensive Income
$
73,627

 
$
27,945

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
4,921

 
4,363

Deferred Income Taxes

 
7,814

Income from Equity Method Investee
(405
)
 

Unit-Based Compensation
333

 

Other Adjustments for Noncash Items Included in Income
191

 
80

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
 
 
 
(Increase) Decrease in Accounts Receivable
(5,423
)
 
2,734

Increase in Current Income Taxes Payable


 
9,204

Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
1,409

 
(4,905
)
Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net
(126
)
 
(226
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
74,527

 
47,009

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment
(109,449
)
 
(17,120
)
Additions to Investments
(68,485
)
 
(147
)
Distributions from Cost Method Investee
474

 
549

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(177,460
)
 
(16,718
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 
 
Distributions to Parent

 
(42,480
)
Contributions from Parent

 
1,035

Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests
(19,452
)
 

Cash Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests
29,330

 

Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facility
195,000

 

Repayment of Revolving Credit Facility
(5,000
)
 

Net Proceeds from Private Placement
138,089

 

Distribution to Noble for Contributed Assets
(245,000
)
 

Distributions to Unitholders
(26,848
)
 

Repayment of Capital Lease Obligation
(982
)
 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
65,137

 
(41,445
)
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(37,796
)
 
(11,154
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
57,421

 
26,612

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
19,625

 
$
15,458

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5


Noble Midstream Partners LP
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(in thousands, unaudited)
 
Predecessor
 
Partnership
 
 
 
Parent Net Investment
 
Common Units — Public
Common Units — Noble
Subordinated Units —
Noble
General Partner
Noncontrolling Interests
Total
December 31, 2015
$
263,539

 
$

$

$

$

$

$
263,539

Net Income
27,945

 





27,945

Contributions from Parent
1,115

 





1,115

Distributions to Parent
(42,480
)
 





(42,480
)
June 30, 2016
$
250,119

 
$

$

$

$

$

$
250,119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
$

 
$
311,872

$
(3,534
)
$
(36,799
)
$

$
71,366

$
342,905

Net Income

 
25,331

2,702

27,809

92

17,693

73,627

Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests

 




28,027

28,027

Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests

 




(19,452
)
(19,452
)
Distributions to Unitholders

 
(12,134
)
(1,290
)
(13,424
)


(26,848
)
Net Proceeds from Private Placement

 
138,089





138,089

Distribution to Noble for Contributed Assets (1)

 

(28,459
)
(216,541
)


(245,000
)
Contributed Assets Transfer from Noble

 

6,371

48,473


(54,844
)

Unit-Based Compensation

 
333





333

June 30, 2017
$

 
$
463,491

$
(24,210
)
$
(190,482
)
$
92

$
42,790

$
291,681

(1)  
These amounts represent the $245 million in cash consideration for the Contributed Assets. In addition to this cash consideration, we issued 562,430 common units to Noble. See Note 1. Organization and Nature of Operations .

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



Note 1. Organization and Nature of Operations
Organization Noble Midstream Partners LP (the Partnership, we, or us) is a growth-oriented Delaware master limited partnership formed in December 2014 by our sponsor, Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble or Parent), to own, operate, develop and acquire a wide range of domestic midstream infrastructure assets. Our current focus areas are the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin in Colorado and the Southern Delaware Basin position of the Permian Basin (Delaware Basin) in Texas, where additional midstream assets are currently under construction.
On September 20, 2016, we completed our initial public offering (the IPO) of 14,375,000 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (common units), which included 1,875,000 common units issued pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase additional common units, at a price to the public of $22.50 per common unit ( $21.20625 per common unit, net of underwriting discounts).
In connection with the IPO, Noble contributed ownership interests in certain development companies (DevCos) and a 3.33% ownership interest in White Cliffs Pipeline L.L.C. (the White Cliffs Interest) to us. The ownership interests in the DevCos, together with the White Cliffs Interest, are referred to collectively as the Contributed Businesses.
Advantage Joint Venture On April 3, 2017, Trinity River DevCo LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership, and Plains Pipeline, L.P. (Plains), a wholly owned subsidiary of Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., completed the acquisition of Advantage Pipeline, L.L.C. (Advantage) for  $133 million  through a newly formed 50 /50 joint venture (the Advantage Joint Venture). Trinity River DevCo LLC contributed  $66.8 million of cash in exchange for its 50% interest in the Advantage Joint Venture. The Partnership funded the acquisition with a combination of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and from cash on hand. We serve as the operator of the Advantage system, which includes a 70 -mile crude oil pipeline in the Southern Delaware Basin from Reeves County, Texas to Crane County, Texas, with 150,000 barrels of daily shipping capacity and 490,000 barrels of storage capacity. See Note 5. Investments and See Note 6. Debt .
Contribution Agreement On June 20, 2017, the Partnership entered into a Contribution Agreement (the Contribution Agreement) by and among the Partnership, Noble Midstream GP LLC, our general partner, Noble Midstream Services, LLC (Midstream Services), NBL Midstream, LLC (NBL Midstream), a subsidiary of Noble, and Blanco River DevCo GP LLC (Blanco River DevCo GP). Pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the Partnership agreed to acquire from NBL Midstream (i) the remaining 20% limited partner interest in Colorado River DevCo LP and (ii) an additional 15% limited partner interest in Blanco River DevCo LP (collectively, the Contributed Assets). In consideration for the Contributed Assets, the Partnership agreed to pay NBL Midstream $270 million , consisting of (i) $245 million in cash and (ii) 562,430 common units issued to NBL Midstream at an issue price of $44.45 per common unit, the closing price of our common units on the New York Stock Exchange on June 20, 2017 (the Transaction). The Transaction closed on June 26, 2017. The Partnership funded the cash consideration with a combination of borrowings under our revolving credit facility, proceeds from the Private Placement (as defined below), and from cash on hand. See Note 6. Debt .
Prior to the acquisition, the Contributed Assets were reflected as noncontrolling interests in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. As the Partnership acquired additional interests in already-consolidated entities, the acquisition did not result in a change in reporting entity, as defined under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations , and was accounted for on a prospective basis. Therefore, beginning June 26, 2017, the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements reflect its 100% ownership interest in Colorado River DevCo LP and its 40% ownership interest in Blanco River DevCo LP.
Private Placement On June 20, 2017, the Partnership entered into a Common Unit Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which, the Partnership agreed to sell 3,525,000 common units in a private placement for gross proceeds of approximately $142.6 million (the Private Placement). Net proceeds totaled approximately $138.1 million , after deducting offering expenses of approximately $4.5 million . The closing of the Private Placement occurred on June 26, 2017.
Nature of Operations Through our ownership interests in the DevCos, we operate and own interests in the following assets:
crude oil and natural gas gathering systems;
crude oil treating facilities;
produced water collection, gathering, and cleaning systems; and
fresh water storage and delivery systems.
We generate revenues primarily by charging fees on a per unit basis for gathering crude oil and natural gas, delivering and storing fresh water, and collecting, cleaning and disposing of produced water.

7

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Predecessor This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Contributed Businesses on a carve-out basis, our Predecessor for accounting purposes, for periods prior to September 20, 2016, the date on which we completed the IPO.
References in this report to “Predecessor,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms, when referring to periods prior to September 20, 2016, refer to Noble’s Contributed Businesses, our Predecessor for accounting purposes. References to “the Partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms, when referring to periods after September 20, 2016, refer to the Partnership.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation
Presentation    The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements at  June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and for the  three and six months ended June 30, 2017  and  2016  contain all normally recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and partners' equity for such periods. Operating results for the  three and six months ended June 30, 2017  are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending  December 31, 2017 . Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements for periods prior to September 20, 2016 represent the Contributed Businesses of certain of Noble's midstream assets as the accounting Predecessor to the Partnership, presented on a carve-out basis of Noble’s historical ownership of the Predecessor. The Predecessor financial statements have been prepared from the separate records maintained by Noble and may not necessarily be indicative of the actual results of operations that might have occurred if the Predecessor had been operated separately during the periods reported.
The Partnership has no items of other comprehensive income; therefore, its net income is identical to its comprehensive income.
Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities    Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of the DevCos, each of which we control as general partner. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. We have determined that the partners with equity at risk in each of the DevCos lack the authority, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance; therefore, each DevCo is considered a variable interest entity, or VIE. Through our 100% ownership interest in Noble Midstream Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company which owns controlling interests in each of the DevCos, we have the authority to direct the activities that most significantly affect economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to us. Therefore, we are considered the primary beneficiary and consolidate each of the DevCos in our financial statements. All financial statement activity associated with our DevCos is captured within the Gathering Systems and Fresh Water Delivery reportable segments. See Note 8. Segment Information .
Investments Although we serve as the operator of the Advantage system, our operating agreements empower the Advantage board, split between us and Plains, to direct the activities that most significantly affect the long-term economic performance of the entity, primarily the oversight of the commercial function and approval of expansion capital. As a result, our investment in the Advantage Joint Venture does not require consolidation under the VIE consolidation model. We use the equity method of accounting for our investment in the Advantage Joint Venture, as we do not control, but do exert significant influence over, its operations. Under the equity method of accounting, initially we record the investment at our cost. Differences in the cost, or basis, of the investment and the net asset value of the investee will be amortized into income over the remaining useful life of the underlying assets. See Note 5. Investments .
We use the cost method of accounting for our White Cliffs Interest as we have virtually no influence over its operations and financial policies. Under the cost method of accounting, we recognize cash distributions from White Cliffs Pipeline L.L.C. as investment income in our consolidated statements of operations to the extent there is net income and record cash distributions in excess of our ratable share of earnings as return of investment. See Note 5. Investments .
Revenue Recognition We generate revenues primarily by charging fees on a per unit basis for gathering crude oil and natural gas, delivering and storing fresh water, and collecting, cleaning and disposing of produced water. We recognize revenue when services have been rendered, the prices are fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Under our commercial agreements, if dedicated volumes do not flow through our gathering facilities, we may have the right to charge a fee for the resulting unutilized capacity. Any income associated with the fee is recognized as revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

8

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Use of Estimates    The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Management evaluates estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic and commodity price environment.
Fair Value Measurements We measure assets and liabilities requiring fair value presentation and disclose such amounts according to the quality of valuation inputs under the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature and maturity of the instruments and use Level 1 inputs. 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information We accrued $54.5 million and $1 million related to midstream capital expenditures as of June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 , respectively.
Concentration of Credit Risk For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , 94% and 97% , respectively, of our revenues are from Noble and its affiliates. For all other periods presented, 100% of our revenues are from Noble and its affiliates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-09 (ASU 2017-09) Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The purpose of this update is to provide clarity as to which modifications of awards require modification accounting under Topic 718, whereas previously issued guidance frequently resulted in varying interpretations and a diversity of practice. Under ASU 2017-09, an entity should employ modification accounting unless the following items are met: (1) the fair value of the award is the same immediately before and after the award is modified; (2) the vesting conditions are the same under both the modified award and the original award; and (3) the classification of the modified award is the same as the original award, either equity or liability. Regardless of whether modification accounting is utilized, award disclosure requirements under Topic 718 remain unchanged. ASU 2017-09 will be effective for annual or any interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not believe adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have a material impact on our financial statements. We will adopt the new standard on the effective date of January 1, 2018.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Account Standards Update No. 2017-01 (ASU 2017-01):  Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business, that assists in determining whether certain transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses. The amendment provides a screen to be applied to the fair value of an acquisition or disposal to evaluate whether the assets in question are simply assets or if they meet the definition of a business. If the screen is not met, no further evaluation is needed. If the screen is met, certain steps are subsequently taken to make the determination. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is required to be applied prospectively. We will adopt the new standard on the effective date of January 1, 2018.
In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-18 (ASU 2016-18):  Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. This ASU will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with earlier application permitted. We do not believe adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have a material impact on our statement of cash flows and related disclosures. We will adopt the new standard on the effective date of January 1, 2018.
In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15 (ASU 2016-15): Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , to clarify how eight specific cash receipt and cash payment transactions should be presented in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with earlier application permitted. We do not believe adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on our statement of cash flows. We will adopt the new standard on the effective date of January 1, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02): Leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by leases with terms of more than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 also requires disclosures designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The standard will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlier application permitted. In the normal course of business, we enter into capital and operating lease agreements to support our operations and may lease water-related, field-related and other assets. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the financial impact ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial statements; however, we believe adoption and implementation of ASU 2016-02 will likely materially impact our balance sheet resulting from an increase in both assets and liabilities relating to our leasing activities. As part of our assessment to date, we have formed an implementation work team, prepared educational and training materials pertinent to ASU 2016-02 and have begun contract review and documentation.

9

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), which creates Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . In summary, the core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, ASU 2014-09 requires enhanced financial statement disclosures over revenue recognition as part of the new accounting guidance. The standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In March 2016, the FASB released certain implementation guidance through ASU 2016-08 to clarify principal versus agent considerations.
The standard is required to be adopted using either the full retrospective approach, with all prior periods presented adjusted, or the modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings on the opening balance sheet. We are performing an initial review of our commercial agreements and developing accounting policies to address the provisions of ASU 2014-09. We continue to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 on our accounting policies, internal controls, and consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, and have not finalized any estimates of the potential impacts. We will adopt the new standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as necessary.

Note 3. Transactions with Affiliates
Revenues We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from commercial agreements with Noble. Revenues generated from commercial agreements with Noble and its affiliates included the following:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Produced Water Gathering
$
32,328

 
$
21,489

 
$
60,737

 
$
43,063

Fresh Water Delivery
20,348

 
9,813

 
40,667

 
18,688

Crude Oil Treating
1,169

 
1,418

 
2,436

 
2,693

Other
272

 
249

 
591

 
648

    Total Midstream Services Revenues — Affiliate
$
54,117

 
$
32,969

 
$
104,431

 
$
65,092

Expenses General and administrative expense included the following:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
General and Administrative Expense Affiliate
$
1,713

 
$
1,713

 
$
3,425

 
$
3,559

General and Administrative Expense Third Party
1,739

 
457

 
2,769

 
1,264

    Total General and Administrative Expense
$
3,452

 
$
2,170

 
$
6,194

 
$
4,823



10

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 4. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, is as follows:
(in thousands)
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Produced Water Gathering Systems and Facilities
$
207,625

 
$
201,323

Fresh Water Delivery Systems (1)
57,068

 
56,792

Crude Oil Treating Facilities  
20,099

 
20,099

Construction-in-Progress (2)
187,638

 
32,831

Total Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost
472,430

 
311,045

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
(36,420
)
 
(31,642
)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
$
436,010

 
$
279,403

(1)  
Fresh water delivery system assets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 include $5 million related to a leased pond accounted for as a capital lease.
(2)  
Construction-in-progress at June 30, 2017 includes $173.5 million in gathering system projects and $14.1 million in fresh water delivery system projects. Construction-in-progress at December 31, 2016 includes $27.6 million in gathering system projects and $5.2 million in fresh water delivery system projects.

Note 5. Investments
The following table presents our investments at the dates indicated:
(in thousands)
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Advantage Joint Venture (1)
$
68,891

 
$

White Cliffs Interest
10,677

 
11,151

Total Investments
$
79,568

 
$
11,151

(1)  
We capitalized $1.7 million in acquisition related expenses that are included in the basis of the investment. As of June 30, 2017 , $1.7 million in acquisition related expenses remains unamortized.
The following table presents our investment income for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Advantage Joint Venture (1)
$
405

 
$

 
$
405

 
$

White Cliffs Interest
1,119

 
1,146

 
2,184

 
2,439

Other (2)
117

 

 
117

 

Total Investment Income
$
1,641

 
$
1,146

 
$
2,706

 
$
2,439

(1)  
Includes the amortization of acquisition related expenses.
(2)  
Represents income associated with our fee for serving as the operator of the Advantage Joint Venture. The fee totals approximately $0.7 million per year.
Summarized, 100% combined balance sheet financial information for the Advantage Joint Venture at the date indicated:
(in thousands)
June 30, 2017
Current Assets
$
4,036

Noncurrent Assets
131,294

Current Liabilities
$
1,275

Summarized, 100% combined statement of operations information for the Advantage Joint Venture for the period indicated:
(in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Operating Revenues
$
3,088

Operating Expenses
2,242

Net Income
$
846


11

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 6. Debt
Revolving Credit Facility We maintain a $350 million revolving credit facility to fund working capital and to finance acquisitions and other capital expenditures. The revolving credit facility matures on September 20, 2021 . There were no amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2016 . As of June 30, 2017 , $190 million was outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
During 2017, borrowings under our revolving credit facility were used to fund our construction activity, a portion of the Advantage acquisition and a portion of the cash consideration for the Contributed Assets. All other borrowings under our revolving credit facility were for general partnership purposes.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) in the case of base rate borrowings, a rate equal to the highest of (1) the prime rate, (2) the greater of the federal funds rate or the overnight bank funding rate, plus 0.5% and (3) the LIBOR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00% ; or (b) in the case of LIBOR borrowings, the offered rate per annum for deposits of dollars for the applicable interest period.
Interest was incurred on the revolving credit facility at a weighted average annual interest rate of  2.32%  during the  six months ended June 30, 2017 . The unused portion of the revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee. Commitment fees began to accrue beginning on the date we entered into the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2017 , the commitment fee rate was 0.2% . Unamortized debt issuance costs totaled $1.8 million and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2017 , respectively.
The revolving credit facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Partnership was in compliance with such covenants as of  June 30, 2017 . Certain lenders that are a party to the credit agreement have in the past performed, and may in the future from time to time perform, investment banking, financial advisory, lending or commercial banking services for us for which they have received, and may in the future receive, customary compensation and reimbursement of expenses.

Note 7. Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations consist of estimated costs of dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities associated with our infrastructure assets. Changes in asset retirement obligations are as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Asset Retirement Obligations, Beginning Balance
$
5,415

 
$
3,612

Liabilities Incurred
1,566

 

Revision of Estimate

 
1,224

Accretion Expense (1)
143

 
87

Asset Retirement Obligations, Ending Balance
$
7,124

 
$
4,923

(1)  
Accretion expense is included in depreciation and amortization   expense in the consolidated statements of   operations.
Liabilities incurred in the 2017 period were primarily related to our Central Gathering Facility (CGF) in the Delaware Basin.
Revisions in the 2016 period were primarily due to changes in estimated costs for future abandonment activities of our gathering systems in the Wells Ranch and East Pony integrated development plan (IDP) areas.


12

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 8. Segment Information
Our operations are located in the U.S. and are organized into the following reportable segments: Gathering Systems (crude oil, natural gas and produced water gathering as well as crude oil treating), Fresh Water Delivery, and Investments and Other. Our reportable segments comprise the structure used to make key operating decisions and assess performance.
Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Gathering Systems  (1)
 
Fresh Water Delivery  (1)
 
Investments and Other  (2)
 
Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream Services — Affiliate
 
$
33,769

 
$
20,348

 
$

 
$
54,117

Midstream Services — Third Party
 

 
3,666

 

 
3,666

Total Midstream Services Revenues
 
33,769

 
24,014

 

 
57,783

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (3)
 
22,343

 
18,872

 
(2,108
)
 
39,107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream Services Revenues
 
$
23,156

 
$
9,813

 
$

 
$
32,969

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
17,251

 
6,765

 
(708
)
 
23,308

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream Services — Affiliate
 
$
63,764

 
$
40,667

 
$

 
$
104,431

Midstream Services — Third Party
 

 
3,666

 

 
3,666

Total Midstream Services Revenues
 
63,764

 
44,333

 

 
108,097

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (3)
 
42,326

 
35,475

 
(4,174
)
 
73,627

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream Services Revenues
 
$
46,404

 
$
18,688

 
$

 
$
65,092

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
37,111

 
11,086

 
(3,070
)
 
45,127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
$
372,588

 
$
63,423

 
$
124,654

 
$
560,665

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
$
224,861

 
$
54,542

 
$
89,956

 
$
369,359

(1)  
All activity associated with our DevCos is captured within the Gathering Systems and Fresh Water Delivery reportable segments. As our DevCos represent VIEs, see the Gathering Systems and Fresh Water Delivery reportable segments for our VIEs impact to the consolidated financial statements.
(2)  
The Investments and Other segment includes our investments in the Advantage Joint Venture and White Cliffs Interest as well as all general Partnership activity not attributable to our DevCos.
(3)  
For periods subsequent to the IPO, our consolidated financial statements do not include a provision for income taxes, as we are treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes. Each partner is separately taxed on its share of taxable income.

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings  We may become involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings would be subject to the uncertainties inherent in any litigation, and we will regularly assesses the need for accounting recognition or disclosure of these contingencies. We would expect to defend ourselves vigorously in all such matters. Based on currently available information, we believe it is unlikely that the outcome of known matters would have a material adverse impact on our combined financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


13

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 10. Unit-Based Compensation
The Noble Midstream Partners LP 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the LTIP) provides for the grant, at the discretion of the board of directors of our general partner, of unit awards, restricted units, phantom units, unit options, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights, profits interest units and other unit-based awards. The purpose of awards under the LTIP is to provide additional incentive compensation to individuals providing services to us, and to align the economic interests of such individuals with the interests of our unitholders.
The LTIP limits the number of units that may be delivered pursuant to vested awards to 1,860,000 common units, subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of unit splits and similar events. Common units subject to awards that are canceled, forfeited, withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligations or otherwise terminated without delivery of common units will be available for delivery pursuant to other awards. As of June 30, 2017 , 1,817,428 common units are available for future grant under the LTIP.
Restricted unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was as follows:
 
Number of Units
 
Weighted Average Award Date Fair Value
Awarded and Unvested Units at December 31, 2016
7,868

 
$
30.50

Awarded
34,704

 
45.10

Awarded and Unvested Units at June 30, 2017
42,572

 
$
42.40

As of  June 30, 2017 $1.4 million  of compensation cost related to all of our unvested restricted units awarded under the LTIP remained to be recognized. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of  2 years .

Note 11. Partnership Distributions
Our partnership agreement requires that, within 45 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to unitholders of record on the applicable record date. The following table details the distributions paid in respect of the periods presented below:
 
 
 
 
Distributions
Period
Record Date
Distribution Date
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit
Common Unitholders
Subordinated Unitholders
Total
Q4 2016 (1)
February 6, 2017
February 14, 2017
$
0.4333

$
6,891

$
6,891

$
13,782

Q1 2017
May 8, 2017
May 16, 2017
$
0.4108

$
6,533

$
6,533

$
13,066

(1)  
The distribution for the fourth quarter 2016 is comprised of $0.3925 per unit for the fourth quarter 2016 and $0.0408 per unit for the 10 -day period beginning on the closing of the IPO on September 20, 2016 and ending on September 30, 2016.
Incentive Distribution Rights Noble currently holds Incentive Distribution Rights (IDRs) that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 50% , of the available cash we distribute from operating surplus in excess of $0.4313  per unit per quarter. The maximum distribution of 50% does not include any distributions that Noble may receive on common units or subordinated units that it owns.
Cash Distributions On July 27, 2017, the board of directors of our general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.4457 per unit. The distribution will be paid on August 14, 2017, to unitholders of record on August 7, 2017. Also on August 14, 2017, a cash incentive distribution of  $0.1 million will be made to Noble related to its IDRs, based upon the level of distribution paid per common and subordinated unit.

14

Noble Midstream Partners LP
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 12. Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit
Net income per unit applicable to common and subordinated unitholders is computed by dividing the respective limited partners’ interest in net income for the period by the weighted-average number of common units and subordinated units outstanding for the period. The common and subordinated unitholders represent an aggregate 100% limited partner interest in us. Because we have more than one class of participating securities, we use the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners. The classes of participating securities include common units and subordinated units.
Pursuant to our partnership agreement, to the extent that the quarterly distributions exceed certain target levels, Noble, as the holder of our IDRs, is entitled to receive certain incentive distributions that will result in more net income proportionately being allocated to Noble than to the holders of common units and subordinated units.
Our calculation of net income per limited partner common and subordinated unit is as follows:
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net Income Attributable to Noble Midstream Partners LP
$
31,592

 
$
55,934

Less: Net Income Attributable to Incentive Distribution Rights
92

 
92

Net Income Attributable to Limited Partners
$
31,500

 
$
55,842

 
 
 
 
Net Income Allocable to Common Units — Public
$
14,329

 
$
25,331

Net Income Allocable to Common Units — Noble
1,533

 
2,702

Net Income Allocable to Subordinated Units — Noble
15,638

 
27,809

Net Income Attributable to Limited Partners
$
31,500

 
$
55,842

 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Limited Partners Per Limited Partner Unit — Basic and Diluted
 
 
 
Common Units
$
0.98

 
$
1.75

Subordinated Units
$
0.98

 
$
1.75

 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Limited Partner Units Outstanding — Basic
 
 
 
Common Units — Public
14,569

 
14,472

Common Units — Noble
1,558

 
1,543

Subordinated Units — Noble
15,903

 
15,903

 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Limited Partner Units Outstanding — Diluted
 
 
 
Common Units — Public
14,579

 
14,481

Common Units — Noble
1,558

 
1,543

Subordinated Units — Noble
15,903

 
15,903

 
 
 
 
Antidilutive Restricted Units
7

 
6


Note 13. Income Taxes
We are not a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes or for the majority of states that impose an income tax. Taxes are generally borne by our partners through the allocation of taxable income, and accordingly for the periods subsequent to the IPO, we do not record deferred taxes related to the aggregate difference in the basis of our assets for financial and tax reporting purposes. We did not record a tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 . The income tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 is the income tax provision of our Predecessor. The provision was prepared on a separate return basis as if the Predecessor were a stand-alone entity.


15


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to provide a narrative about our business from the perspective of our management. Our MD&A is presented in the following major sections:
Predecessor This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Contributed Businesses on a carve-out basis (our Predecessor for accounting purposes) for periods prior to September 20, 2016, the date on which we completed the IPO. Our results of operations may not be comparable to our Predecessor’s historical results of operations.
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise indicates, references in this report to “Predecessor,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms, when referring to periods prior to September 20, 2016, refer to Noble’s Contributed Businesses, our Predecessor for accounting purposes. All references to “Noble Midstream Partners,” “the Partnership,” “us,” “our,” “we” or similar expressions, when referring to periods after September 20, 2016, refer to Noble Midstream Partners LP, including its consolidated subsidiaries. References to Noble may refer to Noble and/or its subsidiaries, depending on the context.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis is the Partnership’s analysis of its financial performance and of significant trends that may affect future performance. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. It contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements relating to the Partnership’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The Partnership does not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking information unless required to do so under the federal securities laws. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s disclosures under the heading: “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Overview
We are a growth-oriented Delaware master limited partnership formed by Noble to own, operate, develop and acquire a wide range of domestic midstream infrastructure assets. We currently provide crude oil, natural gas, and water-related midstream services through long-term, fixed-fee contracts.
Our current areas of focus are in the DJ Basin in Colorado and the Delaware Basin in Texas, where additional midstream assets are currently under construction. Noble intends for us to become the primary vehicle for its midstream operations in the onshore United States. We believe that our diverse midstream infrastructure assets and our relationship with Noble position us as a leading midstream service provider.
Operating and Financial Results
The following discussion highlights significant operating and financial results for second quarter 2017 .
Significant Operating Highlights Included:
average crude oil gathering volumes of 53.8 MBbl/d;
average natural gas gathering volumes of 158.2 BBtu/d;
average produced water gathered volumes of 12.6 MBbl/d;
average fresh water delivered volumes of 184.2 MBbl/d;
completion of the Advantage acquisition through the Advantage Joint Venture;
commencement of fresh water delivery services to an unaffiliated third party in the Greeley Crescent IDP area;
acquisition of the remaining 20% limited partner interest in Colorado River DevCo LP and an additional 15% limited partner interest in Blanco River DevCo LP from NBL;
completion of the Private Placement for gross proceeds of approximately $142.6 million and net proceeds of approximately $138.1 million ; and
completion of a produced water expansion project in the Wells Ranch CGF.

16


Significant Financial Highlights Included:
net income of $39.1 million , of which $31.6 million is attributable to the Partnership;
net cash provided by operating activities of $74.5 million ;
declared a distribution of $0.4457 per unit., an increase of 8.5% above the first quarter 2017 distribution per unit;
EBITDA (non-GAAP financial measure) of $41.9 million , of which $33.9 million is attributable to the Partnership; and
distributable cash flow (non-GAAP financial measure) of $30.3 million .
For additional information regarding our Non-GAAP financial measures, please see — EBITDA, Distributable Cash Flow and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, below.

OPERATING OUTLOOK
Dedication and Right of First Refusal Update
On April 24, 2017, Noble completed the acquisition of Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.. Upon closing of the acquisition, approximately 64,000 net acres in Reeves County, Texas, was dedicated to us for infield crude oil, natural gas, and produced water gathering. We have a right of first refusal (ROFR) on the remaining acreage acquired by Noble. Additionally, an infield natural gas gathering dedication was added to the existing crude oil and produced water gathering dedication on substantially all of Noble's legacy 47,000 Delaware Basin net acres. Both acreage dedications are held by the Blanco River DevCo.
In conjunction with the new dedications, we waived our ROFR for natural gas processing on approximately 80,000 net acres in the Delaware Basin, of which, approximately 35,000 net acres were dedicated to a third party through 2021.
2017 Capital Investment Program
We have updated our full year 2017 capital budget and guidance to reflect the acquisition of the Contributed Assets and an improved operational outlook. See Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 1. Organization and Nature of Operations . The 2017 gross investment level is unchanged and is expected to total between $365 million to $405 million. However, the investment level attributable to the Partnership is expected to increase by approximately $30 million due to the acquisition of the Contributed Assets, and is now estimated to total between $215 million to $235 million.
We will continue to evaluate the level of capital spending throughout the year based on the following factors, among others, and their effect on project financial returns: 
pace of our customers' development;
operating and construction costs and our ability to achieve material supplier price reductions;
impact of new laws and regulations on our business practices;
indebtedness levels; and
availability of financing or other sources of funding.
We plan to fund our investment program with cash on hand, cash generated from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and, if necessary, the issuance of additional equity or debt securities.
Development Projects
Colorado River DevCo LP During second quarter 2017, we connected 48 equivalent wells, normalized to 4,500 lateral feet, to our gathering systems in the Wells Ranch and East Pony IDP areas. We also delivered fresh water to 47 equivalent wells in the Wells Ranch IDP area. At the Wells Ranch CGF, we successfully completed a produced water expansion project, which increased produced water capacity to 30 MBbl/d.
Laramie River DevCo LP Freshwater deliveries began in April 2017 to an unaffiliated third party in the Greeley Crescent IDP area. We also made significant progress on the construction of our crude oil and produced water gathering systems which are expected to be operational in third quarter 2017.
Trinity River DevCo LLC Upon completion of the Advantage acquisition in early April 2017, operation of the pipeline successfully transitioned to us. Crude oil throughput volumes during the quarter averaged 35 MBbl/d. We made significant progress on the construction of the connection from our first CGF in the Delaware Basin to the Advantage pipeline. We expect to complete the connection during third quarter 2017.
Blanco River DevCo LP During second quarter 2017, our first CGF in the Delaware Basin reached mechanical completion. The facility and associated crude oil, natural gas and produced water gathering infrastructure is expected to ramp up throughout

17


the third quarter of 2017. Long lead items for our second CGF have been ordered, and we expect the facility to be online by the end of 2017.
Green River DevCo LP Construction activities on the expansion of our freshwater system in the Mustang IDP area continued in the second quarter in anticipation of deliveries toward year end 2017. In addition, long lead items were ordered for the back-bone infrastructure buildout which we expect to complete in early 2018.
San Juan River DevCo LP During second quarter 2017, we delivered freshwater to 20 equivalent wells in the East Pony IDP area.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of operations were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midstream Services — Affiliate
$
54,117

 
$
32,969

 
$
104,431

 
$
65,092

Midstream Services — Third Party
3,666

 

 
3,666

 

Total Revenues
57,783

 
32,969

 
108,097

 
65,092

Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Operating
14,293

 
6,685

 
25,694

 
12,573

Depreciation and Amortization
2,472

 
2,218

 
4,921

 
4,363

General and Administrative
3,452

 
2,170

 
6,194

 
4,823

Total Operating Expenses
20,217

 
11,073

 
36,809

 
21,759

Operating Income
37,566

 
21,896

 
71,288

 
43,333

Other (Income) Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense, Net of Amount Capitalized
100

 
(266
)
 
367

 
645

Investment Income
(1,641
)
 
(1,146
)
 
(2,706
)
 
(2,439
)
Total Other Income
(1,541
)
 
(1,412
)
 
(2,339
)
 
(1,794
)
Income Before Income Taxes
39,107

 
23,308

 
73,627

 
45,127

Income Tax Provision

 
8,872

 

 
17,182

Net Income and Comprehensive Income
39,107

 
$
14,436

 
73,627

 
$
27,945

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
7,515

 
N/A
 
17,693

 
N/A
Net Income Attributable to Noble Midstream Partners LP
$
31,592

 
N/A
 
$
55,934

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA Attributable to Noble Midstream Partners LP
$
33,880

 
N/A
 
$
60,381

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributable Cash Flow of Noble Midstream Partners LP
$
30,336

 
N/A
 
$
54,561

 
N/A
How We Evaluate Our Operations
Our management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics, each as described in more detail below, to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include:
throughput volumes;
operating costs and expenses;
EBITDA (non-GAAP financial measure);
distributable cash flow (non-GAAP financial measure); and
capital expenditures.

18


Throughput Volumes
The amount of revenue we generate primarily depends on the volumes of crude oil, natural gas and water for which we provide midstream services. These volumes are affected primarily by the level of drilling and completion activity in which Noble engages in our areas of operations, and by changes in the supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs in the markets served directly or indirectly by our assets.
Noble’s willingness to engage in drilling and completion activity is determined by a number of factors, the most important of which are the prevailing and projected prices of crude oil and natural gas, the cost to drill and operate a well, expected well performance, the availability and cost of capital, and environmental and government regulations. We generally expect the level of drilling to positively correlate with long-term trends in commodity prices. Similarly, production levels nationally and regionally generally tend to positively correlate with drilling activity.
Noble has dedicated acreage to us based on the services we provide. Our commercial agreements with Noble provide that, in addition to our existing dedicated acreage, any future acreage that is acquired by Noble in the IDP areas, and that is not subject to a pre-existing third-party commitment, will be included in the dedication to us for midstream services, including gathering and treating.
Revenues and throughput volumes related to gathering and fresh water delivery services were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Colorado River DevCo LP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil Gathering Volumes (Bbl/d)
53,763

 
40,757

 
49,025

 
45,427

Natural Gas Gathering Volumes (MMBtu/d)
158,216

 
141,207

 
152,355

 
120,480

Produced Water Gathering Volumes (Bbl/d)
12,609

 
9,495

 
10,841

 
9,889

Fresh Water Delivery Volumes (Bbl/d)
113,824

 
23,315

 
93,935

 
33,449

Gathering and Fresh Water Delivery Revenues  Affiliate (in thousands)
$
44,730

 
$
25,391

 
$
80,941

 
$
53,758

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
San Juan River DevCo LP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fresh Water Delivery Volumes (Bbl/d)
20,067

 
21,670

 
37,759

 
10,835

Fresh Water Delivery Revenues Affiliate (in thousands)
$
7,946

 
$
3,737

 
$
20,463

 
$
3,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Green River DevCo LP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fresh Water Delivery Volumes (Bbl/d)

 
11,954

 

 
13,386

Fresh Water Delivery Revenues Affiliate (in thousands)
$

 
$
2,174

 
$

 
$
4,198

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laramie River DevCo LP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fresh Water Delivery Volumes (Bbl/d)
50,326

 

 
25,302

 

Fresh Water Delivery Revenues Third Party
(in thousands)
$
3,666

 
$

 
$
3,666

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Gathering Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil Gathering Volumes (Bbl/d)
53,763

 
40,757

 
49,025

 
45,427

Natural Gas Gathering Volumes (MMBtu/d)
158,216

 
141,207

 
152,355

 
120,480

Produced Water Gathering Volumes (Bbl/d)
12,609

 
9,495

 
10,841

 
9,889

Gathering Revenues Affiliate (in thousands)
$
32,328

 
$
21,489

 
$
60,737

 
$
43,063

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fresh Water Delivery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fresh Water Delivery Volumes (Bbl/d)
184,217

 
56,939

 
156,996

 
57,670

Fresh Water Delivery Revenues (in thousands)
$
24,014

 
$
9,813

 
$
44,333

 
$
18,688



19


Revenues Trend Analysis
Revenues from Midstream Services were as follows:
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
Increase (Decrease) From Prior Year
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Produced Water Gathering Affiliate
$
32,328

 
$
21,489

 
50
 %
Fresh Water Delivery Affiliate
20,348

 
9,813

 
107
 %
Fresh Water Delivery — Third Party
3,666

 

 
N/M

Crude Oil Treating Affiliate
1,169

 
1,418

 
(18
)%
Other Affiliate
272

 
249

 
9
 %
Total Midstream Services Revenues
$
57,783

 
$
32,969

 
75
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Produced Water Gathering Affiliate
$
60,737

 
$
43,063

 
41
 %
Fresh Water Delivery Affiliate
40,667

 
18,688

 
118
 %
Fresh Water Delivery — Third Party
3,666

 

 
N/M

Crude Oil Treating Affiliate
2,436

 
2,693

 
(10
)%
Other Affiliate
591

 
648

 
(9
)%
Total Midstream Services Revenues
$
108,097

 
$
65,092

 
66
 %
N/M Amount is not meaningful
Revenues from Midstream Services We derive substantially all of our revenues from commercial agreements with Noble. Revenues from Midstream Services increased during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 due to the following:
an increase of $12.1 million in fresh water delivery revenues driven by increased fresh water volumes delivered to the Wells Ranch IDP and East Pony IDP due to fresh water volumes required per well for higher intensity completions;
an increase of $4.9 million in water logistic services, including water transfer, hauling, recycling, and disposal services, driven by an increased scope of services in the Wells Ranch IDP and East Pony IDP;
an increase of $3.7 million in fresh water delivery revenues due to the commencement of fresh water deliveries to an unaffiliated third party in the Greeley Crescent IDP area during second quarter 2017;
an increase of $3 million in crude oil gathering services revenues driven by increased throughput volumes in our Wells Ranch IDP and East Pony IDP crude oil gathering systems resulting from expansion and gathering system growth;
an increase of $1.1 million in gathering and fresh water delivery services driven by rate escalations;
partially offset by:
a decrease of $1.6 million in fresh water delivery revenues related to the Mustang IDP due to the timing of well completion activity by Noble.
Revenues from Midstream Services increased during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 due to the following:
an increase of $23.7 million in fresh water delivery revenues driven by increased fresh water volumes delivered to the Wells Ranch IDP and East Pony IDP due to fresh water volumes required per well for higher intensity completions;
an increase of $10.3 million in water logistic services, including water transfer, hauling, recycling, and disposal services, driven by an increased scope of services in the Wells Ranch IDP and East Pony IDP;
an increase of $3.7 million in natural gas gathering services revenues driven by increased throughput volumes in our Wells Ranch IDP natural gas gathering systems resulting from expansion and gathering system growth as well as an increased natural gas gathering rate;
an increase of $3.7 million in fresh water delivery revenues due to the commencement of fresh water deliveries to an unaffiliated third party in the Greeley Crescent IDP area during second quarter 2017;

20


an increase of $2.7 million in crude oil gathering services revenues driven by increased throughput volumes in our Wells Ranch IDP crude oil gathering systems resulting from expansion and gathering system growth;
an increase of $2.1 million in gathering and fresh water delivery services driven by rate escalations;
an increase of $1.2 million in charges associated with dedicated crude oil and produced water gathering volumes that did not flow through our gathering facilities;
partially offset by:
a decrease of $3.7 million in fresh water delivery revenues related to the Mustang IDP due to the timing of well completion activity by Noble; and
a decrease of $1.2 million in crude oil gathering services revenues due to decreased volumes in our East Pony IDP gathering system due to the timing of upstream activity by Noble.

Costs and Expenses
Direct Operating Expense
We seek to maximize the profitability of our operations in part by minimizing, to the extent appropriate, expenses directly associated with operating our assets. Direct labor costs, ad valorem taxes, repair and non-capitalized maintenance costs, integrity management costs, utilities and contract services comprise the most significant portion of our operations and maintenance expense. Many of these expenses remain relatively stable across broad ranges of throughput volumes, but a portion of these expenses can fluctuate from period to period depending on the mix of activities performed during that period and the timing of these expenses. We also seek to manage operating expenditures on our midstream systems by scheduling maintenance over time to avoid significant variability in our maintenance expenditures and minimize their impact on our cash flow.
General and Administrative Expense
Following the completion of the IPO, Noble charges us a combination of direct and allocated charges for general and administrative services. Direct charges include a fixed fee under our omnibus agreement and compensation of our executives under our secondment agreement based on the percentage of time spent working on us. Between January 2015 and the IPO, Noble charged us a fixed fee for overhead and support services.
Following the completion of the IPO, we also began incurring incremental general and administrative expenses attributable to being a publicly traded partnership, including expenses associated with: annual, quarterly and current reporting with the SEC; tax return and Schedule K-1 preparation and distribution; Sarbanes-Oxley compliance; NYSE listing; independent auditor fees; legal fees; investor relations expenses; transfer agent and registrar fees; incremental salary and benefits costs of seconded employees; outside director fees; director and officer insurance coverage expenses; and compensation expense associated with the LTIP.

21


Costs and Expenses Trend Analysis
Costs and expenses were as follows:
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
Increase
from Prior Year
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Operating
$
14,293

 
$
6,685

 
114
%
Depreciation and Amortization
2,472

 
2,218

 
11
%
General and Administrative
3,452

 
2,170

 
59
%
Total Operating Expenses
$
20,217

 
$
11,073

 
83
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Direct Operating
$
25,694

 
$
12,573

 
104
%
Depreciation and Amortization
4,921

 
4,363

 
13
%
General and Administrative
6,194

 
4,823

 
28
%
Total Operating Expenses
$
36,809

 
$
21,759

 
69
%
Direct Operating Expenses Direct operating expenses increased during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 and during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 due to an increase in water delivery and logistics expense driven by increased fresh water volumes required per well for higher intensity completions and an expanded scope of services delivered for produced water.
Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense during second quarter 2017 was consistent with second quarter 2016 . Depreciation and amortization expense increased during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 . The increase is primarily related to assets placed in service after second quarter 2016. Assets placed in service were associated with the expansion of the Wells Ranch CGF and gathering system as well as expansion of the Mustang fresh water system.
General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expense increased during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 and during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 . The increase is due primarily to increased third party general and administrative expenses such as legal and financial advisory fees.

22


Other (Income) Expense Trend Analysis
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
Increase (Decrease) from Prior Year
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Other (Income) Expense
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
$
711

 
$
(67
)
 
N/M

Capitalized Interest
(611
)
 
(199
)
 
207
 %
Interest Expense, Net
100

 
(266
)
 
N/M

Investment Income
(1,641
)
 
(1,146
)
 
43
 %
Total Other (Income) Expense
$
(1,541
)
 
$
(1,412
)
 
9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Other (Income) Expense
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
$
978

 
$
1,319

 
(26
)%
Capitalized Interest
(611
)
 
(674
)
 
(9
)%
Interest Expense, Net
367

 
645

 
(43
)%
Investment Income
(2,706
)
 
(2,439
)
 
11
 %
Total Other (Income) Expense
$
(2,339
)
 
$
(1,794
)
 
30
 %
N/M Amount is not meaningful
Interest Expense, Net For periods prior to the IPO, interest expense represents allocations from Noble to our Predecessor. The allocations were based on the percentage that our Predecessor's capital expenditures comprised of Noble's total consolidated capital expenditures. For periods subsequent to the IPO, interest expense represents interest incurred in connection with our revolving credit facility. Our interest expense includes interest on outstanding balances and cash commitment fees on the undrawn portion of our revolving credit facility as well as the non-cash amortization of origination fees. A portion of the interest expense is capitalized based upon construction-in-progress activity during the year.
Interest expense increased during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 . The increase is due primarily to interest incurred in connection with our revolving credit facility during second quarter 2017 and decreased interest expense allocations from Noble during second quarter 2016.
Interest expense decreased during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 . The decrease is due primarily to increased interest expense allocations from Noble during the first six months of 2016 partially offset by interest incurred in connection with our revolving credit facility during the first six months of 2017.
Capitalized interest increased during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 . The increase is due primarily to increased construction-in-progress activity during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 .
Capitalized interest decreased during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 . The decrease is due primarily to the capitalization of a portion of the increased interest expense allocations from Noble during the first six months of 2016 partially offset by increased construction-in-progress activity during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 .
Investment Income Investment income increased during second quarter 2017 as compared with second quarter 2016 and during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 . The increase is primarily due to earnings from our investment in the Advantage Joint Venture. Crude oil throughput volumes during the quarter averaged 35 MBbl/d. See Item 1. Financial Statements. Note 5. Investments .
Income Tax Provision


23


EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)
EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income or net cash, and these measures may vary from those of other companies. As a result, our EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures of other companies in our industry.
For a reconciliation of EBITDA to its most comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, see Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, below.
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before income taxes, net interest expense, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, industry analysts, lenders and ratings agencies, to assess:
our operating performance as compared with those of other companies in the midstream energy industry, without regard to financing methods, historical cost basis or capital structure;
the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to make distributions to our partners;
our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures; and
the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities.
We believe that the presentation of EBITDA provides information useful to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to EBITDA are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure as reported in accordance with GAAP.
Distributable Cash Flow (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)
Distributable cash flow should not be considered an alternative to net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Distributable cash flow excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income or net cash provided by operating activities, and these measures may vary from those of other companies. As a result, our distributable cash flow may not be comparable to similar measures of other companies in our industry.
For a a reconciliation of distributable cash flow to its most comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, see Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, below.
We define distributable cash flow as EBITDA less estimated maintenance capital expenditures and cash interest paid. Distributable cash flow does not reflect changes in working capital balances. Our partnership agreement requires us to distribute all available cash on a quarterly basis, and distributable cash flow is one of the factors used by the board of directors of our general partner to help determine the amount of cash that is available to our unitholders for a given period. Therefore, we believe distributable cash flow provides information useful to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to distributable cash flow are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. Distributable cash flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure as reported in accordance with GAAP.

24


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following tables present reconciliations of EBITDA and distributable cash flow to net income and net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated.

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Reconciliation from Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income and Comprehensive Income
$
39,107

 
$
14,436

 
$
73,627

 
$
27,945

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
2,472

 
2,218

 
4,921

 
4,363

Interest Expense, Net of Amount Capitalized
100

 
(266
)
 
367

 
645

Income Tax Provision

 
8,872

 

 
17,182

Unit-Based Compensation
206

 

 
333

 

EBITDA
41,885

 
$
25,260

 
79,248

 
$
50,135

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
8,005

 
N/A
 
18,867

 
N/A
EBITDA Attributable to Noble Midstream Partners LP
33,880

 
N/A
 
60,381

 
N/A
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Interest Paid
593

 
N/A
 
768

 
N/A
Maintenance Capital Expenditures
2,951

 
N/A
 
5,052

 
N/A
Distributable Cash Flow of Noble Midstream Partners LP
$
30,336

 
N/A
 
$
54,561

 
N/A

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Reconciliation from Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
$
42,302

 
$
32,410

 
$
74,527

 
$
47,009

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense, Net of Amount Capitalized
100

 
(266
)
 
367

 
645

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
(826
)
 
(11,930
)
 
4,140

 
(6,807
)
Change in Income Tax Payable

 
5,051

 

 
9,204

Other Adjustments
309

 
(5
)
 
214

 
84

EBITDA
41,885

 
$
25,260

 
79,248

 
$
50,135

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
8,005

 
N/A
 
18,867

 
N/A
EBITDA Attributable to Noble Midstream Partners LP
33,880

 
N/A
 
60,381

 
N/A
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Interest Paid
593

 
N/A
 
768

 
N/A
Maintenance Capital Expenditures
2,951

 
N/A
 
5,052

 
N/A
Distributable Cash Flow of Noble Midstream Partners LP
$
30,336

 
N/A
 
$
54,561

 
N/A


25


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financing Strategy
Our primary source of liquidity is cash flows generated from operations based on commercial agreements with Noble and an unaffiliated third party. We expect our ongoing sources of liquidity to include cash generated from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and, if necessary, the issuance of additional equity or debt securities. We believe that cash generated from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and long-term capital expenditure requirements and to make quarterly cash distributions. We do not have any commitment from Noble or our general partner or any of their respective affiliates to fund our cash flow deficits or provide other direct or indirect financial assistance to us. Certain consolidated subsidiaries make distributions to or receive contributions from Noble in proportion to Noble's ownership in the subsidiary.
Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash to our unitholders. As a result, we expect to rely primarily upon external financing sources, including our revolving credit facility and the issuance of debt and equity securities, to fund acquisitions and our expansion capital expenditures.
During second quarter 2017, we utilized external financing sources to fund a portion of the Advantage acquisition, to fund portions of the cash consideration for the Contributed Assets, and for general partnership purposes. Our external financing sources during second quarter 2017 consisted of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the Private Placement.
We funded the Advantage acquisition with a combination of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and from cash on hand. We funded the cash consideration for the Contributed Assets with a combination of borrowings under our revolving credit facility, net proceeds from the Private Placement, and from cash on hand. See Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 1. Organization and Nature of Operations and See Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 6. Debt .
Available Liquidity
Information regarding liquidity was as follows:
(in thousands)
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Total Cash
$
19,625

 
$
57,421

Amount Available to be Borrowed Under Our Revolving Credit Facility (1)
160,000

 
350,000

Available Liquidity
$
179,625

 
$
407,421

(1)  
Cash Flows
Summary cash flow information was as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Total Cash Provided By (Used in)
 
 
 
Operating Activities
$
74,527

 
$
47,009

Investing Activities
(177,460
)
 
(16,718
)
Financing Activities
65,137

 
(41,445
)
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
(37,796
)
 
$
(11,154
)
Net cash provided by operating activities increased during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 primarily due to an increase of $45.7 million in net income driven by increased revenues resulting from higher throughput volumes, partially offset by a decrease of $17.0 million due to decreases in deferred income taxes and current income taxes payable resulting from the Partnership's status as a non-taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Cash used in investing activities increased during the first six months of 2017 as compared with the first six months of 2016 . Additions to property, plant and equipment were higher in 2017 primarily due to the construction of the Greeley Crescent gathering and fresh water delivery system as well as construction of the Delaware Basin gathering system. Additions to investments were also higher in 2017 due to our investment in the Advantage Joint Venture.
During the first six months of 2017 , our financing activities primarily included net borrowings on our revolving credit facility ($190 million), net proceeds from our Private Placement ( $138.1 million ), a distribution to Noble for the cash consideration paid for the Contributed Assets ( $245 million ), cash distributions to our unitholders ( $26.8 million ), cash

26


distributions to noncontrolling interest owners ( $19.5 million ), and cash contributions from noncontrolling interest owners ( $29.3 million ). In comparison, during the first six months of 2016 , our only financing activities were a cash distribution to our Parent ( $42.5 million ) and a cash contribution from our Parent ( $1.0 million ).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not entered into any transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements that would result in off-balance sheet liabilities.
Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2016, we had purchase obligations of approximately $19.3 million. Our purchase obligations represented the short-term obligation to purchase pipe for use in our capital projects. We have remaining purchase obligations of approximately $6.7 million.
Capital Requirements
Capital Expenditures and Other Investing Activities
The midstream energy business is capital intensive, requiring the maintenance of existing gathering systems and other midstream assets and facilities and the acquisition or construction and development of new gathering systems and other midstream assets and facilities. Capital expenditures and other investing activities (on an accrual basis) were as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Gathering System Expenditures
$
149,206

 
$
4,968

Fresh Water Delivery System Expenditures
10,622

 
155

Total Capital Expenditures
$
159,828

 
$
5,123

 
 
 
 
Additions to Investments
$
68,485

 
$
147

For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , gathering system expenditures were primarily associated with the construction of the Greeley Crescent, Delaware Basin and Mustang gathering systems, expansion of the Wells Ranch gathering system and construction of the connection from our first CGF in the Delaware Basin to the Advantage pipeline. Fresh water delivery system expenditures were primarily associated with the construction of the Greeley Crescent fresh water delivery system and expansion of the Mustang fresh water delivery system.
For the six months ended June 30, 2016 , gathering system expenditures were primarily associated with the construction of the East Pony crude oil gathering system and expansion of the Wells Ranch CGF.
For the six months ended June 30, 2017 , additions to investments were related to our investment in the Advantage joint venture.
Cash Distributions
Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly. Quarterly distributions, if any, will be made within 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter to holders of record on the applicable record date.
On July 27, 2017, the board of directors of our general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.4457 per unit. The distribution will be paid on August 14, 2017, to unitholders of record on August 7, 2017. Also on August 14, 2017, a cash incentive distribution of  $0.1 million will be made to Noble related to its IDRs, based upon the level of distribution paid per common and subordinated unit.
For future quarters, the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.375 per unit equates to $13.5 million per quarter, or $53.9 million million per year, based on the number of common and subordinated units outstanding as of June 30, 2017 .
Other than the requirement in our partnership agreement to distribute all of our available cash each quarter, we have no legal obligation to make quarterly cash distributions in this or any other amount, and the board of directors of our general partner has considerable discretion to determine the amount of our available cash each quarter. In addition, the board of directors of our general partner may change our cash distribution policy at any time, subject to the requirement in our partnership agreement to distribute all of our available cash quarterly.

27


Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk
We currently generate substantially all of our revenues pursuant to fee-based commercial agreements with Noble under which we are paid based on the volumes of crude oil, natural gas and produced water that we gather and handle and fresh water services we provide, rather than the underlying value of the commodity.
We have indirect exposure to commodity price risk in that persistent low commodity prices may cause Noble or other potential customers to delay drilling or shut in production, which would reduce the volumes available for gathering and processing by our infrastructure assets. If Noble delays drilling or completion activity, or temporarily shuts in production due to persistently low commodity prices or for any other reason, we are not assured a certain amount of revenue as our commercial agreements with Noble do not contain minimum volume commitments. Because of the natural decline in production from existing wells, our success, in part, depends on our ability to maintain or increase hydrocarbon and water throughput volumes on our midstream systems, which depends on Noble’s levels of drilling and completion activity on our dedicated acreage.
We may acquire or develop additional midstream assets in a manner that increases our exposure to commodity price risk. Future exposure to the volatility of crude oil, natural gas and NGL prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Interest Rate Risk
Our primary exposure to interest rate risk results from outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility, which has a variable interest rate. As of June 30, 2017 , $190 million was outstanding under our revolving credit facility. A 1.0% increase in our revolving credit facility interest rate would have resulted in an estimated $0.2 million increase in interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 . As a result, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and, as a further result, our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders, could be adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates.
Seasonality
Demand for crude oil and natural gas generally decreases during the spring and fall months and increases during the summer and winter months. However, seasonal anomalies such as mild winters or mild summers sometimes lessen this fluctuation. In addition, certain crude oil and natural gas users utilize natural gas storage facilities and purchase some of their anticipated winter requirements during the summer. This can also lessen seasonal demand fluctuations. These seasonal anomalies can increase demand for crude oil and natural gas during the summer and winter months and decrease demand for crude oil and natural gas during the spring and fall months. With respect to our completed midstream systems, we do not expect seasonal conditions to have a material impact on our throughput volumes. Severe or prolonged winters may, however, impact our ability to complete additional well connections or construction projects, which may impact the rate of our growth. In addition, severe winter weather may also impact or slow the ability of Noble to execute its drilling and development plans.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters. Our forward-looking statements may include statements about our business strategy, our industry, our future profitability, our expected capital expenditures and the impact of such expenditures on our performance, the costs of being a publicly traded partnership and our capital programs.
A forward-looking statement may include a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying the forward-looking statement. While we believe that we have chosen these assumptions or bases in good faith and that they are reasonable, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider the following list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:
the ability of Noble to meet its drilling and development plans;
changes in general economic conditions;
competitive conditions in our industry;
actions taken by third-party operators, gatherers, processors and transporters;
the demand for crude oil and natural gas gathering and processing services;
our ability to successfully implement our business plan;
our ability to complete internal growth projects on time and on budget;
the price and availability of debt and equity financing;

28


the availability and price of crude oil and natural gas to the consumer compared to the price of alternative and competing fuels;
competition from the same and alternative energy sources;
energy efficiency and technology trends;
operating hazards and other risks incidental to our midstream services;
natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control;
interest rates;
labor relations;
defaults by Noble under our gathering and processing agreements;
changes in availability and cost of capital;
changes in our tax status;
the effect of existing and future laws and government regulations; and
the effects of future litigation.

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs at the time they are made, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law. You should consider carefully the statements under Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 is available on our website at www.nblmidstream.com.
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise indicates, references in this report to “Predecessor,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms, when referring to periods prior to September 20, 2016, refer to Noble’s Contributed Businesses (as defined herein), our Predecessor for accounting purposes. All references to “Noble Midstream Partners,” “NBLX,” “the Partnership,” “us,” “our,” “we” or similar expressions, when referring to periods after September 20, 2016, refer to Noble Midstream Partners LP, including its consolidated subsidiaries. References to Noble may refer to Noble and/or its subsidiaries, depending on the context. Our future results of operations may not be comparable to our Predecessor’s historical results of operations.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures by our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, each of them has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)), were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


29


Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Part I. Financial Information, Item 1. Financial Statements -Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference into this Part II. Item 1.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 5. Other Information
Unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of the Partnership for the six months ended June 30, 2017 is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 is derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of the Partnership and has been adjusted to give effect to (i) the Advantage acquisition, (ii) the Private Placement and (iii) the Contribution Agreement, as if they had occurred on January 1, 2016. Information regarding these transactions is set forth in Part I. Financial Information, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 1. Organization and Nature of Operations .

Item 6. Exhibits
The information required by this Part II. Item 6 is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated by reference into this Part II. Item 6.


30


Signatures
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
Noble Midstream Partners LP
 
 
 
 
By: Noble Midstream GP, LLC,
       its General Partner
 
 
 
 
 
Date
 
August 3, 2017
 
By: /s/ John F. Bookout, IV
 
 
 
 
John F. Bookout, IV
Chief Financial Officer


31


Index to Exhibits

Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit
 
 
 
2.1
 

 
 
 
2.2
 

 
 
 
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
3.3
 
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
 
 
3.5
 
 
 
 
3.6
 
 
 
 
3.7
 
 
 
 
4.1
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
 
 
 
10.2*
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
32.1*
 
 
 
 

32



32.2*
 
 
 
 
99.1*
 
 
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
*
Filed herewith.
+
Exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

33
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