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 June 30, 2002
Commission File Number: 000-26091
TC PipeLines, LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
|
52-2135448 |
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification |
|
|
|
|
|
|
110 Turnpike Road, Suite 203 |
|
|
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip code) |
|
|
|
508-871-7046 |
||
Registrants telephone number, including area code |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ý No o
As of August 5, 2002 there were 15,627,129 of the registrants common units outstanding.
TC PipeLines, LP
Table of Contents
2
TC PipeLines, LP
(unaudited) |
|
Three months ended |
|
Six months ended |
|
||||||||
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
||||||
Equity Income from Investment in Northern Border Pipeline Company |
|
11,552 |
|
9,489 |
|
22,853 |
|
20,256 |
|
||||
Equity Income from Investment in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company |
|
1,027 |
|
868 |
|
2,113 |
|
1,779 |
|
||||
General and Administrative Expenses |
|
(304 |
) |
(299 |
) |
(681 |
) |
(656 |
) |
||||
Financial Charges |
|
(61 |
) |
(265 |
) |
(149 |
) |
(623 |
) |
||||
Net Income |
|
12,214 |
|
9,793 |
|
24,136 |
|
20,756 |
|
||||
Net Income Allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Common units |
|
9,832 |
|
7,935 |
|
19,493 |
|
16,882 |
|
||||
Subordinated units |
|
1,881 |
|
1,517 |
|
3,728 |
|
3,228 |
|
||||
General partner |
|
501 |
|
341 |
|
915 |
|
646 |
|
||||
|
|
12,214 |
|
9,793 |
|
24,136 |
|
20,756 |
|
||||
Net Income per Unit |
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
$ |
0.54 |
|
$ |
1.33 |
|
$ |
1.15 |
|
Units Outstanding (thousands) |
|
17,500 |
|
17,500 |
|
17,500 |
|
17,500 |
|
||||
Statement of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited) (thousands of dollars) |
|
Three months ended |
|
Six months ended |
|
||||
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
|
Net Income |
|
12,214 |
|
9,793 |
|
24,136 |
|
20,756 |
|
Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transition adjustment from adoption of SFAS No. 133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,104 |
|
Change associated with current period hedging transactions |
|
(866 |
) |
1,550 |
|
(698 |
) |
2,282 |
|
Total Comprehensive Income |
|
11,348 |
|
11,343 |
|
23,438 |
|
26,142 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
3
TC PipeLines, LP
(thousands of dollars) |
|
June 30, |
|
December
31, |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
6,268 |
|
9,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in Northern Border Pipeline Company |
|
248,454 |
|
250,078 |
|
Investment in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company |
|
29,042 |
|
29,297 |
|
Deferred Amounts |
|
170 |
|
119 |
|
|
|
283,934 |
|
288,688 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
395 |
|
426 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
27 |
|
58 |
|
|
|
422 |
|
484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt |
|
11,500 |
|
21,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Common units |
|
223,737 |
|
218,935 |
|
Subordinated units |
|
40,148 |
|
39,229 |
|
General partner |
|
5,817 |
|
5,532 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
2,310 |
|
3,008 |
|
|
|
272,012 |
|
266,704 |
|
|
|
283,934 |
|
288,688 |
|
(unaudited) |
|
Six months ended June 30 |
|
||
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Generated from Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
24,136 |
|
20,756 |
|
Add/(Deduct): |
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions received in excess of/(less than) equity income |
|
1,181 |
|
(250 |
) |
Increase in operating working capital |
|
(62 |
) |
(270 |
) |
|
|
25,255 |
|
20,236 |
|
Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred amounts |
|
(51 |
) |
(45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions paid |
|
(18,130 |
) |
(17,100 |
) |
Repayment of long-term debt |
|
(10,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(28,130 |
) |
(17,100 |
) |
(Decrease)/Increase in Cash |
|
(2,926 |
) |
3,091 |
|
Cash, Beginning of Period |
|
9,194 |
|
1,566 |
|
Cash, End of Period |
|
6,268 |
|
4,657 |
|
4
TC PipeLines, LP
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(unaudited)
Note 1 Basis of Presentation
TC PipeLines, LP, and its subsidiary limited partnerships, TC PipeLines Intermediate Limited Partnership and TC Tuscarora Intermediate Limited Partnership, all Delaware limited partnerships, are collectively referred to herein as TC PipeLines or the Partnership. The Partnership commenced operations on May 28, 1999.
The financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. Other comprehensive income recorded by TC PipeLines arises through its equity investments in Northern Border Pipeline Company (Northern Border Pipeline) and Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company (Tuscarora) and relates to cash flow hedges transacted by Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora. Amounts are stated in United States dollars.
Since a determination of many assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses is dependent upon future events, the preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions which have been made using careful judgment. In the opinion of management, these financial statements have been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and include all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, the financial position as at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001.
The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnerships financial statements and notes included in TC PipeLines Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.
Note 2 Investment in Northern Border Pipeline Company
The Partnership owns a 30% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline, a partnership which owns a 1,249-mile United States interstate pipeline system that transports natural gas from the Montana-Saskatchewan border to markets in the midwestern United States. The remaining 70% partnership interest in Northern Border Pipeline is held by Northern Border Partners, L.P., a publicly traded limited partnership that is not affiliated with the Partnership. The general partners of Northern Border Partners, L.P. are controlled by affiliates of Enron Corp. (Enron), which hold a 1.65% general partner interest, and The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams), which holds the remaining 0.35% general partner interest. As a result, TC PipeLines has one member and controls 30% of the voting power of the Northern Border Pipeline management committee, Enron has two members and controls 57.75% of the voting power, and Williams has the one remaining member and 12.25% of the voting power of the Northern Border Pipeline management committee. The Northern Border pipeline system is operated by Northern Plains Natural Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enron. Northern Border Pipeline is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
The Northern Border pipeline system serves more than 50 firm transportation shippers with diverse operating and financial profiles. Enron
5
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)
North America (ENA), an affiliate of Enron that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is a party to a shipper contract obligating ENA to pay demand charges for approximately 1.7% of Northern Border Pipelines capacity. ENA must effect a permanent release of the contract capacity or assume or reject the contract by October 31, 2002. Northern Border Pipeline has estimated its financial exposure for the last six months of 2002 to be approximately $1.7 million of revenues, with TC PipeLines share equating to approximately $0.5 million.
6
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)
TC PipeLines uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in Northern Border Pipeline. TC PipeLines equity income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 represents 30% of the net income of Northern Border Pipeline for the same periods. Retained earnings of TC PipeLines at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 include undistributed earnings from Northern Border Pipeline of $4.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively. The following sets out summarized financial information representing 100% of the operations of Northern Border Pipeline for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 and as at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
|
|
Three months ended June 30 |
|
Six months ended June 30 |
|
||||
(millions of dollars) |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
Northern Border Pipeline Income Statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
80.2 |
|
77.0 |
|
158.3 |
|
154.0 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
(13.7 |
) |
(16.0 |
) |
(27.4 |
) |
(28.2 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
(14.5 |
) |
(14.3 |
) |
(29.0 |
) |
(28.7 |
) |
Financial charges |
|
(13.8 |
) |
(13.7 |
) |
(26.8 |
) |
(28.8 |
) |
Other income/(expense) |
|
0.3 |
|
(1.4 |
) |
1.1 |
|
(0.8 |
) |
Net income |
|
38.5 |
|
31.6 |
|
76.2 |
|
67.5 |
|
Northern Border Pipeline has recorded other comprehensive income of $(2.9) million and $5.2 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively and $(1.6) million and $18.0 million (including transition adjustment of $10.3 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
(millions of dollars) |
|
June 30, |
|
December 31, |
|
Northern Border Pipeline Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
5.5 |
|
11.0 |
|
Other current assets |
|
36.7 |
|
36.3 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
|
1,660.1 |
|
1,685.7 |
|
Other assets |
|
23.8 |
|
18.9 |
|
|
|
1,726.1 |
|
1,751.9 |
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
125.5 |
|
399.0 |
|
Reserves and deferred credits |
|
5.4 |
|
5.6 |
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
767.1 |
|
513.7 |
|
Partners equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital |
|
820.6 |
|
824.4 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
7.5 |
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
1,726.1 |
|
1,751.9 |
|
7
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)
Note 3 Investment in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company
The Partnership owns a 49% general partner interest in Tuscarora, a partnership that owns a 229-mile United States interstate pipeline system that transports natural gas from Oregon, where it interconnects with facilities of PG&E National Energy Group, Gas Transmission Northwest, to northern Nevada. The remaining general partner interests in Tuscarora are held 50% by Sierra Pacific Resources and 1% by TransCanada PipeLines Limited, the parent of the Partnerships general partner. The Tuscarora pipeline system is operated by Tuscarora Gas Operating Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources. Sierra Pacific Power Company, a subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources, is Tuscaroras largest shipper, accounting for 94% of Tuscaroras available capacity. Tuscarora is regulated by the FERC.
The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in Tuscarora. TC PipeLines equity income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 represents 49% of the net income of Tuscarora for the same periods. Retained earnings of TC PipeLines at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 include undistributed earnings from Tuscarora of $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The following sets out summarized financial information representing 100% of the operations of Tuscarora for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 and as at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
|
|
Three months ended June 30 |
|
Six months ended June 30 |
|
||||
(millions of dollars) |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
Tuscarora Income Statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
5.6 |
|
5.3 |
|
11.2 |
|
10.5 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
(0.7 |
) |
(0.6 |
) |
(1.3 |
) |
(1.2 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
(1.2 |
) |
(1.2 |
) |
(2.4 |
) |
(2.3 |
) |
Financial charges |
|
(1.5 |
) |
(1.6 |
) |
(3.0 |
) |
(3.1 |
) |
Other income |
|
0.2 |
|
0.1 |
|
0.3 |
|
0.2 |
|
Net income |
|
2.4 |
|
2.0 |
|
4.8 |
|
4.1 |
|
Tuscarora has recorded other comprehensive income of less than $0.1 million and nil for the three months ended June 30, 2002, and 2001, respectively, and $(0.4) million and nil for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
(millions of dollars) |
|
June 30, 2002 |
|
December 31, 2001 |
|
Tuscarora Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
1.2 |
|
1.1 |
|
Other current assets |
|
2.1 |
|
2.1 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
|
129.4 |
|
121.3 |
|
Other assets |
|
1.4 |
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
134.1 |
|
126.1 |
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
7.8 |
|
7.7 |
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
88.0 |
|
80.0 |
|
Partners equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital |
|
38.2 |
|
37.9 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
0.1 |
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
134.1 |
|
126.1 |
|
8
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (continued)
(unaudited)
Note 4 Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
On August 22, 2000, the Partnership entered into an unsecured three-year credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) with Bank One, NA, as agent, under which the Partnership may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $30 million. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 31, 2003. Amounts borrowed may be repaid in part or in full prior to that time without penalty. The Revolving Credit Facility may be used to finance capital expenditures and for other general purposes. At June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, the Partnership had borrowings of $11.5 million and $21.5 million, respectively, outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility approximates its carrying value because the interest rate is a floating rate. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility averaged 2.8% and 5.5% for the three months ended June
9
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (concluded)
(unaudited)
30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, 2.8% and 6.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and was 2.9% and 3.0% at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively.
On May 28, 2001, the Partnership renewed its $40 million unsecured two-year revolving credit facility (TransCanada Credit Facility) with TransCanada Pipeline USA Ltd., an affiliate of the general partner. The TransCanada Credit Facility bears interest at London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.25%. The purpose of the TransCanada Credit Facility is to provide borrowings to fund capital expenditures, to fund capital contributions to Northern Border Pipeline, Tuscarora, and any other entity in which the Partnership directly or indirectly acquires an interest, to fund working capital and for other general business purposes, including temporary funding of cash distributions to partners, if necessary. At June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001 the Partnership had no amount outstanding under the TransCanada Credit Facility.
Note 5 Net Income per Unit
Net income per unit is computed by dividing net income, after deduction of the general partners allocation, by the weighted average number of common and subordinated units outstanding. The general partners allocation is equal to an amount based upon the general partners 2% interest, adjusted to reflect an amount equal to incentive distributions. Net income per unit was determined as follows:
|
|
Three months ended June 30 |
|
Six months ended June 30 |
|
||||||||
(thousands of dollars, except per unit amounts) |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
||||
Net income |
|
12,214 |
|
9,793 |
|
24,136 |
|
20,756 |
|
||||
Net income allocated to general partner |
|
(245 |
) |
(197 |
) |
(483 |
) |
(416 |
) |
||||
Adjustment to reflect incentive distribution income allocation |
|
(256 |
) |
(144 |
) |
(432 |
) |
(230 |
) |
||||
|
|
(501 |
) |
(341 |
) |
(915 |
) |
(646 |
) |
||||
Net income allocable to units |
|
11,713 |
|
9,452 |
|
23,221 |
|
20,110 |
|
||||
Weighted average units outstanding (thousands) |
|
17,500 |
|
17,500 |
|
17,500 |
|
17,500 |
|
||||
Net income per unit |
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
$ |
0.54 |
|
$ |
1.33 |
|
$ |
1.15 |
|
Note 6 Distributions
On July 22, 2002, the Partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.525 per unit for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. The distribution is payable on August 14, 2002 to unitholders of record as of July 31, 2002.
Note 7 Subsequent Event
On August 1, 2002, 936,435 subordinated units, representing one third of the outstanding subordinated units held by the general partner, were converted into an equal number of common units as provided for in the amended and restated partnership agreement of TC PipeLines.
10
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TC PipeLines, LP
· regulatory decisions, particularly those of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
· majority control of the Northern Border Pipeline Company management committee by affiliates of Enron Corp., which has filed for bankruptcy protection;
· the failure of a shipper on either one of the Partnerships pipelines to perform its contractual obligations, including Sierra Pacific Power Company, the shipper of 94% of Tuscarora Gas Transmission Companys capacity;
· cost of acquisitions;
· future demand for natural gas;
· overcapacity in the industry; and
· prevailing economic conditions, particularly conditions of the capital and equity markets;
Results of Operations of TC PipeLines, LP
TC PipeLines, LP was formed in 1998 as a Delaware limited partnership to acquire, own and participate in the management of United States based pipeline assets. TC PipeLines, LP, and its subsidiary limited partnerships, TC PipeLines Intermediate Limited Partnership, and TC Tuscarora Intermediate Limited Partnership, all Delaware limited partnerships, are collectively referred to herein as TC PipeLines or
11
the Partnership. TC PipeLines GP, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited, is the general partner of the Partnership.
The Partnership owns a 30% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline. The Partnership acquired this asset from affiliates of its general partner. The remaining 70% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline is held by Northern Border Partners, L.P., a publicly traded limited partnership not affiliated with TC PipeLines. The general partners of Northern Border Partners, L.P. are controlled by affiliates of Enron (see Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business"), which hold a 1.65% general partner interest, and The Williams Companies, Inc., which holds the remaining 0.35% general partner interest. As a result, TC PipeLines has one member and controls 30% of the voting power of the Northern Border Pipeline management committee, Enron has two members and controls 57.75% of the voting power, and Williams has the one remaining member and 12.25% of the voting power of the Northern Border Pipeline management committee. The Northern Border pipeline system is operated by Northern Plains Natural Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary
12
of Enron (see Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business"). Northern Border Pipeline owns a 1,249-mile United States interstate pipeline system that transports natural gas from the Montana-Saskatchewan border to markets in the midwestern United States.
The Partnership also owns a 49% general partner interest in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company. The Partnership acquired this interest from affiliates of its general partner in September 2000. The remaining general partner interests in Tuscarora are held 50% by Sierra Pacific Resources and 1% by TCPL Tuscarora Ltd., an indirect subsidiary of TransCanada, the parent of the Partnerships general partner. The Tuscarora pipeline system is operated by Tuscarora Gas Operating Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources. Sierra Pacific Power Company, a subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources, is Tuscaroras largest shipper, accounting for 94% of Tuscaroras available capacity. Tuscarora owns a 229-mile United States interstate pipeline system that transports natural gas from Oregon, where it interconnects with facilities of PG&E National Energy Group, Gas Transmission Northwest, to northern Nevada.
On March 29, 2002, the Public Utility Commission of Nevada (PUCN) rejected the recovery by Nevada Power Co., a subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources, of approximately $437 million of the approximate $922 million in deferred energy costs sought by Nevada Power. Nevada Power is allowed to recover the remaining $485 million in deferred energy costs over the next three years. As a result, Sierra Pacific Resources credit rating for unsecured debt, as well as such credit rating for its subsidiaries, Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power, were downgraded by Standard & Poors, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and Moodys Investor Services, Inc. to below investment grade. On May 28, 2002, the PUCN rejected the recovery by Sierra Pacific Power, of approximately $55 million of the approximate $205 million in deferred energy costs sought by Sierra Pacific Power. Sierra Pacific Power is allowed to recover the remaining $150 million in deferred energy costs over the next three years. While TC PipeLines has no current indication that Sierra Pacific Power is in default under its contractual obligations to Tuscarora, TC PipeLines is unable to predict the future financial condition of Sierra Pacific Power and, accordingly, its long-term ability to meet its obligations under existing agreements with Tuscarora including Tuscarora Gas Operating Companys obligation under the operating agreement with Tuscarora.
Critical Accounting Policy
TC PipeLines accounts for its investments in both Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora using the equity method of accounting as
13
Second Quarter 2002 Compared with Second Quarter 2001
Net income increased $2.4 million, or 24%, to $12.2 million for the second quarter of 2002, compared to $9.8 million for the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to increased equity income from Northern Border Pipeline.
Equity income from the Partnerships investment in Northern Border Pipeline increased $2.1 million, or 22%, to $11.6 million for the second quarter of 2002, compared to $9.5 million for the same period last year. Approximately $1.0 million of the increase is due to incremental revenues from Project 2000, Northern Border Pipelines 35-mile pipeline extension and expansion, which was completed in October 2001. Uncollected revenues associated with the transportation capacity held by Enron North America (ENA), an affiliate of Enron that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, (see Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business) offsets the increase in equity income by approximately $0.1 million. Approximately $0.5 million of the increase in Northern Border Pipeline equity income is due to a decrease in operations and maintenance expenses. In addition, a charge booked in the second quarter of 2001 for an uncollectible receivable from a telecommunications company that had purchased excess capacity on Northern Border Pipelines communication system caused 2002 second quarter equity income from Northern Border Pipeline to be approximately $0.5 million higher than last year.
Equity income from the Partnerships investment in Tuscarora was $1.0 million for the second quarter of 2002, representing a $0.1 million increase from the 2001 second quarter equity income of $0.9 million.
The Partnership reported general and administrative expenses of $0.3 million for each of the second quarters of 2002 and 2001.
Financial charges of the Partnership decreased $0.2 million, to $0.1 million for the second quarter of 2002, compared to $0.3 million for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower average debt balances and lower interest rates (see Liquidity and Capital Resources of TC PipeLines, LP - Cash Flows from Financing Activities).
14
Net income increased $3.3 million, or 16%, to $24.1 million for the first six months of 2002, compared to $20.8 million for the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to increased equity income from Northern Border Pipeline and reduced financial charges.
Equity income from the Partnerships investment in Northern Border Pipeline increased $2.6 million, or 13%, to $22.9 million for the first six months of 2002, compared to $20.3 million for the same period last year. Approximately $2 million of the increase is due to incremental revenues from Project 2000. Approximately $0.5 million relating to uncollected revenues associated with transportation capacity held by ENA (see Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business) partially offsets the increase in equity income from Northern Border Pipeline. Lower operations and maintenance expenses and lower interest expense, resulting from lower average interest rates increased equity income by approximately $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. In addition, a charge booked in the second quarter of 2001 for an uncollectible receivable from a telecommunications company that had purchased excess capacity on Northern Border Pipelines communication system caused equity income to be approximately $0.5 million higher for the first six months of 2002 compared to the same period last year. Equity income from Northern Border Pipeline was $0.7 million lower for the first six months of 2002 compared to the same period last year due to increased ad valorem taxes in 2002 as a result of the completion of Project 2000 and because smaller adjustments to estimates of ad valorem taxes were required in the first six months of 2002 compared to the same period last year.
Equity income from the Partnerships investment in Tuscarora increased $0.3 million, or 17%, to $2.1 million for the first six months of 2002, compared to $1.8 million for the same period last year.
The Partnership reported general and administrative expenses of $0.7 million for each of the first six months of 2002 and 2001.
Financial charges of the Partnership decreased $0.5 million to $0.1 million for the first six months of 2002, compared to $0.6 million for the same period last year. This decrease is due primarily to lower average debt balances and lower interest rates (see Liquidity and Capital Resources of TC PipeLines, LP - Cash Flows from Financing Activities).
15
Liquidity and Capital Resources of TC PipeLines, LP
Early Conversion of Subordinated Units
On August 1, 2002, 936,435 subordinated units, representing one third of the outstanding subordinated units held by the general partner, were converted into an equal number of common units as provided for in the amended and restated partnership agreement of TC PipeLines.
Cash Distribution Policy of TC PipeLines, LP
During the subordination period, which generally cannot end before June 30, 2004, the Partnership will make distributions of available cash as defined in the partnership agreement in the following manner:
First, 98% to the common units, pro rata, and 2% to the general partner, until there has been distributed for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter;
Second, 98% to the common units, pro rata, and 2% to the general partner, until there has been distributed for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for that quarter and for any prior quarters during the subordination period;
Third, 98% to the subordinated units, pro rata, and 2% to the general partner, until there has been distributed for each outstanding subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and
Thereafter, in a manner whereby the general partner has rights (referred to as incentive distribution rights) to receive increasing percentages of excess quarterly distributions over specified distribution thresholds.
2002 Second Quarter Cash Distribution
On July 22, 2002, the board of directors of the general partner declared the Partnerships 2002 second quarter cash distribution in the amount of $0.525 per unit, representing a $0.025 per unit increase from the previous quarterly distribution level of $0.50 per unit. This distribution will be paid on August 14, 2002 to unitholders of record as of July 31, 2002. The second quarter cash distribution totaling $9.6 million will be paid in the following manner: $7.7 million to common unitholders (including $1.5 million to an affiliate of TransCanada as holder of 2,800,000 common units), $1.5 million to the general partner as holder of the subordinated units, and $0.4 million to the general partner as holder of incentive distribution rights and in respect of its 2% general partner interest.
General
On April 23, 2002, the Partnership filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC to sell, from time to time, up to $200 million
16
of common units representing limited partner interests and/or debt securities. The Partnership intends to use the net proceeds for general purposes, repayment of debt, future acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $5.1 million, or 25%, to $25.3 million for the first six months of 2002, compared to $20.2 million for the same period last year. For the first six months of 2002 and 2001, the Partnership received cash distributions of $24.0 million and $21.0 million, respectively, from its equity investment in Northern Border Pipeline. The Partnership also received cash distributions of $2.2 million and $0.8 million from its equity investment in Tuscarora for the first six months of 2002 and 2001, respectively. Tuscarora did not make a cash distribution in the first quarter of 2001 due to the timing of the implementation of its cash distribution policy.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
In the first six months of 2002, the Partnership paid $18.1 million in cash distributions: $14.7 million to common unitholders, $2.8 million to the general partner as holder of the subordinated units, and $0.6 million to the general partner, as holder of incentive distribution rights and in respect of its 2% general partner interest. This compares to cash distributions of $17.1 million, which were paid by the Partnership in the first six months of 2001.
On August 22, 2000, the Partnership entered into an unsecured three-year credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) with Bank One, NA, as agent, under which the Partnership may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $30 million. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest, at the option of the Partnership, at a one-, two-, three-, or six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.875% or at a floating rate based on the higher of the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 31, 2003. Amounts borrowed may be repaid in part or in full prior to that time without penalty. The Revolving Credit Facility may be used to finance capital expenditures and for other general purposes. On September 1, 2000, the Partnership borrowed $24.5 million under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund a portion of the purchase price of the 49% general partner interest in Tuscarora. In the second quarter of 2002 the Partnership made principal re-payments on the Revolving Credit Facility of $10 million. At June 30, 2002, the Partnership had borrowings of $11.5 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility averaged 2.8% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and was 2.9% at June 30, 2002.
17
On May 28, 2001, the Partnership renewed its $40 million unsecured two-year revolving credit facility (TransCanada Credit Facility) with TransCanada PipeLine USA Ltd., an affiliate of the general partner. The TransCanada Credit Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.25%. The purpose of the TransCanada Credit Facility is to provide borrowings to fund capital expenditures, to fund capital contributions to Northern Border Pipeline, Tuscarora, and any other entity in which the Partnership directly or indirectly acquires an interest, to fund working capital and for other general business purposes, including temporary funding of cash distributions to partners, if necessary. At June 30, 2002, the Partnership had no amount outstanding under the TransCanada Credit Facility.
Capital Requirements
To the extent TC PipeLines has any capital requirements with respect to its investments in Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora or makes acquisitions in 2002, TC PipeLines expects to fund these requirements with operating cash flows, debt and/or equity.
Since the interests in Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora are currently the Partnerships only significant sources of income, the Partnerships results of operations are influenced by and reflect the same factors that influence the financial results of Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora.
The following sets out summarized financial information for Northern Border Pipeline for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 and as at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001. Amounts discussed represent 100% of the operations of Northern Border Pipeline, of which the Partnership has held a 30% interest since May 28, 1999.
18
(unaudited) |
|
Three months ended June 30 |
|
Six months ended June 30 |
|
||||
|
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
Northern Border Pipeline Income Statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
80.2 |
|
77.0 |
|
158.3 |
|
154.0 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
(13.7 |
) |
(16.0 |
) |
(27.4 |
) |
(28.2 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
(14.5 |
) |
(14.3 |
) |
(29.0 |
) |
(28.7 |
) |
Financial charges |
|
(13.8 |
) |
(13.7 |
) |
(26.8 |
) |
(28.8 |
) |
Other income/(expense) |
|
0.3 |
|
(1.4 |
) |
1.1 |
|
(0.8 |
) |
Net income |
|
38.5 |
|
31.6 |
|
76.2 |
|
67.5 |
|
(millions of dollars) |
|
June 30,
2002 |
|
December 31, 2001 |
|
Northern Border Pipeline Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
5.5 |
|
11.0 |
|
Other current assets |
|
36.7 |
|
36.3 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
|
1,660.1 |
|
1,685.7 |
|
Other assets |
|
23.8 |
|
18.9 |
|
|
|
1,726.1 |
|
1,751.9 |
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
125.5 |
|
399.0 |
|
Reserves and deferred credits |
|
5.4 |
|
5.6 |
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
767.1 |
|
513.7 |
|
Partners equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital |
|
820.6 |
|
824.4 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
7.5 |
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
1,726.1 |
|
1,751.9 |
|
Second Quarter 2002 Compared with Second Quarter 2001
Net income to partners increased $6.9 million (22%) for the second quarter of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. Northern Border Pipelines operating results benefited from increased operating revenues from Project 2000 as well as reductions in operations and maintenance expenses. The 2001 results also included a write-off for an uncollectible receivable.
Revenues increased $3.2 million (4%) for the second quarter of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, due primarily to additional revenues of approximately $3.4 million related to Project 2000. The impact of the additional revenues associated with Project 2000 was partially offset by uncollected revenues associated with the transportation capacity held by ENA, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2001 (see Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business).
19
For the second quarter of 2002, the revenues lost on this capacity totaled approximately $0.3 million.
Costs and expenses consist of operations and maintenance expense and taxes other than income.
Operations and maintenance expense decreased $1.8 million (20%) for the second quarter of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, due primarily to a decrease in employee benefits and administrative expenses.
Other income (expense) increased $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. The amount for the second quarter of 2001 includes a charge of approximately $1.7 million for an uncollectible receivable from a telecommunications company that had purchased excess capacity on Northern Border Pipelines communication system.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2002 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2001
Net income to partners increased $8.7 million (13%) for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. Northern Border Pipelines operating results benefited from increased operating revenues from Project 2000, reductions in interest expense due to lower interest rates as well as reductions in operations and maintenance expenses. The 2001 results also included a write-off for an uncollectible receivable.
Revenues increased $4.3 million (3%) for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, due primarily to additional revenues of approximately $6.8 million related to Project 2000. The impact of the additional revenues associated with Project 2000 was partially offset by uncollected revenues associated with the transportation capacity held by ENA, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2001 (see Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business). For the first half of 2002, the revenues lost on this capacity totaled approximately $1.8 million.
Costs and expenses consist of operations and maintenance expense and taxes other than income.
Operations and maintenance expense decreased $3.1 million (18%) for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, due primarily to a decrease in employee benefits and administrative expenses.
20
Taxes other than income increased $2.3 million (21%) for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. Both the 2002 and 2001 expense included reductions to previous estimates of ad valorem taxes. Northern Border Pipeline periodically reviews and adjusts its estimates of ad valorem taxes. Reductions to previous estimates in 2001 exceeded reductions to previous estimates in 2002 by approximately $1.6 million. In addition, the estimates for 2002 ad valorem taxes have increased due to the completion of Project 2000 in 2001.
Financial charges decreased $2.0 million (7%) for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, due primarily to a decrease in Northern Border Pipelines average interest rate between 2001 and 2002.
Other income (expense) increased $1.8 million for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. The amount for 2001 includes a charge of approximately $1.7 million for an uncollectible receivable from a telecommunications company that had purchased excess capacity on Northern Border Pipelines communication system.
21
Liquidity and Capital Resources of Northern Border Pipeline Company
Debt and Credit Facilities
Northern Border Pipelines debt and credit facilities outstanding at June 30, 2002, are as follows:
|
|
Payments Due by Period |
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
Total |
|
Current |
|
Long-Term |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
(In Thousands) |
|
|
|||||||||||||
2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement, average 2.47% |
|
$ |
22,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
22,000 |
|
|
||||||
1992 Series C and D Senior Notes, average 8.53% |
|
143,000 |
|
78,000 |
|
65,000 |
|
|
|||||||||
6.25% Senior Notes due 2007 |
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|||||||||
7.75% Senior Notes due 2009 |
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
||||||||||
7.50% Senior Notes due 2021 |
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
||||||||||
Total |
|
$ |
840,000 |
|
$ |
78,000 |
|
$ |
762,000 |
|
|
||||||
Northern Border Pipeline entered into a $175 million three-year credit agreement (2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement) with certain financial institutions in May 2002. The 2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement replaced a credit agreement entered into in 1997. The 2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement is to be used to refinance existing indebtedness and for general business purposes. At June 30, 2002, $22 million was outstanding under the 2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement at an average interest rate of 2.47%.
At June 30, 2002, Northern Border Pipeline had outstanding $143 million of senior notes issued in a $250 million private placement under a July 1992 note purchase agreement. The Series C Notes, with a principal amount of $78 million, mature in August 2002. The Series D Notes will mature in August 2003. Northern Border Pipeline anticipates borrowing under the 2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement to repay the Series C Notes.
In April 2002, Northern Border Pipeline completed a private offering of $225 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2007 (2002 Pipeline Senior Notes). The indenture under which the 2002 Pipeline Senior Notes was issued does not limit the amount of unsecured debt Northern Border Pipeline may incur, but it does include restrictions on incurrence of secured indebtedness. The proceeds from the 2002 Pipeline Senior Notes of approximately $223.5 million were used to reduce indebtedness outstanding under a previous credit agreement.
22
Short-term liquidity needs will be met by operating cash flows and the 2002 Pipeline Credit Agreement. Long-term capital needs may be met through the ability to issue long-term indebtedness.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $13.1 million to $103.0 million for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, primarily due to increases in operating income and lower interest expense and the impact of rate case refunds in 2001. Operating income has increased $4.9 million between 2001 and 2002 primarily due to Project 2000 and decreases in operations and maintenance expenses and interest expense has decreased $2.0 million between 2001 and 2002 due to lower average interest rates. Additionally in the first quarter of 2001, Northern Border Pipeline realized net cash outflows of approximately $4.7 million related to its rate case refunds. During the first quarter of 2001, Northern Border Pipeline made refunds to its shippers totaling $6.8 million, which included approximately $2.1 million collected in the first quarter of 2001 with the remainder collected previously.
23
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures were $3.2 million for the first half of 2002 as compared to $15.6 million for the same period in 2001. The 2002 and 2001 amounts include $0.2 million and $12.4 million, respectively, for Project 2000. The remaining capital expenditures for 2002 and 2001 were primarily related to renewals and replacements of existing facilities.
Total capital expenditures for 2002 are estimated to be $14 million, including $2 million for Project 2000. Northern Border Pipeline currently anticipates funding its 2002 capital expenditures primarily by borrowing on debt facilities and using operating cash flows.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows used in financing activities were $105.3 million for the first half of 2002 as compared to $87.3 million for the same period in 2001. Distributions to partners increased $10.1 million to $80.0 million for the first half of 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001. The distribution amount paid is determined from the quarterly operating results. For the second quarter of 2002, Northern Border Pipeline declared a distribution of $42.3 million, which was paid on August 1, 2002. For 2002, Northern Border Pipeline received net proceeds from the 2002 Pipeline Senior Notes of approximately $223.5 million that were used to reduce indebtedness outstanding under a previously outstanding credit agreement. During the first half of 2002, Northern Border Pipeline had net repayments under its credit agreements of $250.0 million as compared to net borrowings in 2001 of $5.0 million. In April 2002, Northern Border Pipeline received $2.4 million from the termination of forward starting interest rate swaps. For the first half of 2001, Northern Border Pipeline recognized a decrease in bank overdraft of $22.4 million. At December 31, 2000, Northern Border Pipeline reflected the bank overdraft primarily due to rate refund checks outstanding.
Update on the Impact of Enrons Chapter 11 Filing on Northern Border Pipelines Business
As more fully discussed in TC PipeLines Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, on December 2, 2001, Enron Corp. filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Certain wholly owned Enron subsidiaries, including ENA, have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. ENA was a party to shipper contracts obligating ENA to pay demand charges for approximately 3.4% of Northern Border Pipelines capacity. On June 13, 2002, the Bankruptcy Court approved a Stipulation and Order entered into on May 15, 2002, by ENA and Northern Border Pipeline pursuant to which ENA agreed that all but one of the shipper contracts, representing 1.7% of pipeline capacity, will be deemed rejected and terminated. ENA must effect a permanent
24
release of the remaining contract capacity or assume or reject the remaining contract by October 31, 2002. Northern Border Pipeline posted the available capacity and awarded approximately 94% of the capacity at maximum rates for varying terms. Payment received by Northern Border Pipeline for the capacity awarded will mitigate claims against ENA. For the period from January to June 2002, Northern Border Pipeline has realized lost revenues of approximately $1.8 million related to ENAs capacity. If it is unable to market the remaining capacity, Northern Border Pipeline has advised TC PipeLines that its estimated financial exposure for the last six months of 2002 will be approximately $1.7 million in revenues, with TC PipeLines share equating to approximately $0.5 million. Northern Border Pipeline is uncertain regarding the amount of damages for breach of contract or other claims that it will be able to establish in the bankruptcy proceeding, and it cannot predict the amounts, if any, that it will collect or the timing of collection. Northern Border Pipeline believes, however, that any such failure to collect will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, and any amounts collected will not be material.
Northern Border Pipeline has advised TC PipeLines that on May 3, 2002, Enron presented to the creditors committee a proposal under which certain of Enrons core energy assets would be separated from Enrons bankruptcy estate and operated prospectively as a new integrated power and pipeline company. Northern Plains Natural Gas Company and Pan Border Gas Company are proposed to be included in this company. Northern Plains and Pan Border are general partners of Northern Border Intermediate Limited Partnership, which owns a 70% interest in Northern Border Pipeline. If the creditors committee endorses this proposal, the inclusion of Northern Plains and Pan Border in the new company would be subject to a Section 363 auction under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court. There is no assurance that Enrons proposal will be adopted as proposed. Even if adopted as proposed, there is no assurance as to whether Northern Plains and Pan Border would ultimately be included in the new company or sold to a different bidder in a Section 363 auction.
TC PipeLines plans to continue to monitor developments at Enron, to continue to assess the impact on TC PipeLines of Northern Border Pipelines existing agreements and relationships with Enron and to take appropriate action to protect the interests of TC PipeLines and its unitholders.
The following sets out summarized financial information for Tuscarora for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 and as at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001. Amounts discussed represent 100%
25
of the operations of Tuscarora, of which the Partnership has held a 49% interest since September 1, 2000.
(unaudited) (millions of dollars) |
|
Three months ended June 30 |
|
Six months ended June 30 |
|
||||
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2001 |
|
|
Tuscarora Income Statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
5.6 |
|
5.3 |
|
11.2 |
|
10.5 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
(0.7 |
) |
(0.6 |
) |
(1.3 |
) |
(1.2 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
(1.2 |
) |
(1.2 |
) |
(2.4 |
) |
(2.3 |
) |
Financial charges |
|
(1.5 |
) |
(1.6 |
) |
(3.0 |
) |
(3.1 |
) |
Other income |
|
0.2 |
|
0.1 |
|
0.3 |
|
0.2 |
|
Net income |
|
2.4 |
|
2.0 |
|
4.8 |
|
4.1 |
|
(millions of dollars) |
|
June 30, 2002 |
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuscarora Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
1.2 |
|
1.1 |
|
Other current assets |
|
2.1 |
|
2.1 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
|
129.4 |
|
121.3 |
|
Other assets |
|
1.4 |
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
134.1 |
|
126.1 |
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
7.8 |
|
7.7 |
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
88.0 |
|
80.0 |
|
Partners equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital |
|
38.2 |
|
37.9 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
0.1 |
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
134.1 |
|
126.1 |
|
26
Second Quarter 2002 Compared with Second Quarter 2001
Revenues, costs and expenses, depreciation and financial charges incurred and other income earned by Tuscarora in the second quarter of 2002 are approximately the same as they were in the same period last year.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2002 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 2001
Revenues, costs and expenses, depreciation and financial charges incurred and other income earned by Tuscarora in the first six months of 2002 are approximately the same as they were in the same period last year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources of Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $2.9 million to $6.8 million for the first six months of 2002 compared to $3.9 million for the same period last year and is primarily due to changes in working capital.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
On January 4, 2002, Tuscarora entered into a credit agreement with a third party for a $5 million, 364-day revolving credit facility which bears interest at either the LIBOR rate plus 1% or the prime rate. At June 30, 2002, Tuscarora had $0.7 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility at an interest rate of 2.8%.
For the first six months of 2002, Tuscarora recorded cash flows from financing activities of $3.9 million compared to cash flows used in financing activities of $3.5 million for the same period in 2001. Tuscarora received proceeds of $10 million from the issuance of its Series C Secured Notes and repaid $2.1 million of long-term debt in the first six months of 2002. Tuscarora also received proceeds of $0.7 million from the issuance of notes payable. Tuscarora paid cash distributions of $4.4 million in the first six months of 2002.
27
For the first six months of 2001, Tuscarora repaid $2.1 million of long-term debt. In addition, Tuscarora paid cash distributions of $1.7 million. Tuscarora did not make a cash distribution in the first quarter of 2001 due to the timing of the implementation of its cash distribution policy.
28
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
TC PipeLines, LP
TC PipeLines interest rate exposure results from its Revolving Credit Facility, which is subject to variability in LIBOR interest rates. Since December 31, 2001, there has not been any material change to TC PipeLines interest rate exposure.
The Partnerships market risk sensitivity is also influenced by and reflects the same factors that influence Northern Border Pipeline. Neither Northern Border Pipeline nor Tuscarora owns any of the natural gas they transport, and, therefore, do not assume any of the related natural gas commodity price risk.
Northern Border Pipelines interest rate exposure results from variable rate borrowings from commercial banks. To mitigate potential fluctuations in interest rates, Northern Border Pipeline attempts to maintain a significant portion of its debt portfolio in fixed rate debt. There have not been any material changes in market risk exposures that would affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented as of December 31, 2001, in Item 7a of TC PipeLines Annual Report on Form 10-K.
29
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
TC PipeLines, LP
(a) Exhibits
23.1 Consent of Independent Chartered Accounts
99.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.3 Consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2001 of TC PipeLines GP, Inc., general partner of TC PipeLines, LP.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
1. Report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 2002 and filed on May 24, 2002 reporting a Stipulation and Order entered into by Northern Border Pipeline and Enron North America Corp.
30
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.
|
|
TC PipeLines, LP |
||
|
|
(a Delaware Limited Partnership) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
TC PipeLines GP, Inc., its general partner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Russell K. Girling |
|
Date: August 14, 2002 |
|
|
Russell K. Girling |
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer (duly authorized officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Theresa Jang |
|
Date: August 14, 2002 |
|
|
Theresa Jang |
|
|
|
|
Controller (duly authorized officer) |
31
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
Consent of Independent Chartered Accountants |
|
|
|
99.1 |
|
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
99.2 |
|
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
99.3 |
|
Consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2001 of TC PipeLines GP, Inc., general partner of TC PipeLines, LP. |
32
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors
TC PipeLines GP, Inc.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in TC PipeLines, LPs Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on April 23, 2002 (File No. 333-86804) of our report dated August 8, 2002, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of TC PipeLines GP, Inc. as of December 31, 2001.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Canada
August 13, 2002
Exhibit 99.1
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of TC PipeLines, LP (the Partnership) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Ronald J. Turner, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC PipeLines GP, Inc., the General Partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
Dated: August 14, 2002 |
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Turner |
|
|
|
|
|
Ronald J. Turner |
||
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
||
|
|
|
TC PipeLines GP, Inc. |
||
1
Exhibit 99.2
Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of TC PipeLines, LP (the Partnership) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Russell K. Girling, Chief Financial Officer of TC PipeLines GP, Inc., the General Partner of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
Dated: August 14, 2002 |
|
|
/s/ Russell K. Girling |
|
|
|
|
|
Russell K. Girling |
||
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
||
|
|
|
TC PipeLines GP, Inc. |
||
1
Exhibit 99.3
TC PipeLines GP, Inc.
Independent Auditors Report
To the Board of Directors of TC PipeLines GP, Inc., General Partner of TC PipeLines, LP:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of TC PipeLines GP, Inc, (a Delaware corporation) as of December 31, 2001. This consolidated balance sheet is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this consolidated balance sheet based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the balance sheet. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ KPMG LLP |
|
|
|
Chartered Accountants |
|
Calgary, Canada |
|
August 8, 2002 |
1
TC PipeLines GP, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(thousands of dollars) |
|
December
31 |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
Cash |
|
17,521 |
|
Current tax recoverable |
|
330 |
|
|
|
17,851 |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in Northern Border Pipeline Company |
|
250,078 |
|
Investment in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company |
|
29,297 |
|
Deferred Amounts |
|
119 |
|
|
|
297,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
426 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
58 |
|
Due to affiliates |
|
358 |
|
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt |
|
21,500 |
|
Deferred Income Tax |
|
12,117 |
|
Minority Interest |
|
221,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders Equity |
|
|
|
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 100 shares issued) |
|
1 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
43,212 |
|
Due from affiliate |
|
(13,700 |
) |
Retained earnings |
|
11,430 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
532 |
|
|
|
41,475 |
|
|
|
297,345 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.
2
Note 1 Organization
TC PipeLines GP, Inc. (the GP), a Delaware corporation, was formed by TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) in December 1998 to become the general partner of TC PipeLines, LP (the LP), a Delaware limited partnership. The GP and the LP are collectively referred to herein as the Company. The GP is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada.
The GP holds a 2% general partner interest in the LP and also owns 2,809,306 subordinated units, representing an effective 15.7% limited partner interest in the LP. By virtue of the GPs performance of all management and operating functions required for the LP pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of TC PipeLines, LP (Partnership Agreement), the GP has control of the operating and financial policies of the LP.
The LP is a publicly traded partnership. Common units of the LP are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and are quoted for trading under the symbol TCLP. The LP owns a 30% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline Company (Northern Border Pipeline) and a 49% interest in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company (Tuscarora). Northern Border Pipeline owns a 1,249-mile United States interstate pipeline system that transports natural gas from the Montana-Saskatchewan border to markets in the midwestern United States. Tuscarora owns a 229-mile United States interstate pipeline system that transports natural gas from Oregon, where it interconnects with facilities of PG&E National Energy Group, Gas Transmission Northwest, to northern Nevada.
Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies
a) Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet and related notes present the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. Amounts are stated in United States dollars.
b) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated balance sheet includes the accounts of the GP and the LP. The GP controls the operations of the LP through its 2% general partner interest. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated on consolidation.
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora, over which it is able to exercise significant influence. Other comprehensive income recorded by the Company arises through its equity investments in Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora and relates to cash flow hedges transacted by Northern Border Pipeline and Tuscarora.
c) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these investments.
3
d) Income Taxes
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS 109). Under SFAS 109, deferred income taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the underlying assets are received and liabilities settled.
4
Note 3 Investment in Northern Border Pipeline Company
The Company owns a 30% general partner interest in Northern Border Pipeline. The remaining 70% partnership interest in Northern Border Pipeline is held by Northern Border Partners, L.P., a publicly traded limited partnership that is not affiliated with the Company. The general partners of Northern Border Partners, L.P. are controlled by affiliates of Enron Corp. (Enron), which hold a 1.65% general partner interest, and The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams), which holds the remaining 0.35% general partner interest. As a result, the Company has one member and controls 30% of the voting power of the Northern Border Pipeline management committee, Enron has two members and controls 57.75% of the voting power, and Williams has the one remaining member and 12.25% of the voting power of the Northern Border Pipeline management committee. The Northern Border pipeline system is operated by Northern Plains Natural Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Enron. Northern Border Pipeline is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Undistributed earnings of Northern Border Pipeline amounted to $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The following sets out summarized balance sheet information for Northern Border Pipeline as at December 31, 2001. The Company has held its general partner interest since May 28, 1999.
(millions of dollars) |
|
December
31 |
|
Northern Border Pipeline Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
11.0 |
|
Other current assets |
|
36.3 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
|
1,685.7 |
|
Other assets |
|
18.9 |
|
|
|
1,751.9 |
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
399.0 |
|
Reserves and deferred credits |
|
5.6 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
513.7 |
|
Partners equity |
|
|
|
Partners capital |
|
824.4 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
1,751.9 |
|
Note 4 Investment in Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company
The Company owns a 49% general partner interest in Tuscarora. The remaining 50% and 1% interests in Tuscarora are indirectly held by Sierra Pacific Resources Company and TransCanada, respectively. The Tuscarora pipeline system is operated by Tuscarora Gas Operating Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Pacific Resources. Tuscarora is regulated by the FERC.
Undistributed earnings of Tuscarora amounted to $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The following sets out summarized balance sheet information for Tuscarora as at December 31, 2001. The Company has held its general partner interest since September 1, 2000.
5
(millions of dollars) |
|
December
31 |
|
Tuscarora Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
1.1 |
|
Other current assets |
|
2.1 |
|
Plant, property and equipment, net |
|
121.3 |
|
Other assets |
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
126.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and Partners Equity |
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
7.7 |
|
Reserves and deferred credits |
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
|
80.0 |
|
Partners equity |
|
|
|
Partners capital |
|
37.9 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
126.1 |
|
Note 5 Income Taxes
Future income tax liability of $12.1 million for 2001 arises from the Companys investments having higher book basis than tax basis.
Note 6 Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
On August 22, 2000, the Company entered into an unsecured three-year credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) with Bank One, NA, as agent under which the Company may borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 31, 2003. Amounts borrowed may be repaid in part or in full prior to that time without penalty. The Revolving Credit Facility may be used to finance capital expenditures and for other general purposes. On September 1, 2000, the Company borrowed $24.5 million under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund a portion of the purchase price of the 49% general partner interest in Tuscarora. At December 31, 2001, the Company had borrowings of $21.5 million outstanding under the
6
Revolving Credit Facility. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility approximates its carrying value because the interest rate is a floating rate. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2001 was 3.0%.
7
On May 28, 2001, the Company renewed its $40 million unsecured two-year revolving credit facility (TransCanada Credit Facility), with TransCanada PipeLine USA Ltd., an affiliate of the Company. The TransCanada Credit Facility bears interest at London Interbank Offered Rate plus 1.25%. The purpose of the TransCanada Credit Facility is to provide borrowings to fund capital expenditures, to fund capital contributions to Northern Border Pipeline, Tuscarora and any other entity in which the Company directly or indirectly acquires an interest, to fund working capital and for other general business purposes, including temporary funding of cash distributions to partners of the LP, if necessary. At December 31, 2001, the Company had no amount outstanding under the TransCanada Credit Facility.
Note 7 Stockholders Equity
A wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada holds 100 common shares representing 100% of the issued common stock of the Company. As required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-B, Rule 310(f), amounts due from an affiliate of the general partner have been deducted from stockholders equity.
Note 8 Related Party Transactions
The Company does not have any employees. The management and operating functions are provided by TransCanada. TransCanada does not receive a management fee or other compensation in connection with its management of the Company. The Company reimburses TransCanada for all costs of services provided, including the costs of employee, officer and director compensation and benefits, and all other expenses necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the business of, and allocable to the Company. Total costs reimbursed to TransCanada were approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.
(thousands of dollars) |
|
December
31 |
|
Due to affiliates |
|
|
|
TransCanada Pipeline USA Ltd. |
|
342 |
|
TransCanada PipeLines Limited |
|
16 |
|
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
|
|
Due from affiliate |
|
|
|
TransCan Northern Ltd. |
|
13,700 |
|
8