UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996 Commission File Number 1-12202 NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 93-1120873 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification incorporation or organization) Number) Enron Building 1400 Smith Street Houston, Texas 77002 (Address of principal executive (Zip Code) Offices) (713) 853-6161 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] 1 of 15 NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Statement of Income - Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 3 Consolidated Balance Sheet - September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 4 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 5 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital - Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 6 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 9 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings 14 ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 14 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (In Thousands, Except Per Unit Amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 1996 1995 1996 1995 OPERATING REVENUE $52,863 $51,886 $158,734 $156,661 OPERATING EXPENSES Operations and maintenance 7,215 6,531 20,988 19,858 Depreciation and amortization 13,479 11,863 40,713 35,463 Taxes other than income 6,178 6,191 18,774 18,695 Operating expenses 26,872 24,585 80,475 74,016 OPERATING INCOME 25,991 27,301 78,259 82,645 INTEREST EXPENSE ON LONG-TERM DEBT 8,316 8,782 25,113 26,635 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Other income (expense), net 632 (212) 2,267 (616) Allowance for equity funds used during construction 101 (8) 237 44 Other income (expense) 733 (220) 2,504 (572) MINORITY INTERESTS IN NET INCOME 5,466 5,513 17,124 16,723 NET INCOME TO PARTNERS $12,942 $12,786 $ 38,526 $ 38,715 NET INCOME PER UNIT $ .48 $ .48 $ 1.44 $ 1.45 NUMBER OF UNITS USED IN COMPUTATION 26,200 26,200 26,200 26,200 <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (In Thousands) (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, 1996 1995 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,935 $ 39,418 Accounts receivable 15,546 18,928 Related party receivables 1,814 2,883 Materials and supplies, at cost 3,957 4,437 Total current assets 60,252 65,666 NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PLANT Property, plant and equipment 1,503,449 1,499,893 Less: Accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization 566,873 542,306 Net property, plant and equipment 936,576 957,587 OTHER ASSETS 11,439 18,086 Total assets $1,008,267 $1,041,339 LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL CURRENT LIABILITIES Current maturities of long-term debt $ 35,000 $ 15,000 Accounts payable 325 1,193 Accrued taxes other than income 21,427 19,903 Accrued interest 5,216 10,516 Over recovered cost of service 813 2,508 Other 2,279 -- Total current liabilities 65,060 49,120 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 360,000 395,000 MINORITY INTERESTS IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL 160,615 166,789 OTHER RESERVES AND DEFERRED CREDITS 9,061 11,313 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES PARTNERS' CAPITAL General Partners 8,271 8,382 Common Units 305,956 310,089 Subordinated Units 99,304 100,646 Total partners' capital 413,531 419,117 Total liabilities and partners' capital $1,008,267 $1,041,339 <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 1995 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income to partners $ 38,526 $ 38,715 Adjustments to reconcile net income to partners to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 40,736 35,463 Minority interests in net income 17,124 16,723 Changes in other current assets and liabilities (1,408) (3,070) Other 540 2,877 Total adjustments 56,992 51,993 Net cash provided by operating activities 95,518 90,708 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Additions to property, plant, and equipment, net (8,771) (4,868) Other (4,820) -- Net cash used in investing activities (13,591) (4,868) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash distributions Common Units (32,637) (32,637) Subordinated Units (10,593) (10,593) General Partners (882) (882) Minority Interests (23,298) (22,083) Retirement of long-term debt (15,000) (30,000) Net cash used in financing activities (82,410) (96,195) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (483) (10,355) Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period 39,418 44,122 Cash and cash equivalents-end of period $ 38,935 $ 33,767 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid for: Interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 29,353 $ 31,263 <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Total General Common Subordinated Partners' Partners Units Units Capital Partners' Capital at December 31, 1995 $8,382 $310,089 $100,646 $419,117 Net income to partners 771 28,504 9,251 38,526 Distributions to partners (882) (32,637) (10,593) (44,112) Partners' Capital at September 30, 1996 $8,271 $305,956 $ 99,304 $413,531 <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial statement. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION - (Continued) ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued) NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Northern Border Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership") without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results for the interim periods. Certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Partnership believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Partnership owns a 70% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline Company ("Northern Border Pipeline"). During the third quarter of 1996, the Partnership acquired a 62% ownership position in Black Mesa Holdings, Inc. ("Black Mesa"). Black Mesa, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, transports coal- water slurry through a 273-mile, 18-inch diameter pipeline that originates in Kayenta, Arizona and ends in Laughlin, Nevada. 2. In May 1996, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") granted rehearing of its May 1994 order on Northern Border Pipeline's methodology for recording in its books and reflecting in its rates amounts related to alternative minimum tax ("AMT"). The FERC Audit Staff ("Staff"), in December 1991 after an examination of Northern Border Pipeline's records for the period January 1, 1987 through December 31, 1989, took exception to Northern Border Pipeline's established method of accounting for AMT for ratemaking purposes. Northern Border Pipeline did not agree with the exception noted by the Staff and proceeded with a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") who concluded Northern Border Pipeline had properly accounted for AMT. Ultimately, in the May 1996 order, the FERC accepted the ALJ's conclusions and vacated its May 1994 order which had held that the AMT component of Northern Border Pipeline's rate base should reflect the particular tax circumstances of each Northern Border Pipeline partner. There were no accounting adjustments or rate refunds required in resolution of this issue. In May 1996, the Staff issued its audit report on its examination of Northern Border Pipeline's records for the three year period subsequent to January 1, 1990. The audit report required Northern Border Pipeline to record certain adjustments to its accounts including the reclassification of $3.9 million of costs from utility plant in service to a regulatory asset. In accordance with Northern Border Pipeline's FERC tariff, the regulatory asset is includable in rate base, however Northern Border Pipeline must file with the FERC for the future recovery of this asset through amortization to its cost of service. The adjustments made to Northern Border Pipeline's accounts as a result of the audit report did not materially affect the Partnership's financial position or results of operations. In November 1995, Northern Border Pipeline filed a rate case in compliance with its FERC tariff for the determination of its allowed equity rate of return. In December 1995, the FERC issued an order that permitted Northern Border Pipeline to begin collecting the requested increase in the equity rate of return effective June 1, 1996, subject to refund. Northern Border Pipeline filed for FERC approval of a Stipulation and Agreement ("Stipulation") on October 15, 1996, to settle its rate case. The Stipulation, which is supported or unopposed by shippers representing approximately 90% of the contracted capacity of Northern Border Pipeline, must be certified by an ALJ to the FERC for its review and approval. Northern Border Pipeline has reduced its operating revenue and recorded a reserve for billings subject to refund, which materially reflects the terms of the Stipulation. In August 1996, the FERC issued an order which contained a preliminary determination favorable to Northern Border Pipeline's application with the FERC for the expansion of its existing system and an extension of its pipeline from its current terminus near Harper, Iowa to a point near Manhattan, Illinois ("Chicago Project"). The preliminary determination found that the Chicago Project is required by the public convenience and necessity and authorizes the project facility costs to be included with existing facility costs in the determination of rates. The preliminary determination contemplates issuance of a final order by the FERC, subject to completion of the environmental review. Northern Border Pipeline amended its application in September 1996 to reflect minor facility modifications. Northern Border Pipeline's Chicago Project, as described in its amended application, proposes construction and operation of 243 miles of pipeline, 147 miles of pipeline loop and a total of 228,500 compressor horsepower at eight compressor stations. The amended application also requests approval to remove from service 100,000 compressor horsepower at five existing compressor stations to be replaced with 175,000 compressor horsepower. The project is expected to cost approximately $793 million in 1995 dollars and be ready for service in November 1998. 3. On October 18, 1996, the Partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.55 per unit for the third quarter ended September 30, 1996. The distribution is payable November 14, 1996, to unitholders of record as of October 31, 1996. This quarterly distribution is consistent with the previously announced indicated annual rate of $2.20 per unit. PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION - (Continued) ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES Results of Operations Northern Border Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership") owns a 70% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline Company ("Northern Border Pipeline"). Northern Border Pipeline's revenue is derived from agreements with various shippers for the transportation of natural gas. It transports gas under a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") regulated tariff that provides an opportunity to recover all of the operations and maintenance costs of the pipeline, taxes other than income taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization, an allowance for income taxes and a regulated return on equity. Northern Border Pipeline is generally allowed to collect from its shippers a return on regulated rate base as well as recover that rate base through depreciation and amortization. The return amount Northern Border Pipeline may collect from its shippers declines as the rate base is recovered. The firm transportation contract shippers are obligated to pay their allocable share of the cost of service regardless of the volumes actually transported. Based on existing contracts and capacity, 100% of the pipeline system's capacity is contractually committed through October 2001. In November 1995, Northern Border Pipeline filed a rate case in compliance with its FERC tariff for the determination of its allowed equity rate of return. In this proceeding, Northern Border Pipeline proposed, among other items, to increase its allowed equity rate of return from 12.75% to 14.25%. Pursuant to a December 1995 FERC order, Northern Border Pipeline began collecting the proposed increase in rate of return on equity effective June 1, 1996, subject to refund (see Note 2 - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q). Besides objecting to the increase in the allowed equity rate of return, issues identified by the FERC staff and intervenors include, among other items, depreciation rates for the existing operations and the level of allowance for income taxes includable in cost of service. After reaching a settlement accord with a majority of its shippers, on October 15, 1996 Northern Border Pipeline filed for FERC approval of a Stipulation and Agreement ("Stipulation") to settle its rate case. The Stipulation would allow Northern Border Pipeline a 12.75% equity rate of return from June 1, 1996 to September 30, 1996, and a 12% rate beginning October 1, 1996. In addition, the depreciation rates on its transmission plant would be reduced effective June 1, 1996. On the issue of the allowance for income taxes, the FERC had previously ruled in a case involving Lakehead Pipe Line Company L.P. that an income tax allowance would not be allowed with respect to income attributable to the limited partnership interests held by individuals. During the rate case proceeding, Northern Border Pipeline filed testimony regarding what it believed to be the proper application of this FERC ruling to its circumstances. The Partnership believes the Stipulation, if approved, effectively resolves the income tax issue and Northern Border Pipeline can continue to include an allowance for income taxes at the current level in cost of service. Under the Stipulation, in connection with the completion of its Chicago Project (see Liquidity and Capital Resources - Cash Used in Investing Activities for a description of the Chicago Project), Northern Border Pipeline would implement a capital cost containment mechanism and a $31 million settlement adjustment mechanism. The settlement adjustment mechanism would reduce rate base for purposes of calculating the allowed return on equity. One participant has filed comments alleging that the Stipulation is contrary to FERC policy. The Stipulation is pending before an Administrative Law Judge who will decide whether to certify it to the FERC for review and approval. Northern Border Pipeline must receive FERC approval of the Stipulation before it can implement all of the filed for terms. The Partnership is unable to predict if or when the Stipulation will be approved as filed and thus the effect of this rate proceeding on future operating results of Northern Border Pipeline cannot be determined at this time. Third Quarter 1996 Compared With Third Quarter 1995 Operating revenue increased $1.0 million (2%) for the third quarter of 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, due to recoveries of higher operations and maintenance expense and depreciation and amortization expense. These recoveries were partially offset by returns on a lower rate base and lower interest expense on long-term debt. Operations and maintenance expense increased $0.7 million (10%) for the third quarter of 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, primarily due to expenses incurred in conjunction with Northern Border Pipeline's rate case proceeding as well as higher administrative expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.6 million (14%) for the third quarter of 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the depreciation rate for Northern Border Pipeline's transmission plant from 4.4% for the three months ended September 30, 1995 to 5.0% for the comparable period in 1996, as authorized in its FERC tariff. Interest expense on long-term debt decreased $0.5 million (5%) for the third quarter of 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, due to a decrease in average debt outstanding reflecting principal payments made by Northern Border Pipeline under its bank loan agreement. Other income increased $1.0 million for the third quarter of 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995. Other income in 1995 reflected a reserve provision for regulatory issues recorded by Northern Border Pipeline. In the second quarter of 1996, the reserve for regulatory issues was adjusted to reflect the resolution of the FERC audit on the results of the examination of Northern Border Pipeline's books for the three year period subsequent to January 1, 1990 (see Note 2 - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q). Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared With Nine Months Ended September 30, 1995 Operating revenue increased $2.1 million (1%) for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, due to recoveries of higher operations and maintenance expense and depreciation and amortization expense. These recoveries were partially offset by returns on a lower rate base and lower interest expense on long-term debt. Operations and maintenance expense increased $1.1 million (6%) for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, primarily due to expenses incurred in conjunction with Northern Border Pipeline's rate case proceeding as well as higher administrative expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5.3 million (15%) for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the depreciation rate for Northern Border Pipeline's transmission plant from 4.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 to 5.0% for the comparable period in 1996, as authorized in its FERC tariff. Interest expense on long-term debt decreased $1.5 million (6%) for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, due to a decrease in average debt outstanding reflecting principal payments made by Northern Border Pipeline under its bank loan agreement. Other income increased $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995. Other income in 1995 reflected a reserve provision for regulatory issues recorded by Northern Border Pipeline. In 1996, the reserve for regulatory issues was adjusted to reflect the resolution of the FERC audit on the results of the examination of Northern Border Pipeline's books for the three year period subsequent to January 1, 1990 (see Note 2 - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q). Liquidity and Capital Resources General Short-term liquidity needs of the Partnership will be met by internal sources. In addition, the Partnership has the ability to establish lines of credit with one or more financial institutions. Long-term capital needs can be met by the Partnership's ability to issue additional limited partner interests in the Partnership. On October 4, 1996, Northern Border Pipeline entered into a $50 million credit agreement with a financial institution which expires in October 1997. Borrowings under the credit agreement are expected to be used by Northern Border Pipeline to fund working capital, construction and other general business purposes. Cash Flows From Operating Activities The Partnership's cash flows from operations increased $4.8 million to $95.5 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, due primarily to an increase in Northern Border Pipeline's depreciation and amortization expense which is collected from its shippers. Cash Flows From Investing Activities In October 1995, Northern Border Pipeline filed an application with the FERC to expand its existing system and to extend its pipeline from its current terminus near Harper, Iowa to a point near Manhattan, Illinois ("Chicago Project"). Northern Border Pipeline amended its application in September 1996 to reflect minor facility modifications. The estimated cost of the Chicago Project is $793 million in 1995 dollars. Subject to the receipt of final FERC approval, the Chicago Project is expected to be ready for service in November 1998 (see Note 2 - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q). Net plant additions of $8.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 1996 include $4.6 million for the Chicago Project. The remaining $4.2 million of net plant additions in 1996 are primarily related to renewals and replacements of existing facilities. For the comparable period in 1995, net plant additions were $4.9 million which included $2.5 million for the Chicago Project. Total capital expenditures for 1996 are estimated to be $19.7 million for the Chicago Project and $10.2 million for renewals and replacements for the existing facilities. Funds required to meet the capital expenditures for the remainder of 1996 are anticipated to be provided from debt borrowings under Northern Border Pipeline's credit agreement and internal sources. Cash Flows From Financing Activities Cash flows used in financing activities of $82.4 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996 reflect distributions made to partners and minority interests of $44.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively, and $15.0 million in principal payments under the Northern Border Pipeline bank loan agreement. For the comparable period in 1995, cash flows used in financing activities totaled $96.2 million and reflect distributions made to partners and minority interests of $44.1 million and $22.1 million, respectively, and $30.0 million in principal payments under the Northern Border Pipeline bank loan agreement. Information Regarding Forward Looking Statements The statements in this Quarterly Report that are not historical are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward looking statements include the discussions in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations" on Northern Border Pipeline's rate case and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" on Northern Border Pipeline's Chicago Project. Although the Partnership believes that its expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business, it can give no assurance that its goals will be achieved or that its expectations regarding future developments will be realized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements herein include political and regulatory developments that impact FERC and state utility commission proceedings, Northern Border Pipeline's success in sustaining its positions in such proceedings or the success of intervenors in opposing Northern Border Pipeline's positions, competitive developments by Canadian and U.S. natural gas transmission peers, political and regulatory developments in Canada and conditions of the capital markets and equity markets during the periods covered by the forward looking statements. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings As reported in Item 3 of the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Northern Border Pipeline was involved in a legal proceeding on its method of accounting for alternative minimum tax for ratemaking purposes. During the second quarter of 1996, this issue was resolved in favor of Northern Border Pipeline (see Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q). ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits. None. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. None. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. NORTHERN BORDER PARTNERS, L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership) Date: November 13, 1996 By: Jerry L. Peters Jerry L. Peters Chief Financial and Accounting Officer