Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2016 | Nov. 04, 2016 | |
Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
Entity Registrant Name | CONE Midstream Partners LP | |
Entity Central Index Key | 1,610,418 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
Entity Filer Category | Accelerated Filer | |
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,016 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Common Units | ||
Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 29,180,217 | |
Subordinated Units | ||
Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 29,163,121 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | ||
Revenue | |||||
Gathering revenue — related party | $ 60,729 | $ 53,753 | $ 181,384 | $ 144,638 | |
Total Revenue | 60,729 | 53,753 | 181,384 | 144,638 | |
Expenses | |||||
Operating expense — third party | 7,769 | 4,736 | 24,322 | 22,205 | |
Operating expense — related party | 7,209 | 8,095 | 22,631 | 22,079 | |
General and administrative expense — third party | 1,049 | 968 | 3,196 | 3,533 | |
General and administrative expense — related party | 2,624 | 2,413 | 6,521 | 6,385 | |
Pipe revaluation | 0 | 0 | 10,083 | 0 | |
Depreciation expense | 5,392 | 3,769 | 15,384 | 10,430 | |
Interest expense | 305 | 158 | 1,105 | 270 | |
Total Expense | 24,348 | 20,139 | 83,242 | 64,902 | |
Net Income | 36,381 | 33,614 | 98,142 | 79,736 | |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 12,750 | 13,957 | 26,505 | 30,954 | |
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP | 23,631 | 19,657 | 71,637 | 48,782 | |
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP | 23,631 | 19,657 | 71,637 | 48,782 | |
Less: General partner interest in net income | 473 | 393 | 1,433 | 976 | |
Limited partner interest in net income | $ 23,158 | $ 19,264 | $ 70,204 | $ 47,806 | |
Net income per limited partner unit - Basic (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.40 | $ 0.33 | $ 1.20 | $ 0.82 | |
Net income per limited partner unit - Diluted (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.40 | $ 0.33 | $ 1.20 | $ 0.82 | |
Limited partner units outstanding - Basic (in shares) | 58,343 | 58,326 | 58,343 | 58,326 | |
Limited partner units outstanding - Diluted (in shares) | 58,431 | 58,333 | 58,410 | 58,331 | |
Cash distributions declared per unit (in dollars per share) | [1] | $ 0.2630 | $ 0.2280 | $ 0.7620 | $ 0.6605 |
[1] | Represents the cash distributions declared during the month following the respective quarterly reporting period ends. See Note 16. |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Current Assets: | ||
Cash | $ 4,196 | $ 217 |
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | 20,287 | 36,418 |
Inventory | 0 | 18,916 |
Other current assets | 1,431 | 2,037 |
Total Current Assets | 25,914 | 57,588 |
Property and Equipment: | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | 922,498 | 897,918 |
Less — accumulated depreciation | 46,698 | 31,609 |
Property and Equipment — Net | 875,800 | 866,309 |
Other assets (Note 8) | 9,001 | 528 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 910,715 | 924,425 |
Current Liabilities: | ||
Accounts payable | 19,124 | 46,155 |
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | 1,680 | 1,628 |
Total Current Liabilities | 20,804 | 47,783 |
Other Liabilities: | ||
Revolving credit facility (Note 10) | 41,000 | 73,500 |
Total Liabilities | 61,804 | 121,283 |
Partners' Capital: | ||
General partner interest | (2,921) | (3,389) |
Partners' capital attributable to CONE Midstream Partners LP | 341,441 | 313,110 |
Noncontrolling interest | 507,470 | 490,032 |
Total Partners' Capital | 848,911 | 803,142 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL | 910,715 | 924,425 |
Common Units | ||
Partners' Capital: | ||
Limited partners' capital | 413,610 | 399,399 |
Subordinated Units | ||
Partners' Capital: | ||
Limited partners' capital | $ (69,248) | $ (82,900) |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - shares | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Common Units | ||
Common units issued | 29,180,217 | 29,163,121 |
Common units outstanding | 29,180,217 | 29,163,121 |
Subordinated Units | ||
Common units issued | 29,163,121 | 29,163,121 |
Common units outstanding | 29,163,121 | 29,163,121 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PART
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND OTHER EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Total | Total Capital Attributable to Partners | Total Capital Attributable to PartnersLimited PartnerCommon Units | Total Capital Attributable to PartnersLimited PartnerSubordinated Units | Total Capital Attributable to PartnersGeneral Partner | Noncontrolling Interest |
Partners' Capital, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015 | $ 803,142 | $ 313,110 | $ 399,399 | $ (82,900) | $ (3,389) | $ 490,032 |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] | ||||||
Net income | 98,142 | 71,637 | 35,112 | 35,092 | 1,433 | 26,505 |
Partner and noncontrolling interest holder activity | (9,064) | 3 | 3 | (9,067) | ||
Distributions to unitholders | (43,863) | (43,863) | (21,455) | (21,440) | (968) | |
Unit-based compensation | 577 | 577 | 577 | |||
Unitholder taxes paid upon vesting of unit-based awards | (23) | (23) | (23) | |||
Partners' Capital, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016 | $ 848,911 | $ 341,441 | $ 413,610 | $ (69,248) | $ (2,921) | $ 507,470 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||
Net income | $ 98,142 | $ 79,736 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
Depreciation expense and amortization of debt issuance costs | 15,507 | 10,553 |
Unit-based compensation | 577 | 310 |
Pipe revaluation | 10,083 | 0 |
Other | 580 | 0 |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||
Receivables — related party | 9,411 | (1,102) |
Other current and non-current assets | 606 | 460 |
Accounts payable | (11,961) | 4,527 |
Accounts payable — related party | (7) | 4,784 |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 122,938 | 99,268 |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | ||
Capital expenditures | (40,466) | (232,950) |
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets | 237 | 0 |
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (40,229) | (232,950) |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||
Partner and noncontrolling interest holder activity | (2,344) | 144,960 |
Distributions to unitholders | (43,863) | (38,525) |
Net (payments) proceeds on revolving credit facility | (32,500) | 25,200 |
Unitholder taxes paid upon vesting of unit-based awards | (23) | 0 |
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities | (78,730) | 131,635 |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash | 3,979 | (2,047) |
Cash at Beginning of Period | 217 | 3,252 |
Cash at End of Period | $ 4,196 | $ 1,205 |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND INI
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING Description of Business CONE Midstream Partners LP (the “Partnership”) is a master limited partnership formed in May 2014 by CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNX) (“CONSOL”) and Noble Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NBL) (“Noble Energy”), whom we refer to collectively as our Sponsors, to own, operate, develop and acquire natural gas gathering and other midstream energy assets to service our Sponsors’ production in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Our assets include natural gas gathering pipelines and compression and dehydration facilities, as well as condensate gathering, collection, separation and stabilization facilities. The Partnership's general partner is CONE Midstream GP LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CONE Gathering LLC ("CONE Gathering"). CONE Gathering, a Delaware limited liability company, is a joint venture formed by our Sponsors in September 2011. In order to effectively manage our business we have divided our current midstream assets among three separate segments that we refer to as our “Anchor Systems,” “Growth Systems” and “Additional Systems” based on their relative current cash flows, growth profiles, capital expenditure requirements and the stages of their development. • Our Anchor Systems include our more developed midstream systems that generate the largest portion of our current cash flows and that we expect to drive our earnings and growth over the near term. • Our Growth Systems include our gathering systems primarily located in the dry gas regions of our Sponsors' dedicated acreage that are generally in earlier phases of development and require substantial future expansion capital expenditures, which will primarily be funded by our Sponsors in proportion to CONE Gathering's retained ownership interests. • Our Additional Systems include several gathering systems primarily located in the wet gas regions of our Sponsors' dedicated acreage that we expect will require lower levels of expansion capital investment relative to our Growth Systems. The substantial majority of capital investment on these systems will also be funded by our Sponsors in proportion to CONE Gathering's retained ownership interests. In order to maintain operational flexibility, our operations are conducted through, and our operating assets are owned by, our operating subsidiaries. However, neither we nor our operating subsidiaries have any employees. Our general partner has the sole responsibility for providing the personnel necessary to conduct our operations, whether through directly hiring employees or by obtaining the services of personnel employed by our Sponsors or others. All of the personnel that conduct our business are employed or contracted by our general partner and its affiliates, including our Sponsors, but we sometimes refer to these individuals as our employees because they provide services directly to us. Initial Public Offering On September 30, 2014 , the Partnership closed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 20,125,000 common units at a price to the public of $22.00 per unit, which included all 2,625,000 common units of the underwriters' over-allotment option. The Partnership’s common units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CNNX.” Concurrent with the closing of the IPO, CONE Gathering contributed to the Partnership a 75% controlling interest in the Anchor Systems, a 5% controlling interest in the Growth Systems and a 5% controlling interest in the Additional Systems. In exchange for CONE Gathering's contribution of assets and liabilities to the Partnership, CONE Gathering received: • through its ownership of our general partner, a continuation of a 2% general partner interest in the partnership; • 9,038,121 common units and 29,163,121 subordinated units, representing an aggregate 64.2% limited partner interest in the Partnership (the common and subordinated units were subsequently distributed to the Sponsors); • through its ownership of our general partner, all of the Partnerships' incentive distribution rights; and • an aggregate cash distribution of $408.0 million. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNI
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). Accordingly, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience and other methods considered reasonable under the particular circumstances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best available knowledge at the time, changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new facts or circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Effects on the Partnership’s business, financial position and results of operations resulting from revisions to estimates are recognized when the facts that give rise to the revision become known. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been included. The balance sheet at December 31, 2015 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and all of its controlled subsidiaries, including 100% of each of the Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems. Although the Partnership only has an economic interest in 75% of the Anchor Systems and 5% of the Growth and Additional Systems, each are consolidated fully with the results of the Partnership for periods following the IPO. However, after adjusting for noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership interests in the Partnership reflect less than 100% of the results of the Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems and represents only that portion of net income that is attributable to the Partnership's unitholders. Transactions between the Partnership and its Sponsors have been identified in the consolidated financial statements as transactions between related parties and are discussed in Note 4. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act ("JOBS Act") Under the JOBS Act, for as long as the Partnership remains an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including not being required to provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and seeking unitholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. The Partnership may remain an emerging growth company for up to five years from the date of our IPO, although we will lose that status sooner if: • we have more than $1.0 billion of revenues in a fiscal year; • the limited partner interests held by non-affiliates have a market value of more than $700 million; or • we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three -year period. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Partnership irrevocably elected to “opt out” of this exemption and, therefore, is and will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized for the transportation of natural gas and other hydrocarbons based on the delivery of actual volumes transported at a contracted throughput rate. Operating fees received are recorded in gathering revenue — related party in the period the service is performed. Cash Cash includes cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions. Receivables Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. When applicable, we reserve for specific accounts receivable when it is probable that all or a part of an outstanding balance will not be collected. Collectability is determined based on terms of sale, credit status of customers and various other circumstances. We regularly review collectability and establish or adjust the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. There were no reserves for uncollectible amounts at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Property and Equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or over the lease terms of the assets. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing property and equipment are capitalized. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized as a gain or loss. There were no retirements or disposals during the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Partnership evaluates whether long-lived assets have been impaired and determines if the carrying amount of its assets may not be recoverable. For such long-lived assets, impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds estimates of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable, based on the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the impairment loss is measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Fair value represents the estimated price between market participants to sell an asset in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset, based on assumptions a market participant would make. When warranted, management assesses the fair value of long-lived assets using commonly accepted techniques and may use more than one source in making such assessments. Sources used to determine fair value include, but are not limited to, recent third-party comparable sales, internally developed discounted cash flow analyses and analyses from outside advisors. Significant changes, such as the condition of an asset or management’s intent to utilize the asset generally require management to reassess the cash flows related to long-lived assets. No impairments were identified during the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Environmental Matters We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or clean-ups are probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. At this time, we are unable to assess the timing and/or effect of potential liabilities related to greenhouse gas emissions or other environmental issues. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had no material environmental matters that required the recognition of a liability or specific disclosure. Asset Retirement Obligations Our gathering pipelines and compressor stations have an indeterminate life. If properly maintained, they will operate for an indeterminate period as long as supply and demand for natural gas exists, which we expect for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, any retirement obligations associated with such assets cannot be estimated. A liability for asset retirement obligations will be recorded only if and when a future retirement obligation with a determinable life exists and can be estimated. We have not recorded asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. Variable Interest Entities The Partnership adopted ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" during the 2016 period. ASU 2015-02 changed the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Based on the criteria outlined in this standard, the Partnership continues to fully consolidate its existing variable interest entities ("VIEs") - the Anchor, Growth and Additional Limited Partnerships (the "Limited Partnerships") through its ownership of CONE Midstream Operating Company LLC. These VIEs correspond with the manner in which we report our segment information in Note 14, which also includes information regarding the Partnership's involvement with each of these VIEs and their relative contributions to our financial position, operating results and cash flows. CONE Midstream Operating Company LLC, through its general partner ownership interest in each of the Anchor, Growth and Additional Limited Partnerships, is considered to be the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes and has the power to direct all substantive strategic and day-to-day operational decisions of the Limited Partnerships. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 did not impact the Partnership's financial statements. Equity Compensation Equity compensation expense for all unit-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. We recognize unit-based compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of an award, which is generally the award's vesting term. See Note 15 – Long Term Incentive Plan for further discussion. Income Taxes CONE Midstream Partners LP is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, with each partner being separately taxed on its share of the Partnership's taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been recorded in the Partnership's consolidated financial statements for any period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Cash Distributions Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash within 45 days after the end of each quarterly period to unitholders of record on the applicable record date. This requirement forms the basis of our cash distribution policy and reflects a basic judgment that our unitholders will be better served by distributing our available cash rather than retaining it because, among other reasons, we believe we will generally finance any expansion capital expenditures from external financing sources. Under our current cash distribution policy, we intend to make a minimum quarterly distribution to the holders of our common units and subordinated units of $0.2125 per unit, or $0.85 per unit on an annualized basis, to the extent we have sufficient available cash after the establishment of cash reserves and the payment of costs and expenses, including the payment of expenses to our general partner. However, other than the requirement in our partnership agreement to distribute all of our available cash each quarter, we have no legal obligation to make quarterly cash distributions in this or any other amount. The board of directors of our general partner has considerable discretion to determine the amount of our available cash each quarter as well as the ability to change our cash distribution policy at any time, subject to the requirement in our partnership agreement to distribute all of our available cash quarterly. Generally, our available cash is the sum of (i) all cash on hand at the end of a quarter after the payment of our expenses and the establishment of cash reserves and (ii) if the board of directors of our general partner so determines, all or any portion of additional cash on hand resulting from working capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter. The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of available cash from operating surplus between the unitholders and our general partner based on the specified target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under “Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions” are the percentage interests of our general partner and the unitholders in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column “Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit Target Amount.” The percentage interests shown for our unitholders and our general partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests set forth below for our general partner include its 2% general partner interest and assume that our general partner has contributed any additional capital necessary to maintain its 2% general partner interest, our general partner has not transferred its incentive distribution rights and there are no arrearages on common units. Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions Distribution Targets Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit Target Amount Unitholders General Partner Minimum Quarterly Distribution $0.2125 98% 2% First Target Distribution Above $0.2125 up to $0.24438 98% 2% Second Target Distribution Above $0.24438 up to $0.26563 85% 15% Third Target Distribution Above $0.26563 up to $0.31875 75% 25% Thereafter Above $0.31875 50% 50% Subordinated Units Our partnership agreement provides that, during the subordination period, the common unitholders will have the right to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus each quarter in an amount equal to $0.2125 per unit, which is defined in our partnership agreement as the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters, before any distributions of available cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated units. The practical effect of the subordinated units is to increase the likelihood that, during the subordination period, there will be available cash to be distributed on the common units. Subordination Period Except as described below, the subordination period began on the closing date of the IPO and will extend until the first business day following the distribution of available cash in respect of any quarter beginning after September 30, 2017, that each of the following tests are met: • distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest equaled or exceeded $0.85 (the annualized minimum quarterly distribution), for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date; • the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below) generated during each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of $0.85 (the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on all of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest during those periods on a fully diluted basis; and • there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units. Early Termination of the Subordination Period The subordination period will automatically terminate on the first business day following the distribution of available cash in respect of any quarter that each of the following tests are met: • distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest equaled or exceeded $1.275 ( 150% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution), plus the related distributions on the incentive distribution rights, for the four-quarter period immediately preceding that date; • the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below) generated during the four-quarter period immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of (i) $1.275 ( 150% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on all of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest during that period on a fully diluted basis and (ii) the corresponding distributions on the incentive distribution rights; and • there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units. Expiration of the Subordination Period When the subordination period ends, each outstanding subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will thereafter participate pro rata with the other common units in distributions of available cash. Adjusted Operating Surplus Adjusted operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from operations during a particular period and therefore excludes net drawdowns of reserves of cash established in prior periods. Adjusted operating surplus for a period consists of: • operating surplus generated with respect to that period; less • any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; less • any net decrease in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period not relating to an operating expenditure made with respect to that period; plus • any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; plus • any net decrease made in subsequent periods to cash reserves for operating expenditures initially established with respect to that period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction in adjusted operating surplus in subsequent periods; plus • any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium. Incentive Distribution Rights ("IDRs") All of the IDRs are currently held by CONE Midstream GP LLC, our general partner. Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage ( 13.0% , 23.0% and 48.0% ) of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels described below have been achieved. Our general partner may transfer the IDRs separately from its general partner interest. The following discussion assumes that our general partner maintains its 2% general partner interest and that our general partner continues to own the IDRs. If for any quarter: • we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common unitholders and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution; and • we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution; then, we will distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and our general partner in the following manner: • first, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.24438 per unit for that quarter (the “first target distribution”); • second, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.26563 per unit for that quarter (the “second target distribution”); • third, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.31875 per unit for that quarter (the “third target distribution”); and • thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to our general partner. The second IDR threshold was reached during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, beginning with the distribution that related to the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and was paid on May 13, 2016. All prior distributions were paid in accordance with the first target distribution. Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current reporting classifications with no effect on previously reported net income or partners' capital. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The objective of the amendments in this update is to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance under both U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and should disclose sufficient information, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The following updates to Topic 606 were made during 2016: • In March 2016, the FASB updated Topic 606 by issuing ASU 2016-08 "Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)," which clarifies how an entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent for goods or services promised to a customer as well as the nature of the goods or services promised to their customers. • In April 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-10 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which seeks to address implementation issues in the areas of identifying performance obligations and licensing. • In May 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-12 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. The update, which was issued in response to feedback received by the FASB-IASB joint revenue recognition transition resource group, seeks to address implementation issues in the areas of collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. After considering the FASB's issuance of a standard that delayed application of Topic 606 by one year, the new standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption as it relates to ASU 2014-09 and the impacts that these standards will have on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU will require organizations (“lessees”) that lease assets with terms of more than 12 months to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet. Organizations that own the assets leased by lessees (“lessors”) will remain largely unchanged from current GAAP. In addition, the ASU will require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The effective date of this ASU is for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018 and interim periods within that year. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our financial statements and financial covenants with lenders; however, we do not believe this standard will materially adversely impact our existing credit agreements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. We do not believe this standard will materially impact the Partnership. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)". ASU 2016-15 addresses the existing diversity in practice of how several specific cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Partnership does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST | NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Partnership adopted ASU 2015-06 "Earnings Per Share (Topic 260): Effects on Historical Earnings per Unit of Master Limited Partnership Dropdown Transactions". ASU 2015-06, which is required to be applied retrospectively, specifies that for purposes of calculating historical earnings per unit under the two-class method, the earnings or losses of a transferred business before the date of a dropdown transaction should be allocated entirely to the general partner. In that circumstance, the previously reported earnings per unit of the limited partners, which is typically the earnings per unit measure presented in the financial statements, would not change as a result of the dropdown transaction. Adoption of this standard did not impact the consolidated presentation of the Partnership's financial statements or related disclosures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . We allocate net income between our general partner and limited partners using the two-class method, under which we allocate net income to our limited partners, our general partner and the holders of our IDRs in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement. We also allocate any earnings in excess of distributions to our limited partners, our general partner and the holders of the IDRs in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement. We allocate any distributions in excess of earnings for the period to our general partner and our limited partners based on their respective proportionate ownership interests in us, after taking into account distributions to be paid with respect to the IDRs, as set forth in our partnership agreement. Diluted net income per limited partner unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or agreements to issue common units, such as awards under the long-term incentive plan, were exercised, settled or converted into common units. When it is determined that potential common units resulting from an award subject to performance or market conditions should be included in the diluted net income per limited partner unit calculation, the impact is calculated by applying the treasury stock method. The following table illustrates the Partnership’s calculation of net income per unit for common and subordinated partner units: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands, except per unit information) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP $ 23,631 $ 19,657 $ 71,637 $ 48,782 Less: General partner interest in net income 473 393 1,433 976 Limited partner interest in net income $ 23,158 $ 19,264 $ 70,204 $ 47,806 Net income allocable to common units $ 11,582 $ 9,632 $ 35,112 $ 23,903 Net income allocable to subordinated units 11,576 9,632 35,092 23,903 Limited partner interest in net income $ 23,158 $ 19,264 $ 70,204 $ 47,806 Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Basic Common units 29,180 29,163 29,180 29,163 Subordinated units 29,163 29,163 29,163 29,163 Total 58,343 58,326 58,343 58,326 Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Diluted Common units 29,268 29,170 29,247 29,168 Subordinated units 29,163 29,163 29,163 29,163 Total 58,431 58,333 58,410 58,331 Net income per limited partner unit — Basic and Diluted Common units $ 0.40 $ 0.33 $ 1.20 $ 0.82 Subordinated units $ 0.40 $ 0.33 $ 1.20 $ 0.82 |
RELATED PARTY
RELATED PARTY | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
RELATED PARTY | RELATED PARTY In the ordinary course of business, the Partnership has transactions with related parties that result in affiliate transactions. Related parties during each of the periods presented included CONSOL and certain of its subsidiaries and Noble Energy, to each of whom we provide natural gas gathering and compression services. Transactions with related parties, other than certain transactions with CONSOL and Noble Energy related to administrative services, were conducted on terms which management believes are comparable to those with unrelated parties. We believe such costs would not have been materially different had they been calculated on a stand-alone basis. Operating expenses — related party consisted primarily of $7.2 million and $8.1 million of charges from CONSOL for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $22.6 million and $22.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Included within this caption were $4.4 million and $4.3 million of electrically-powered compression, which is reimbursed by the Sponsors pursuant to their respective Gathering Agreements, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Electrically-powered compression for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 totaled $12.6 million and $11.4 million , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , CONSOL purchased $2.2 million of supply inventory from the Partnership. Additionally, general and administrative expense - related party consisted of the following charges from each Sponsor: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 CONSOL $ 2,462 $ 2,278 $ 6,031 $ 5,974 Noble Energy 162 135 490 411 Total General and Administrative Expense — Related Party $ 2,624 $ 2,413 $ 6,521 $ 6,385 Omnibus Agreement Concurrent with the closing of the IPO, we entered into an omnibus agreement with CONSOL, Noble Energy, CONE Gathering and our general partner that addresses the following matters: • our payment of an annually-determined administrative support fee, which will total $0.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2016, for the provision of certain services by CONSOL and its affiliates; • our payment of an annually-determined administrative support fee, which will total $0.8 million for the year ending December 31, 2016, for the provision of certain executive services by CONSOL and its affiliates; • our payment of an annually-determined administrative support fee, which will total $0.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2016, for the provision of certain executive services by Noble Energy and its affiliates; • our obligation to reimburse our Sponsors for all other direct or allocated costs and expenses incurred by our Sponsors in providing general and administrative services (which reimbursement is in addition to certain expenses of our general partner and its affiliates that are reimbursed under our partnership agreement); • our right of first offer to acquire (i) CONE Gathering’s retained interests in each of our Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems, (ii) CONE Gathering’s other ancillary midstream assets and (iii) any additional midstream assets that CONE Gathering develops; and • an indemnity from CONE Gathering for liabilities associated with the use, ownership or operation of our assets, including environmental liabilities, to the extent relating to the period of time prior to the closing of the IPO; and our obligation to indemnify CONE Gathering for events and conditions associated with the use, ownership or operation of our assets that occur after the closing of the IPO, including environmental liabilities. So long as CONE Gathering controls our general partner, the omnibus agreement will remain in full force and effect. If CONE Gathering ceases to control our general partner, either party may terminate the omnibus agreement, provided that the indemnification obligations will remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. Operational Services Agreement Concurrent with the closing of the IPO, we entered into an operational services agreement with CONSOL under which CONSOL provides certain operational services to us in support of our gathering pipelines and dehydration, treating and compressor stations and facilities. Such services include routine and emergency maintenance and repair services, routine operational activities, routine administrative services, construction and related services and such other services as we and CONSOL may mutually agree upon from time to time. CONSOL prepares and submits for our approval a maintenance, operating and capital budget on an annual basis. CONSOL submits actual expenditures for reimbursement on a monthly basis, and we also reimburse CONSOL for any direct third-party costs incurred by CONSOL in providing these services. The operational services agreement has an initial term of 20 years and will continue in full force and effect unless terminated by either party at the end of the initial term or any time thereafter by giving not less than six months’ prior notice to the other party of such termination. CONSOL may terminate the operational services agreement if (1) we become insolvent, declare bankruptcy or take any action in furtherance of, or indicating our consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, a similar proceeding or (2) upon not less than 180 days notice. We may immediately terminate the agreement (1) if CONSOL becomes insolvent, declares bankruptcy or takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, a similar proceeding, (2) upon a finding of CONSOL’s willful misconduct or gross negligence that has had a material adverse effect on any of our gathering pipelines and dehydration, treating and compressor stations and facilities or our business or (3) CONSOL is in material breach of the operational services agreement and fails to cure such default within 45 days. Under the operational services agreement, CONSOL will indemnify us from any claims, losses or liabilities incurred by us, including third-party claims, arising from CONSOL’s performance of the agreement to the extent caused by CONSOL’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. We will indemnify CONSOL from any claims, losses or liabilities incurred by CONSOL, including any third-party claims, arising from CONSOL’s performance of the agreement, except to the extent such claims, losses or liabilities are caused by CONSOL’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Gathering Agreements CNX Gas Gathering Agreement On September 30, 2014, in connection with the closing of the IPO, the Partnership entered into a Gathering Agreement (the “CNX Gas Gathering Agreement”) by and between the Partnership, as gatherer, and CNX Gas Company LLC (“CNX Gas”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL, as shipper. Under the CNX Gas Gathering Agreement, which has an initial term of 20 years, CNX Gas (i) dedicated to the Partnership for natural gas midstream services all of its existing acres and any acres acquired in the future, in each case, that are jointly owned with Noble Energy to the extent covering the Marcellus Shale in the dedication area and (ii) granted the Partnership a right of first offer to provide natural gas midstream services with respect to all of its existing acres and any acres acquired in the future, in each case, that are jointly owned with Noble Energy to the extent covering the Marcellus Shale in the right of first offer area. Under the CNX Gas Gathering Agreement, the Partnership charges fees based on the type and scope of midstream services it provides. Each fee is subject to an annual 2.5% increase (beginning on January 1, 2016) and any fee may be recalculated upon the mutual agreement of the Partnership and CNX Gas. For 2016, for the services provided (a) with respect to natural gas that does not require downstream processing, the Partnership's fees are $0.41 per MMBtu, (b) with respect to the natural gas that requires downstream processing, the Partnership's fees are $0.564 per MMBtu, except in the Pittsburgh International Airport and Moundsville (Marshall County, West Virginia) areas, where the fees are $0.282 per MMBtu and (c) with respect to condensate, the Partnership's fees are $5.125 per Bbl in the Majorsville area and $2.56 per Bbl in the Moundsville area. The 2016 rates reflect an increase of 2.5% from the rates that were in effect at the IPO date. Under the CNX Gas Gathering Agreement, if the Partnership fails to timely complete the construction of the facilities necessary to provide midstream services to CNX Gas’ dedicated acreage or has an uncured default of any of the Partnership’s material obligations that has caused an interruption in the Partnership’s services for more than 90 days, the affected acreage will be permanently released from the Partnership’s dedication. Also, after the fifth anniversary of the CNX Gas Gathering Agreement, if CNX Gas drills a well that is located more than a certain distance from the Partnership’s current gathering system (and not included in the detailed drilling plan provided by CNX Gas and Noble Energy) and a third-party gatherer offers a lower cost of services, then the acreage associated with that well will be permanently released from the Partnership’s dedication. NBL Gas Gathering Agreement On September 30, 2014, in connection with the closing of the IPO, the Partnership entered into a Gathering Agreement (the “NBL Gas Gathering Agreement”) by and between the Partnership, as gatherer, and Noble Energy, as shipper. Under the NBL Gas Gathering Agreement, which has an initial term of 20 years, Noble Energy (i) dedicated to the Partnership for natural gas midstream services all of its existing acres and any acres acquired in the future, in each case, that are jointly owned with CNX Gas to the extent covering the Marcellus Shale in the dedication area and (ii) granted the Partnership a right of first offer to provide natural gas midstream services with respect to all of its existing acres and any acres acquired in the future, in each case, that are jointly owned with CNX Gas to the extent covering the Marcellus Shale in the right of first offer area. Under the NBL Gas Gathering Agreement, the Partnership charges fees based on the type and scope of midstream services it provides. Each fee is subject to an annual 2.5% increase (beginning on January 1, 2016) and any fee may be recalculated upon the mutual agreement of the Partnership and Noble Energy. For 2016, for the services provided (a) with respect to natural gas that does not require downstream processing, the Partnership's fees are $0.41 per MMBtu, (b) with respect to the natural gas that requires downstream processing, the Partnership's fees are $0.564 per MMBtu, except in the Pittsburgh International Airport and Moundsville (Marshall County, West Virginia) areas, where the fees are $0.282 per MMBtu and (c) with respect to condensate, the Partnership's fees are $5.125 per Bbl in the Majorsville area and $2.56 per Bbl in the Moundsville area. The 2016 rates reflect an increase of 2.5% from the rates that were in effect at the IPO date. Under the NBL Gas Gathering Agreement, if the Partnership fails to timely complete the construction of the facilities necessary to provide midstream services to Noble Energy’s dedicated acreage or has an uncured default of any of the Partnership’s material obligations that has caused an interruption in the Partnership’s services for more than 90 days, the affected acreage will be permanently released from the Partnership’s dedication. Also, after the fifth anniversary of the NBL Gas Gathering Agreement, if Noble Energy drills a well that is located more than a certain distance from the Partnership’s current gathering system (and not included in the detailed drilling plan provided by CNX Gas and Noble Energy) and a third-party gatherer offers a lower cost of services, then the acreage associated with that well will be permanently released from the Partnership’s dedication. |
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] | |
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK | CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK The Sponsors accounted for all of the Partnership’s revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . Revenues attributable to each Sponsor were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 CONSOL $ 30,892 $ 26,985 $ 92,516 $ 73,746 Noble Energy 29,837 26,768 88,868 70,892 Total Revenue $ 60,729 $ 53,753 $ 181,384 $ 144,638 |
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY | RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY Receivables consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gathering Fees: CONSOL $ 10,305 $ 10,221 Noble Energy 9,976 19,246 Contributions Receivable: CONSOL — 3,360 Noble Energy — 3,360 Other 6 231 Total Receivables — Related Party $ 20,287 $ 36,418 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Estimated Useful Lives in Years Land $ 72,939 $ 76,755 N/A Gathering equipment 635,311 561,642 25 — 40 Compression equipment 166,457 122,705 30 — 40 Processing equipment 30,979 30,979 40 Assets under construction 16,812 105,837 N/A Total Property and Equipment $ 922,498 $ 897,918 Less: Accumulated depreciation Gathering $ 33,056 $ 21,130 Compression 9,541 6,998 Processing 4,101 3,481 Total Accumulated Depreciation $ 46,698 $ 31,609 Property and Equipment, Net $ 875,800 $ 866,309 |
OTHER ASSETS
OTHER ASSETS | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Other Assets [Abstract] | |
OTHER ASSETS | OTHER ASSETS Other assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Tygart Valley pipe $ 8,596 $ — Financing fees 326 449 Deposits 79 79 Total Other Assets $ 9,001 $ 528 In June 2016, the Partnership agreed to sell a portion of existing excess pipe supply that was not dedicated to specific capital projects to an unrelated third party for an amount that was below its carrying cost. Prior to June 30, 2016, management intended to sell the excess pipe or consider alternative capital projects in which the pipe may be used within the next 12 months; accordingly, the pipe was historically classified as a current asset in inventory. Due to the uncertainty that surrounds the use of the remaining pipe and the Partnership’s willingness to liquidate the pipe at a discounted value, the Partnership reclassified the remaining excess pipe to a long-term asset at June 30, 2016 and simultaneously reduced the carrying value of excess pipe to the value that was commensurate with the sale price. This adjustment, which was recorded in the Partnership’s Growth System segment, is reflected within pipe revaluation in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . |
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PART
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Payables and Accruals [Abstract] | |
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY | ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY Related party payables consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Expense reimbursement to CONSOL $ 985 $ 1,173 Capital expenditures reimbursement to CONE Gathering LLC — 2 Capital expenditures reimbursement to CONSOL 61 — General and administrative services provided by CONSOL 579 402 General and administrative services provided by Noble Energy 55 51 Total Accounts Payable — Related Party $ 1,680 $ 1,628 |
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY | REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY In connection with the closing of our IPO on September 30, 2014, we entered into a five year agreement which provides for a $250 million unsecured revolving credit facility that can be used for working capital, capital expenditures, certain acquisitions, distributions, unit repurchases and other lawful partnership purposes. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility bear interest at our option at either: • the base rate, which is defined as the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% ; (ii) JP Morgan’s prime rate; or (iii) the daily LIBOR rate for a one month interest period plus 1.00% ; in each case, plus a margin varying from 0.125% to 1.00% , depending on our most recent consolidated total leverage ratio (as defined in the agreement governing our revolving credit facility) or our credit rating; or • the LIBOR rate plus a margin varying from 1.125% to 2.00% , in each case, depending on our most recent consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the agreement governing our revolving credit facility) or our credit rating, as the case may be. Interest on base rate loans is payable quarterly. Interest on LIBOR loans is payable on the last day of each interest period or, in the case of interest periods longer than three months, every three months. The unused portion of our revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.35% per annum depending on our most recent consolidated leverage ratio or our credit rating, as the case may be. Our revolving credit facility contains covenants and conditions that, among other things, limit our ability to incur or guarantee additional debt, make cash distributions (though there will be an exception for distributions permitted under the partnership agreement, subject to certain customary conditions), incur certain liens or permit them to exist, make certain investments and acquisitions, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with another company, and transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of assets. We are also subject to covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, the most important of which are as follows: • the ratio of (i) consolidated total funded debt (as defined in the agreement governing our revolving credit facility) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter to (ii) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the agreement governing our revolving credit facility) for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter may not exceed (A) at any time other than during a qualified acquisition period (as defined in the agreement governing our revolving credit facility), 5.0 to 1.0 and (B) during a qualified acquisition period, 5.5 to 1.0. We defined this as our consolidated leverage ratio which is calculated as the total amount outstanding on our credit facility divided by EBITDA Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in the Partnership. The Partnership met the requirements of this financial covenant for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2016 . • the ratio of (i) consolidated EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of each fiscal quarter to (ii) consolidated interest expense (as defined in the agreement governing our revolving credit facility) for such four consecutive fiscal quarters may not be less than 3.0 to 1.0. We defined this as our consolidated interest coverage ratio which is calculated as EBITDA Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in the Partnership divided by total interest charges. The Partnership met the requirements of this financial covenant for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2016 . The outstanding balance of our revolving credit facility and interest rates on the amounts drawn from our revolver consist of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands, except percentages) Debt Interest Rate (1) Debt Interest Rate (2) Credit Facility $ 41,000 2.06 % $ 73,500 2.18 % (1) Borrowings accrued interest at the LIBOR rate, plus a margin as described above. (2) The weighted average annual interest rate consists of JP Morgan's prime rate and LIBOR rate, plus a margin as described above. As of September 30, 2016 , we had outstanding debt issuance costs of $0.5 million, net of accumulated amortization, which were incurred in connection with the issuance of our credit facility. The debt issuance costs are being amortized in interest expense through September 30, 2019, which is the maturity date of the credit facility. |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] | |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION | SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION As of September 30, 2015 , we had a receivable of $3.7 million related to partners' investments from CONSOL and Noble Energy. Additionally, we had capital expenditures due to be reimbursed to CONE Gathering LLC of $3.3 million , in addition to capital expenditures and right of way transfers due to be reimbursed to CONSOL of $3.8 million as of September 30, 2015 . |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We may become involved in claims and other legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although claims are inherently unpredictable, we are not aware of any matters that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
LEASES
LEASES | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Leases, Operating [Abstract] | |
LEASES | LEASES We have entered into various non-cancellable operating leases, the majority of which relate to compression facilities. Future minimum lease payments under all of our operating leases as of September 30, 2016 are as follows: (in thousands) Minimum Lease Payments remainder of 2016 $ 1,239 2017 4,445 2018 1,926 2019 824 $ 8,434 Rental expense under operating leases was $1.8 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $5.8 million and $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These expenses are included within operating expense - third party on our consolidated statements of operations. |
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SEGMENT INFORMATION | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
SEGMENT INFORMATION | SEGMENT INFORMATION Operating segments are revenue-producing components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is produced internally and is subject to evaluation by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources. The Partnership has three operating segments, which are its reportable segments - the Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems, each of which does business entirely within the United States. See Note 1 - Description of Business and Initial Public Offering for details. Segment results for the periods presented are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Gathering Revenue - Related Party: Anchor systems $ 50,005 $ 40,327 $ 149,150 $ 110,211 Growth systems 2,587 3,467 8,186 10,355 Additional systems 8,137 9,959 24,048 24,072 Total Gathering Revenue - Related Party $ 60,729 $ 53,753 $ 181,384 $ 144,638 Net Income: Anchor systems $ 31,159 $ 25,680 $ 95,328 $ 63,992 Growth systems 1,112 1,586 (7,204 ) 3,320 Additional systems 4,110 6,348 10,018 12,424 Total Net Income $ 36,381 $ 33,614 $ 98,142 $ 79,736 Depreciation Expense: Anchor systems $ 3,620 $ 2,646 $ 10,474 $ 7,650 Growth systems 530 483 1,590 1,422 Additional systems 1,242 640 3,320 1,358 Total Depreciation Expense $ 5,392 $ 3,769 $ 15,384 $ 10,430 Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets: Anchor systems $ 4,868 $ 48,098 $ 27,109 $ 117,151 Growth systems 465 2,548 693 21,518 Additional systems 1,409 44,135 12,664 94,281 Total Capital Expenditures $ 6,742 $ 94,781 $ 40,466 $ 232,950 Segment assets were as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, Segment Assets Anchor systems $ 562,622 $ 567,132 Growth systems 98,371 102,249 Additional systems 249,722 255,044 Total Segment Assets $ 910,715 $ 924,425 |
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN | LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN Under the CONE Midstream Partners LP 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (our “LTIP”), the Partnership's general partner may issue long-term equity based awards to directors, officers and employees of the general partner or its affiliates, or to any consultants, affiliates of our general partner or other individuals who perform services on behalf of the Partnership. The Partnership is responsible for the cost of awards granted under the LTIP, which limits the number of units that may be delivered pursuant to vested awards to 5,800,000 common units, subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of unit splits and similar events. Common units subject to awards that are canceled, forfeited, withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations or otherwise terminated without delivery of the common units will be available for delivery pursuant to other awards. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Partnership's general partner granted equity-based phantom units, which are provided for under our LTIP and are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 718 - Compensation - Stock Compensation. Awards granted to independent directors vest over a period of one year, and awards granted to certain of the Partnership's officers and employees of the general partner vest 33% per year over a period of three years. The current year phantom unit grant was expanded to more employees of the general partner than the prior year grant, which management believes will more fully align employees' interests with those of the Partnership. Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total awarded and unvested at December 31, 2015 32,070 $ 19.98 Granted 150,456 9.62 Vested (19,750) 19.83 Forfeited (7,346) 11.78 Total awarded and unvested at September 30, 2016 155,430 $ 10.36 The Partnership accounts for phantom units as equity awards and records compensation expense on a straight line basis over the vesting periods of the awards based on their grant date fair value. Compensation expense included in general and administrative expense - related party recognized by the Partnership was $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $ 0.6 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At September 30, 2016 , the unrecognized compensation related to all outstanding awards was $ 1.1 million . |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 26, 2016 , the Board of Directors of CONE Midstream GP LLC, the Partnership's general partner declared a cash distribution to the Partnership’s unitholders for the third quarter of 2016 of $0.263 per common and subordinated unit. The cash distribution will be paid on November 14, 2016 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 4, 2016 . On October 31, 2016, our Sponsors jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to separate their Marcellus Shale 50 -50 Joint Venture that was formed in 2011 for the exploration, development, and operation of primarily Marcellus Shale properties in Pennsylvania and West Virginia (the "Exchange Agreement"). Although the Exchange Agreement creates independent ownership interests in the Marcellus Formation acreage and production that the Partnership currently gathers, CONSOL and Noble Energy will continue to remain our Sponsors and retain their respective and limited partner ownership interests in the Partnership, as well as their interests in CONE Gathering, which owns our general partner and noncontrolling interests in the Anchor, Growth and Additional Systems. In addition, the Exchange Agreement does not change the total acreage dedicated to the Partnership by the Sponsors, the gathering rates we receive, or other fundamental terms for the services we provide to the Sponsors. Completion of the Exchange Agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including expiration of the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act waiting period and other customary conditions. The closing of the Exchange Agreement is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIG23
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Use of Estimates | Accordingly, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience and other methods considered reasonable under the particular circumstances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best available knowledge at the time, changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new facts or circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Effects on the Partnership’s business, financial position and results of operations resulting from revisions to estimates are recognized when the facts that give rise to the revision become known. |
Principles of Consolidation | The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and all of its controlled subsidiaries, including 100% of each of the Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems. Although the Partnership only has an economic interest in 75% of the Anchor Systems and 5% of the Growth and Additional Systems, each are consolidated fully with the results of the Partnership for periods following the IPO. However, after adjusting for noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership interests in the Partnership reflect less than 100% of the results of the Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems and represents only that portion of net income that is attributable to the Partnership's unitholders. Transactions between the Partnership and its Sponsors have been identified in the consolidated financial statements as transactions between related parties and are discussed in Note 4. |
Revenue Recognition | Revenues are recognized for the transportation of natural gas and other hydrocarbons based on the delivery of actual volumes transported at a contracted throughput rate. Operating fees received are recorded in gathering revenue — related party in the period the service is performed. |
Cash | Cash includes cash on hand and on deposit at banking institutions. |
Receivables | Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. When applicable, we reserve for specific accounts receivable when it is probable that all or a part of an outstanding balance will not be collected. Collectability is determined based on terms of sale, credit status of customers and various other circumstances. We regularly review collectability and establish or adjust the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. |
Property and Equipment | Property and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or over the lease terms of the assets. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing property and equipment are capitalized. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any profit or loss on disposition is recognized as a gain or loss. There were no retirements or disposals during the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Partnership evaluates whether long-lived assets have been impaired and determines if the carrying amount of its assets may not be recoverable. For such long-lived assets, impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds estimates of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable, based on the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the impairment loss is measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Fair value represents the estimated price between market participants to sell an asset in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset, based on assumptions a market participant would make. When warranted, management assesses the fair value of long-lived assets using commonly accepted techniques and may use more than one source in making such assessments. Sources used to determine fair value include, but are not limited to, recent third-party comparable sales, internally developed discounted cash flow analyses and analyses from outside advisors. Significant changes, such as the condition of an asset or management’s intent to utilize the asset generally require management to reassess the cash flows related to long-lived assets. No impairments were identified during the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. |
Environmental Matters | We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or clean-ups are probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. At this time, we are unable to assess the timing and/or effect of potential liabilities related to greenhouse gas emissions or other environmental issues. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had no material environmental matters that required the recognition of a liability or specific disclosure. |
Asset Retirement Obligations | Our gathering pipelines and compressor stations have an indeterminate life. If properly maintained, they will operate for an indeterminate period as long as supply and demand for natural gas exists, which we expect for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, any retirement obligations associated with such assets cannot be estimated. A liability for asset retirement obligations will be recorded only if and when a future retirement obligation with a determinable life exists and can be estimated. We have not recorded asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. |
Variable Interest Entities | The Partnership adopted ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" during the 2016 period. ASU 2015-02 changed the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Based on the criteria outlined in this standard, the Partnership continues to fully consolidate its existing variable interest entities ("VIEs") - the Anchor, Growth and Additional Limited Partnerships (the "Limited Partnerships") through its ownership of CONE Midstream Operating Company LLC. These VIEs correspond with the manner in which we report our segment information in Note 14, which also includes information regarding the Partnership's involvement with each of these VIEs and their relative contributions to our financial position, operating results and cash flows. CONE Midstream Operating Company LLC, through its general partner ownership interest in each of the Anchor, Growth and Additional Limited Partnerships, is considered to be the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes and has the power to direct all substantive strategic and day-to-day operational decisions of the Limited Partnerships. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 did not impact the Partnership's financial statements. |
Equity Compensation | Equity compensation expense for all unit-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. We recognize unit-based compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of an award, which is generally the award's vesting term. |
Income Taxes | CONE Midstream Partners LP is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes, with each partner being separately taxed on its share of the Partnership's taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes has been recorded in the Partnership's consolidated financial statements for any period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. |
Cash Distributions | Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash within 45 days after the end of each quarterly period to unitholders of record on the applicable record date. This requirement forms the basis of our cash distribution policy and reflects a basic judgment that our unitholders will be better served by distributing our available cash rather than retaining it because, among other reasons, we believe we will generally finance any expansion capital expenditures from external financing sources. Under our current cash distribution policy, we intend to make a minimum quarterly distribution to the holders of our common units and subordinated units of $0.2125 per unit, or $0.85 per unit on an annualized basis, to the extent we have sufficient available cash after the establishment of cash reserves and the payment of costs and expenses, including the payment of expenses to our general partner. However, other than the requirement in our partnership agreement to distribute all of our available cash each quarter, we have no legal obligation to make quarterly cash distributions in this or any other amount. The board of directors of our general partner has considerable discretion to determine the amount of our available cash each quarter as well as the ability to change our cash distribution policy at any time, subject to the requirement in our partnership agreement to distribute all of our available cash quarterly. Generally, our available cash is the sum of (i) all cash on hand at the end of a quarter after the payment of our expenses and the establishment of cash reserves and (ii) if the board of directors of our general partner so determines, all or any portion of additional cash on hand resulting from working capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter. |
Subordinated Units and Incentive Distribution Rights | Subordinated Units Our partnership agreement provides that, during the subordination period, the common unitholders will have the right to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus each quarter in an amount equal to $0.2125 per unit, which is defined in our partnership agreement as the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters, before any distributions of available cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated units. The practical effect of the subordinated units is to increase the likelihood that, during the subordination period, there will be available cash to be distributed on the common units. Subordination Period Except as described below, the subordination period began on the closing date of the IPO and will extend until the first business day following the distribution of available cash in respect of any quarter beginning after September 30, 2017, that each of the following tests are met: • distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest equaled or exceeded $0.85 (the annualized minimum quarterly distribution), for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date; • the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below) generated during each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of $0.85 (the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on all of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest during those periods on a fully diluted basis; and • there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units. Early Termination of the Subordination Period The subordination period will automatically terminate on the first business day following the distribution of available cash in respect of any quarter that each of the following tests are met: • distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest equaled or exceeded $1.275 ( 150% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution), plus the related distributions on the incentive distribution rights, for the four-quarter period immediately preceding that date; • the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below) generated during the four-quarter period immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of (i) $1.275 ( 150% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on all of the outstanding common units and subordinated units and the corresponding distributions on the 2% general partner interest during that period on a fully diluted basis and (ii) the corresponding distributions on the incentive distribution rights; and • there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units. Expiration of the Subordination Period When the subordination period ends, each outstanding subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will thereafter participate pro rata with the other common units in distributions of available cash. Adjusted Operating Surplus Adjusted operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from operations during a particular period and therefore excludes net drawdowns of reserves of cash established in prior periods. Adjusted operating surplus for a period consists of: • operating surplus generated with respect to that period; less • any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; less • any net decrease in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period not relating to an operating expenditure made with respect to that period; plus • any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; plus • any net decrease made in subsequent periods to cash reserves for operating expenditures initially established with respect to that period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction in adjusted operating surplus in subsequent periods; plus • any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium. Incentive Distribution Rights ("IDRs") All of the IDRs are currently held by CONE Midstream GP LLC, our general partner. Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage ( 13.0% , 23.0% and 48.0% ) of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels described below have been achieved. Our general partner may transfer the IDRs separately from its general partner interest. The following discussion assumes that our general partner maintains its 2% general partner interest and that our general partner continues to own the IDRs. If for any quarter: • we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common unitholders and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution; and • we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution; then, we will distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and our general partner in the following manner: • first, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.24438 per unit for that quarter (the “first target distribution”); • second, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.26563 per unit for that quarter (the “second target distribution”); • third, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.31875 per unit for that quarter (the “third target distribution”); and • thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to our general partner. |
Reclassifications | Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current reporting classifications with no effect on previously reported net income or partners' capital. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The objective of the amendments in this update is to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance under both U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and should disclose sufficient information, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The following updates to Topic 606 were made during 2016: • In March 2016, the FASB updated Topic 606 by issuing ASU 2016-08 "Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)," which clarifies how an entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent for goods or services promised to a customer as well as the nature of the goods or services promised to their customers. • In April 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-10 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which seeks to address implementation issues in the areas of identifying performance obligations and licensing. • In May 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-12 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. The update, which was issued in response to feedback received by the FASB-IASB joint revenue recognition transition resource group, seeks to address implementation issues in the areas of collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. After considering the FASB's issuance of a standard that delayed application of Topic 606 by one year, the new standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption as it relates to ASU 2014-09 and the impacts that these standards will have on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU will require organizations (“lessees”) that lease assets with terms of more than 12 months to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet. Organizations that own the assets leased by lessees (“lessors”) will remain largely unchanged from current GAAP. In addition, the ASU will require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The effective date of this ASU is for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018 and interim periods within that year. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our financial statements and financial covenants with lenders; however, we do not believe this standard will materially adversely impact our existing credit agreements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)." This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. We do not believe this standard will materially impact the Partnership. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)". ASU 2016-15 addresses the existing diversity in practice of how several specific cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Partnership does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIG24
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Target Distributions | The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of available cash from operating surplus between the unitholders and our general partner based on the specified target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under “Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions” are the percentage interests of our general partner and the unitholders in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column “Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit Target Amount.” The percentage interests shown for our unitholders and our general partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests set forth below for our general partner include its 2% general partner interest and assume that our general partner has contributed any additional capital necessary to maintain its 2% general partner interest, our general partner has not transferred its incentive distribution rights and there are no arrearages on common units. Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions Distribution Targets Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit Target Amount Unitholders General Partner Minimum Quarterly Distribution $0.2125 98% 2% First Target Distribution Above $0.2125 up to $0.24438 98% 2% Second Target Distribution Above $0.24438 up to $0.26563 85% 15% Third Target Distribution Above $0.26563 up to $0.31875 75% 25% Thereafter Above $0.31875 50% 50% |
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNE25
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Net Income (Loss) Per Unit | The following table illustrates the Partnership’s calculation of net income per unit for common and subordinated partner units: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands, except per unit information) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP $ 23,631 $ 19,657 $ 71,637 $ 48,782 Less: General partner interest in net income 473 393 1,433 976 Limited partner interest in net income $ 23,158 $ 19,264 $ 70,204 $ 47,806 Net income allocable to common units $ 11,582 $ 9,632 $ 35,112 $ 23,903 Net income allocable to subordinated units 11,576 9,632 35,092 23,903 Limited partner interest in net income $ 23,158 $ 19,264 $ 70,204 $ 47,806 Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Basic Common units 29,180 29,163 29,180 29,163 Subordinated units 29,163 29,163 29,163 29,163 Total 58,343 58,326 58,343 58,326 Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Diluted Common units 29,268 29,170 29,247 29,168 Subordinated units 29,163 29,163 29,163 29,163 Total 58,431 58,333 58,410 58,331 Net income per limited partner unit — Basic and Diluted Common units $ 0.40 $ 0.33 $ 1.20 $ 0.82 Subordinated units $ 0.40 $ 0.33 $ 1.20 $ 0.82 |
RELATED PARTY (Tables)
RELATED PARTY (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Related Party Transactions | Additionally, general and administrative expense - related party consisted of the following charges from each Sponsor: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 CONSOL $ 2,462 $ 2,278 $ 6,031 $ 5,974 Noble Energy 162 135 490 411 Total General and Administrative Expense — Related Party $ 2,624 $ 2,413 $ 6,521 $ 6,385 |
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (T
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Revenue from Sponsors | Revenues attributable to each Sponsor were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 CONSOL $ 30,892 $ 26,985 $ 92,516 $ 73,746 Noble Energy 29,837 26,768 88,868 70,892 Total Revenue $ 60,729 $ 53,753 $ 181,384 $ 144,638 |
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY (Ta
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Related Party Accounts Receivable | Receivables consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gathering Fees: CONSOL $ 10,305 $ 10,221 Noble Energy 9,976 19,246 Contributions Receivable: CONSOL — 3,360 Noble Energy — 3,360 Other 6 231 Total Receivables — Related Party $ 20,287 $ 36,418 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |
Property and Equipment | Property and equipment consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Estimated Useful Lives in Years Land $ 72,939 $ 76,755 N/A Gathering equipment 635,311 561,642 25 — 40 Compression equipment 166,457 122,705 30 — 40 Processing equipment 30,979 30,979 40 Assets under construction 16,812 105,837 N/A Total Property and Equipment $ 922,498 $ 897,918 Less: Accumulated depreciation Gathering $ 33,056 $ 21,130 Compression 9,541 6,998 Processing 4,101 3,481 Total Accumulated Depreciation $ 46,698 $ 31,609 Property and Equipment, Net $ 875,800 $ 866,309 |
OTHER ASSETS (Tables)
OTHER ASSETS (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Other Assets [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Other Assets | Other assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Tygart Valley pipe $ 8,596 $ — Financing fees 326 449 Deposits 79 79 Total Other Assets $ 9,001 $ 528 |
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PA31
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Payables and Accruals [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Related Party Payables | Related party payables consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Expense reimbursement to CONSOL $ 985 $ 1,173 Capital expenditures reimbursement to CONE Gathering LLC — 2 Capital expenditures reimbursement to CONSOL 61 — General and administrative services provided by CONSOL 579 402 General and administrative services provided by Noble Energy 55 51 Total Accounts Payable — Related Party $ 1,680 $ 1,628 |
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY (Tabl
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities | The outstanding balance of our revolving credit facility and interest rates on the amounts drawn from our revolver consist of the following: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in thousands, except percentages) Debt Interest Rate (1) Debt Interest Rate (2) Credit Facility $ 41,000 2.06 % $ 73,500 2.18 % (1) Borrowings accrued interest at the LIBOR rate, plus a margin as described above. (2) The weighted average annual interest rate consists of JP Morgan's prime rate and LIBOR rate, plus a margin as described above. |
LEASES (Tables)
LEASES (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Leases, Operating [Abstract] | |
Future minimum lease payments | Future minimum lease payments under all of our operating leases as of September 30, 2016 are as follows: (in thousands) Minimum Lease Payments remainder of 2016 $ 1,239 2017 4,445 2018 1,926 2019 824 $ 8,434 |
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Operating Revenues and Income from Operations | Segment results for the periods presented are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Gathering Revenue - Related Party: Anchor systems $ 50,005 $ 40,327 $ 149,150 $ 110,211 Growth systems 2,587 3,467 8,186 10,355 Additional systems 8,137 9,959 24,048 24,072 Total Gathering Revenue - Related Party $ 60,729 $ 53,753 $ 181,384 $ 144,638 Net Income: Anchor systems $ 31,159 $ 25,680 $ 95,328 $ 63,992 Growth systems 1,112 1,586 (7,204 ) 3,320 Additional systems 4,110 6,348 10,018 12,424 Total Net Income $ 36,381 $ 33,614 $ 98,142 $ 79,736 Depreciation Expense: Anchor systems $ 3,620 $ 2,646 $ 10,474 $ 7,650 Growth systems 530 483 1,590 1,422 Additional systems 1,242 640 3,320 1,358 Total Depreciation Expense $ 5,392 $ 3,769 $ 15,384 $ 10,430 Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets: Anchor systems $ 4,868 $ 48,098 $ 27,109 $ 117,151 Growth systems 465 2,548 693 21,518 Additional systems 1,409 44,135 12,664 94,281 Total Capital Expenditures $ 6,742 $ 94,781 $ 40,466 $ 232,950 |
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated | Segment assets were as follows: (in thousands) September 30, December 31, Segment Assets Anchor systems $ 562,622 $ 567,132 Growth systems 98,371 102,249 Additional systems 249,722 255,044 Total Segment Assets $ 910,715 $ 924,425 |
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (Table
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016 | |
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity | Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total awarded and unvested at December 31, 2015 32,070 $ 19.98 Granted 150,456 9.62 Vested (19,750) 19.83 Forfeited (7,346) 11.78 Total awarded and unvested at September 30, 2016 155,430 $ 10.36 |
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND I36
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares | Sep. 30, 2016segment |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Number of operating segments | segment | 3 | |
General partner's ownership interest (as a percent) | 2.00% | |
CONE Gathering | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
General partner's ownership interest (as a percent) | 2.00% | |
Percentage interest received by Company | 64.20% | |
Net proceeds distributed to CONE Gathering from the IPO | $ | $ 408 | |
Anchor systems | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Ownership percentage (as a percent) | 75.00% | 75.00% |
Growth systems | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Ownership percentage (as a percent) | 5.00% | 5.00% |
Additional systems | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Ownership percentage (as a percent) | 5.00% | 5.00% |
Common Units | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Units sold in public offering | 20,125,000 | |
Price per share sold in IPO (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 22 | |
Common Units | CONE Gathering | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Limited Partner units distributed to CONE Gathering from the IPO | 9,038,121 | |
Common Units | Over-Allotment Option | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Units sold in public offering | 2,625,000 | |
Subordinated Units | CONE Gathering | ||
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] | ||
Limited Partner units distributed to CONE Gathering from the IPO | 29,163,121 |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIG37
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)period$ / shares | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2014 | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable | $ | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
Period to distribute available cash (in days) | 45 days | ||
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.2125 | ||
Annual distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.85 | ||
General partner's ownership interest (as a percent) | 2.00% | ||
Number of consecutive four-quarter periods preceding the distribution date | period | 3 | ||
Early termination subordination period distribution (in dollars per unit) | $ 1.275 | ||
Distribution made to the limited partner, threshold for early termination of subordination period, percent of annualized minimum quarterly distribution (as a percent) | 150.00% | ||
Incentive distribution, rate 1 (as a percent) | 13.00% | ||
Incentive distribution, rate 2 (as a percent) | 23.00% | ||
Incentive distribution, rate 3 (as a percent) | 48.00% | ||
First Target Distribution | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 98.00% | ||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 2.00% | ||
First Target Distribution | Maximum | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.24438 | ||
Second Target Distribution | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 85.00% | ||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 15.00% | ||
Second Target Distribution | Maximum | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.26563 | ||
Third Target Distribution | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 75.00% | ||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 25.00% | ||
Third Target Distribution | Maximum | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.31875 | ||
Thereafter Distributions | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 50.00% | ||
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 50.00% | ||
Anchor systems | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Ownership percentage (as a percent) | 75.00% | 75.00% | |
Growth systems | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Ownership percentage (as a percent) | 5.00% | 5.00% | |
Additional systems | |||
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |||
Ownership percentage (as a percent) | 5.00% | 5.00% |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIG38
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - SCHEDULE OF TARGET DISTRIBUTIONS (Details) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2016$ / shares | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.2125 |
Minimum Quarterly Distribution | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 98.00% |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 2.00% |
First Target Distribution | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 98.00% |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 2.00% |
First Target Distribution | Minimum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.2125 |
First Target Distribution | Maximum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.24438 |
Second Target Distribution | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 85.00% |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 15.00% |
Second Target Distribution | Minimum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.24438 |
Second Target Distribution | Maximum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.26563 |
Third Target Distribution | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 75.00% |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 25.00% |
Third Target Distribution | Minimum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.26563 |
Third Target Distribution | Maximum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.31875 |
Thereafter Distributions | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, unitholders (as a percent) | 50.00% |
Marginal percentage interest in distributions, general partner (as a percent) | 50.00% |
Thereafter Distributions | Minimum | |
Schedule of Target Distributions [Line Items] | |
Quarterly distribution to limited partner (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.31875 |
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNE39
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items] | ||||
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP | $ 23,631 | $ 19,657 | $ 71,637 | $ 48,782 |
Less: General partner interest in net income | 473 | 393 | 1,433 | 976 |
Limited partner interest in net income | $ 23,158 | $ 19,264 | $ 70,204 | $ 47,806 |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Basic (in units) | 58,343 | 58,326 | 58,343 | 58,326 |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Diluted (in units) | 58,431 | 58,333 | 58,410 | 58,331 |
Common Units | ||||
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items] | ||||
Limited partner interest in net income | $ 11,582 | $ 9,632 | $ 35,112 | $ 23,903 |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Basic (in units) | 29,180 | 29,163 | 29,180 | 29,163 |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Diluted (in units) | 29,268 | 29,170 | 29,247 | 29,168 |
Net income per limited partner unit — Basic and Diluted (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.40 | $ 0.33 | $ 1.20 | $ 0.82 |
Subordinated Units | ||||
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items] | ||||
Limited partner interest in net income | $ 11,576 | $ 9,632 | $ 35,092 | $ 23,903 |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Basic (in units) | 29,163 | 29,163 | 29,163 | 29,163 |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Diluted (in units) | 29,163 | 29,163 | 29,163 | 29,163 |
Net income per limited partner unit — Basic and Diluted (in dollars per unit) | $ 0.40 | $ 0.33 | $ 1.20 | $ 0.82 |
RELATED PARTY (Details)
RELATED PARTY (Details) - Affiliated Entity $ in Thousands | Jan. 01, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / bbl$ / MMBTU | Sep. 30, 2015USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / bbl$ / MMBTU | Sep. 30, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016USD ($) |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ 2,624 | $ 2,413 | $ 6,521 | $ 6,385 | |||
CONSOL and Noble | Electrically-Powered Compression Reimbursement | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Charges for services | 4,400 | 4,300 | 12,600 | 11,400 | |||
CONSOL Energy | Shared Service Agreement | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Charges for services | 7,200 | 8,100 | 22,600 | 22,100 | |||
General and administrative expenses | 2,462 | 2,278 | 6,031 | 5,974 | |||
CONSOL Energy | Sale Of Supply Inventory | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Supply inventory sold | 2,200 | ||||||
CONSOL Energy | Administrative Services | Forecast | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ 500 | ||||||
CONSOL Energy | Executive Administrative Services | Forecast | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
General and administrative expenses | 800 | ||||||
CONSOL Energy | Operational Service Agreement | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Term of Agreement (in years) | 20 years | ||||||
Termination period to either party (in months) | 6 months | ||||||
Termination period (in days) | 180 days | ||||||
Maximum period to cure default (in days) | 45 days | ||||||
Noble Energy | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ 162 | $ 135 | $ 490 | $ 411 | |||
Noble Energy | Executive Administrative Services | Forecast | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
General and administrative expenses | $ 300 | ||||||
Noble Energy | NBL Gas Gathering Agreement | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Term of Agreement (in years) | 20 years | ||||||
Downstream fees, conditional increase (as a percent) | 2.50% | ||||||
Fees receivable, excluding downstream (in dollars per MMBtu) | $ / MMBTU | 0.41 | 0.41 | |||||
Downstream fees receivable (in dollars per MMBtu) | $ / MMBTU | 0.564 | 0.564 | |||||
Maximum period for uncured default (in days) | 90 days | ||||||
Noble Energy | NBL Gas Gathering Agreement | West Virginia And Pennsylvania | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Downstream fees receivable (in dollars per MMBtu) | $ / MMBTU | 0.282 | 0.282 | |||||
Noble Energy | NBL Gas Gathering Agreement | West Virgina | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Condensate fees receivable (in dollars per Bbl) | $ / bbl | 2.56 | 2.56 | |||||
Noble Energy | NBL Gas Gathering Agreement | Pennsylvania | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Condensate fees receivable (in dollars per Bbl) | $ / bbl | 5.125 | 5.125 | |||||
CNX Gas | CNX Gas Gathering Agreement | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Term of Agreement (in years) | 20 years | ||||||
Downstream fees, conditional increase (as a percent) | 2.50% | ||||||
Fees receivable, excluding downstream (in dollars per MMBtu) | $ / MMBTU | 0.41 | 0.41 | |||||
Downstream fees receivable (in dollars per MMBtu) | $ / MMBTU | 0.564 | 0.564 | |||||
Maximum period for uncured default (in days) | 90 days | ||||||
CNX Gas | CNX Gas Gathering Agreement | West Virginia And Pennsylvania | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Downstream fees receivable (in dollars per MMBtu) | $ / MMBTU | 0.282 | 0.282 | |||||
CNX Gas | CNX Gas Gathering Agreement | West Virgina | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Condensate fees receivable (in dollars per Bbl) | $ / bbl | 2.56 | 2.56 | |||||
CNX Gas | CNX Gas Gathering Agreement | Pennsylvania | |||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||||||
Condensate fees receivable (in dollars per Bbl) | $ / bbl | 5.125 | 5.125 |
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (D
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
Concentration Risk [Line Items] | ||||
Revenue | $ 60,729 | $ 53,753 | $ 181,384 | $ 144,638 |
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | ||||
Concentration Risk [Line Items] | ||||
Revenue | 60,729 | 53,753 | 181,384 | 144,638 |
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | CONSOL Energy | ||||
Concentration Risk [Line Items] | ||||
Revenue | 30,892 | 26,985 | 92,516 | 73,746 |
Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net | Noble Energy | ||||
Concentration Risk [Line Items] | ||||
Revenue | $ 29,837 | $ 26,768 | $ 88,868 | $ 70,892 |
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY (De
RECEIVABLES - RELATED PARTY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | $ 20,287 | $ 36,418 |
Affiliated Entity | Gathering Fees | CONSOL Energy | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | 10,305 | 10,221 |
Affiliated Entity | Gathering Fees | Noble Energy | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | 9,976 | 19,246 |
Affiliated Entity | Contribution Receivable | CONSOL Energy | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | 0 | 3,360 |
Affiliated Entity | Contribution Receivable | Noble Energy | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | 0 | 3,360 |
Affiliated Entity | Other | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||
Receivables — related party (Note 6) | $ 6 | $ 231 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | $ 922,498 | $ 897,918 |
Less — accumulated depreciation | 46,698 | 31,609 |
Property and Equipment — Net | 875,800 | 866,309 |
Land | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | 72,939 | 76,755 |
Gathering equipment | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | 635,311 | 561,642 |
Less — accumulated depreciation | $ 33,056 | 21,130 |
Gathering equipment | Minimum | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life (in years) | 25 years | |
Gathering equipment | Maximum | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life (in years) | 40 years | |
Compression equipment | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | $ 166,457 | 122,705 |
Less — accumulated depreciation | $ 9,541 | 6,998 |
Compression equipment | Minimum | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life (in years) | 30 years | |
Compression equipment | Maximum | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Estimated useful life (in years) | 40 years | |
Processing equipment | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | $ 30,979 | 30,979 |
Less — accumulated depreciation | $ 4,101 | 3,481 |
Estimated useful life (in years) | 40 years | |
Assets under construction | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property and equipment (Note 7) | $ 16,812 | $ 105,837 |
OTHER ASSETS (Details)
OTHER ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Other Assets [Abstract] | ||
Tygart Valley pipe | $ 8,596 | $ 0 |
Financing fees | 326 | 449 |
Deposits | 79 | 79 |
Total Other Assets | $ 9,001 | $ 528 |
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PA45
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | $ 1,680 | $ 1,628 |
Affiliated Entity | CONSOL Energy | Expense reimbursement | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | 985 | 1,173 |
Affiliated Entity | CONSOL Energy | Capital expenditures reimbursement | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | 61 | 0 |
Affiliated Entity | CONSOL Energy | General and administrative services | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | 579 | 402 |
Affiliated Entity | CONE Gathering LLC | Capital expenditures reimbursement | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | 0 | 2 |
Affiliated Entity | Noble Energy | General and administrative services | ||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||
Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | $ 55 | $ 51 |
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY - SUM
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY - SUMMARY OF REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY (Details) - Revolving Credit Facility - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Line of credit, outstanding amount | $ 41,000 | $ 73,500 |
Stated interest rate | 2.06% | 2.18% |
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY (Deta
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY (Details) - Revolving Credit Facility | Sep. 30, 2014USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2016USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Debt instrument, term | 5 years | |
Revolving credit facility | $ 250,000,000 | |
Debt covenant, consolidated total funded debt to EBITDA ratio measurement period (in years) | 1 year | |
Consolidated total funded debt to EBITDA ratio, outside acquisition period | 5 | |
Debt covenant, funded debt to EBITDA ratio, acquisition period | 5.50 | |
Interest expense ratio | 3 | |
Unamortized debt issuance expense | $ 500,000 | |
Minimum | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Commitment fee percentage | 0.15% | |
Maximum | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Commitment fee percentage | 0.35% | |
Federal Funds Rate | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 0.50% | |
Base Rate, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 1.00% | |
LIBOR plus 1% | Minimum | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 0.125% | |
LIBOR plus 1% | Maximum | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 1.00% | |
LIBOR | Minimum | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 1.125% | |
LIBOR | Maximum | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Basis spread on variable rate | 2.00% |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORM48
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Due from related parties | $ 20,287 | $ 36,418 | |
Affiliated Entity | CONSOL and Noble | Contribution Receivable | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Due from related parties | $ 3,700 | ||
Affiliated Entity | CONE Gathering LLC | Capital expenditure | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Due to related parties | 3,300 | ||
Affiliated Entity | CONSOL Energy | Contribution Receivable | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Due from related parties | $ 0 | $ 3,360 | |
Affiliated Entity | CONSOL Energy | Capital Project Reimbursements | |||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | |||
Due to related parties | $ 3,800 |
LEASES (Details)
LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
Leases, Operating [Abstract] | ||||
remainder of 2016 | $ 1,239 | $ 1,239 | ||
2,017 | 4,445 | 4,445 | ||
2,018 | 1,926 | 1,926 | ||
2,019 | 824 | 824 | ||
Total future minimum lease payments | 8,434 | 8,434 | ||
Rental expense | $ 1,800 | $ 2,300 | $ 5,800 | $ 6,700 |
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2016USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2015USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)segment | Sep. 30, 2015USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015USD ($) | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |||||
Number of operating segments | segment | 3 | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Gathering Revenue - Related Party: | $ 60,729 | $ 53,753 | $ 181,384 | $ 144,638 | |
Net Income | 36,381 | 33,614 | 98,142 | 79,736 | |
Depreciation Expense | 5,392 | 3,769 | 15,384 | 10,430 | |
Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets | 6,742 | 94,781 | 40,466 | 232,950 | |
Total Segment Assets | 910,715 | 910,715 | $ 924,425 | ||
Anchor systems | |||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Gathering Revenue - Related Party: | 50,005 | 40,327 | 149,150 | 110,211 | |
Net Income | 31,159 | 25,680 | 95,328 | 63,992 | |
Depreciation Expense | 3,620 | 2,646 | 10,474 | 7,650 | |
Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets | 4,868 | 48,098 | 27,109 | 117,151 | |
Total Segment Assets | 562,622 | 562,622 | 567,132 | ||
Growth systems | |||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Gathering Revenue - Related Party: | 2,587 | 3,467 | 8,186 | 10,355 | |
Net Income | 1,112 | 1,586 | (7,204) | 3,320 | |
Depreciation Expense | 530 | 483 | 1,590 | 1,422 | |
Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets | 465 | 2,548 | 693 | 21,518 | |
Total Segment Assets | 98,371 | 98,371 | 102,249 | ||
Additional systems | |||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Gathering Revenue - Related Party: | 8,137 | 9,959 | 24,048 | 24,072 | |
Net Income | 4,110 | 6,348 | 10,018 | 12,424 | |
Depreciation Expense | 1,242 | 640 | 3,320 | 1,358 | |
Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets | 1,409 | $ 44,135 | 12,664 | $ 94,281 | |
Total Segment Assets | $ 249,722 | $ 249,722 | $ 255,044 |
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (Detai
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Unrecognized compensation costs | $ 1.1 | $ 1.1 | ||
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) | ||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] | ||||
Total awarded and unvested at December 31, 2015 (in shares) | 32,070 | |||
Granted (in shares) | 150,456 | |||
Vested (in shares) | (19,750) | |||
Forfeited (in shares) | (7,346) | |||
Total awarded and unvested at September 30, 2016 (in shares) | 155,430 | 155,430 | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] | ||||
Total awarded and unvested at December 31, 2015 (in shares) | $ 19.98 | |||
Granted (in dollars per share) | 9.62 | |||
Vested (in dollars per share) | 19.83 | |||
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | 11.78 | |||
Total awarded and unvested at September 30, 2016 (in shares) | $ 10.36 | $ 10.36 | ||
2014 LTIP | Director | ||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Award vesting period (in years) | 1 year | |||
2014 LTIP | Officer | ||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Award vesting period (in years) | 3 years | |||
Annual award vesting percentage (as a percent) | 33.00% | |||
2014 LTIP | Employee | ||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Award vesting period (in years) | 3 years | |||
Annual award vesting percentage (as a percent) | 33.33% | |||
2014 LTIP | Common Units | Stock Compensation Plan | ||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Number of common units authorized (in units) | 5,800,000 | 5,800,000 | ||
2014 LTIP | Common Units | Phantom Share Units (PSUs) | ||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ||||
Unit based compensation | $ 0.2 | $ 0.1 | $ 0.6 | $ 0.3 |
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - $ / shares | Oct. 26, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||||
Cash distributions declared per unit (in dollars per share) | [1] | $ 0.2630 | $ 0.2280 | $ 0.7620 | $ 0.6605 | |
Subsequent Event | ||||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||||
Cash distributions declared per unit (in dollars per share) | $ 0.2630 | |||||
[1] | Represents the cash distributions declared during the month following the respective quarterly reporting period ends. See Note 16. |