UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
__________________________________________________
(Mark One)
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x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
OR
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o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-36635
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CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 47-1054194 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1000 CONSOL Energy Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317-6506
(724) 485-4000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices) __________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o Smaller Reporting Company o Emerging Growth Company x
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of October 30, 2018, CNX Midstream Partners LP had 63,639,677 common units outstanding.
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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ITEM 1. | CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per unit data)
(unaudited)
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Revenue | | | | | | | |
Gathering revenue — related party | $ | 41,022 |
| | $ | 32,699 |
| | $ | 116,328 |
| | $ | 147,324 |
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Gathering revenue — third party | 19,946 |
| | 23,959 |
| | 69,523 |
| | 24,826 |
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Total Revenue | 60,968 |
| | 56,658 |
| | 185,851 |
| | 172,150 |
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Expenses | | | | | | | |
Operating expense — related party | 5,131 |
| | 6,324 |
| | 14,645 |
| | 21,041 |
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Operating expense — third party | 4,870 |
| | 6,332 |
| | 20,744 |
| | 18,922 |
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General and administrative expense — related party | 3,060 |
| | 2,666 |
| | 10,292 |
| | 8,212 |
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General and administrative expense — third party | 1,771 |
| | 1,042 |
| | 6,639 |
| | 3,267 |
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Loss on asset sales | — |
| | — |
| | 2,501 |
| | 3,914 |
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Depreciation expense | 5,306 |
| | 5,629 |
| | 16,605 |
| | 16,975 |
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Interest expense | 7,255 |
| | 1,197 |
| | 16,863 |
| | 3,359 |
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Total Expense | 27,393 |
| | 23,190 |
| | 88,289 |
| | 75,690 |
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Net Income | 33,575 |
| | 33,468 |
| | 97,562 |
| | 96,460 |
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Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (64 | ) | | 4,554 |
| | 6,071 |
| | 8,488 |
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Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | $ | 33,639 |
| | $ | 28,914 |
| | $ | 91,491 |
| | $ | 87,972 |
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| | | | | | | |
Calculation of Limited Partner Interest in Net Income: | | | | | | | |
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | $ | 33,639 |
| | $ | 28,914 |
| | $ | 91,491 |
| | $ | 87,972 |
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Less: General partner interest in net income, including incentive distribution rights | 3,697 |
| | 1,504 |
| | 8,752 |
| | 3,938 |
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Limited partner interest in net income | $ | 29,942 |
| | $ | 27,410 |
| | $ | 82,739 |
| | $ | 84,034 |
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| | | | | | | |
Net income per limited partner unit - basic | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 0.43 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.32 |
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Net income per limited partner unit - diluted | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 0.43 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.32 |
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| | | | | | | |
Limited partner units outstanding - basic | 63,638 |
| | 63,588 |
| | 63,633 |
| | 63,580 |
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Limited partner unit outstanding - diluted | 63,709 |
| | 63,645 |
| | 63,682 |
| | 63,631 |
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Cash distributions declared per unit (*) | $ | 0.3479 |
| | $ | 0.3025 |
| | $ | 1.0085 |
| | $ | 0.8768 |
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(*) | Represents the cash distributions declared during the month following the end of each respective quarterly period. See Note 15. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.
CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except number of units)
(unaudited)
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| September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
ASSETS | | | |
Current Assets: | | | |
Cash | $ | 950 |
| | $ | 3,194 |
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Receivables — related party (Note 6) | 15,053 |
| | 13,104 |
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Receivables — third party (Note 6) | 7,185 |
| | 8,251 |
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Other current assets | 2,623 |
| | 2,169 |
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Total Current Assets | 25,811 |
| | 26,718 |
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Property and Equipment (Note 7): | | | |
Property and equipment | 926,179 |
| | 972,841 |
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Less — accumulated depreciation | 77,343 |
| | 73,563 |
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Property and Equipment — Net | 848,836 |
| | 899,278 |
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Other assets (Note 8) | 3,404 |
| | 593 |
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TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 878,051 |
| | $ | 926,589 |
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LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | $ | 53,391 |
| | $ | 23,602 |
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Accounts payable — related party (Note 9) | 4,427 |
| | 2,376 |
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Total Current Liabilities | 57,818 |
| | 25,978 |
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Other Liabilities: | | | |
Revolving credit facility (Note 10) | 44,000 |
| | 149,500 |
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Long-term debt (Note 11) | 392,978 |
| | — |
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Total Liabilities | 494,796 |
| | 175,478 |
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Partners’ Capital: | | | |
Common units (63,638,327 units issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 63,588,152 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017) | 304,463 |
| | 389,427 |
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General partner interest | 9,803 |
| | 4,328 |
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Partners’ capital attributable to CNX Midstream Partners LP | 314,266 |
| | 393,755 |
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Noncontrolling interest | 68,989 |
| | 357,356 |
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Total Partners’ Capital | 383,255 |
| | 751,111 |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL | $ | 878,051 |
| | $ | 926,589 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.
CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Partners’ Capital | | Total | | | | |
| | | | | | Capital | | | | |
| | Limited | | General | | Attributable | | Noncontrolling | | |
| | Partners | | Partner | | to Partners | | Interest | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2017 | | $ | 389,427 |
| | $ | 4,328 |
| | $ | 393,755 |
| | $ | 357,356 |
| | $ | 751,111 |
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Net income | | 82,739 |
| | 8,752 |
| | 91,491 |
| | 6,071 |
| | 97,562 |
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(Distributions to) contributions from general partner and noncontrolling interest holders, net | | — |
| | 20 |
| | 20 |
| | (3,525 | ) | | (3,505 | ) |
Quarterly distributions to unitholders | | (61,963 | ) | | (6,402 | ) | | (68,365 | ) | | — |
| | (68,365 | ) |
Acquisition of Shirley-Penns System | | (153,587 | ) | | — |
| | (153,587 | ) | | (111,413 | ) | | (265,000 | ) |
HG Energy Transaction | | 46,420 |
| | — |
| | 46,420 |
| | (179,500 | ) | | (133,080 | ) |
Noncash contribution of assets held by general partner | | — |
| | 3,105 |
| | 3,105 |
| | — |
| | 3,105 |
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Unit-based compensation | | 1,775 |
| | — |
| | 1,775 |
| | — |
| | 1,775 |
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Vested units withheld for unitholder taxes | | (348 | ) | | — |
| | (348 | ) | | — |
| | (348 | ) |
Balance at September 30, 2018 | | $ | 304,463 |
| | $ | 9,803 |
| | $ | 314,266 |
| | $ | 68,989 |
| | $ | 383,255 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.
CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
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| | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2018 | | 2017 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | | | |
Net income | $ | 97,562 |
| | $ | 96,460 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation expense and amortization of debt issuance costs | 17,729 |
| | 17,101 |
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Unit-based compensation | 1,775 |
| | 899 |
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Loss on long-term asset sales | 2,501 |
| | 3,914 |
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Other | 388 |
| | 680 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | |
Receivables — related party | (1,949 | ) | | 10,637 |
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Receivables — third party | 1,066 |
| | (7,759 | ) |
Other current and non-current assets | 4 |
| | 588 |
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Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 10,058 |
| | (1,874 | ) |
Accounts payable — related party | 2,073 |
| | (6,009 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 131,207 |
| | 114,637 |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | | | |
Capital expenditures | (85,828 | ) | | (34,905 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of assets | 6,462 |
| | 21,531 |
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Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (79,366 | ) | | (13,374 | ) |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | | | |
Distributions to general partner and noncontrolling interest holders, net | (3,505 | ) | | (36,890 | ) |
Vested units withheld for unitholder taxes | (348 | ) | | (411 | ) |
Quarterly distributions to unitholders | (68,365 | ) | | (56,544 | ) |
Net payments on unsecured $250.0 million credit facility | (149,500 | ) | | (10,000 | ) |
Net borrowings on secured $600.0 million credit facility | 44,000 |
| | — |
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Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount | 394,000 |
| | — |
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Debt issuance costs | (5,367 | ) | | — |
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Acquisition of Shirley-Penns System | (265,000 | ) | | — |
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Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (54,085 | ) | | (103,845 | ) |
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Net Decrease in Cash | (2,244 | ) | | (2,582 | ) |
Cash at Beginning of Period | 3,194 |
| | 6,421 |
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Cash at End of Period | $ | 950 |
| | $ | 3,839 |
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Cash paid during the period for: | | | |
Interest | $ | 14,562 |
| | $ | 3,352 |
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| | | |
Noncash investing activities: | | | |
Property and equipment in current liabilities | $ | 29,907 |
| | $ | 5,691 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited financial statements.
CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
CNX Midstream Partners LP (the “Partnership”, or “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a growth-oriented master limited partnership focused on the ownership, operation, development and acquisition of natural gas gathering and other midstream energy assets to service our customers’ production in the Marcellus Shale and Utica 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. We are managed by our general partner, CNX Midstream GP LLC (the “general partner”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CNX Gathering LLC (“CNX Gathering”). CNX Gathering is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX) (“CNX” or “CNX Resources”).
On January 3, 2018, CNX Gas Company LLC (“CNX Gas”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CNX, acquired from NBL Midstream, LLC (“NBL Midstream”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Energy, Inc. (“Noble Energy”), NBL Midstream’s 50% membership interest in CNX Gathering for cash consideration of $305.0 million and the mutual release of all outstanding claims between the parties (the “General Partner Transaction”). As a result of the General Partner Transaction, CNX owns 100% of the membership interest in CNX Gathering and is the sole sponsor of the Partnership. Accordingly, we may refer to CNX as the “Sponsor” throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Following the General Partner Transaction, Noble Energy owned 21,692,198 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Retained Units”). However, Noble Energy successfully completed an underwritten public offering of 7,475,000 of its Retained Units on June 29, 2018 and executed private securities sale agreements with multiple buyers for the remaining 14,217,198 Retained Units on September 26, 2018. The Partnership did not receive any proceeds as a result of either sale of the Retained Units.
As of September 30, 2018, Noble Energy had no remaining interests in Retained Units.
Description of Business
Our midstream operations currently consist of two operating segments that we refer to as our “Anchor Systems” and “Additional Systems” based on their relative current cash flows, growth profiles, capital expenditure requirements and the timing of their development.
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• | Our Anchor Systems, in which the Partnership owns a 100% controlling interest, include our most developed midstream systems that generate the largest portion of our current cash flows, which includes our four primary midstream systems (the McQuay System, the Majorsville System, the Mamont System and the Shirley-Penns System) and related assets. |
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• | Our Additional Systems, in which the Partnership owns a 5% controlling interest, include several gathering systems primarily located in the wet gas regions of our dedicated acreage. Revenues are currently primarily derived from the Pittsburgh Airport area. The substantial majority of capital investment in these systems would be funded by CNX in proportion to CNX Gathering’s 95% retained ownership interest. |
As a result of the May 2018 CNX and HG Energy Transactions described below, the Partnership distributed its ownership interests in what we referred to as our “Growth Systems”, which were primarily located in the dry gas regions of our dedicated acreage in central West Virginia, and in the Moundsville area assets to CNX Gathering. CNX Gathering subsequently transferred these assets to HG Energy.
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 others, which may include personnel of CNX as provided through contractual relationships with the Partnership. All of the personnel that conduct our business are employed or contracted by our general partner and its affiliates, including our Sponsor, but we sometimes refer to these individuals as our employees because they provide services directly to us. See Note 5–Related Party Transactions for additional information.
Transactions with our Sponsor and HG Energy II Appalachia, LLC
On May 3, 2018, we announced a strategic transaction with our Sponsor, pursuant to which we amended our gas gathering agreement (“GGA”) with CNX to provide for the following (collectively, the “CNX Transactions”):
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• | Dedication to the Partnership of approximately 16,100 additional Utica acres in our Anchor Systems; |
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• | Commitment to develop 40 additional wells in the Anchor Systems by 2023, subject to the terms of the GGA; |
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• | Contribution to the Anchor Systems of a 20” high pressure pipeline in addition to a one-time payment to us of approximately $2.0 million in cash; and |
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• | Distribution of our 5% interest in the Growth Systems and related assets, as well as our 5% interest in the Moundsville midstream assets that were a part of the Additional Systems, to CNX Gathering, which subsequently transferred these assets to HG Energy II Appalachia, LLC (“HG Energy”). |
On May 3, 2018, we also announced a strategic transaction with HG Energy, pursuant to which we amended our GGA with HG Energy to provide for the following (collectively, the “HG Energy Transaction”):
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• | Release from dedication of approximately 18,000 acres, net to the Partnership, which was comprised of approximately 275,000 acres (or approximately 14,000 acres, net to the Partnership) within the Growth and Additional Systems and approximately 4,200 scattered acres located in the Anchor Systems; |
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• | Removal of our obligation to provide gathering services or make capital investments in the Growth Systems or in the Moundsville area of the Additional Systems; and |
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• | Commitment by HG Energy to develop 12 additional wells in the Anchor Systems by 2021, subject to the terms of the HG Energy GGA. |
Following the CNX and HG Energy Transactions, the aggregate number of well commitments in the Anchor Systems to the Partnership by CNX and HG Energy, collectively, increased from 140 wells over the course of the next five years to 192 wells. The non-cash distribution of our interests in these assets to CNX Gathering resulted in a reduction to property and equipment, net of $133.1 million, a reduction in noncontrolling interests of $179.5 million and an increase to partners’ capital of $46.4 million. At September 30, 2018, the Partnership has no remaining interests in the Growth Systems or the Moundsville area assets that were historically included within the Additional Systems.
Acquisition of Shirley-Penns System
At December 31, 2017, CNX Gathering owned a 95% noncontrolling interest, while the Partnership owned the remaining 5% controlling interest, in the Additional Systems, which owned the gathering system and related assets commonly referred to as the Shirley-Penns System (the “Shirley-Penns System”).
On March 16, 2018, the Partnership acquired the remaining 95% interest in the Shirley-Penns System, pursuant to which the Additional Systems transferred its interest in the Shirley-Penns System on a pro rata basis to CNX Gathering and the Partnership in accordance with each transferee’s respective ownership interest in the Additional Systems. Following such transfer, CNX Gathering sold its aggregate interest in the Shirley-Penns System, which now resides in the Anchor Systems, in exchange for cash consideration in the amount of $265.0 million (the “Shirley-Penns Acquisition”). The Partnership funded the Shirley-Penns Acquisition with a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of 6.5% senior notes due 2026 (the “Senior Notes”). See Note 11–Long-Term Debt for additional information.
At September 30, 2018, the Partnership owns a 100% controlling interest in the Shirley-Penns System. The Additional Systems continue to hold several other gathering systems in which the Partnership owns a 5% controlling interest.
NOTE 2 — 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”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and various disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which 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 and 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 considered necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been included.
The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 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
During the periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 has less than a 100% economic interest in the Growth and
Additional Systems in the periods presented, each is consolidated fully with the results of the Partnership. However, after adjusting for noncontrolling interests, net income attributable to general and limited partner ownership interests in the Partnership reflects only that portion of net income that is attributable to the Partnership’s unitholders. During the second quarter of 2018, the Partnership distributed its interests in the Growth Systems and the Moundsville area assets of the Additional Systems in connection with the HG Energy Transaction.
Transactions between the Partnership and CNX have been identified in the consolidated financial statements as transactions between related parties and are disclosed in Note 5–Related Party Transactions.
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 the aforementioned reporting exemptions until September 30, 2019 or until we lose our status as an emerging growth company, which would happen if any of the following were to occur:
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• | we have more than $1.0 billion of gross revenues in the year ending December 31, 2018; |
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• | the limited partner interests held by non-affiliates have a market value of more than $700 million as of June 30, 2018, which determination shall be made as of December 31, 2018; or |
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• | we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. |
Based on the above criteria, we will not be an emerging growth company as of December 31, 2018, as the market value of limited partner interests held by non-affiliates was in excess of $700 million at June 30, 2018. Accordingly, among other things, we will be 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 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2018.
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Partnership adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) using the modified retrospective method. We did not have a transition adjustment as a result of the adoption of the new revenue standard.
Revenues from contracts with customers
We record revenue when obligations under the terms of the contracts with our shippers are satisfied; generally this occurs on a daily basis as we gather gas at the wellhead. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing the natural gas gathering services.
Nature of performance obligations
At contract inception, we assess the services promised in our contracts with customers and identify a performance obligation for each promised service that is distinct. To identify the performance obligations, we consider all of the services promised in the contract, regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices.
Our revenue is generated from natural gas gathering activities. The gas gathering services are interruptible in nature and include charges for the volume of gas actually gathered and do not guarantee access to the system. Volumetric-based fees relate to actual volumes gathered. In general, the interruptible gathering of each unit (MMBtu) of natural gas represents a separate performance obligation. Payment terms for these contracts require payment within 25 days of the end of the calendar month in which the hydrocarbons are gathered.
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations
The new revenue standard requires that we disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied. However, the guidance provides certain practical expedients that limit this requirement.
Substantially all of our revenues are derived from contracts with CNX and HG Energy that have terms of greater than one year. Under these contracts, the interruptible gathering of each unit of natural gas represents a separate performance obligation.
For revenue associated with the Shirley-Penns System, our only contract with terms that are greater than one year, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $415.8 million at September 30, 2018. We expect to recognize revenue of $7.1 million and $28.8 million, respectively, during the remainder of the years ending December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019. The amount of revenue associated with this contract up to the minimum volume commitment (“MVC”) is fixed in nature, and volumes that we may gather above the MVC will be variable in nature. As of September 30, 2018, no future performance obligations exist relative to volumes to be gathered in excess of the MVC as the related volumes have not yet been nominated for gathering. Therefore, we have not disclosed the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for the variable aspect of this agreement, nor have we disclosed the value of other unsatisfied performance obligations that are variable in nature.
Prior-period performance obligations
We record revenue when obligations under the terms of the contracts with our shippers are satisfied; generally this occurs on a daily basis when we gather gas at the wellhead. In some cases, we are required to estimate the amount of natural gas that we have gathered during an accounting period and record any differences between our estimates and the actual units of natural gas that we gathered in the following month. We have existing internal controls for our revenue estimation process and related accruals; historically, any identified differences between our revenue estimates and actual revenue received have not been significant. For the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, revenue recognized in the reporting period related to performance obligations satisfied in prior reporting periods was not material.
Disaggregation of revenue
See Note 13–Segment Information for additional information.
Contract balances
We invoice customers once our performance obligations have been satisfied, at which point payment is unconditional. Accordingly, our contracts with customers do not give rise to contract assets or liabilities under the new revenue standard. We also have no contract assets recognized from the costs.
See Note 6–Receivables for additional information.
Classification
The fees we charge our affiliates, including our Sponsor, are recorded in gathering revenue — related party in our consolidated statements of operations. Related party fees also included those charged to Noble Energy through June 28, 2017, the date which it sold its Appalachian Basin assets to HG Energy (the “Noble Energy Asset Sale”). Fees from midstream services we perform for HG Energy, and any other third party shipper, are recorded in gathering revenue — third party in our consolidated statements of operations.
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 uncollectable amounts at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
Fair Value Measurement
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance also relates to all nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed on a recurring basis (e.g., the initial recognition of asset retirement obligations and impairments of long‑lived assets). The fair value is the price that we estimate we would receive upon selling an asset or that we would pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize input to valuation techniques used to estimate fair value. An asset or liability subject to the fair value
requirements is categorized within the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The highest priority (Level 1) is given to unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, and the lowest priority (Level 3) is given to unobservable inputs. Level 2 inputs are data, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
The carrying values of our current assets and current liabilities approximate fair values due to their short maturities. The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value as the facility bears interest at a variable, market rate that resets periodically.
We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which is not actively traded, using a standard industry income approach model that utilizes a discount rate based on market rates for other debt with similar remaining time to maturity and credit risk (Level 2). The estimated fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $398.5 million at September 30, 2018.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost upon acquisition and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives or over their lease terms. 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.
We routinely assess whether impairment indicators arise during any given quarter and have processes in place to ensure that we become aware of such indicators. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, sustained decreases in commodity prices, a decline in customer well results and lower throughput forecasts, and increases in construction or operating costs. For such long-lived assets, impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets exceeds our estimates of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or group of assets. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset(s) is not recoverable, based on the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the impairment loss would be measured as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. In the event that impairment indicators exist, we conduct an impairment test.
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 property and equipment 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, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had no material environmental matters that required the recognition of a separate 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. We are under no legal or contractual obligation to restore or dismantle our gathering system upon abandonment. Therefore, we have not recorded any liabilities for asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
Variable Interest Entities
Each of the Anchor and Additional Systems, and our former Growth Systems, is a limited partnership (the “Limited Partnerships”) and a variable interest entity (“VIE”). These VIEs correspond with the manner in which we report our segment information in Note 13–Segment Information, 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.
The Partnership fully consolidates each of the Limited Partnerships through its ownership of CNX Midstream Operating Company LLC (the “Operating Company”). The Operating Company, through its general partner ownership interest in each of the 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.
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 ASC. We recognize unit-based compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of an award, which is generally the same as the award’s vesting term. See Note 14–Long-Term Incentive Plan for additional information.
Income Taxes
We are 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.
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 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 have finalized a project plan, performed an initial assessment of all agreements covered under the standard and have begun implementing changes to our information systems and internal controls. We are still assessing the impact to our consolidated financial statements as well as planning for adoption and implementation of this standard, which includes applying practical expedients provided in the standards update that allow, among other things, for contracts that commenced prior to the adoption to not be reassessed. We also anticipate to elect a policy not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities related to short-term leases.
NOTE 3 — CASH DISTRIBUTIONS
Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash from operating surplus within 45 days after the end of each quarter to unitholders of record on the applicable record date, in accordance with the terms below.
Allocations of Available Cash from Operating Surplus and Incentive Distribution Rights
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, as holder of our Incentive Distribution Rights (“IDRs”), 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.” IDRs represent the right to receive an increasing percentage, up to a maximum of 48% (which does not include the 2% general partner interest), of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels described in the table below have been achieved. All of the IDRs are currently held by our general partner, as defined in Note 1–Description of Business. Our general partner may transfer the IDRs separately from its general partner interest.
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 IDRs and that there are no arrearages on common units.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions |
Distribution Targets | | Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit Target Amount | | Unitholders | | General Partner (including IDRs) |
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% |
Beginning with the distribution that was approved by the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner (the “Board of Directors”) for the earnings period ended March 31, 2018, our quarterly distributions have been in excess of the maximum Third Target Distribution, or $0.31875 per common unit.
Cash Distributions
The Board of Directors declared the following cash distributions to the Partnership’s common and subordinated unitholders (through September 30, 2017) and to the general partner for the periods presented:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands, except per unit information) | | | | | | |
Quarters Ended | | Total Quarterly Distribution Per Unit | | Total Quarterly Cash Distribution | | Date of Distribution |
Year ended December 31, 2017 | | | | | | |
March 31 | | $ | 0.2821 |
| | $ | 18,842 |
| | May 15, 2017 |
June 30 | | 0.2922 |
| | 19,698 |
| | August 14, 2017 |
September 30 | | 0.3025 |
| | 20,573 |
| | November 14, 2017 |
December 31 | | 0.3133 |
| | 21,489 |
| | February 14, 2018 |
| | | | | | |
Year ending December 31, 2018 | | | | | | |
March 31 | | $ | 0.3245 |
| | $ | 22,700 |
| | May 15, 2018 |
June 30 | | 0.3361 |
| | 24,176 |
| | August 14, 2018 |
See Note 4–Net Income per Limited Partner Unit and General Partner Interest for information regarding the conversion of subordinated units to common units on November 14, 2017. See Note 15–Subsequent Events for information regarding the distribution that was approved by the Board of Directors with respect to the quarter ended September 30, 2018.
NOTE 4 — NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST
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.
Conversion of subordinated units
From its inception through September 30, 2017, the Partnership paid equal distributions on common, subordinated and general partner units, excluding payments on the IDRs, which are paid in accordance with the table above. Upon payment of the cash distribution with respect to the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the financial requirements for the conversion of all subordinated units were satisfied. As a result, on November 15, 2017, all 29,163,121 subordinated units, which were owned entirely by CNX and Noble Energy, converted into common units on a one-for-one basis. The conversion did not impact the
amount of the cash distribution paid or the total number of the Partnership’s outstanding units representing limited partner interests.
Historical earnings per unit
The Partnership calculates historical earnings per unit under the two-class method and allocates the earnings or losses of a transferred business before the date of a dropdown transaction entirely to the general partner. If applicable, the previously reported earnings per unit of the limited partners would not change as a result of a dropdown transaction.
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. There were 2,865 and 29,356 phantom units that were not included in the calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, because the effect would have been antidilutive. There were also 46,976 and 53,650 phantom units that were not included in the calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, because the effect would have been antidilutive.
The following table illustrates the Partnership’s calculation of net income per unit for common and subordinated limited partner units for the periods presented:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except per unit information) | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | $ | 33,639 |
| | $ | 28,914 |
| | $ | 91,491 |
| | $ | 87,972 |
|
Less: General partner interest in net income, including incentive distribution rights | 3,697 |
| | 1,504 |
| | 8,752 |
| | 3,938 |
|
Limited partner interest in net income | $ | 29,942 |
| | $ | 27,410 |
| | $ | 82,739 |
| | $ | 84,034 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Net income allocable to common units — basic and diluted | $ | 29,942 |
| | $ | 14,840 |
| | $ | 82,739 |
| | $ | 45,492 |
|
Net income allocable to subordinated units — basic and diluted | — |
| | 12,570 |
| | — |
| | 38,542 |
|
Limited partner interest in net income — basic and diluted | $ | 29,942 |
| | $ | 27,410 |
| | $ | 82,739 |
| | $ | 84,034 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Basic | | | | | | | |
Common units | 63,638 |
| | 34,425 |
| | 63,633 |
| | 34,417 |
|
Subordinated units | — |
| | 29,163 |
| | — |
| | 29,163 |
|
Total | 63,638 |
| | 63,588 |
| | 63,633 |
| | 63,580 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding — Diluted | | | | | | | |
Common units | 63,709 |
| | 34,482 |
| | 63,682 |
| | 34,468 |
|
Subordinated units | — |
| | 29,163 |
| | — |
| | 29,163 |
|
Total | 63,709 |
| | 63,645 |
| | 63,682 |
| | 63,631 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Net income per limited partner unit — Basic | | | | | | | |
Common units | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 0.43 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.32 |
|
Subordinated units | — |
| | 0.43 |
| | — |
| | 1.32 |
|
Total | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 0.43 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.32 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Net income per limited partner unit — Diluted | | | | | | | |
Common units | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 0.43 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.32 |
|
Subordinated units | — |
| | 0.43 |
| | — |
| | 1.32 |
|
Total | $ | 0.47 |
| | $ | 0.43 |
| | $ | 1.30 |
| | $ | 1.32 |
|
NOTE 5 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, we engage in related party transactions with CNX (and certain of its subsidiaries) and CNX Gathering, which include the fees we charge and revenues we receive under a fixed fee gathering agreement (including electrically-powered compression CNX reimburses to us) and our reimbursement of certain expenses to CNX under several agreements, discussed below. In addition, we may waive or modify certain terms under these arrangements in the ordinary course of business, including the provisions of the fixed fee gathering agreement, when we determine it is in the best interests of the Partnership to do so. Any such transactions are reviewed by the board of directors of our general partner, with oversight, as our board of directors deems necessary, by our conflicts committee.
We also engaged in related party transactions with Noble Energy during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, which primarily included the fees we charged and revenues we received under our fixed fee gathering agreement with Noble Energy. Related party revenues and related party expenses are presented as separate captions within our consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Partnership closed on the Shirley-Penns Acquisition for cash consideration in the amount of $265.0 million and on the CNX and HG Energy Transactions. See Note 1–Description of Business for additional information.
Operating expense and general and administrative expense – related party are derived from CNX in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and from CNX and Noble Energy in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and consisted of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Operational services — CNX | $ | 3,266 |
| | $ | 4,255 |
| | $ | 9,358 |
| | $ | 10,442 |
|
Electrical compression | 1,865 |
| | 2,069 |
| | 5,287 |
| | 10,599 |
|
Total Operating Expense — Related Party | $ | 5,131 |
| | $ | 6,324 |
| | $ | 14,645 |
| | $ | 21,041 |
|
| | | | | | | |
CNX | $ | 3,060 |
| | $ | 2,533 |
| | $ | 10,292 |
| | $ | 7,774 |
|
Noble Energy | — |
| | 133 |
| | — |
| | 438 |
|
Total General and Administrative Expense — Related Party | $ | 3,060 |
| | $ | 2,666 |
| | $ | 10,292 |
| | $ | 8,212 |
|
In addition to the aforementioned transactions, throughout the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, CNX and Noble Energy, through their ownership of CNX Gathering in the applicable periods, also regularly reimbursed the Partnership for capital expenditures, initially funded by the Partnership, in proportion to CNX Gathering's noncontrolling ownership interests in the Growth and Additional Systems. We also distributed to CNX and Noble Energy amounts related to their noncontrolling ownership interest, in the applicable periods, in the earnings of the Growth and Additional Systems as well as proceeds from sales of any assets in which CNX and Noble Energy had ownership interests through their membership in CNX Gathering. This activity is recorded in the caption “Distributions to general partner and noncontrolling interest holders, net” in the consolidated statements of partners' capital and noncontrolling interest and of cash flows.
Operational Services Agreement
On September 30, 2014, the date of the closing of the initial public offering of our common units (our “IPO”), we entered into an operational services agreement with CNX. On December 1, 2016, in connection with a transaction under which CNX and Noble Energy separated their Marcellus Shale area of mutual interest into two separate operating areas, the operational services agreement was amended and restated. Under the amended and restated operational services agreement, CNX continues to provide certain operational services to us in support of our gathering pipelines and dehydration, treating and compressor stations and facilities, including routine and emergency maintenance and repair services, routine operational activities, routine administrative services, construction and related services and such other services as we and CNX may mutually agree upon from time to time. CNX prepares and submits for our approval a maintenance, operating and capital budget on an annual basis. CNX submits actual expenditures for reimbursement on a monthly basis, and we reimburse CNX for any direct third-party costs incurred by CNX in providing these services.
Omnibus Agreement
On September 30, 2014, we entered into an omnibus agreement with CNX, CNX Gathering and our general partner that addresses the following matters:
| |
• | our payment of an annually-determined administrative support fee (approximately $1.9 million for the year ending December 31, 2018) for the provision of certain services by CNX and its affiliates, including executive costs; |
| |
• | our obligation to reimburse CNX for all other direct or allocated costs and expenses incurred by CNX 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) CNX Gathering’s retained interests in our Additional Systems, (ii) CNX Gathering’s other ancillary midstream assets and (iii) any additional midstream assets that CNX Gathering develops; and |
| |
• | an indemnity from CNX 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 CNX 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. |
The omnibus agreement will remain in full force and effect throughout the period in which CNX Gathering controls our general partner. If CNX 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.
Gathering Agreements
2018 Gathering Agreements and Amendments
On January 3, 2018, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated GGA, which is a 20-year, fixed-fee gathering agreement with CNX Gas that amended and restated the previous gathering agreement with CNX Gas in its entirety. Although the fees for services we provide in the Marcellus Shale for existing wells that were covered under the prior agreement (discussed below) remain unchanged in the new agreement, the Second Amended and Restated GGA also dedicates an additional 63,000 acres in the Utica Shale in and around the McQuay and Wadestown areas and introduces the following gas gathering and compression rates:
| |
◦ | McQuay area Utica - a fee of $0.225 per MMBtu; and |
| |
◦ | Wadestown Marcellus and Utica - a fee of $0.35 per MMBtu. |
| |
◦ | For areas not benefitting from system expansion pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated GGA, compression services are included in the base fees; and |
| |
◦ | In the McQuay and Wadestown areas, for wells turned in line beginning January 1, 2018 and beyond, we will receive additional fees of $0.065 per MMBtu for Tier 1 pressure services (maximum receipt point of pressure of 600 psi) and $0.130 per MMBtu for Tier 2 pressure services (maximum receipt point of pressure of 300 psi). |
The Second Amended and Restated GGA also commits CNX Gas to drill the following numbers of wells in the McQuay area within the Anchor Systems, provided that if 125 wells have been drilled and completed in the Marcellus Shale, then the remainder of such planned wells must be drilled in the Utica Shale. To the extent the requisite number of wells are not drilled and completed by CNX Gas in a given period, we will be entitled to a deficiency payment per shortfall well as set out in the parenthetical below:
| |
• | January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 - 30 wells (deficiency payment of $3.5 million per well) |
| |
• | January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020 - 40 wells (deficiency payment of $3.5 million per well) |
| |
• | May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 - 40 wells (deficiency payment of $2.0 million per well) |
| |
• | May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022 - 30 wells (deficiency payment of $2.0 million per well) |
In the event that CNX Gas drills wells and completes a number of wells in excess of the number of wells required to be drilled and completed in such period, (i) the number of excess wells drilled and completed during such period will be applied to the minimum well requirement in the succeeding period or (ii) to the extent CNX Gas was required to make deficiency payments for shortfalls in the preceding period, CNX Gas may elect to cause the Partnership to pay a refund in an amount equal to (x) the number of excess wells drilled and completed during the period, multiplied by (y) the deficiency payment paid per well during the period in which the shortfall occurred.
On March 16, 2018, in connection with the Shirley-Penns Acquisition, we amended the Second Amended and Restated GGA to add an MVC on volumes associated with the Shirley-Penns System through December 31, 2031. The MVC commits CNX Gas to pay the Partnership the wet gas fee under the GGA for all natural gas we gather up to a specified amount per day through December 31, 2031.
We expect to recognize at least the following amounts or revenue throughout the term of the MVC:
|
| | | |
| Revenue under MVC (in millions) |
Remainder of year ending December 31, 2018 | $ | 7.1 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2019 | 28.8 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2020 | 34.7 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2021 | 40.8 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2022 | 47.8 |
|
Remainder of term | 256.6 |
|
Total revenue to be recognized under Shirley-Penns contract through December 31, 2031 | $ | 415.8 |
|
For all natural gas the Partnership gathers in excess of the MVC, the Partnership will receive a fee of $0.35 per MMBtu in 2018, which will escalate by 2.5% on an annual basis beginning January 1, 2019.
On May 2, 2018, we completed the CNX Transactions, pursuant to which we amended the Second Amended and Restated GGA. The amended agreement commits CNX Gas to drill and complete an additional 40 wells in the Majorsville/Mamont area within the Anchor Systems through 2023. To the extent the requisite number of wells are not drilled and completed by CNX Gas in a given period, we will be entitled to a deficiency payment per shortfall well as set out in the parenthetical below:
•July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 - 15 wells (deficiency payment of $2.8 million per well)
•January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023 - 25 wells (deficiency payment of $2.8 million per well)
Gathering Agreements Prior to 2018
On December 1, 2016, we entered into new fixed-fee gathering agreements with Noble Energy and CNX Gas that replaced the gathering agreements that had been in place since our IPO. Our gathering agreement with Noble Energy was assigned to HG Energy upon consummation of the Noble Energy Asset Sale effective June 28, 2017. The terms of the agreement remain unchanged following the assignment, except as it relates to HG Energy’s inability to, without the Partnership’s consent, release dedicated acreage in connection with a transfer of such acreage free of the dedication to us, and exercise other initial shipper rights provided under the gathering agreement.
HG Energy is currently not a related party of the Partnership; accordingly, the focus of the following disclosure is on current and historical related party transactions, which do not include transactions with HG Energy. Our fees for gathering services, throughout 2018, are based on the type and scope of the midstream services we provide, summarized as follows:
| |
• | For the services we provide with respect to natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation that does not require downstream processing, or dry gas, we will receive a fee of $0.431 per MMBtu. |
| |
• | For the services we provide with respect to natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation that requires downstream processing, or wet gas, we will receive: |
| |
◦ | a fee of $0.296 per MMBtu in the Moundsville area (Marshall County, West Virginia) and in the Pittsburgh International Airport area; and |
| |
◦ | a fee of $0.593 per MMBtu for all other areas in the dedication area. |
| |
• | For the services we provide with respect to natural gas from the Utica Shale formation, we will receive a weighted average rate of $0.15 per MMBtu. |
| |
• | Our fees for condensate services will be $5.38 per Bbl in the Majorsville area and $2.693 per Bbl in the Moundsville area. |
Each of the foregoing fees escalates by 2.5% on January 1 on an annual basis, through and including the final calendar year of the initial term. Commencing on January 1, 2035, and as of January 1 thereafter, each of the applicable fees will be adjusted pursuant to the percentage change in CPI-U, but such fees will never escalate or decrease by more than 3%.
We gather, compress, dehydrate and deliver all of CNX Gas’ dedicated natural gas in the Marcellus Shale on a first-priority basis and gather, inject, stabilize and store all of CNX Gas’ dedicated condensate on a first-priority basis, with the exception that until December 1, 2018, CNX Gas will receive first-priority service in our Majorsville system with respect to a certain volume of production (revised bi-annually) and any excess production will receive second-priority service.
CNX Gas provides us with quarterly updates on its drilling and development operations, which include detailed descriptions of the drilling plans, production details and well locations for periods that range from up to 24-48 months, as well as more general development plans that may extend as far as ten years. In addition, we regularly meet with CNX Gas to discuss
our current plans to timely construct the necessary facilities to be able to provide midstream services to them on our dedicated acreage. In the event that we do not perform our obligations under a gathering agreement, CNX Gas will be entitled to certain rights and procedural remedies thereunder, including the temporary and/or permanent release from dedication discussed below and indemnification from us.
There are no restrictions under our gathering agreements on the ability of CNX Gas to transfer acreage in the right of first offer (“ROFO”) area, and any such transfer of acreage in the ROFO area will not be subject to our right of first offer.
Upon completion of its 20-year term in 2037, our gathering agreement with CNX Gas will continue in effect from year to year until such time as the agreement is terminated by either us or CNX Gas on or before 180 days prior written notice.
Registration Rights Agreement
On January 3, 2018, in connection with the closing of the General Partner Transaction, the Partnership entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with Noble Energy relating to the registered resale of common units that Noble Energy acquired in connection with the IPO and upon conversion of subordinated units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Partnership filed a registration statement for the registered resale of the Registrable Securities.
Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, Noble Energy executed an underwritten public offering of 7,475,000 of its common units in the Partnership on June 29, 2018. On September 26, 2018, Noble Energy completed the sale of its remaining 14,217,198 Retained Units, representing all of its remaining ownership of the Partnership.
See Note 1–Description of Business for additional information.
NOTE 6 — RECEIVABLES
Receivables consisted of the following:
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| | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
Receivables - related party | | | |
CNX | $ | 14,772 |
| | $ | 12,801 |
|
CNX Gathering | 281 |
| | 303 |
|
Receivables - related party | $ | 15,053 |
| | $ | 13,104 |
|
| | | |
Receivables - third party | 7,185 |
| | 8,251 |
|
Total receivables | $ | 22,238 |
| | $ | 21,355 |
|
NOTE 7 — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 | | Estimated Useful Lives in Years |
Land | $ | 51,205 |
| | $ | 76,130 |
| | N/A |
Gathering equipment | 590,120 |
| | 662,595 |
| | 25 — 40 |
Compression equipment | 179,177 |
| | 180,038 |
| | 30 — 40 |
Processing equipment | 30,979 |
| | 30,979 |
| | 40 |
Assets under construction | 74,698 |
| | 23,099 |
| | N/A |
Total Property and Equipment | $ | 926,179 |
| | $ | 972,841 |
| | |
| | | | | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | | | | | |
Gathering equipment | $ | 54,640 |
| | $ | 53,544 |
| | |
Compression equipment | 16,950 |
| | 14,886 |
| | |
Processing equipment | 5,753 |
| | 5,133 |
| | |
Total Accumulated Depreciation | $ | 77,343 |
| | $ | 73,563 |
| | |
| | | | | |
Property and Equipment, Net | $ | 848,836 |
| | $ | 899,278 |
| | |
NOTE 8 — OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consisted of the following:
|
| | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
Pipe stock | $ | — |
| | $ | 392 |
|
Financing fees | 3,140 |
| | 122 |
|
Other | 264 |
| | 79 |
|
Total Other Assets | $ | 3,404 |
| | $ | 593 |
|
On March 8, 2018, the Partnership entered into a $600.0 million secured revolving credit facility. In connection with the new credit facility, the Partnership recorded approximately $4.6 million in deferred financing fees, of which approximately $0.9 million is classified as a current asset. See Note 10–Revolving Credit Facility.
NOTE 9 — ACCOUNTS PAYABLE — RELATED PARTY
Related party payables consisted of the following:
|
| | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
CNX Resources: | | | |
Expense reimbursements | $ | 1,126 |
| | $ | 780 |
|
Capital expenditures reimbursements | 24 |
| | 83 |
|
General and administrative services | 3,277 |
| | 1,458 |
|
Total due to CNX Resources | 4,427 |
| | 2,321 |
|
| | | |
Noble Energy: | | | |
General and administrative services | — |
| | 55 |
|
Total due to Noble Energy | — |
| | 55 |
|
| | | |
Total Accounts Payable — Related Party | $ | 4,427 |
| | $ | 2,376 |
|
NOTE 10 — REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
On March 8, 2018, we entered into a $600.0 million secured revolving credit facility with an accordion feature that allows, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Partnership to increase the available borrowings under the facility by up to an additional $250.0 million. The new revolving credit facility matures on March 8, 2023 and replaced the prior $250.0 million revolving credit facility, which was unsecured. The available borrowing capacity under the new revolving credit facility is limited by certain financial covenants pertaining to leverage and interest coverage ratios as defined in the revolving credit facility agreement.
Borrowings under the new revolving credit facility bear interest at our option at either:
| |
• | the base rate, which is the highest of (i) the federal funds open rate plus 0.50%, (ii) PNC Bank, N.A.’s prime rate, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.75%; or |
| |
• | the LIBOR rate, which is the LIBOR rate plus a margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%. |
Interest on base rate loans is payable on the first business day of each calendar quarter. 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 0.375% to 0.500% per annum depending on our most recent consolidated leverage ratio.
The facility includes restrictions on the ability of the Partnership, its subsidiary guarantors and certain of its non-guarantor, non-wholly-owned subsidiaries, except in certain circumstances, to: (i) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist indebtedness; (ii) create or permit to exist liens on their properties; (iii) prepay certain indebtedness unless there is no default or event of default under the facility; (iv) make or pay any dividends or distributions in excess of certain amounts; (v) merge with or into another person, liquidate or dissolve; or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any going concern or going line of business or acquire all or a substantial portion of another person’s assets; (vi) make particular investments and loans; (vii) sell, transfer, convey, assign or dispose of its assets or properties other than in the ordinary course of business and other select instances; (viii) deal with any affiliate except in the ordinary course of business on terms no less favorable to the Partnership than it would otherwise receive in an arm’s length transaction; and (ix) amend in any material manner its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, or other organizational documents without giving prior notice to the lenders and, in some cases, obtaining the consent of the lenders. The agreement also contains customary events of default, including, but not limited to, a cross-default to certain other debt, breaches of representations and warranties, change of control events and breaches of covenants. The obligations under the revolving credit facility agreement are secured by the Partnership’s economic interests in each of the Limited Partnerships and all of the assets of the Anchor Systems.
In addition, the Partnership is obligated to maintain at the end of each fiscal quarter:
| |
• | a maximum total leverage ratio of no greater than between 4.75 to 1.00 ranging to no greater than 5.50 to 1.00 in certain circumstances; |
| |
• | a maximum secured leverage ratio of no greater than 3.50 to 1.00; and |
| |
• | a minimum interest coverage ratio of no less than 2.50 to 1.00. |
The Partnership was in compliance with all financial covenants at September 30, 2018.
On September 30, 2018, the Partnership’s balance on the revolving credit facility was $44.0 million at an interest rate of 3.97%. After giving effect to the limitations on available capacity described in the revolving credit facility agreement, we estimate that the Partnership had approximately $497.0 million available for borrowing at September 30, 2018.
At December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the then-effective revolving credit facility was $149.5 million at an interest rate of 3.11%.
NOTE 11 — LONG-TERM DEBT
On March 16, 2018, the Partnership, together with its wholly owned subsidiary CNX Midstream Finance Corp (“Finance Corp”), (collectively, the “Issuers”), completed a private offering of $400.0 million in 6.5% senior notes due 2026 (the “Senior Notes”), with related guarantees (the “Guarantees”) and received net proceeds of approximately $393.0 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and commissions and estimated offering expenses, which are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as a reduction to the principal amount. Proceeds from the Senior Notes offering were primarily used to fund the Shirley-Penns Acquisition and repay existing indebtedness under our prior $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. The Senior Notes mature on March 15, 2026 and accrue interest at a rate of 6.5% per year, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15, beginning September 15, 2018. There are no principal payment requirements on the Senior Notes prior to maturity.
The Senior Notes and Guarantees were issued pursuant to an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated March 16, 2018, among the Partnership, Finance Corp, the guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and UMB Bank, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all of the Issuers’ existing and future senior indebtedness and senior to any subordinated indebtedness that the Issuers’ may incur. The Guarantees rank equally in right of payment to all of the Guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness.
The Issuers may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes at redemption prices ranging from 104.875% beginning March 15, 2021 to 100.0% beginning March 15, 2024. Prior to March 15, 2021, the Issuers may on one or more occasions redeem up to 35.0% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes with an amount of cash not greater than the amount of the net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.50%. At any time or from time to time prior to March 15, 2021, the Issuers may also redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium, as defined in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
If the Partnership experiences certain kinds of changes of control, holders of the Senior Notes will be entitled to require the Partnership to repurchase all or any part of that holder’s Senior Notes pursuant to an offer on the terms set forth in the Indenture. The Partnership will offer to make a cash payment equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Senior Notes repurchased to, but not including, the date of purchase, subject to the rights of holders of the Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
The Partnership’s long-term debt consisted of the following as of September 30, 2018:
|
| | | |
| Balance |
Senior Notes due March 2026 at 6.5% | $ | 400,000 |
|
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs | 1,459 |
|
Less: Unamortized bond discount | 5,563 |
|
Long-term debt | $ | 392,978 |
|
NOTE 12 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
The Partnership may become involved in certain legal proceedings from time to time, and where appropriate, we have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. The Partnership believes that the ultimate outcome of any matter currently pending against the Partnership will not materially affect the Partnership’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or ability to make distributions.
Leases
We have entered into various non-cancelable operating leases, primarily related to compression facilities. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases as of September 30, 2018 are as follows: |
| | | |
(in thousands) | Minimum Lease Payments |
Period from October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 | $ | 1,646 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2019 | 6,364 |
|
Year ending December 31, 2020 | 4,595 |
|
| $ | 12,605 |
|
Rental expense under operating leases was $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Rental expense under operating leases was $5.8 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These expenses are included within operating expense - third party in our consolidated statements of operations.
NOTE 13 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating segments are the revenue-producing components of a company 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. Prior to the CNX and HG Energy Transactions, the Partnership had three operating segments, which also represented its reportable segments - the Anchor Systems, Growth Systems and Additional Systems, each of which does business entirely within the United States of America. See Note 1–Description of Business for additional information.
During the first quarter of 2018, the Partnership, through its 100% interest in the Anchor Systems, completed the Shirley-Penns Acquisition. Prior to March 16, 2018, the Partnership held a 5% controlling interest in the earnings and throughput related to the Shirley-Penns System; accordingly, until March 16, 2018, results attributable to limited and general partners of the Partnership reflect a 5% interest in the Shirley-Penns System. Results net to the Partnership include activity related to the Shirley-Penns Acquisition beginning March 16, 2018. However, in accordance with ASC 280 - Segment Reporting, information is reported in the tables below, for comparability purposes, as if the Shirley-Penns Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017.
In connection with the CNX and HG Energy Transactions, the Partnership distributed its 5% interest in the Growth Systems and related assets as well as its 5% interest in the Moundsville area midstream assets, which were previously a part of the Additional Systems, to CNX Gathering, which transferred these assets to HG Energy. Because the Growth Systems and Moundsville area of the Additional Systems had activity for all of 2017 and through May 2, 2018, we will continue to present consistent segment information with regards to this transaction throughout the year ending December 31, 2018 for comparative purposes.
Segment results for the periods presented were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Gathering Revenue: | | | | | | | |
Anchor Systems | $ | 58,457 |
| | $ | 51,515 |
| | $ | 171,231 |
| | $ | 154,409 |
|
Growth Systems | — |
| | 1,967 |
| | 2,572 |
| | 6,210 |
|
Additional Systems | 2,511 |
| | 3,176 |
| | 12,048 |
| | 11,531 |
|
Total Gathering Revenue | $ | 60,968 |
| | $ | 56,658 |
| | $ | 185,851 |
| | $ | 172,150 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Net Income (Loss): | | | | | | | |
Anchor Systems | $ | 33,643 |
| | $ | 32,601 |
| | $ | 96,777 |
| | $ | 94,981 |
|
Growth Systems | — |
| | (366 | ) | | 379 |
| | 87 |
|
Additional Systems | (68 | ) | | 1,233 |
| | 406 |
| | 1,392 |
|
Total Net Income | $ | 33,575 |
| | $ | 33,468 |
| | $ | 97,562 |
| | $ | 96,460 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation Expense: | | | | | | | |
Anchor Systems | $ | 4,889 |
| | $ | 4,257 |
| | $ | 14,092 |
| | $ | 12,654 |
|
Growth Systems | — |
| | 556 |
| | 748 |
| | 1,644 |
|
Additional Systems | 417 |
| | 816 |
| | 1,765 |
| | 2,677 |
|
Total Depreciation Expense | $ | 5,306 |
| | $ | 5,629 |
| | $ | 16,605 |
| | $ | 16,975 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Capital Expenditures for Segment Assets: | | | | | | | |
Anchor Systems | $ | 42,247 |
| | $ | 10,614 |
| | $ | 80,537 |
| | $ | 32,988 |
|
Growth Systems | — |
| | 114 |
| | 120 |
| | 935 |
|
Additional Systems | 1,994 |
| | 762 |
| | 5,171 |
| | 982 |
|
Total Capital Expenditures | $ | 44,241 |
| | $ | 11,490 |
| | $ | 85,828 |
| | $ | 34,905 |
|
Segment assets as of the dates presented were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2018 | | December 31, 2017 |
Segment Assets | | | |
Anchor Systems | $ | 790,246 |
| | $ | 694,942 |
|
Growth Systems | — |
| | 92,659 |
|
Additional Systems | 87,805 |
| | 138,988 |
|
Total Segment Assets | $ | 878,051 |
| | $ | 926,589 |
|
NOTE 14 — LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Under the CNX Midstream Partners LP 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (our “LTIP”), our 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 5.8 million 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.
The following table presents phantom unit activity during the nine month period ended September 30, 2018:
|
| | | | | |
| Number of Units | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Total awarded and unvested at December 31, 2017 | 134,153 | | $ | 16.40 |
|
Granted | 135,809 | | 19.17 |
|
Vested | (71,119) | | 16.66 |
|
Forfeited | (22,077) | | 16.58 |
|
Total awarded and unvested at September 30, 2018 | 176,766 | | $ | 18.34 |
|
The Partnership accounts for phantom units as equity awards and records compensation expense on a straight line basis over the vesting period based on the fair value of the awards at their grant dates. Awards granted to independent directors vest over a period of one year, and awards granted to certain officers and employees of the general partner vest 33% per year over a period of three years.
The Partnership recognized $0.5 million and $0.2 million of compensation expense related to phantom units for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $1.8 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which was included in general and administrative expense - related party in the consolidated statements of operations.
At September 30, 2018, the unrecognized compensation related to all outstanding awards was $1.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over the following two and a half years.
NOTE 15 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 18, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner declared a cash distribution to the Partnership’s unitholders with respect to the third quarter of 2018 of $0.3479 per common unit. The cash distribution will be paid on November 13, 2018 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 5, 2018.
| |
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
You should read the following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of CNX Midstream Partners LP in conjunction with the historical and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements. Among other things, those historical unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified under “forward-looking statements” below and those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed subsequent to that Annual Report on Form 10-K. In this Item 2, all references to “we,” us,” “our,” the “Partnership,” “CNXM,” or similar terms refer to CNX Midstream Partners LP and its subsidiaries.
Executive Overview
We are a growth-oriented master limited partnership focused on the ownership, operation, development and acquisition of natural gas gathering and other midstream energy assets to service our customers’ production in the Marcellus Shale and Utica 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. We are managed by our general partner, CNX Midstream GP LLC (our “general partner”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNX Gathering LLC (“CNX Gathering”). CNX Gathering is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX) (“CNX” or “CNX Resources”).
Year to Date and Third Quarter Highlights
CNX Resources’ Acquisition of General Partner
On January 3, 2018, CNX Gas Company LLC (“CNX Gas”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CNX, acquired from NBL Midstream, LLC (“NBL Midstream”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Energy, Inc. (“Noble Energy”), NBL Midstream’s 50% interest in CNX Gathering for cash consideration of $305.0 million and the mutual release of all outstanding claims between the parties (the “General Partner Transaction”).
As a result of the Transaction, CNX became our sole Sponsor.
Acquisition of Shirley-Penns System
At December 31, 2017, CNX Gathering owned a 95% noncontrolling interest in DevCo III LP (which we refer to as the “Additional Systems”), which owned the gathering system and related assets commonly referred to as the Shirley-Penns System (the “Shirley-Penns System”), while the Partnership owned the remaining 5% controlling interest in the Additional Systems.
On March 16, 2018, the Partnership acquired the remaining 95% interest in the Shirley-Penns System, pursuant to which DevCo III LP transferred its interest in the Shirley-Penns System on a pro rata basis to CNX Gathering and the Partnership in accordance with each transferee’s respective ownership interest in DevCo III LP. Following such transfer, CNX Gathering sold its aggregate interest in the Shirley-Penns System to DevCo I LP (which we refer to as the “Anchor Systems”) in exchange for cash consideration in the amount of $265.0 million (the “Shirley-Penns Acquisition”). The Partnership funded the Shirley-Penns Acquisition with a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of 6.5% senior notes due 2026 (the “Senior Notes”).
In connection with the Shirley-Penns Acquisition, we amended our January 3, 2018 gathering agreement with CNX Gas to add a minimum volume commitment (“MVC”) on volumes associated with the Shirley-Penns system through December 31, 2031. The MVC commits CNX Gas to pay the Partnership the wet gas fee under the gas gathering agreement (“GGA”) (with a 2.5% annual escalation factor) for all natural gas we gather up to a specified amount per day through December 31, 2031. For all natural gas the Partnership gathers in excess of the MVC, the Partnership will receive a fee of $0.35 per MMBtu in 2018, which will escalate by 2.5% on an annual basis beginning January 1, 2019.
Transactions with our Sponsor and HG Energy II Appalachia, LLC
On May 2, 2018, we announced strategic transactions with our Sponsor and HG Energy II Appalachia, LLC (“HG Energy”), pursuant to which we amended our GGAs with each of CNX and HG Energy (collectively the “CNX and HG Energy Transactions”). We believe these transactions strengthen our asset portfolio and outlook, the key terms of which are outlined below:
| |
• | The transactions provide for the additional dedication of 16,100 additional Utica acres in the Anchor Systems by our Sponsor and the release from dedication of approximately 18,000 acres, net to the Partnership, which was comprised |
of approximately 275,000 acres (or approximately 14,000 acres, net to the Partnership) within the Growth and Additional Systems and approximately 4,200 scattered acres located in the Anchor Systems;
| |
• | The transactions increase minimum well commitments, with our Sponsor committing to develop 40 additional wells in the Anchor Systems by 2023 and HG Energy committing to develop 12 additional wells in the Anchor Systems by 2021, in each case, subject to the applicable GGAs; |
| |
• | Our Sponsor contributed to the Partnership’s Anchor Systems a 20” high-pressure pipeline as well as $2.0 million in cash; |
| |
• | In exchange for the incremental Utica acreage dedication, minimum well commitments, and high-pressure pipeline with third-party revenue, we distributed our 5% controlling interest in the midstream assets of the Growth Systems, which were primarily located in the dry gas regions of our dedicated acreage in central West Virginia, and the Moundsville midstream assets located within the Additional Systems, to affiliates of our Sponsor, which it subsequently transferred to HG Energy, and released acreage from dedication discussed above; and |
| |
• | The transaction with HG Energy also includes an amended GGA in the Anchor Systems, which we believe provides us with more control over operating strategies and expansion in the Anchor Systems. In addition, we will no longer be obligated to provide gathering services or make capital investments in the Growth Systems and the Moundsville midstream assets. |
Following the CNX and HG Energy Transactions, the aggregate number of well commitments to the Partnership’s Anchor Systems by CNX and HG Energy, collectively, increased from 140 well connections over the course of the next five years to 192 well connections. HG Energy also continues to be one of our significant customers, and we will continue to gather its existing production as well as the production from its aforementioned 12 commitment wells in the Anchor Systems, when brought online, at gathering fees pursuant to its GGA. See Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1–Description of Business for additional information.
Our GGAs with CNX and HG Energy include acreage dedications of approximately 348,000 aggregate net acres, subject to the release provisions set forth therein.
Financial Highlights
The Partnership continued its solid financial performance in the quarter ended September 30, 2018. Comparative results net to the Partnership, with the exception of operating cash flows, which is shown on a gross consolidated basis, were as follows for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively:
| |
• | Net income of $33.6 million as compared to $28.9 million; |
| |
• | Cash provided by operating activities of $35.7 million as compared to $38.2 million; |
| |
• | Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $45.0 million as compared to $34.2 million; and |
| |
• | Distributable cash flow (non-GAAP) of $35.0 million as compared to $29.4 million. |
For a discussion of why the above metrics are important to management, and how the non-GAAP financial measures reconcile to their nearest comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on page 31 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Quarterly Cash Distribution
The Partnership declared a cash distribution to its unitholders of $0.3479 per unit on October 18, 2018, which represents a 3.5% increase from the second quarter 2018 distribution of $0.3361 per unit and a 15.0% increase from the third quarter 2017 distribution of $0.3025 per unit.
Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Financial Results
Our results of operations, net to the Partnership, include 100% of the Shirley-Penns System beginning on March 16, 2018, the date the Shirley-Penns Acquisition was consummated. However, our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and for the days in the current nine month period prior to March 16, 2018, net to the Partnership, include only 5% of the earnings of the Shirley-Penns System.
As of May 2, 2018, the date that the CNX and HG Energy Transactions were consummated, the Partnership has no remaining interest in the Growth Systems or in the Moundsville area of the Additional Systems. Total revenues associated with the Growth Systems and the Moundsville area were approximately $6.6 million for the period from January 1, 2018 through May 2, 2018.
Results of Operations
Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Quarter Ended September 30, 2017
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarter Ended September 30, |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | Change ($) | | Change (%) |
| ($ in thousands) |
Revenue | | | | | | | |
Gathering revenue — related party | $ | 41,022 |
| | $ | 32,699 |
| | $ | 8,323 |
| | 25.5 | % |
Gathering revenue — third party | 19,946 |
| | 23,959 |
| | (4,013 | ) | | (16.7 | )% |
Total Revenue | 60,968 |
| | 56,658 |
| | 4,310 |
| | 7.6 | % |
Expenses | | | | | | | |
Operating expense — related party | 5,131 |
| | 6,324 |
| | (1,193 | ) | | (18.9 | )% |
Operating expense — third party | 4,870 |
| | 6,332 |
| | (1,462 | ) | | (23.1 | )% |
General and administrative expense — related party | 3,060 |
| | 2,666 |
| | 394 |
| | 14.8 | % |
General and administrative expense — third party | 1,771 |
| | 1,042 |
| | 729 |
| | 70.0 | % |
Depreciation expense | 5,306 |
| | 5,629 |
| | (323 | ) | | (5.7 | )% |
Interest expense | 7,255 |
| | 1,197 |
| | 6,058 |
| | 506.1 | % |
Total Expense | 27,393 |
| | 23,190 |
| | 4,203 |
| | 18.1 | % |
Net Income | $ | 33,575 |
| | $ | 33,468 |
| | $ | 107 |
| | 0.3 | % |
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (64 | ) | | 4,554 |
| | (4,618 | ) | | (101.4 | )% |
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | $ | 33,639 |
| | $ | 28,914 |
| | $ | 4,725 |
| | 16.3 | % |
Operating Statistics - Gathered Volumes for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Anchor | | Growth | | Additional | | TOTAL |
Dry Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 689 |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 692 |
|
Wet Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 536 |
| | — |
| | 87 |
| | 623 |
|
Other (BBtu/d) 3 | 85 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 85 |
|
Total Gathered Volumes 1 | 1,310 |
| | — |
| | 90 |
| | 1,400 |
|
Operating Statistics - Gathered Volumes for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2017 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Anchor | | Growth | | Additional | | TOTAL |
Dry Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 562 |
| | 45 |
| | 5 |
| | 612 |
|
Wet Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 473 |
| | 4 |
| | 109 |
| | 586 |
|
Other (BBtu/d) 3 | 6 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 8 |
|
Total Gathered Volumes 1 | 1,041 |
| | 49 |
| | 116 |
| | 1,206 |
|
1 On March 16, 2018, the Partnership, through its 100% interest in the Anchor Systems, consummated the Shirley-Penns Acquisition. Prior to March 16, 2018, the Partnership held a 5% controlling interest in the earnings and production related to the Shirley-Penns System. However, in accordance with ASC 280 - Segment Reporting, information is reported in the tables above, for comparability purposes, as if the Shirley-Penns Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. See “Acquisition of Shirley-Penns System” above.
2 Classification as dry or wet is based upon the shipping destination of the related volumes. Because our customers have the option to ship a portion of their natural gas to destinations associated with either our wet system or our dry system, due to any number of factors, volumes may be classified as “wet” in one period and as “dry” in the comparative period. Although there were no such instances in the periods presented above, this remains a possibility in future periods.
3 Includes condensate handling and third-party volumes under high-pressure short-haul agreements.
Revenue
Our revenue typically increases or decreases as our customers’ production on our dedicated acreage increases or decreases. Because we charge a higher fee for natural gas that is shipped through our wet system than through our dry system, our revenue can also be impacted by the relative mix of gathered volumes by area, which may vary dependent upon our customers’ elections as to where to deliver their produced volumes, which may change dynamically depending on the most current commodity prices at the time of shipment.
Total revenue increased 7.6% to approximately $61.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $56.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, while gathered volumes increased 16.1% in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter. The volume increase was primarily due to an 80 BBtu/d increase in dry natural gas gathered when compared to the prior year quarter, which was primarily due to increased well connections throughout 2018. Increases in gathered volumes were partially offset by decreases related to volumes no longer gathered pursuant to the HG Energy Transaction, which accounted for $2.4 million in total revenues in the 2017 quarter.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, HG Energy accounted for substantially all of our third party revenues. During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, substantially all of our revenues were derived from CNX and Noble Energy. Noble Energy was one of our Sponsors prior to the General Partner Transaction.
Operating Expense
Total operating expenses were approximately $10.0 million in the current quarter compared to approximately $12.7 million in the prior year quarter. Included in total operating expense was electrically-powered compression expense of $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, which was reimbursed by our customers pursuant to our GGAs. After adjusting for the electrically-powered compression expense reimbursement, operating expenses decreased by approximately 25.6% in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of continued adherence to operating cost control measures implemented by our operations team over the past few years coupled with a prior year quarter lease expiration did not recur in the current quarter.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense is comprised of direct charges for the management and operation of our assets. Total general and administrative expense was approximately $4.8 million in the current quarter compared to approximately $3.7 million in the prior year quarter. The quarter over quarter increase primarily related to increased legal and other professional costs incurred to support current year initiatives and increased throughput.
Depreciation Expense
We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight-line basis, with useful lives ranging from 25 years to 40 years. Total depreciation expense was approximately $5.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $5.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in depreciation expense was primarily attributable to the HG Energy Transaction that we completed in the second quarter of 2018, pursuant to which we distributed our interests in the Growth Systems and the Moundsville midstream assets in the Additional Systems to CNX Gathering, an affiliate of our Sponsor.
Interest Expense
Interest expense is comprised of interest on our Senior Notes as well as on the outstanding balance of our revolving credit facility. Interest expense was approximately $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the interest associated with the Senior Notes, which were issued in March 2018.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2018 | | 2017 | | Change ($) | | Change (%) |
| ($ in thousands) |
Revenue | | | | | | | |
Gathering revenue — related party | $ | 116,328 |
| | $ | 147,324 |
| | $ | (30,996 | ) | | (21.0 | )% |
Gathering revenue — third party | 69,523 |
| | 24,826 |
| | 44,697 |
| | 180.0 | % |
Total Revenue | 185,851 |
| | 172,150 |
| | 13,701 |
| | 8.0 | % |
Expenses | | | | | | | |
Operating expense — related party | 14,645 |
| | 21,041 |
| | (6,396 | ) | | (30.4 | )% |
Operating expense — third party | 20,744 |
| | 18,922 |
| | 1,822 |
| | 9.6 | % |
General and administrative expense — related party | 10,292 |
| | 8,212 |
| | 2,080 |
| | 25.3 | % |
General and administrative expense — third party | 6,639 |
| | 3,267 |
| | 3,372 |
| | 103.2 | % |
Loss on asset sales | 2,501 |
| | 3,914 |
| | (1,413 | ) | | (36.1 | )% |
Depreciation expense | 16,605 |
| | 16,975 |
| | (370 | ) | | (2.2 | )% |
Interest expense | 16,863 |
| | 3,359 |
| | 13,504 |
| | 402.0 | % |
Total Expense | 88,289 |
| | 75,690 |
| | 12,599 |
| | 16.6 | % |
Net Income | $ | 97,562 |
| | $ | 96,460 |
| | $ | 1,102 |
| | 1.1 | % |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 6,071 |
| | 8,488 |
| | (2,417 | ) | | (28.5 | )% |
Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | $ | 91,491 |
| | $ | 87,972 |
| | $ | 3,519 |
| | 4.0 | % |
Operating Statistics - Gathered Volumes for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Anchor | | Growth | | Additional | | TOTAL |
Dry Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 664 |
| | 20 |
| | 11 |
| | 695 |
|
Wet Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 538 |
| | 2 |
| | 122 |
| | 662 |
|
Other (BBtu/d) 3 | 31 |
| | — |
| | 9 |
| | 40 |
|
Total Gathered Volumes 1 | 1,233 |
| | 22 |
| | 142 |
| | 1,397 |
|
Operating Statistics - Gathered Volumes for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Anchor | | Growth | | Additional | | TOTAL |
Dry Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 604 |
| | 48 |
| | 15 |
| | 667 |
|
Wet Gas (BBtu/d) 2 | 451 |
| | 4 |
| | 110 |
| | 565 |
|
Other (BBtu/d) 3 | 5 |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 8 |
|
Total Gathered Volumes 1 | 1,060 |
| | 52 |
| | 128 |
| | 1,240 |
|
1 On March 16, 2018, the Partnership, through its 100% interest in the Anchor Systems, consummated the Shirley-Penns Acquisition. Prior to March 16, 2018, the Partnership held a 5% controlling interest in the earnings and production related to the Shirley-Penns System. However, in accordance with ASC 280 - Segment Reporting, information is reported in the tables above, for comparability purposes, as if the Shirley-Penns Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. See “Acquisition of Shirley-Penns System” above. 2 Classification as dry or wet is based upon the shipping destination of the related volumes. Because our customers have the option to ship a portion of their natural gas to destinations associated with either our wet system or our dry system, due to any number of factors, volumes may be classified as “wet” in one period and as “dry” in the comparative period. Although there were no such instances in the periods presented above, this remains a possibility in future periods.
3 Includes condensate handling and third-party volumes under high-pressure short-haul agreements.
Revenue
Our revenue typically increases or decreases as our customers’ production on our dedicated acreage increases or decreases. Since we charge a higher fee for natural gas that is shipped through our wet system than through our dry system, our revenue can also be impacted by the relative mix of gathered volumes by area, which may vary dependent upon our customers’ elections as to where to deliver their produced volumes, which may change dynamically depending on the most current commodity prices at the time of shipment.
Total revenue increased approximately 8.0% to $185.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $172.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, while gathered volumes increased approximately 12.7% in the current nine month period compared to the prior year period. The volume increase was primarily due to a 97 BBtu/d increase in wet natural gas gathered when compared to the prior year period, which was primarily the result of increased production within the Shirley-Penns System.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, HG Energy accounted for substantially all of our third party revenues. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, substantially all of our total revenues were derived from CNX and Noble Energy. Noble Energy was one of our Sponsors prior to the General Partner Transaction.
Operating Expense
Total operating expenses were approximately $35.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $40.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Included in total operating expense was electrically-powered compression expense of $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $12.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which was reimbursed by our customers pursuant to our GGAs. After adjusting for the electrically-powered compression expense reimbursement, operating expenses decreased by approximately 12.8% in the current nine month period compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of continued adherence to operating cost control measures implemented by our operations team over the past few years coupled with prior year lease expirations that did not recur in the current period.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense is comprised of direct charges for the management and operation of our assets. Total general and administrative expense was approximately $16.9 million in the current nine month period compared to approximately $11.5 million in the prior year period, or an increase of $5.4 million. The increase is primarily related to costs incurred in connection with the Shirley-Penns Acquisition and HG Energy Transaction as well as to support increased throughput.
Loss on Asset Sales
During the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, the Partnership sold property and equipment with a carrying value of $8.6 million to an unrelated third party for $5.8 million in cash proceeds, which resulted in a loss of $2.8 million. The loss was partially offset by a gain on the sale of a small portion of our pipe stock of $0.3 million. As neither of the assets that were sold were within the Anchor Systems, the net impact to earnings attributable to general and limited partners’ ownership interests in the Partnership was not significant.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Partnership sold property and equipment with a carrying value of $17.4 million to CNX Gas for $14.0 million in cash proceeds, which resulted in a loss of $3.4 million. The assets sold were previously within the Additional Systems; accordingly, the net impact to earnings attributable to general and limited partners' ownership interests in the Partnership was approximately $0.2 million. We also sold a significant portion of our pipe stock to an unrelated third party for approximately $0.5 million below its carrying value during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Depreciation Expense
We depreciate our property and equipment on a straight-line basis, with useful lives ranging from 25 years to 40 years. Total depreciation expense was approximately $16.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Depreciation expense decreased in the current year period primarily as a result of the HG Energy Transaction that we completed in the second quarter of 2018, pursuant to which we distributed our interests in the Growth Systems and the Moundsville midstream assets in the Additional Systems to CNX Gathering, an affiliate of our Sponsor.
Interest Expense
Interest expense is comprised of interest on our Senior Notes as well as on the outstanding balance of our revolving credit facility. Interest expense was approximately $16.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to approximately $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to the interest related to our Senior Notes, which were issued in March 2018.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before net interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash items which should not be included in the calculation of distributable cash flow. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are used as supplemental financial measures by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, industry analysts, lenders and ratings agencies, to assess:
| |
• | our operating performance as compared to those of other companies in the midstream energy industry, without regard to financing methods, historical cost basis or capital structure; |
| |
• | the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to make distributions to our partners; |
| |
• | our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures; and |
| |
• | the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities. |
We believe that the presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q provides information that is useful to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered alternatives to net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income or net cash, and these measures may vary from those of other companies. As a result, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Distributable Cash Flow
We define distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, cash interest expense and maintenance capital expenditures, each net to the Partnership. Distributable cash flow does not reflect changes in working capital balances.
Distributable cash flow is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, industry analysts, lenders and ratings agencies, to assess:
| |
• | the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to support our indebtedness and make future cash distributions to our unitholders; and |
| |
• | the attractiveness of capital projects and acquisitions and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities. |
We believe that the presentation of distributable cash flow in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q provides information that is useful to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to distributable cash flow are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. Distributable cash flow should not be considered an alternative to net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Distributable cash flow excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income or net cash, and these measures may vary from those of other companies. As a result, our distributable cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures that other companies may use.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures of net income and net cash provided by operating activities.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Net Income | | $ | 33,575 |
| | $ | 33,468 |
| | $ | 97,562 |
| | $ | 96,460 |
|
Depreciation expense | | 5,306 |
| | 5,629 |
| | 16,605 |
| | 16,975 |
|
Interest expense | | 7,255 |
| | 1,197 |
| | 16,863 |
| | 3,359 |
|
EBITDA | | 46,136 |
| | 40,294 |
| | 131,030 |
| | 116,794 |
|
Non-cash unit-based compensation expense | | 506 |
| | 249 |
| | 1,775 |
| | 899 |
|
Loss on asset sales | | — |
| | — |
| | 2,501 |
| | 3,914 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA | | 46,642 |
|
| 40,543 |
| | 135,306 |
| | 121,607 |
|
Less: | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest | | (64 | ) | | 4,554 |
| | 6,071 |
| | 8,488 |
|
Depreciation expense attributable to noncontrolling interest | | 396 |
| | 1,736 |
| | 2,735 |
| | 5,399 |
|
Other expenses attributable to noncontrolling interest | | 1,280 |
| | 92 |
| | 2,940 |
| | 286 |
|
Loss on asset sales attributable to noncontrolling interest | | — |
| | — |
| | 2,375 |
| | 3,718 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to General and Limited Partner ownership interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | | $ | 45,030 |
|
| $ | 34,161 |
| | $ | 121,185 |
| | $ | 103,716 |
|
Less: cash interest expense, net to the Partnership | | 5,593 |
| | 1,154 |
| | 13,181 |
| | 3,233 |
|
Less: maintenance capital expenditures, net to the Partnership | | 4,449 |
| | 3,579 |
| | 12,157 |
| | 11,175 |
|
Distributable Cash Flow | | $ | 34,988 |
|
| $ | 29,428 |
| | $ | 95,847 |
| | $ | 89,308 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | | $ | 35,666 |
| | $ | 38,203 |
| | $ | 131,207 |
| | $ | 114,637 |
|
Interest expense | | 7,255 |
| | 1,197 |
| | 16,863 |
| | 3,359 |
|
Loss on asset sales | | — |
| | — |
| | 2,501 |
| | 3,914 |
|
Other, including changes in working capital | | 3,721 |
| | 1,143 |
| | (15,265 | ) | | (303 | ) |
Adjusted EBITDA | | 46,642 |
|
| 40,543 |
| | 135,306 |
| | 121,607 |
|
Less: | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest | | (64 | ) | | 4,554 |
| | 6,071 |
| | 8,488 |
|
Depreciation expense attributable to noncontrolling interest | | 396 |
| | 1,736 |
| | 2,735 |
| | 5,399 |
|
Other expenses attributable to noncontrolling interest | | 1,280 |
| | 92 |
| | 2,940 |
| | 286 |
|
Loss on asset sales attributable to noncontrolling interest | | — |
| | — |
| | 2,375 |
| | 3,718 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to General and Limited Partner ownership interest in CNX Midstream Partners LP | | $ | 45,030 |
| | $ | 34,161 |
| | $ | 121,185 |
| | $ | 103,716 |
|
Less: cash interest expense, net to the Partnership | | 5,593 |
| | 1,154 |
| | 13,181 |
| | 3,233 |
|
Less: maintenance capital expenditures, net to the Partnership | | 4,449 |
| | 3,579 |
| | 12,157 |
| | 11,175 |
|
Distributable Cash Flow | | $ | 34,988 |
| | $ | 29,428 |
| | $ | 95,847 |
| | $ | 89,308 |
|
Distributable cash flow is a non-GAAP measure that is net to the Partnership. The $5.6 million and $6.5 million increases in distributable cash flow in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the 2017 periods were primarily attributable to the impact of the Shirley-Penns Acquisition, which was partially offset by an increase in interest expense associated with the issuance of the Senior Notes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity and Financing Arrangements
We have historically satisfied our working capital requirements, funded capital expenditures, acquisitions and debt service obligations, and made cash distributions with cash generated from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. If necessary, we may issue additional equity or debt securities to fund future growth. We believe that cash generated from these sources will continue to be sufficient to meet these needs in the future.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by or used in operating activities, investing activities and financing activities were as follows for the periods presented: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
(in millions) | | 2018 | | 2017 | | Change |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 131.2 |
| | $ | 114.6 |
| | $ | 16.6 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities | | $ | (79.4 | ) | | $ | (13.4 | ) | | $ | (66.0 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | $ | (54.1 | ) | | $ | (103.8 | ) | | $ | 49.7 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities increased approximately $16.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Partnership's consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, loss on asset sales, and depreciation increased by $13.7 million in the current year period compared to the prior year period, accounting for the majority of the increase. The remainder of the increase was the result of working capital adjustments, none of which was individually significant.
Net cash used in investing activities increased compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased capital spending in 2018 relative to 2017. Partially offsetting a $50.9 million increase in capital spending compared to the prior year period were sales of long-term assets; however, there was a reduction of $15.1 million in the total proceeds from the sale of long-term assets in the current nine month period compared to the prior year period, accounting for the remainder of the increase in net cash used in investing activities.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased by approximately $49.7 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 compared to the prior year period, despite quarterly distributions to unitholders increasing by approximately $11.8 million in the current year period. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities compared to the prior year period was primarily the result of a decrease in cash remitted to our Sponsor(s) representing their portion of earnings in the Anchor, Growth and Additional Systems. See Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 5–Related Party for additional information. In addition, the activities described under Indebtedness below also affected net cash from financing activities.
Indebtedness
Revolving Credit Facility
On March 8, 2018, we entered into a $600.0 million secured revolving credit facility with an accordion feature that allows, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Partnership to increase the available borrowings under the facility by up to an additional $250.0 million. The new revolving credit facility matures on March 8, 2023 and replaced the prior $250.0 million revolving credit facility, which was unsecured. The available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility is limited by certain financial covenants pertaining to leverage and interest coverage ratios as defined in the revolving credit facility agreement.
Borrowings under the new revolving credit facility bear interest at our option at either:
| |
• | the base rate, which is the highest of (i) the federal funds open rate plus 0.50%, (ii) PNC Bank, N.A.’s prime rate, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.75%; or |
| |
• | the LIBOR rate, which is the LIBOR rate plus a margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%. |
We incurred a total of $1.6 million in interest expense related to both revolving credit facilities (not including amortization of revolver fees) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
As of September 30, 2018, we had an outstanding balance on our new revolving credit facility of $44.0 million. After giving effect to the limitations on available capacity described in the revolving credit facility agreement, we estimate that we had $497.0 million available for borrowing at September 30, 2018.
For additional information on our revolving credit facility, see Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10–Revolving Credit Facility, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Senior Notes due 2026
On March 16, 2018, the Partnership completed a private offering of $400.0 million in 6.5% senior notes due 2026 (the “Senior Notes”), and received net proceeds of approximately $393.0 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and commissions and estimated offering expenses, which are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as a reduction to the principal amount. Proceeds from the Senior Notes offering were primarily used to fund the Shirley-Penns Acquisition and repay existing indebtedness under our revolving credit facility.
The Senior Notes mature on March 15, 2026 and accrue interest at a rate of 6.5% per year, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15. We made our first semi-annual interest payment of $13.0 million on September 15, 2018. We incurred a total of $14.0 million of interest expense (not including amortization of capitalized bond issue costs) related to the Senior Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
For additional information regarding our Senior Notes, see Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11–Long-Term Debt, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Capital Expenditures
The midstream energy business is capital intensive and requires maintenance of existing gathering systems and other midstream assets and facilities, as well as the acquisition or construction and development of new gathering systems and other midstream assets and facilities. Our partnership agreement requires that we categorize our capital expenditures as either:
| |
• | Maintenance capital expenditures, which are cash expenditures (including expenditures for the construction or development of new capital assets or the replacement, improvement or expansion of existing capital assets) made to maintain, over the long term, our operating capacity, operating income or revenue. Examples of maintenance capital expenditures are expenditures to repair, refurbish and replace pipelines, to maintain equipment reliability, integrity and safety and to comply with environmental laws and regulations. In addition, we designate a portion of our capital expenditures to connect new wells to maintain gathering throughput as maintenance capital to the extent such capital expenditures are necessary to maintain, over the long term, our operating capacity, operating income or revenue; or |
| |
• | Expansion capital expenditures, which are cash expenditures to construct new midstream infrastructure and those expenditures incurred in order to extend the useful lives of our assets, reduce costs, increase revenues or increase system throughput or capacity from current levels, including well connections that increase existing system throughput. Examples of expansion capital expenditures include the construction, development or acquisition of additional gathering pipelines and compressor stations, in each case to the extent such capital expenditures are expected to expand our operating capacity, operating income or revenue. In the future, if we make acquisitions that increase system throughput or capacity, the associated capital expenditures may also be considered expansion capital expenditures. |
Capital Expenditures for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Anchor | | Other | | Total |
Capital Investment | | | | | |
Maintenance capital | $ | 12,454 |
| | $ | 1,361 |
| | $ | 13,815 |
|
Expansion capital | 68,083 |
| | 3,930 |
| | 72,013 |
|
Total Capital Investment | $ | 80,537 |
| | $ | 5,291 |
| | $ | 85,828 |
|
| | | | | |
Capital Investment Net to the Partnership | | | | | |
Maintenance capital | $ | 12,454 |
| | $ | 68 |
| | $ | 12,522 |
|
Expansion capital | 68,083 |
| | 196 |
| | 68,279 |
|
Total Capital Investment Net to the Partnership | $ | 80,537 |
| | $ | 264 |
| | $ | 80,801 |
|
We anticipate that we will continue to make expansion capital expenditures in the future. Consequently, our ability to develop and maintain sources of funds to meet our capital requirements is critical to our ability to meet our growth objectives. We expect that any significant future expansion capital expenditures will be funded by borrowings under our revolving credit facility and/or the issuance of debt and equity securities.
Cash Distributions
Under our current cash distribution policy, we intend to pay a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.2125 per unit, which equates to an aggregate distribution of approximately $13.8 million per quarter, or approximately $55.2 million per year, based on the general partner interest and the number of common units outstanding as of September 30, 2018. However, we do not have a legal or contractual obligation to pay distributions quarterly or on any other basis at our minimum quarterly distribution rate or at any other rate. Under our cash distribution policy, the decision to make a distribution as well as the amount of any distribution is determined by our general partner, taking into consideration the terms of the partnership agreement.
On October 18, 2018, the board of directors of our general partner declared a cash distribution to our unitholders of $0.3479 per common unit with respect to quarter ended September 30, 2018. The cash distribution will be paid on November 13, 2018 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on November 5, 2018.
For additional information on our cash distribution policy, see Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3–Cash Distributions, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Insurance Program
We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles that we believe are reasonable and prudent. We cannot, however, assure that this insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims for personal and property damage or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economical prices.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Contractual Obligations
For a discussion of total debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility, see Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10–Revolving Credit Facility and for the total long-term debt outstanding under our Senior Notes see Note 11–Long-Term Debt, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Critical Accounting Policies
For a description of the Partnership’s accounting policies and any new accounting policies or updates to existing accounting policies as a result of new accounting pronouncements, see Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2–Significant Accounting Policies–Recent Accounting Pronouncements, which is incorporated herein by reference. The application of the Partnership’s accounting policies may require management to make judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. If applicable, management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments. Different amounts could be reported using different assumptions and estimates.
As of September 30, 2018, the Partnership did not have any accounting policies that we deemed to be critical or that would require significant judgment.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will” and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and that do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include statements about our business strategy, our industry, our future profitability, our expected capital expenditures and the impact of such expenditures on our performance, the costs of being a publicly traded partnership and our capital programs.
A forward-looking statement may include a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying the forward-looking statement. We believe that we have chosen these assumptions or bases in good faith and that they are reasonable. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as these statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in such statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider the following list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:
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• | our reliance on our customers, including our Sponsor; |
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• | the effects of changes in market prices of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil on our customers’ drilling and development plans on our dedicated acreage and the volumes of natural gas and condensate that are produced on our dedicated acreage; |
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• | changes in our customers’ drilling and development plans in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale; |
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• | our customers’ ability to meet their drilling and development plans in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale; |
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• | the demand for natural gas and condensate gathering services; |
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• | changes in general economic conditions; |
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• | competitive conditions in our industry; |
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• | actions taken by third-party operators, gatherers, processors and transporters; |
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• | our ability to successfully implement our business plan; |
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• | our ability to complete internal growth projects on time and on budget; |
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• | the price and availability of debt and equity financing; |
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• | the availability and price of oil and natural gas to the consumer compared to the price of alternative and competing fuels; |
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• | competition from the same and alternative energy sources; |
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• | energy efficiency and technology trends; |
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• | operating hazards and other risks incidental to our midstream services; |
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• | natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control; |
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• | defaults by our customers under our gathering agreements; |
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• | changes in availability and cost of capital; |
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• | changes in our tax status; |
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• | the effect of existing and future laws and government regulations; |
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• | the effects of future litigation; and |
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• | certain factors discussed elsewhere in this report. |
You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs at the time they are made, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the factors described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as supplemented by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Commodity Price Risk
We generate substantially all of our revenues pursuant to fee-based gathering agreements under which we are paid based on the volumes that we gather and compress, rather than the underlying value of the commodity. Consequently, our existing operations and cash flows do not have significant direct exposure to commodity price risk. However, the producers that are customers of our midstream services are exposed to commodity price risk, and an extended reduction in commodity prices could adversely impact the production volumes available for our midstream services in the future. Although we intend to enter into fee-based gathering agreements with existing or new customers in the future, our efforts to negotiate such terms may not be successful.
In the future, we may acquire or develop additional midstream assets in a manner that increases our exposure to commodity price risk. Such exposure to the volatility of natural gas, NGL and crude oil prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Interest Rate Risk
We maintain a $600.0 million secured revolving credit facility and pay interest at a variable rate. Assuming the September 30, 2018 outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility of $44.0 million was outstanding for the entire year, an increase of one percentage point in the interest rates would have resulted in an increase to interest expense of $0.4 million. Accordingly, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, all of which affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders, could be materially adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates.
Credit Risk
We are subject to credit risk due to the concentration of receivables from our two most significant customers, CNX and HG Energy, for gas gathering services. We generally do not require our customers to post collateral. The inability or failure of our significant customers to meet their obligations to us, or their insolvency or liquidation, may adversely affect our financial results.
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ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of management of our general partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner, an evaluation of the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) was conducted as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of our general partner have concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the third quarter of 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Refer to Part I, Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12–Commitments and Contingencies, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Information regarding risk factors is discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed by the Partnership.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
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| | | | Incorporated by Reference |
Exhibit Number | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | SEC File Number | | Exhibit | | Filing Date |
31.1† | | | | | | | | | | |
31.2† | | | | | | | | | | |
32.1‡ | | | | | | | | | | |
32.2‡ | | | | | | | | | | |
101.INS† | | XBRL Instance Document. | | | | | | | | |
101.SCH† | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | | | | | | | | |
101.CAL†
| | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | |
101.DEF† | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | |
101.LAB† | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | |
101.PRE† | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | |
* Incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as indicated.
† Filed herewith.
‡ Furnished herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on October 30, 2018 on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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| CNX MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP |
| By: | CNX MIDSTREAM GP, LLC, its general partner |
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| By: | /S/ NICHOLAS J. DEIULIIS |
| | Nicholas J. DeIuliis |
| | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer) |
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| By: | /S/ DONALD W. RUSH |
| | Donald W. Rush |
| | Chief Financial Officer and Director (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
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| By: | /S/ BRIAN R. RICH |
| | Brian R. Rich |
| | Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |