UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
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: 001-35358
TC PipeLines, LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
| 52-2135448 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
717 Texas Street, Suite 2400 Houston, Texas |
| 77002-2761 |
(Address of principle executive offices) |
| (Zip code) |
877-290-2772
(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 x No ¨
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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x |
| Accelerated filer ¨ |
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
| Smaller reporting company ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No x
As of October 29, 2013, there were 62,327,766 of the registrant’s common units outstanding.
TC PIPELINES, LP |
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| Page No. | |
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5 | ||
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 20 | |
27 | ||
29 | ||
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30 | ||
30 | ||
32 | ||
| 33 |
All amounts are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
DEFINITIONS
The abbreviations, acronyms, and industry terminology used in this quarterly report are defined as follows:
2013 Acquisition |
| Acquisition of additional 45 percent membership interests in each of GTN and Bison by the Partnership |
ASC |
| Accounting Standards Codification |
ASU |
| Accounting Standards Update |
Bison |
| Bison Pipeline LLC |
DOT |
| U.S. Department of Transportation |
EPA |
| U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
FASB |
| Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC |
| Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
GAAP |
| U.S. generally accepted accounting principles |
General Partner |
| TC PipeLines GP, Inc. |
Great Lakes |
| Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership |
GTN |
| Gas Transmission Northwest LLC |
LIBOR |
| London Interbank Offered Rate |
NGA |
| Natural Gas Act of 1938 |
North Baja |
| North Baja Pipeline, LLC |
Northern Border |
| Northern Border Pipeline Company |
Northern Border Settlement |
| Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement for Northern Border regarding its rates and terms and conditions of service |
Other Pipes |
| North Baja and Tuscarora |
Our pipeline systems |
| Our ownership interests in Great Lakes, Northern Border, GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora |
Partnership |
| TC PipeLines, LP and its subsidiaries |
Partnership Agreement |
| Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership |
PHMSA |
| U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
SEC |
| Securities and Exchange Commission |
Senior Credit Facility |
| TC PipeLines, LP’s senior credit facility under revolving credit agreement dated February 13, 2007 |
Term Loan Facility |
| TC PipeLines, LP’s term loan credit facility under a term loan agreement dated July 1, 2013 |
TransCanada |
| TransCanada Corporation and its subsidiaries |
Tuscarora |
| Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company |
U.S. |
| United States of America |
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, TC PipeLines, LP, its subsidiaries and equity investees are collectively referred to in this quarterly report as “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Partnership.” We use “our pipeline systems” and “our pipelines” when referring to the Partnership’s ownership interests in Great Lakes, Northern Border, GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora.
PART I
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are identified by words and phrases such as: “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “forecast,” “should,” “predict,” “could,” “will,” “may,” and other terms and expressions of similar meaning. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on currently available information and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated financial performance, future capital expenditures, liquidity, market or competitive conditions, regulations, organic or strategic growth opportunities, contract renewals and ability to market open capacity, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings and cash distributions to unitholders.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results predicted. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
· the ability to grow distributions through accretive expansions or acquisitions;
· the ability of our pipeline systems to sell available capacity on favorable terms and renew expiring contracts which are affected by, among other factors:
o demand for natural gas;
o changes in relative cost structures and production levels of natural gas producing basins;
o natural gas prices and regional differences;
o weather conditions; o availability and location of natural gas supplies in Canada and the U.S.;
o competition from other pipeline systems;
o natural gas storage levels; o the level of production of natural gas liquids and the subsequent impact on relative competitiveness of natural gas producing basins; and
o rates and terms of service;
· the outcome and frequency of rate proceedings or settlements negotiations on our pipeline systems;
· increases in operational or compliance costs resulting from changes in laws and governmental regulations affecting our pipeline systems, particularly regulations issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA);
· our ability to identify and complete expansion projects and other accretive growth opportunities;
· the performance by the shippers of their contractual obligations on our pipeline systems;
· changes in the taxation of master limited partnership investments by states or the federal government such as the elimination of pass-through taxation or tax deferred distributions;
· potential conflicts of interest between TC PipeLines GP, Inc., our general partner (General Partner), its affiliates and us;
· the ability to maintain secure operation of our information technology;
· the impact of any impairment charges;
· operating hazards, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control;
· the level of our indebtedness, including the indebtedness of our pipeline systems, and the availability of capital; and
· unfavorable economic conditions and the impact on capital markets.
These and other risks are described in greater detail in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date made and except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or other changes.
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TC PIPELINES, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(unaudited) |
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended | ||||||||
(millions of dollars, except per common unit |
| 2013 |
|
| 2012(a) |
|
| 2013(a) |
|
| 2012(a) |
|
amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transmission revenues |
| 85 |
|
| 84 |
|
| 253 |
|
| 256 |
|
Equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates (Note 3) |
| 15 |
|
| 24 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 77 |
|
Operating expenses |
| (19 | ) |
| (19 | ) |
| (57 | ) |
| (58 | ) |
General and administrative |
| (2 | ) |
| (1 | ) |
| (8 | ) |
| (5) |
|
Depreciation |
| (21 | ) |
| (21 | ) |
| (64 | ) |
| (64 | ) |
Financial charges and other |
| (12 | ) |
| (10 | ) |
| (31 | ) |
| (30 | ) |
Net income |
| 46 |
|
| 57 |
|
| 141 |
|
| 176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
| 9 |
|
| 9 |
|
| 27 |
|
| 28 |
|
Net income attributable to controlling interests |
| 37 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 114 |
|
| 148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to controlling interests allocation (Note 8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units |
| 36 |
|
| 47 |
|
| 112 |
|
| 145 |
|
General Partner |
| 1 |
|
| 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 3 |
|
|
| 37 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 114 |
|
| 148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per common unit (Note 8) – basic and diluted |
| $0.58 |
|
| $0.88 |
|
| $1.94 |
|
| $2.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common units outstanding (millions) – basic and diluted |
| 62.3 |
|
| 53.5 |
|
| 57.8 |
|
| 53.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units outstanding, end of period (millions) |
| 62.3 |
|
| 53.5 |
|
| 62.3 |
|
| 53.5 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TC PIPELINES, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(a) |
| 46 |
|
| 57 |
|
| 141 |
|
| 176 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges (Note 13) |
| (1 | ) |
| - |
|
| (1 | ) |
| - |
|
|
Comprehensive income |
| 45 |
|
| 57 |
|
| 140 |
|
| 176 |
|
|
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests(a) |
| 9 |
|
| 9 |
|
| 27 |
|
| 28 |
|
|
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests |
| 36 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 113 |
|
| 148 |
|
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TC PIPELINES, LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
| ||
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, |
| December 31, |
| ||
|
| 2013 |
| 2012(a) |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 4 |
|
| 3 |
|
|
Demand loan receivable from affiliate (Note 12) |
| 45 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
Accounts receivable and other (Note 14) |
| 33 |
|
| 38 |
|
|
Inventories |
| 7 |
|
| 7 |
|
|
|
| 89 |
|
| 69 |
|
|
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (Note 3) |
| 1,161 |
|
| 1,189 |
|
|
Plant, property and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Net of $652 accumulated depreciation; 2012 - $600) |
| 2,056 |
|
| 2,111 |
|
|
Goodwill |
| 130 |
|
| 130 |
|
|
Other assets |
| 9 |
|
| 6 |
|
|
|
| 3,445 |
|
| 3,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
| 24 |
|
| 26 |
|
|
Accounts payable to affiliates |
| 4 |
|
| 6 |
|
|
Accrued interest |
| 12 |
|
| 2 |
|
|
Demand loan payable to affiliate (Note 12) |
| - |
|
| 15 |
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 5) |
| 3 |
|
| 3 |
|
|
|
| 43 |
|
| 52 |
|
|
Long-term debt (Note 5) |
| 1,548 |
|
| 1,010 |
|
|
Other liabilities (Note 6) |
| 25 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
|
| 1,616 |
|
| 1,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners’ Equity (Note 7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common units |
| 1,357 |
|
| 1,275 |
|
|
General partner |
| 29 |
|
| 27 |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| (2 | ) |
| (1 | ) |
|
Controlling interests |
| 1,384 |
|
| 1,301 |
|
|
Non-controlling interests |
| 445 |
|
| 448 |
|
|
Equity of former parent of GTN and Bison |
| - |
|
| 673 |
|
|
|
| 1,829 |
|
| 2,422 |
|
|
|
| 3,445 |
|
| 3,505 |
|
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
Subsequent events (Note 15)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TC PIPELINES, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
|
| Nine months ended |
| ||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 (a) |
| 2012 (a) |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Generated From Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
| 141 |
|
| 176 |
|
|
Depreciation |
| 64 |
|
| 64 |
|
|
Amortization of debt issue costs |
| 1 |
|
| 1 |
|
|
Change in other assets |
| (4 | ) |
| - |
|
|
Change in long-term liabilities |
| 2 |
|
| - |
|
|
Change in operating working capital (Note 10) |
| 11 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
| 215 |
|
| 254 |
|
|
Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative distributions in excess of equity earnings: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes |
| 15 |
|
| 11 |
|
|
Northern Border |
| 18 |
|
| 17 |
|
|
Investment in Great Lakes (Note 3) |
| (4 | ) |
| (4 | ) |
|
Acquisition of additional interests in each of GTN and Bison, net of cash acquired (Note 4) |
| (921 | ) |
| - |
|
|
Adjustment to May 2011 acquisition (Note 7) |
| 1 |
|
| - |
|
|
Capital expenditures |
| (9 | ) |
| (25 | ) |
|
Change in affiliate demand loan receivable |
| (24 | ) |
| (13 | ) |
|
|
| (924 | ) |
| (14 | ) |
|
Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions paid on common units (Note 9) |
| (137 | ) |
| (127 | ) |
|
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests |
| (38 | ) |
| (39 | ) |
|
Change in affiliate demand loan payable |
| (15 | ) |
| 13 |
|
|
Equity issuance, net (Note 7) |
| 381 |
|
| - |
|
|
Long-term debt issued (Note 5) |
| 872 |
|
| 5 |
|
|
Long-term debt repaid (Note 5) |
| (334 | ) |
| (55 | ) |
|
Equity contribution from Bison’s former parent |
| 18 |
|
| - |
|
|
Distributions paid to former parent of GTN and Bison |
| (37 | ) |
| (59 | ) |
|
|
| 710 |
|
| (262 | ) |
|
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
| 1 |
|
| (22 | ) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
| 3 |
|
| 29 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
| 4 |
|
| 7 |
|
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TC PIPELINES, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS’ EQUITY
|
| Nine months ended |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
| |
(unaudited) |
| (millions of units) |
| (millions of dollars) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period |
| 53.5 |
|
| 1,275 |
|
Net income(a) |
|
|
|
| 112 |
|
Net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent(a) |
|
|
|
| (26) |
|
Equity issuance, net (Note 7) |
| 8.8 |
|
| 373 |
|
Distributions paid |
|
|
|
| (134) |
|
Excess purchase price over net acquired assets (Note 4) |
|
|
|
| (244) |
|
Adjustment to the May 2011 acquisition (Note 7) |
|
|
|
| 1 |
|
Balance at end of period |
| 62.3 |
|
| 1,357 |
|
General Partner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period |
|
|
|
| 27 |
|
Net income(a) |
|
|
|
| 2 |
|
Net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent(a) |
|
|
|
| - |
|
Equity issuance, net (Note 7) |
|
|
|
| 8 |
|
Distributions paid |
|
|
|
| (3) |
|
Excess purchase price over net acquired assets (Note 4) |
|
|
|
| (5) |
|
Balance at end of period |
|
|
|
| 29 |
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period |
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges(b) (Note 13) |
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Balance at end of period |
|
|
|
| (2) |
|
Equity attributable to controlling interests |
| 62.3 |
|
| 1,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period |
|
|
|
| 448 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
| 27 |
|
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
| (38) |
|
Equity contribution from Bison’s former parent (Note 12) |
|
|
|
| 8 |
|
Balance at end of period |
|
|
|
| 445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity of former parent of GTN and Bison(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period |
|
|
|
| 673 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
| 26 |
|
Distribution paid related to equity of former parent of GTN and Bison |
|
|
|
| (37) |
|
Equity contribution from Bison’s former parent (Note 12) |
|
|
|
| 10 |
|
Former parent carrying amount of acquired entities |
|
|
|
| (672) |
|
Balance at end of period |
|
|
|
| - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Equity at September 30, 2013 |
| 62.3 |
|
| 1,829 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
(b) Losses related to cash flow hedges reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and expected to be reclassified to Net Income in the next 12 months are estimated to be nil. These estimates assume constant interest rates over time; however, the amounts reclassified will vary based on actual value of interest rates at the date of settlement.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TC PIPELINES, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION
TC PipeLines, LP and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the Partnership. The Partnership was formed by TransCanada PipeLines Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation (TransCanada Corporation together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to herein as TransCanada), to acquire, own and participate in the management of energy infrastructure assets in North America.
NOTE 2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and amounts are stated in U.S. dollars. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. That report contains a more comprehensive summary of the Partnership’s major accounting policies. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements contain all of the appropriate adjustments, all of which are normally recurring adjustments unless otherwise noted, considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Partnership, the results of operation and cash flows for the respective periods. Our significant accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in Note 2 of the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Certain items from that Note are repeated or updated below as necessary to assist in understanding the accompanying financial statements.
(a) Basis of Presentation
The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in Great Lakes and Northern Border, over which it is able to exercise significant influence. The Partnership consolidates its investments in GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora.
On July 1, 2013, the Partnership acquired additional 45 percent membership interests in each of GTN and Bison (the 2013 Acquisition) from subsidiaries of TransCanada. The 2013 Acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, similar to a pooling of interests, whereby the assets and liabilities of GTN and Bison were recorded at TransCanada’s carrying value and the Partnership’s historical financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for all periods presented. Refer to Note 4 for additional disclosure regarding the 2013 Acquisition.
(b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.
NOTE 3 INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
Great Lakes and Northern Border are regulated by FERC and are operated by TransCanada. The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for its interests in its equity investees.
|
| Ownership |
| Equity Earnings/(Losses) from |
| Investments in | |||||
|
| Interest at |
| Three months | Nine months |
|
|
| |||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| ended September 30, | ended September 30, |
| September 30, | December 31, | |||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2013 | 2012 |
| 2013 | 2012 |
| 2013 | 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes |
| 46.45% |
| (2) | 6 |
| - | 23 |
| 666 | 677 |
Northern Border (a) |
| 50% |
| 17 | 18 |
| 48 | 54 |
| 495 | 512 |
|
|
|
| 15 | 24 |
| 48 | 77 |
| 1,161 | 1,189 |
(a) Equity earnings from Northern Border is net of the 12-year amortization of a $10 million transaction fee paid to the operator of Northern Border at the time of the Partnership’s additional 20 percent interest acquisition in April 2006.
Great Lakes
On September 27, 2013, Great Lakes filed with FERC a settlement with its customers to modify its transportation rates beginning on November 1, 2013. The settlement establishes maximum recourse transportation rates on the Great Lakes system. Commencing November 2013, rates will increase, compared to current rates, by approximately 21 percent. The settlement includes a moratorium on filing rate cases or challenging the settlement rates between November 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015 and requires that Great Lakes file to have new rates in effect no later than January 1, 2018.
The Partnership made an equity contribution to Great Lakes of $4 million in the first quarter of 2013. This amount represents the Partnership’s 46.45 percent share of a $9 million cash call from Great Lakes to make a scheduled debt repayment.
The Partnership recorded no undistributed earnings from Great Lakes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
The summarized financial information for Great Lakes is as follows:
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, 2013 |
|
| December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
| 37 |
|
| 56 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
| 777 |
|
| 799 |
|
|
| 814 |
|
| 855 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
| 21 |
|
| 30 |
|
Long-term debt, including current maturities |
| 345 |
|
| 354 |
|
Partners’ equity |
| 448 |
|
| 471 |
|
|
| 814 |
|
| 855 |
|
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended | ||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, | ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transmission revenues |
| 26 |
| 46 |
| 90 |
| 143 |
Operating expenses |
| (15) |
| (17) |
| (45) |
| (48) |
Depreciation |
| (8) |
| (8) |
| (24) |
| (24) |
Financial charges and other |
| (6) |
| (7) |
| (20) |
| (21) |
Net income/(loss) |
| (3) |
| 14 |
| 1 |
| 50 |
Northern Border
In January 2013, FERC gave final approval for the Northern Border Settlement which establishes maximum long-term transportation rates and charges on the Northern Border system effective January 1, 2013. Northern Border’s previous reservation rates were reduced by approximately 11 percent as a result of this settlement.
The Partnership recorded no undistributed earnings from Northern Border for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
The summarized financial information for Northern Border is as follows:
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 29 |
| 28 |
|
Other current assets |
| 33 |
| 35 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
| 1,205 |
| 1,234 |
|
Other assets |
| 31 |
| 31 |
|
|
| 1,298 |
| 1,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
| 54 |
| 53 |
|
Deferred credits and other |
| 19 |
| 16 |
|
Long-term debt, including current maturities |
| 473 |
| 473 |
|
Partners’ equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Partners’ capital |
| 754 |
| 789 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| (2) |
| (3) |
|
|
| 1,298 |
| 1,328 |
|
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended | ||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, | ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transmission revenues |
| 72 |
| 78 |
| 213 |
| 232 |
Operating expenses |
| (18) |
| (21) |
| (56) |
| (57) |
Depreciation |
| (15) |
| (16) |
| (44) |
| (48) |
Financial charges and other |
| (6) |
| (5) |
| (17) |
| (18) |
Net income |
| 33 |
| 36 |
| 96 |
| 109 |
NOTE 4 ACQUISITION
On July 1, 2013, the Partnership acquired additional 45 percent membership interests in each of GTN and Bison from subsidiaries of TransCanada. GTN and Bison are both regulated by FERC and operated by TransCanada. The total purchase price of the 2013 Acquisition, subject to certain post-closing adjustments, was $1,050 million plus closing adjustments for working capital of $17 million. The purchase price consisted of (i) $750 million for the GTN membership interest (less $146 million, which reflected 45 percent of GTN’s outstanding debt at the time of the
2013 Acquisition), (ii) $300 million for the membership interest in Bison and (iii) closing working capital adjustments.
The resulting $921 million (after closing adjustments) paid by the Partnership was financed through a combination of (i) a public offering of 8,855,000 common units at $43.85 per common unit resulting in net proceeds of $373 million (refer to note 7), (ii) borrowing of $500 million in term loans (refer to note 5), (iii) a capital contribution from the General Partner of $8 million which was required to maintain the General Partner’s effective two percent general partner interest in the Partnership (refer to note 7), and (iv) a draw on the Partnership’s existing $500 million Senior Credit Facility and cash on hand.
If Portland General Electric Company executes a firm transportation service agreement by December 31, 2014 containing agreed terms and relating to transportation on GTN’s proposed Carty Lateral, the Partnership will pay an additional $25 million.
The 2013 Acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, similar to a pooling of interests, whereby the assets and liabilities of GTN and Bison were recorded at TransCanada’s carrying value and the Partnership’s historical financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for all periods presented. The purchase price was recorded as follows:
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
| 67 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| 1,792 |
|
Other assets |
| 1 |
|
Current liabilities |
| (20) |
|
Other liabilities |
| (21) |
|
Long-term debt |
| (325) |
|
|
| 1,494 |
|
Non-controlling interest |
| (448) |
|
Carrying value of pre-existing 25% interest in each of GTN and Bison |
| (374) |
|
Carrying value of acquired 45% interest in each of GTN and Bison |
| 672 |
|
Excess purchase price over net assets acquired |
| 249 |
|
Cash consideration |
| 921 |
|
As the fair market value paid for the additional 45 percent interests in each of GTN and Bison was greater than the acquired net assets of GTN and Bison by $237 million and $12 million, respectively, the total excess purchase price paid of $249 million was recorded in Partners’ Equity. The retrospective consolidation of GTN and Bison increased net income attributable to common units by $26 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and by $13 million and $41 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, these amounts are however, excluded from equity attributable to controlling interests.
NOTE 5 CREDIT FACILITIES AND LONG-TERM DEBT
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Credit Facility due 2017 |
| 350 |
| 312 |
|
Term Loan Facility due 2018 |
| 500 |
| - |
|
4.65% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2021 |
| 349 |
| 349 |
|
5.09% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2015 |
| 75 |
| 75 |
|
5.29% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2020 |
| 100 |
| 100 |
|
5.69% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2035 |
| 150 |
| 150 |
|
3.82% Series D Senior Notes due 2017 |
| 27 |
| 27 |
|
|
| 1,551 |
| 1,013 |
|
Less: current portion of long-term debt |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
|
| 1,548 |
| 1,010 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
The Partnership’s Senior Credit Facility consists of a $500 million senior revolving credit facility with a banking syndicate, maturing November 20, 2017, under which $350 million was outstanding at September 30, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $312 million), leaving $150 million available for future borrowing.
The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) based interest rate on the Senior Credit Facility averaged 1.44 and 1.45 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively (2012 – 1.62 and 1.63 percent). The LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.44 percent at September 30, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 1.47 percent).
On July 1, 2013, the Partnership entered into a term loan agreement with a syndicate of lenders for a $500 million term loan credit facility (Term Loan Facility). On July 2, 2013, the Partnership borrowed $500 million under the Term Loan Facility to pay a portion of the purchase price of the 2013 Acquisition. The Term Loan Facility has a term of five years, and all amounts outstanding are due and payable on July 1, 2018. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bears interest based, at the Partnership’s election, on the LIBOR or the base rate plus, in either case, an applicable margin. The base rate equals the highest of (i) SunTrust Bank’s prime rate, (ii) 0.50 percent above the federal funds rate and (iii) 1.00 percent above one-month LIBOR. The applicable margin for the term loans is based on the Partnership’s senior debt rating and ranges between 1.125 percent and 2.00 percent for LIBOR borrowings and 0.125 percent and 1.000 percent for base rate borrowings.
The LIBOR based interest rate on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.44 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2013. After hedging activity, the interest rate incurred on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.56 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Prior to hedging activities, the LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.44 percent at September 30, 2013.
At September 30, 2013, the Partnership was in compliance with its financial covenants, in addition to the other covenants which include restrictions on entering into mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, granting liens, material amendments to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (Partnership Agreement), incurring additional debt and distributions to unitholders.
Series D Senior Notes are secured by Tuscarora’s transportation contracts, supporting agreements and substantially all of Tuscarora’s property. The note purchase agreement contains certain provisions that include, among other items, limitations on additional indebtedness and distributions to partners.
The principal repayments required on the long-term debt are as follows:
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
| 3 |
|
2014 |
| 4 |
|
2015 |
| 79 |
|
2016 |
| 4 |
|
2017 |
| 362 |
|
Thereafter |
| 1,099 |
|
|
| 1,551 |
|
NOTE 6 OTHER LIABILITIES
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory liabilities |
| 23 |
| 20 |
|
Fair value of derivative contracts (Note 13) |
| 1 |
| - |
|
Other liabilities |
| 1 |
| 1 |
|
|
| 25 |
| 21 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
The Partnership collects estimated future removal costs related to its transmission and gathering facilities in its current rates and recognizes regulatory liabilities in this respect in the balance sheet. Estimated costs associated with the future removal of transmission and gathering facilities are collected through depreciation as allowed by FERC. These amounts do not represent asset retirement obligations as defined by FASB ASC 410, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.
NOTE 7 PARTNERS’ EQUITY
On May 22, 2013, the Partnership closed a public offering of 8,855,000 common units, including 1,155,000 common units purchased pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common units, at a price to the public of $43.85 per common unit for gross proceeds of $388 million and net proceeds of $373 million after unit issuance costs. TC PipeLines, GP Inc. (General Partner) maintained its effective two percent general partner interest in the Partnership by contributing $8 million to the Partnership in connection with the offering. Refer to Note 4 for disclosure regarding the 2013 Acquisition.
At September 30, 2013, Partners’ Equity included 62,327,766 common units (December 31, 2012 – 53,472,766 common units), representing an aggregate 98 percent limited partner interest in the Partnership (including 5,797,106 common units held by the General Partner and an additional 11,287,725 common units held indirectly by TransCanada), and an aggregate two percent general partner interest. In aggregate, the General Partner’s interests represent an effective 11.1 percent ownership in the Partnership at September 30, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 12.6 percent).
On July 22, 2013, a subsidiary of TransCanada paid $1 million to the Partnership in relation to the May 2011 acquisition of a 25 percent interest in Bison as a post-closing construction expenditures adjustment.
NOTE 8 NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT
Net income per common unit is computed by dividing net income attributable to controlling interests, after deduction of the General Partner’s allocation, by the weighted average number of common units outstanding. The General Partner’s allocation is equal to an amount based upon the General Partner’s effective two percent general partner interest, plus an amount equal to incentive distributions. Incentive distributions are paid to the General Partner if quarterly cash distributions on the common units exceed levels specified in the Partnership Agreement.
Net income per common unit was determined as follows:
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012(a) |
| 2013(a) |
| 2012(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to controlling interests |
| 37 |
| 48 |
| 114 |
| 148 |
|
Net income allocated to General Partner |
| (1) |
| (1) |
| (2) |
| (3) |
|
Net income allocated to common units |
| 36 |
| 47 |
| 112 |
| 145 |
|
Weighted average common units outstanding (millions) – basic and diluted |
| 62.3 |
| 53.5 |
| 57.8 |
| 53.5 |
|
Net income per common unit – basic and diluted |
| $0.58 |
| $0.88 |
| $1.94 |
| $2.71 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and 4.
NOTE 9 CASH DISTRIBUTIONS
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Partnership distributed $0.81 and $2.37 per common unit (2012 – $0.78 and $2.32 per common unit) for a total of $52 million and $137 million, respectively (2012 - $43 million and $127 million). The distributions paid for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 included no incentive distributions to the General Partner.
NOTE 10 CHANGE IN OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL
(unaudited) |
| Nine months ended September 30, |
| ||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in accounts receivable and other |
| 5 |
| 7 |
|
Change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
| (2) |
| (3) |
|
Change in accounts payable to affiliates |
| (2) |
| (1) |
|
Change in accrued interest |
| 10 |
| 10 |
|
Change in operating working capital |
| 11 |
| 13 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
NOTE 11 TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS
The following table shows revenues from the Partnership’s major customers comprising more than 10 percent of the Partnership’s total revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012(a) |
| 2013(a) |
| 2012(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anadarko Energy Services Company |
| 12 |
| 12 |
| 36 |
| 36 |
|
Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| 11 |
| 12 |
| 35 |
| 35 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
NOTE 12 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Partnership does not have any employees. The management and operating functions are provided by the General Partner. The General Partner does not receive a management fee in connection with its management of the Partnership. The Partnership reimburses the General Partner for all costs of services provided, including the costs of employee, officer and director compensation and benefits, and all other expenses necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the business of, and allocable to, the Partnership. Such costs include (i) overhead costs (such as office
space and equipment) and (ii) out-of-pocket expenses related to the provision of such services. The Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner will determine the costs that are allocable to the Partnership in any reasonable manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion. Total costs charged to the Partnership by the General Partner were $1 million and $3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (2012 – $1 million and $2 million).
As operator, TransCanada’s subsidiaries provide capital and operating services to our pipeline systems. TransCanada’s subsidiaries incur costs on behalf of our pipeline systems, including, but not limited to, employee salary and benefit costs, and property and liability insurance costs.
Capital and operating costs charged to our pipeline systems for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 by TransCanada’s subsidiaries and amounts payable to TransCanada’s subsidiaries at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are summarized in the following tables:
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital and operating costs charged by TransCanada’s subsidiaries to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes (a) |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| 23 |
| 24 |
|
Northern Border (a) |
| 7 |
| 7 |
| 21 |
| 22 |
|
GTN (a) |
| 7 |
| 7 |
| 21 |
| 21 |
|
Bison (a) |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
|
North Baja |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
Tuscarora |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
Impact on the Partnership’s net income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 10 |
| 11 |
|
Northern Border |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 10 |
| 10 |
|
GTN |
| 5 |
| 2 |
| 14 |
| 5 |
|
Bison |
| 1 |
| - |
| 3 |
| 1 |
|
North Baja |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
Tuscarora |
| 1 |
| 1 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
(a) Represents 100 percent of the costs.
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount payable to TransCanada’s subsidiaries for costs charged in the period by: |
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes (a) |
| 2 |
| 4 |
|
Northern Border (a) |
| 3 |
| 4 |
|
GTN (a) |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
Bison (a) |
| - |
| 1 |
|
North Baja |
| - |
| 1 |
|
Tuscarora |
| - |
| 1 |
|
(a) Represents 100 percent of the costs.
Great Lakes earns transportation revenues from TransCanada and its affiliates under contracts, some of which are provided at discounted rates and some at maximum recourse rates. Great Lakes earned $14 million and $49 million of transportation revenues under these contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (2012 - $17 million and $58 million). These amounts represent 54 percent of total revenues earned by Great Lakes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (2012 – 37 percent and 41 percent). Great Lakes also earned $1 million of affiliated rental revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (2012 - $1 million and $1 million).
Revenue from TransCanada and its affiliates of $7 million and $23 million are included in the Partnership’s Equity earnings from Great Lakes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (2012 - $8 million and $27
million). At September 30, 2013, $5 million was included in Great Lakes’ receivables in regards to the transportation contracts with TransCanada and its affiliates (December 31, 2012 - $10 million).
Bison’s former parent made an equity contribution to Bison of $18 million in the second quarter of 2013. This amount represents former parent’s 75 percent share of a $24 million cash call from Bison to repay inter-affiliate debt primarily related to pipeline construction costs, including reclamation and restoration work.
Beginning October 1, 2013, GTN and Bison participate in the Partnership’s cash management program. Prior to this, GTN and Bison were part of TransCanada’s cash management program. This program matches short-term cash surpluses and borrowing requirements of participating subsidiaries, thus minimizing total borrowing from outside sources. Funds advanced under the program are considered to be a loan, accruing interest and repayable on demand. GTN and Bison will receive interest on funds advanced to the Partnership at the rate of interest earned by the Partnership on its short-term cash investments and will pay interest on funds advanced from the Partnership based on the Partnership’s short-term borrowing costs. At September 30, 2013, GTN and Bison had, in aggregate, a demand loan receivable from an affiliate and a demand loan payable to an affiliate of $45 million and nil, respectively (December 31, 2012 - $21 million and $15 million).
NOTE 13 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
(a) Fair Value Hierarchy
Under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, fair value measurements are characterized in one of three levels based upon the input used to arrive at the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
· Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
· Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
· Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors including credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.
(b) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and other, demand loan receivable from affiliate, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accounts payable to affiliates, accrued interest, and demand loan payable to affiliates approximate their fair values because of the short maturity or duration of these instruments, or because the instruments bear a variable rate of interest or a rate that approximates current rates. The fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at estimated current borrowing rates. The fair value of interest rate derivatives is calculated using the income approach which uses period-end market rates and applies a discounted cash flow valuation model.
The estimated fair value of the Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ long-term debt as at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
(unaudited) |
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012(a) |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| Carrying Value |
| Fair Value |
| Carrying Value |
| Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Credit Facility due 2017 |
| 350 |
| 350 |
| 312 |
| 312 |
|
Term Loan Facility due 2018 |
| 500 |
| 500 |
| - |
| - |
|
4.65% Senior Notes due 2021 |
| 349 |
| 353 |
| 349 |
| 372 |
|
5.09% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2015 |
| 75 |
| 80 |
| 75 |
| 83 |
|
5.29% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2020 |
| 100 |
| 114 |
| 100 |
| 123 |
|
5.69% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2035 |
| 150 |
| 172 |
| 150 |
| 201 |
|
3.82% Series D Senior Notes due 2017 |
| 27 |
| 29 |
| 27 |
| 30 |
|
|
| 1,551 |
| 1,598 |
| 1,013 |
| 1,121 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
Long-term debt is recorded at amortized cost and classified in Level II of the fair value hierarchy for fair value disclosure purposes. Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities are classified in Level II.
The Partnership’s floating rate debt is subject to interest rate cash flow risk. The Partnership uses interest rate derivatives to manage its exposure to interest rate risk.
The interest rate swaps are structured such that the cash flows of the derivative instruments match those of the variable rate of interest on the Term Loan Facility. The Partnership hedged interest payments on $150 million of variable-rate Term Loan Facility by interest rate swaps from September 3, 2013 through July 1, 2018 ($150 million of interest rate swaps mature on July 1, 2018), where the weighted average fixed interest rate paid is 2.79 percent. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges was negative $1 million which is classified as other long-term liability (refer to Note 6). In 2013, the Partnership did not record any amounts in net income related to ineffectiveness for interest rate hedges. The change in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income is $1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
NOTE 14 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
| ||
(millions of dollars) |
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012(a) | ||
|
|
|
|
| ||
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of nil |
| 29 |
|
| 31 |
|
Accounts receivable from affiliates |
| 1 |
|
| 1 |
|
Other |
| 3 |
|
| 6 |
|
|
| 33 |
|
| 38 |
|
(a) Recast as discussed in Note 2 and Note 4.
NOTE 15 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 24, 2013, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s third quarter 2013 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit payable on November 14, 2013 to unitholders of record as of November 5, 2013.
Great Lakes declared its third quarter 2013 distribution of $3 million on October 22, 2013, of which the Partnership will receive its 46.45 percent share or $2 million on November 1, 2013.
Northern Border declared its third quarter 2013 distribution of $38 million on October 22, 2013, of which the Partnership will receive its 50 percent share or $19 million on November 1, 2013.
GTN declared its third quarter 2013 distribution of $30 million on October 22, 2013 payable on November 1, 2013.
Bison declared its third quarter 2013 distribution of $11 million on October 22, 2013 payable on November 1, 2013.
The Partnership expects to make a $31 million equity contribution to Northern Border in the fourth quarter of 2013 to fund repayment of the Northern Border Credit Facility.
The Partnership expects to make a $5 million equity contribution to Great Lakes in the fourth quarter of 2013 to further fund debt repayments.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and notes included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
Great Lakes Rate Settlement – On September 27, 2013, Great Lakes filed with FERC a settlement with its customers to modify its transportation rates beginning on November 1, 2013. The settlement is expected to be approved by FERC before the end of the year. The settlement establishes maximum recourse transportation rates on the Great Lakes system. Commencing November 2013, rates will increase, compared to current rates, by approximately 21 percent. This will result in a modest increase in the portion of Great Lakes’ revenue derived from its recourse rate contracts. The settlement includes a moratorium on filing rate cases or challenging the settlement rates between November 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015 and requires that Great Lakes file to have new rates in effect no later than January 1, 2018.
GTN and Bison Additional Membership Interests Acquisition - On July 1, 2013, the Partnership acquired additional 45 percent membership interests in each of GTN and Bison (the 2013 Acquisition) from subsidiaries of TransCanada. The total purchase price of the 2013 Acquisition, subject to certain post-closing adjustments, was $1,050 million plus closing adjustments for working capital of $17 million. The purchase price consisted of (i) $750 million for the GTN membership interest (less $146 million, which reflected 45 percent of GTN’s outstanding debt at the time of the 2013 Acquisition), (ii) $300 million for the membership interest in Bison and (iii) closing working capital adjustments. Refer to Note 4 within Item 1. “Financial Statements” for additional disclosure regarding the 2013 Acquisition.
Term Loan Facility - On July 2, 2013, the Partnership borrowed $500 million under a new Term Loan Facility with a syndicate of lenders, which matures on July 1, 2018. The outstanding principal bears interest based on the LIBOR plus an applicable margin.
Equity Offering - On May 22, 2013, the Partnership completed a public offering of 8,855,000 common units at $43.85 per common unit for gross proceeds of $388 million and net proceeds of $373 million after unit issuance costs.
Cash Distributions – On April 23, 2013, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s first quarter 2013 cash distribution in the amount of $0.78 per common unit, payable on May 15, 2013 to unitholders of record as of May 6, 2013.
Cash Distributions – On July 23, 2013, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s second quarter 2013 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit payable on August 14, 2013 to unitholders of record as of August 5, 2013.
Cash Distributions – On October 24, 2013, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s third quarter 2013 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit payable on November 14, 2013 to unitholders of record as of November 5, 2013.
Northern Border – Northern Border’s long-haul capacity is substantially contracted through March 2015. Northern Border has continued to successfully negotiate contract extensions for expiring capacity from Canada to Ventura. The majority of these extensions are for terms of three years or longer.
Outlook of Our Business
The 2013 Acquisition increased the Partnership’s interests in each of GTN and Bison from 25 percent to 70 percent which is expected to improve the Partnership’s long-term cash flow stability and predictability. The transaction will also reduce the Partnership’s relative exposure to Great Lakes which is currently experiencing lower earnings and more variable cash flow than in prior years.
The results from the ownership interests in the other pipelines in our portfolio continue to be relatively consistent year over year reflecting the longer term contract status and recent regulatory settlements.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
FERC Rate Proceedings
Great Lakes – Refer to Recent Business Developments above for information regarding Great Lakes rate settlement.
Northern Border – In January 2013, FERC gave final approval for the Northern Border Settlement which establishes maximum long-term transportation rates and charges on the Northern Border system effective January 1, 2013. Northern Border’s previous reservation rates were reduced by approximately 11 percent.
HOW WE EVALUATE OUR OPERATIONS
We evaluate our business primarily on the basis of the underlying operating results for each of our pipeline systems, along with a measure of Partnership cash flows. This measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. It is, therefore, considered to be a non-GAAP measure and is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Partnership cash flows include net income attributable to controlling interests, less net income attributed to 45 percent interests in each of GTN and Bison not owned prior to July 1, 2013, plus operating cash flows from North Baja and Tuscarora, and cash distributions received from Great Lakes, Northern Border, GTN and Bison, less equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates and Other Pipes’ net income as previously reported, plus net income attributable to non-controlling interests from consolidated subsidiaries after the 2013 Acquisition, and net of distributions declared to the General Partner. Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions represent Partnership cash flows prior to distributions paid to the General Partner.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions, which cannot be known with certainty, that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ. There were no significant changes to the Partnership’s critical accounting policies and estimates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Information about our critical accounting policies and estimates is included under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The 2013 Acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, similar to a pooling of interests, whereby the assets and liabilities of GTN and Bison were recorded at TransCanada’s carrying value and the Partnership’s historical financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for all periods presented. Refer to Recent Business Developments for additional information regarding the 2013 Acquisition.
Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests
To supplement our financial statements, we have presented a comparison of the earnings contribution components from each of our investments. We have presented net income attributable to controlling interests in this format to enhance investors’ understanding of the way management analyzes our financial performance. We believe this summary provides a more meaningful comparison of our current period net income attributable to controlling interests relative to prior periods, as we account for our partially-owned pipeline systems using the equity method. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||||||
(millions of dollars) |
| 2013 |
| 2012(a) |
| 2013(a) |
| 2012(a) |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
GTN |
| 19 |
|
| 18 |
|
| 56 |
|
| 58 |
|
|
Bison |
| 11 |
|
| 11 |
|
| 33 |
|
| 34 |
|
|
North Baja |
| 6 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 18 |
|
| 17 |
|
|
Tuscarora |
| 4 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 12 |
|
| 12 |
|
|
Equity earnings/(losses): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes |
| (2 | ) |
| 6 |
|
| - |
|
| 23 |
|
|
Northern Border |
| 17 |
|
| 18 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 54 |
|
|
Partnership expenses |
| (9 | ) |
| (6 | ) |
| (26 | ) |
| (22 | ) |
|
Net income |
| 46 |
|
| 57 |
|
| 141 |
|
| 176 |
|
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
| 9 |
|
| 9 |
|
| 27 |
|
| 28 |
|
|
Net income attributable to controlling interests |
| 37 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 114 |
|
| 148 |
|
|
(a) Financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for all periods presented.
Third Quarter 2013 Compared with Third Quarter 2012
For the three months ended September 30, 2013, net income attributable to controlling interests decreased by $11 million to $37 million compared to $48 million in the third quarter of 2012. This decrease was primarily due to lower equity earnings from Great Lakes and increased Partnership expenses.
Equity losses from Great Lakes were $2 million in the third quarter of 2013, whereas Great Lakes had equity earnings of $6 million in the same period in 2012. The decrease of $8 million was due to lower revenue resulting from capacity contracted at lower rates and volumes in the third quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
Partnership expenses were $9 million in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of $3 million compared to the same period in 2012. This increase was due to higher interest expense as a result of the $500 million term loan obtained to finance a portion of the purchase price of the 2013 Acquisition.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net income attributable to controlling interests decreased by $34 million to $114 million compared to $148 million for the same period in 2012. This decrease was primarily due to lower equity earnings from Great Lakes and Northern Border and increased Partnership expenses.
Equity earnings from Great Lakes was nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of $23 million compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease was due to lower revenue resulting from capacity contracted at lower rates and volumes during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
Equity earnings from Northern Border were $48 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of $6 million compared to the same period in 2012. This decrease was due to the 11 percent reservation rates reduction resulting from the Northern Border Settlement which became effective in January 2013.
Partnership expenses were $26 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $4 million compared to the same period in 2012. This increase was due to acquisition and interest expenses incurred in relation to the acquisition of additional interests in GTN and Bison.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
Our principal sources of liquidity include distributions received from our investments in unconsolidated affiliates, operating cash flows from GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora, public offerings of debt and equity, term loans and our bank credit facility. The Partnership funds its operating expenses, debt service and cash distributions
primarily with operating cash flow. Long-term capital needs may be met through the issuance of long-term debt and/or equity.
Our pipeline systems’ principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operating activities, long-term debt offerings, bank credit facilities and equity contributions from their owners. Our pipeline systems have historically funded operating expenses, debt service and cash distributions to their owners primarily with operating cash flow. However, since the fourth quarter of 2010, Great Lakes has funded its debt repayments with cash calls to its owners.
Capital expenditures are funded by a variety of sources, including cash generated from operating activities, borrowings under bank credit facilities, issuance of senior unsecured notes or equity contributions from our pipeline systems’ owners. The ability of our pipeline systems to access the debt capital markets under reasonable terms depends on their financial position and general market conditions.
The Partnership’s pipeline systems monitor the creditworthiness of their customers and have credit provisions included in their tariffs, although limited by FERC, which allow them to request credit support as circumstances dictate.
Our cash flow is based on the distributions from our portfolio of six pipelines. Reduced transportation revenue on Great Lakes has resulted in lower and more variable cash flow from Great Lakes than in prior years. Overall, we believe that our pipeline systems’ ability to obtain financing at reasonable rates, together with a history of consistent cash flow from operating activities, and the 2013 Acquisition provide a solid foundation to meet future liquidity and capital requirements. We expect to be able to fund our liquidity requirements at the Partnership level over the next 12 months, including our distributions, utilizing our cash flow and our existing Senior Credit Facility as required.
Partnership Cash Flows
The Partnership uses the non-GAAP financial measures “Partnership cash flows” and “Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions” as they provide a measure of cash generated during the period to evaluate our cash distribution capability. As well, management uses these measures as a basis for recommendations to our General Partner’s board of directors regarding the distribution amount to be declared each quarter. Partnership cash flow information is presented to enhance investors’ understanding of the way that management analyzes the Partnership’s financial performance.
Partnership cash flows include net income attributable to controlling interests, less net income attributed to 45 percent interests in each of GTN and Bison not owned prior to July 1, 2013, plus operating cash flows from North Baja and Tuscarora, and cash distributions received from Great Lakes, Northern Border, GTN and Bison, less equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates and Other Pipes’ net income as previously reported, plus net income attributable to non-controlling interests from consolidated subsidiaries after the 2013 Acquisition, and net of distributions declared to the General Partner. Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions represent Partnership cash flows prior to distributions paid to the General Partner.
Partnership cash flows and Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions are provided as a supplement to GAAP financial results and are not meant to be considered in isolation or as substitutes for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Non-GAAP Measures
Reconciliations of Net Income attributable to controlling interests to Partnership Cash Flows
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||||||
(unaudited) |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||||||
(millions of dollars except per common unit amounts) |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| ||||
Net income attributable to controlling interests(d) |
| 37 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 114 |
|
| 148 |
|
|
Less net income attributed to 45 percent interests in GTN and Bison not owned prior to July 1, 2013 (d) |
| - |
|
| (13) |
|
| (26) |
|
| (41) |
|
|
Net income as previously reported |
| 37 |
|
| 35 |
|
| 88 |
|
| 107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash distributions from Great Lakes (a) |
| 3 |
|
| 11 |
|
| 15 |
|
| 34 |
|
|
Cash distributions from Northern Border (a) |
| 22 |
|
| 20 |
|
| 66 |
|
| 71 |
|
|
Cash distributions from GTN (a) |
| 19 |
|
| 7 |
|
| 33 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
Cash distributions from Bison (a) |
| 11 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 18 |
|
| 12 |
|
|
Cash flows provided by North Baja’s and Tuscarora’s operating activities |
| 13 |
|
| 13 |
|
| 39 |
|
| 37 |
|
|
|
| 68 |
|
| 55 |
|
| 171 |
|
| 175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity earnings/(losses) as previously reported: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes |
| 2 |
|
| (6) |
|
| - |
|
| (23) |
|
|
Northern Border |
| (17) |
|
| (18) |
|
| (48) |
|
| (54) |
|
|
GTN |
| - |
|
| (5) |
|
| (9) |
|
| (15) |
|
|
Bison |
| - |
|
| (2) |
|
| (6) |
|
| (8) |
|
|
|
| (15) |
|
| (31) |
|
| (63) |
|
| (100) |
|
|
Other Pipes’ net income as previously reported (e) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GTN |
| (19) |
|
| - |
|
| (19) |
|
| - |
|
|
Bison |
| (11) |
|
| - |
|
| (11) |
|
| - |
|
|
North Baja |
| (6) |
|
| (6) |
|
| (18) |
|
| (17) |
|
|
Tuscarora |
| (4) |
|
| (4) |
|
| (12) |
|
| (12) |
|
|
|
| (40) |
|
| (10) |
|
| (60) |
|
| (29) |
|
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests after the 2013 Acquisition |
| 9 |
|
| - |
|
| 9 |
|
| - |
|
|
|
| (46) |
|
| (41) |
|
| (114) |
|
| (129) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions |
| 59 |
|
| 49 |
|
| 145 |
|
| 153 |
|
|
General Partner distributions (b) |
| (1) |
|
| (1) |
|
| (3) |
|
| (3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership cash flows |
| 58 |
|
| 48 |
|
| 142 |
|
| 150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash distributions declared |
| (52) |
|
| (43) |
|
| (146) |
|
| (127) |
|
|
Cash distributions declared per common unit (c) |
| $0.81 |
|
| $0.78 |
|
| $2.40 |
|
| $2.33 |
|
|
Cash distributions paid |
| (52) |
|
| (43) |
|
| (137) |
|
| (127) |
|
|
Cash distributions paid per common unit (c) |
| $0.81 |
|
| $0.78 |
|
| $2.37 |
|
| $2.32 |
|
|
(a) In accordance with the cash distribution policies of the respective entities, cash distributions from Great Lakes, Northern Border, GTN and Bison are based on their respective prior quarter financial results. Distributions from GTN and Bison are based on 70 percent ownership starting from July 1, 2013.
(b) General Partner distributions represent the cash distributions paid to the General Partner with respect to its two percent interest plus an amount equal to incentive distributions. Incentive distributions in the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 were nil.
(c) Cash distributions declared per common unit and cash distributions paid per common unit are computed by dividing cash distributions, after the deduction of the General Partner’s allocation, by the number of common units outstanding. The General Partner’s allocation is computed based upon the General Partner’s two percent interest plus an amount equal to incentive distributions.
(d) Financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for all periods presented. Prior to the 2013 Acquisition, our net income was $35 million and $107 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, reflecting 25 percent ownership in each of GTN and Bison. As part of the recast, we show net income of $48 million and $148 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as if we owned 70 percent in each of GTN and Bison. Net
income attributed to GTN and Bison’s former parent of $13 million and $41 million, reflecting the 45 percent interests not then owned by the Partnership, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, reconciles the net income as previously reported and that after the recast.
(e) “Other Pipes” includes the results of North Baja and Tuscarora prior to July 1, 2013. Since July 1, 2013, it includes the results of GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora.
Third Quarter 2013 Compared with Third Quarter 2012
For the three months ended September 30, 2013, Partnership cash flows were $58 million, a $10 million increase compared to the $48 million in the third quarter of 2012. This increase was primarily due to the increased cash distributions from GTN and Bison of $19 million beginning July 1, 2013 as a result of the 2013 Acquisition. It was partially offset by lower cash distributions from Great Lakes of $8 million as compared to the same period of 2012 for reasons consistent with the reduction in earnings previously discussed under “Results of Operations”.
The Partnership paid distributions of $52 million in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of $9 million compared to the same period in 2012. This increase was due to a $0.03 increase in the distribution per common unit in the second quarter of 2013, as well as an increase in the number of common units outstanding resulting from the May 2013 equity issuance.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Partnership cash flows were $142 million, an $8 million decrease compared to the $150 million in the same period of 2012. This decrease was primarily due to lower cash distributions from Great Lakes of $19 million and Northern Border of $5 million as compared to the same period of 2012, consistent with the reductions in earnings previously discussed under “Results of Operations”. This decrease was offset by increased cash distributions from GTN and Bison as a result of the 2013 Acquisition.
The Partnership paid distributions of $137 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of $10 million compared to the same period in 2012. This increase was due to a $0.03 increase in the distribution per common unit in the second quarter of 2013, as well as an increase in the number of common units outstanding resulting from the May 2013 equity issuance.
Other Cash Flows
On July 1, 2013, the Partnership acquired additional 45 percent membership interests in each of GTN and Bison from subsidiaries of TransCanada. The total purchase price of the 2013 Acquisition, subject to certain post-closing adjustments, of $1,050 million plus closing adjustments for working capital of $17 million, was financed using a combination of debt and equity. Refer to Note 4 within Item 1. “Financial Statements” for additional disclosure regarding the 2013 Acquisition.
In the first quarter of 2013, the Partnership made an equity contribution of $4 million to Great Lakes which was used to fund debt repayments.
In the second quarter of 2013, Bison’s former parent made an equity contribution to Bison of $18 million which was used to repay inter-affiliate debt primarily related to pipeline construction costs, including reclamation and restoration work.
Contractual Obligations
The Partnership’s contractual obligations related to debt as of September 30, 2013 included the following:
|
| Payments Due by Period | |||||
(millions of dollars) |
| Total |
| Less than 1 Year |
| Long-term Portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Credit Facility due 2017 |
| 350 |
| - |
| 350 |
|
Term Loan Facility due 2018 |
| 500 |
| - |
| 500 |
|
4.65% Senior Notes due 2021 |
| 349 |
| - |
| 349 |
|
5.09% Senior Notes due 2015 |
| 75 |
| - |
| 75 |
|
5.29% Senior Notes due 2020 |
| 100 |
| - |
| 100 |
|
5.69% Senior Notes due 2035 |
| 150 |
| - |
| 150 |
|
3.82% Series D Notes due 2017 |
| 27 |
| 3 |
| 24 |
|
|
| 1,551 |
| 3 |
| 1,548 |
|
The Partnership’s Senior Credit Facility consists of a $500 million senior revolving credit facility with a banking syndicate, maturing November 20, 2017, under which $350 million was outstanding at September 30, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - $312 million), leaving $150 million available for future borrowing.
The LIBOR-based interest rate on the Senior Credit Facility averaged 1.44 and 1.45 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (2012 – 1.62 and 1.63 percent). The LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.44 percent at September 30, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – 1.47 percent).
On July 2, 2013, the Partnership borrowed $500 million under a new Term Loan Facility with a syndicate of lenders, which matures on July 1, 2018. The outstanding principal amount bears interest based, at the Partnership’s election, on the LIBOR or the base rate plus, in either case, an applicable margin.
The LIBOR based interest rate on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.44 for the three months ended September 30, 2013. After hedging activity, the interest rate incurred on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.56 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Prior to hedging activities, the LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.44 percent at September 30, 2013.
At September 30, 2013, the Partnership was in compliance with its financial covenants, in addition to the other covenants which include restrictions on entering into mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, granting liens, material amendments to the Partnership Agreement, incurring additional debt and distributions to unitholders.
Series D Senior Notes are secured by Tuscarora’s transportation contracts, supporting agreements and substantially all of Tuscarora’s property. The note purchase agreement contains certain provisions that include, among other items, limitations on additional indebtedness and distributions to partners.
The Partnership’s long-term debt results in exposures to changing interest rates. The Partnership uses derivatives to assist in managing its exposure to interest rate risk. Refer to Market Risk and Interest Rate Risk for additional information regarding the derivatives.
Great Lakes’ contractual obligations related to debt as of September 30, 2013 included the following:
|
| Payments Due by Period |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| Total |
| Less than 1 Year |
| Long-term Portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.73% series Senior Notes due 2014 to 2018 |
| 45 |
| 9 |
| 36 |
|
9.09% series Senior Notes due 2013 and 2021 |
| 90 |
| 10 |
| 80 |
|
6.95% series Senior Notes due 2019 and 2028 |
| 110 |
| - |
| 110 |
|
8.08% series Senior Notes due 2021 and 2030 |
| 100 |
| - |
| 100 |
|
|
| 345 |
| 19 |
| 326 |
|
Great Lakes is required to comply with certain financial, operational and legal covenants. Under the most restrictive covenants in the senior note agreements, approximately $186 million of Great Lakes’ partners’ capital was restricted as to distributions as of September 30, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – $191 million). Great Lakes was in compliance with all of its financial covenants at September 30, 2013.
Northern Border’s contractual obligations related to debt as of September 30, 2013 included the following:
|
| Payments Due by Period |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| Total |
| Less than 1 Year |
| Long-term Portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.24% Senior Notes due 2016 |
| 100 |
| - |
| 100 |
|
7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 |
| 250 |
| - |
| 250 |
|
$200 million Credit Agreement due 2016 |
| 123 |
| - |
| 123 |
|
|
| 473 |
| - |
| 473 |
|
As of September 30, 2013, $123 million was outstanding under its $200 million revolving credit agreement, leaving $77 million available for future borrowings. The weighted average interest rate related to the borrowings on the
credit agreement was 1.31 percent as of September 30, 2013 (2012 – 1.36). At September 30, 2013, Northern Border was in compliance with all of its financial covenants.
Northern Border has commitments of $6 million as of September 30, 2013 in connection with various capital overhaul projects, pipeline integrity projects and a transformer upgrade.
Bison had commitments of $1 million as of September 30, 2013 in connection with reclamation and restoration work associated with the construction of the pipeline.
Capital Requirements
The Partnership made an equity contribution to Great Lakes of $4 million in the first quarter of 2013. This amount represents the Partnership’s 46.45 percent share of a $9 million cash call from Great Lakes to make a scheduled debt repayment. The Partnership expects to make an additional $5 million equity contribution to Great Lakes in the fourth quarter of 2013 to further fund debt repayments.
Bison’s former parent made an equity contribution to Bison of $18 million in the second quarter of 2013. This amount represents former parent’s 75 percent share of a $24 million cash call from Bison to repay inter-affiliate debt primarily related to pipeline construction costs, including reclamation and restoration work.
The Partnership expects to make a $31 million equity contribution to Northern Border in the fourth quarter of 2013 to fund repayment of the Northern Border Credit Facility.
To the extent the Partnership has any additional capital requirements with respect to our pipeline systems or acquisitions in the future, we expect to fund these requirements with operating cash flows, debt and/or equity.
2013 Third Quarter Cash Distribution
On October 24, 2013, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s third quarter 2013 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit payable on November 14, 2013 to unitholders of record as of November 5, 2013.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Please read Note 12 within Item 1. “Financial Statements” for information regarding related party transactions.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
OVERVIEW
The Partnership and our pipeline systems are exposed to market risk, counterparty credit risk, and liquidity risk. Our exposure to market risk discussed below includes forward-looking statements and is not necessarily indicative of actual results, which may not represent the maximum possible gains and losses that may occur, since actual gains and losses will differ from those estimated, based on actual market conditions.
Our primary risk management objective is to mitigate the impact of these risks on earnings and cash flow, and ultimately, unitholder value. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes.
We record derivative financial instruments on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities at fair value. We estimate the fair value of derivative financial instruments using available market information and appropriate valuation techniques. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in earnings unless the instrument qualifies as a hedge and meets specific hedge accounting criteria. Qualifying derivative financial instruments’ gains and losses may offset the hedged items’ related results in earnings for a fair value hedge or be deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income for a cash flow hedge.
MARKET RISK AND INTEREST RATE RISK
From time to time, and in order to finance our business and that of our pipeline systems, the Partnership and our pipeline systems issue debt to invest in growth opportunities and provide for ongoing operations. The issuance of
debt exposes the Partnership and our pipeline systems to market risk from changes in interest rates which affect earnings and the value of the financial instruments we hold.
Market risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates may result in fluctuations in the fair values or cash flows of financial instruments. At September 30, 2013, our interest rate exposure results from our Senior Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility under which $850 million, or 55 percent of our outstanding debt was subject to variability in LIBOR interest rates. If interest rates hypothetically increased (decreased) by one percent, 100 basis points, compared with rates in effect at September 30, 2013, our annual interest expense would increase (decrease) and net income would decrease (increase) by approximately $9 million.
As of September 30, 2013, $123 million, or 26 percent of Northern Border’s outstanding debt was at floating rates (December 31, 2012 — 26 percent). If interest rates hypothetically increased (decreased) by one percent, 100 basis points, compared with rates in effect at September 30, 2013, Northern Border’s annual interest expense would increase (decrease) and its net income would decrease (increase) by approximately $1 million.
Great Lakes, GTN and Tuscarora utilize fixed-rate debt; therefore, they are not exposed to market risk due to floating interest rates. Interest rate risk does not apply to Bison and North Baja, as they currently do not have any debt.
The Partnership and our pipeline systems regularly assess the impact of interest rate fluctuations on future cash flows, evaluate hedging opportunities and enter into hedging arrangements to mitigate interest rate risk. We use derivatives as part of our overall risk management policy to assist in managing exposures to market risk resulting from these activities within established policies and procedures. Derivative contracts used to manage market risk generally consist of the following:
· Swaps – contractual agreements between two parties to exchange streams of payments over time according to specified terms.
· Options – contractual agreements to convey the right, but not the obligation, for the purchaser to buy or sell a specific amount of a financial instrument at a fixed price, either at a fixed date or at any time within a specified period.
The Partnership’s floating rate debt is subject to interest rate cash flow risk. The Partnership hedged interest payments on $150 million of variable-rate Term Loan Facility by interest rate swaps from September 3, 2013 through July 1, 2018 ($150 million of interest rate swaps mature on July 1, 2018), where the weighted average fixed interest rate paid is 2.79 percent. The interest rate swaps are structured such that the cash flows of the derivative instruments match those of the variable rate of interest on the Term Loan Facility. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges was negative $1 million which is classified as other long-term liability. In 2013, the Partnership did not record any amounts in net income related to ineffectiveness for interest rate hedges. The change in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income is $1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and other, demand loan receivable from affiliate, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accounts payable to affiliates, accrued interest, and demand loan payable to affiliates approximate their fair values because of the short maturity or duration of these instruments, or because the instruments bear a variable rate of interest or a rate that approximates current rates. The fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at estimated current borrowing rates. The fair value of interest rate derivatives is calculated using the income approach which
uses period-end market rates and applies a discounted cash flow valuation model. The estimated fair value of the Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ long-term debt as at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
|
| September 30, 2013 |
| December 31, 2012(a) |
| ||||
(millions of dollars) |
| Carrying Value |
| Fair Value |
| Carrying Value |
| Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Credit Facility due 2017 |
| 350 |
| 350 |
| 312 |
| 312 |
|
Term Loan Facility due 2018 |
| 500 |
| 500 |
| - |
| - |
|
4.65% Senior Notes due 2021 |
| 349 |
| 353 |
| 349 |
| 372 |
|
5.09% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2015 |
| 75 |
| 80 |
| 75 |
| 83 |
|
5.29% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2020 |
| 100 |
| 114 |
| 100 |
| 123 |
|
5.69% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2035 |
| 150 |
| 172 |
| 150 |
| 201 |
|
3.82% Series D Senior Notes due 2017 |
| 27 |
| 29 |
| 27 |
| 30 |
|
|
| 1,551 |
| 1,598 |
| 1,013 |
| 1,121 |
|
(a) Financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison.
Long-term debt is recorded at amortized cost and classified in Level II of the fair value hierarchy for fair value disclosure purposes. Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities are classified in Level II.
OTHER RISKS
The Partnership is influenced by the same factors that influence our pipeline systems. None of our pipeline systems own any of the natural gas they transport; therefore, they do not assume any of the related natural gas commodity price risk with respect to transported natural gas volumes.
Counterparty credit risk represents the financial loss that the Partnership and our pipeline systems would experience if a counterparty to a financial instrument failed to meet its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the financial instruments with the Partnership or its pipeline systems. Our maximum counterparty credit exposure with respect to financial instruments at the balance sheet date consists primarily of the carrying amount, which approximates fair value, of non-derivative financial assets, such as accounts receivable. At September 30, 2013, the Partnership’s maximum counterparty credit exposure consisted of accounts receivable of $33 million (December 31, 2012 – $38 million).
The Partnership and our pipeline systems have significant credit exposure to financial institutions as they provide committed credit lines and critical liquidity in the interest rate derivative market, as well as letters of credit to mitigate exposures to non-creditworthy parties. The Partnership closely monitors the creditworthiness of our counterparties, including financial institutions. Overall, we do not believe the Partnership and our pipeline systems have any significant concentrations of counterparty credit risk.
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Partnership and our pipeline systems will not be able to meet their financial obligations as they become due. Our approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that we always have sufficient cash and credit facilities to meet our obligations when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or damage to our reputation. At September 30, 2013, the Partnership had a committed revolving bank line of $500 million maturing in 2017 with an outstanding balance of $350 million. In addition, at September 30, 2013, Northern Border had a committed revolving bank line of $200 million maturing in 2016, of which $123 million was drawn.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As required by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, the management of our General Partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated as of the end of the period covered by this report the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. The Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to
provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based upon and as of the date of the evaluation, the management of our General Partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to the management of our General Partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, there was no change in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. Our General Partner continues to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning system that will likely affect some processes supporting internal control over financial reporting in 2014. The implementation is expected to begin January 1, 2014.
We are involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, as well as proceedings that we consider material as defined under federal securities regulations. For additional information on other legal and environmental proceedings affecting the Partnership, please refer to Part 1. Item 3 of the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2012.
Great Lakes v. Essar Steel Minnesota LLC, et al.- In March 2013, FERC dismissed the complaint filed by Essar against Great Lakes, and the Federal District Court also dismissed Essar’s defenses. During first quarter 2013, the Federal District Court also ruled favorably on a summary judgment motion for Great Lakes. During the second quarter 2013, the parties resolved all outstanding issues and trial on the damages is set to occur in early 2014.
State of South Dakota Use Tax Appeal – In the third quarter of 2013, the South Dakota Department of Revenue determined that the gas used by Northern Border to fuel compressors is taxable. On October 11, 2013, Northern Border filed an appeal of this decision in the South Dakota Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit.
GTN vs. PacifiCorp - In December 2009, PacifiCorp filed suit against GTN and Northwest Pipeline in Oregon State Court for approximately $7 million for alleged damage to equipment at its natural gas generating facility in Hermiston, Oregon. Upon GTN motion, the case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and is scheduled for trial in March 2014.
The following updated risk factors should be read in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
RISKS RELATED TO THE PARTNERSHIP
If the 2013 Acquisition is not accretive, our ability to increase or maintain our per unit cash distributions may be limited.
While we anticipate that the 2013 Acquisition will be accretive, there can be no assurance that an increase in cash per common unit will be generated from operations.
Our indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing, make distributions or pursue business opportunities.
As of September 30, 2013, our consolidated indebtedness was $1,551 million. This level of debt could have negative consequences to the Partnership including the following:
· our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, acquisitions, payment of distributions or other purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available on favorable terms;
· our need for cash to fund interest payments on the debt reduces the funds that would otherwise be available for operations, future business opportunities and distributions to our unitholders; and
· our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions may be limited.
Our ability to service our debt will depend upon, among other things, the future financial and operating performance of our pipeline systems, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, the Partnership’s third party credit facility requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and contains restrictions on incurring additional debt and making distributions to unitholders.
No. | Description |
|
|
*10.1 | Term Loan Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2013, between the Partnership and the lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to TC PipeLines, LP’s Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2013) |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document. |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
*Indicates exhibits incorporated by reference
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on this 29th day of October, 2013
| TC PIPELINES, LP | ||
| (A Delaware Limited Partnership) | ||
| by its General Partner, TC PipeLines GP, Inc. | ||
|
| ||
| By: | /s/ Steven D. Becker | |
|
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| Steven D. Becker | |
|
| President | |
|
| TC PipeLines GP, Inc. (Principal Executive Officer) | |
|
| ||
| By: | /s/ Sandra P. Ryan-Robinson | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Sandra P. Ryan-Robinson | |
|
| Controller | |
|
| TC PipeLines GP, Inc. (Principal Financial Officer) |
No. | Description |
|
|
*10.1 | Term Loan Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2013, between the Partnership and the lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to TC PipeLines, LP’s Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2013) |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document. |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
*Indicates exhibits incorporated by reference