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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

or

 

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1-33556

 

 

 

SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware		41-2232463
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

5400 Westheimer Court

Houston, Texas 77056

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

713-627-5400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated  filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

At March 31, 2013, there were 103,633,733 Common Units and 2,114,975 General Partner Units outstanding.

 

 

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED

March 31, 2013

INDEX

 

				Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.		Financial Statements (Unaudited)			4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013  and 2012			4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012			5
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012			6
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012			8
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012			9
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			10
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			18
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			25
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures			25
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings			27
Item 1A.		Risk Factors			27
Item 5.		Other Information			27
Item 6.		Exhibits			27
		Signatures			29

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This document includes “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. Forward-looking statements represent management’s intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events. These forward-looking statements are identified by terms and phrases such as: anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, expect, continue, should, could, may, plan, project, predict, will, potential, forecast, and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Factors used to develop these forward-looking statements and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to:

 

•

state and federal legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect cost and investment recovery, have an effect on rate structure, and affect the speed at and degree to which competition enters the natural gas industries;

 

•

outcomes of litigation and regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries;

 

•

weather and other natural phenomena, including the economic, operational and other effects of hurricanes and storms;

 

•

the timing and extent of changes in interest rates;

 

•

general economic conditions, including the risk of a prolonged economic slowdown or decline, or the risk of delay in a recovery, which can affect the long-term demand for natural gas and related services;

 

•

potential effects arising from terrorist attacks and any consequential or other hostilities;

 

•

changes in environmental, safety and other laws and regulations;

 

•

the development of alternative energy resources;

 

•

results and costs of financing efforts, including the ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, which can be affected by various factors, including credit ratings and general market and economic conditions;

 

•

increases in the cost of goods and services required to complete capital projects;

 

•

growth in opportunities, including the timing and success of efforts to develop domestic pipeline, storage, gathering and other related infrastructure projects and the effects of competition;

 

•

the performance of natural gas transmission, storage and gathering facilities;

 

•

the extent of success in connecting natural gas supplies to transmission and gathering systems and in connecting to expanding gas markets;

 

•

the effects of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies;

 

•

conditions of the capital markets during the periods covered by forward-looking statements; and

 

•

the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition or divestiture plans; regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of a merger, acquisition or divestiture; and the success of the business following a merger, acquisition or divestiture.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than Spectra Energy Partners, LP has described. Spectra Energy Partners, LP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per-unit amounts)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
Operating Revenues
Transportation of natural gas		$	54.9			$	56.2
Storage of natural gas and other			6.0				5.7
Total operating revenues			60.9				61.9
Operating Expenses
Operating, maintenance and other			14.8				15.8
Depreciation and amortization			9.4				9.3
Property and other taxes			3.6				3.7
Total operating expenses			27.8				28.8
Operating Income			33.1				33.1
Other Income and Expenses
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			30.7				27.4
Other income and expenses, net			0.1				—
Total other income and expenses			30.8				27.4
Interest Income			0.1				—
Interest Expense			7.6				7.7
Earnings Before Income Taxes			56.4				52.8
Income Tax Expense			0.5				0.4
Net Income		$	55.9			$	52.4
Calculation of Limited Partners’ Interest in Net Income:
Net income		$	55.9			$	52.4
Less: General partner’s interest in net income			9.0				6.5
Limited partners’ interest in net income		$	46.9			$	45.9
Weighted-average limited partner units outstanding—basic and diluted			103.6				96.3
Net income per limited partner unit—basic and diluted		$	0.45			$	0.48
Distributions paid per limited partner unit during the periods presented		$	0.495			$	0.475

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
Net Income		$	55.9			$	52.4
Other comprehensive income
Reclassification of cash flow hedges into earnings			(0.2	)			(0.1	)
Total Comprehensive Income		$	55.7			$	52.3

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

		March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	25.3			$	20.6
Receivables, net			32.1				29.2
Other			4.8				5.5
Total current assets			62.2				55.3
Investments and Other Assets
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates			912.7				921.2
Goodwill			461.7				461.7
Other investments			138.1				141.4
Total investments and other assets			1,512.5				1,524.3
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost			1,477.2				1,475.9
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			276.6				269.6
Net property, plant and equipment			1,200.6				1,206.3
Regulatory Assets and Deferred Debits			19.4				19.8
Total Assets		$	2,794.7			$	2,805.7

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

		March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable		$	10.6			$	14.4
Taxes accrued			7.9				8.8
Note payable—affiliates			15.7				17.0
Commercial paper			324.1				336.4
Other			20.5				9.5
Total current liabilities			378.8				386.1
Long-term Debt			699.6				699.6
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
Deferred income taxes			9.9				9.4
Other			4.9				5.0
Total deferred credits and other liabilities			14.8				14.4
Commitments and Contingencies
Partners’ Capital
Common units (103.6 million units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012)			1,655.1				1,659.5
General partner units (2.1 million units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012)			42.7				42.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income			3.7				3.9
Total partners’ capital			1,701.5				1,705.6
Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital		$	2,794.7			$	2,805.7

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	55.9			$	52.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			9.8				9.7
Deferred income tax expense			0.5				0.4
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			(30.7	)			(27.4	)
Distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates			33.4				24.3
Other			3.6				(1.9	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			72.5				57.5
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures			(4.6	)			(5.3	)
Investment expenditures			(0.5	)			(9.1	)
Distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates			6.1				5.0
Purchases of available-for-sale securities			(610.2	)			—
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities			614.8				—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			5.6				(9.4	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper			(12.3	)			13.0
Payments on notes payable—affiliates			(1.3	)			(7.0	)
Distributions to partners			(59.8	)			(51.8	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(73.4	)			(45.8	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			4.7				2.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			20.6				0.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	25.3			$	3.1
Supplemental Disclosures
Property, plant and equipment noncash accruals		$	0.7			$	1.7

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

		Partners’ Capital								Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income				Total
		Common				General Partner
December 31, 2012		$	1,659.5			$	42.2			$	3.9			$	1,705.6
Net income			46.9				9.0				—				55.9
Reclassification of cash flow hedges into earnings			—				—				(0.2	)			(0.2	)
Distributions to partners			(51.3	)			(8.5	)			—				(59.8	)
March 31, 2013		$	1,655.1			$	42.7			$	3.7			$	1,701.5
December 31, 2011		$	1,653.6			$	39.6			$	4.5			$	1,697.7
Net income			45.9				6.5				—				52.4
Reclassification of cash flow hedges into earnings			—				—				(0.1	)			(0.1	)
Attributed deferred tax expense			(0.1	)			—				—				(0.1	)
Distributions to partners			(45.8	)			(6.0	)			—				(51.8	)
March 31, 2012		$	1,653.6			$	40.1			$	4.4			$	1,698.1

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. General

The terms “we,” “our,” “us” and “Spectra Energy Partners” as used in this report refer collectively to Spectra Energy Partners, LP and its subsidiaries unless the context suggests otherwise. These terms are used for convenience only and are not intended as a precise description of any separate legal entity within Spectra Energy Partners.

Nature of Operations. Spectra Energy Partners, through its subsidiaries and equity affiliates, is engaged in the transportation and gathering of natural gas through interstate pipeline systems located throughout the United States (U.S.), and the storage of natural gas in underground facilities that are located in southeast Texas, south central Louisiana and southwest Virginia.

Basis of Presentation. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our 100% owned subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany transactions and balances. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in our opinion, necessary to fairly present our results of operations and financial position. Amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for the respective annual periods.

Use of Estimates. To conform with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Although these estimates are based on our best available knowledge at the time, actual results could differ.

2. Acquisition

M&N US. On October 31, 2012, we acquired a 38.76% ownership interest in Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, L.L.C. (M&N US) from Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy) for approximately $318.7 million in cash and approximately $56.2 million in common and general partner units. As of December 31, 2012, M&N US had debt outstanding of $429.0 million, 38.76% of which is $166.3 million. M&N US owns a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulated mainline interstate natural gas transportation system in the United States which extends from the Canadian border near Baileyville, Maine to northeastern Massachusetts. In 2012, M&N US’ firm transportation and storage contracts had a weighted average remaining life of 20 years and 99% of revenues were derived from capacity reservation charges under firm contracts. M&N US’ pipeline location and key interconnects with Spectra Energy’s transmission system link regional natural gas supplies to the northeast U.S. and Atlantic Canadian markets.

The M&N US acquisition represented a transaction between entities under common control, but did not represent a change in reporting entity. Accordingly, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related information presented herein include the results of the acquisition of M&N US as of the date of the acquisition.

3. Business Segments

Our Gas Transportation and Storage segment aligns our operations with the chief operating decision makers’ view of the business. This business segment is considered to be our sole reportable segment.

The Gas Transportation and Storage segment provides interstate transportation, storage and gathering services of natural gas, and the storage and redelivery of liquefied natural gas for customers in the southeastern quadrant of the United States. Substantially all of our operations are subject to the FERC and the U.S.

 

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Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rules and regulations. This segment includes East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC (East Tennessee), Ozark Gas Transmission, L.L.C. (Ozark Gas Transmission) and Ozark Gas Gathering, L.L.C. (Ozark Gas Gathering) (collectively, hereafter referred to as “Ozark”), Saltville Gas Storage, L.L.C. (Saltville) and Big Sandy Pipeline, L.L.C. (Big Sandy).

The remainder of our operations is presented as “Other.” While it is not considered a business segment, Other includes our equity investments in Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), Market Hub Partners Holding (Market Hub), M&N US and unallocated corporate costs.

Gulfstream provides interstate natural gas pipeline transportation from Pascagoula, Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama across the Gulf of Mexico into Florida for customers in central and southern Florida. Gulfstream’s operations are subject to the rules and regulations of the FERC and DOT.

Market Hub owns and operates two natural gas storage facilities, Moss Bluff and Egan, which are located in southeast Texas and south central Louisiana, respectively. Market Hub’s operations are subject to the rules and regulations of DOT. Moss Bluff is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Railroad Commission of Texas, while Egan is also subject to the rules and regulations of the FERC.

M&N US owns an interstate natural gas pipeline that extends from the Canadian border near Baileyville, Maine to northeastern Massachusetts. The M&N US pipeline links regional gas supplies with Northeast U.S. and Atlantic Canadian markets. M&N US’ operations are subject to the rules and regulations of the FERC.

Management evaluates segment performance based on earnings before interest and taxes from continuing operations (EBIT). On a segment basis, EBIT represents all profits from continuing operations (both operating and non-operating) before deducting interest and income taxes.

Business Segment Data

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Operating revenues
Gas Transportation and Storage		$	60.9			$	61.9
Other			—				—
Total operating revenues		$	60.9			$	61.9
Segment EBIT
Gas Transportation and Storage		$	35.4			$	35.1
Other			28.5				25.4
Total EBIT			63.9				60.5
Interest income			0.1				—
Interest expense			7.6				7.7
Earnings before income taxes		$	56.4			$	52.8

 

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4. Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit and Cash Distributions

The following table presents our net income per limited partner unit calculations.

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions, except per unit amounts)
Net income		$	55.9			$	52.4
Less:
General partner’s interest in net income—2%			1.1				1.1
General partner’s interest in net income attributable to incentive distribution rights			7.9				5.4
Limited partners’ interest in net income		$	46.9			$	45.9
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding—basic and diluted			103.6				96.3
Net income per limited partner unit—basic and diluted		$	0.45			$	0.48

The partnership agreement requires that, within 45 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our Available Cash, as defined, to unitholders of record on the applicable record date.

Available Cash. Available Cash, for any quarter, consists of all cash on hand at the end of that quarter:

 

•

less the amount of cash reserves established by the general partner to:

 

•

provide for the proper conduct of business,

 

•

comply with applicable law, any debt instrument or other agreement, or

 

•

provide funds for distributions to the unitholders and to the general partner for any one or more of the next four quarters,

 

•

plus, if the general partner so determines, all or a portion of cash on hand on the date of determination of Available Cash for the quarter.

Incentive Distribution Rights. The general partner holds incentive distribution rights beyond the first target distribution in accordance with the partnership agreement as follows:

 

		Total Quarterly           Distribution		Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions
		Target Per-Unit Amount		Common Unitholders				General Partner
Minimum Quarterly Distribution		$0.30			98	%			2	%
First Target Distribution		up to $0.345			98	%			2	%
Second Target Distribution		above $0.345 up to $0.375			85	%			15	%
Third Target Distribution		above $0.375 up to $0.45			75	%			25	%
Thereafter		above $0.45			50	%			50	%

To the extent these incentive distributions are made to our general partner, there will be more Available Cash proportionately allocated to our general partner than to holders of common units. A cash distribution of $0.50125 per limited partner unit was declared on April 29, 2013 and is payable on May 15, 2013 to unitholders of record at the close of business on May 9, 2013.

5. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

As of March 31, 2013, our investments in unconsolidated affiliates consist of a 49% interest in Gulfstream, 50% interest in Market Hub and 38.76% interest in M&N US, all of which are accounted for using the equity method.

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we received total distributions of $21.4 million from Gulfstream, of which $15.3 million were included in Cash Flows From Operating Activities—Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Affiliates and $6.1 million were included in Cash Flows From Investing Activities—Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Affiliates. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we received total distributions of $20.3 million, of which $15.3 million were included in Cash Flows From Operating Activities—Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Affiliates and $5.0 million were included in Cash Flows From Investing Activities—Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Affiliates.

We received distributions from Market Hub of $10.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and $9.0 million during the same period in 2012, all of which were included in Cash Flows From Operating Activities—Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Affiliates.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, we purchased a 38.76% ownership in M&N US from Spectra Energy. See Note 2 for further discussion. The equity earnings related to our interest in M&N US is included in our results from the date of the acquisition. We received distributions from M&N US of $7.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013, all of which were included in Cash Flows From Operating Activities—Distributions Received From Unconsolidated Affiliates.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

 

		March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
		(in millions)
Gulfstream		$	339.3			$	345.5
Market Hub			377.3				378.2
M&N US			196.1				197.5
Total		$	912.7			$	921.2

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Gulfstream		$	15.3			$	15.3
Market Hub			8.7				12.1
M&N US (a)			6.7				—
Total		$	30.7			$	27.4

 

(a)	We acquired a 38.76% interest of M&N US during the fourth quarter of 2012. The equity earnings related to the acquired interest was recorded prospectively from the date of the acquisition.

 

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Summarized Financial Information of Unconsolidated Affiliates (Presented at 100%)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Gulfstream
Operating revenues		$	67.2			$	67.7
Operating expenses			18.5				19.0
Operating income			48.7				48.7
Net income			31.2				31.2
Market Hub
Operating revenues		$	26.9			$	31.2
Operating expenses			9.3				7.0
Operating income			17.6				24.2
Net income			17.5				24.2
M&N US (a)
Operating revenues		$	41.2			$	—
Operating expenses			14.4				—
Operating income			26.8				—
Net income			17.2				—
(a)    We acquired a 38.76% interest in M&N US in the fourth quarter of 2012. Summarized financial information is included for periods after date of acquisition.

6. Marketable Securities

We may actively invest a portion of our cash balances in various financial instruments, including taxable debt securities. In addition, we invest in short-term money market securities, some of which are restricted due to debt collateral requirements. We classify all short-term money market securities that are pledged as collateral as available-for-sale (AFS). We do not purchase marketable securities for speculative purposes, nor do we routinely sell marketable securities prior to their scheduled maturity dates. Therefore, we do not have any securities classified as trading securities. Initial investments in securities are classified as purchases of the respective type of securities (available-for-sale or held-to-maturity), and maturities of securities are classified within proceeds from sales and maturities of securities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We had $136.1 million and $140.7 million of commercial paper investments classified as Other Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

7. Debt and Credit Facility

 

		Expiration Date				Total Credit Facility Capacity				Outstanding at March 31, 2013
										Commercial Paper				Available Credit Facility Capacity
										(in millions)
Spectra Energy Partners, LP			2016			$	700.0			$	324.1			$	375.9

The issuances of commercial paper, letters of credit and revolving borrowings reduce the amount available under the credit facility. As of March 31, 2013, there were no letters of credit issued under the credit facility or revolving borrowings outstanding.

 

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The credit agreement contains various financial and other covenants, including the maintenance of a consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement. Failure to meet those covenants beyond applicable grace periods could result in accelerated due dates and/or termination of the agreement. As of March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with those covenants. In addition, the credit agreement allows for the acceleration of payments or termination of the agreement due to nonpayment, or in some cases, due to the acceleration of our other significant indebtedness or other significant indebtedness of some of our subsidiaries. The credit agreement does not contain provisions that trigger an acceleration of indebtedness based solely on the occurrence of an adverse change in our financial condition or results of operations.

As noted above, the terms of the credit agreement requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of adjusted consolidated indebtedness to adjusted consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), as defined in the agreement, of 5.0 or less. As of March 31, 2013, the consolidated leverage ratio was 3.4.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because our definition excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income and is defined in varying ways by companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income, cash from operations or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.

8. Fair Value Measurements

The following tables presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Description		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Caption		March 31, 2013
				Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
				(in millions)
Commercial paper		Other investments		$	136.1			$	—			$	136.1			$	—
Short-term money market securities		Cash and cash equivalents			24.4				—				24.4				—
Total Assets				$	160.5			$	—			$	160.5			$	—

 

Description		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Caption		December 31, 2012
				Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
				(in millions)
Commercial paper		Other investments		$	140.7			$	—			$	140.7			$	—
Short-term money market securities		Cash and cash equivalents			15.7				—				15.7				—
Total Assets				$	156.4			$	—			$	156.4			$	—

Level 1

Level 1 valuations represent quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 Valuation Techniques

Fair values of our financial instruments that are actively traded in the secondary market, including our long-term debt, are determined based on market-based prices. These valuations may include inputs such as quoted market prices of the exact or similar instruments, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources that may include models or matrix pricing tools, with reasonable levels of price transparency.

 

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Level 3 Valuation Techniques

Level 3 valuation techniques include the use of pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques where at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 financial instruments also include those for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Financial Instruments. The fair values of financial instruments that are recorded and carried at book value are summarized in the following table. Judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. These estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could have realized in current markets.

 

		March 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Caption		Book Value				Approximate Fair Value				Book Value				Approximate Fair Value
		(in millions)
Long-term debt (a)		$	500.0			$	528.9			$	500.0			$	528.4
Long-term debt (b)			200.0				199.0				200.0				198.8

 

(a)	Excludes unamortized items

(b)	East Tennessee debt due in 2024

The fair value of our long-term debt is determined based on market-based prices as described in the Level 2 valuation technique described above.

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, commercial paper, short-term money market securities and note payable—affiliates are not materially different from their carrying amounts because of the short-term nature of these instruments or because the stated rates approximate market rates.

During 2013 and 2012, there were no material adjustments to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental. We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other environmental matters. These laws and regulations can change from time to time, imposing new obligations on us. We believe there are no matters outstanding that upon resolution will have an adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Litigation. We are involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings in various forums arising in the ordinary course of business, including matters regarding contracts and payment claims, some of which may involve substantial monetary amounts. We have insurance coverage for certain of these losses should they be incurred. We believe that the final disposition of these proceedings will not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Legal costs related to the defense of loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. We had no material reserves recorded as of March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012 related to litigation.

10. Risk Management and Hedging Activities

We are exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates as a result of our issuance of variable and fixed-rate debt and commercial paper. We manage our interest rate exposure by limiting our variable-rate exposure and by monitoring the effects of market changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have any derivatives outstanding.

 

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11. New Accounting Pronouncements

There were no significant accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 that had a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

12. Subsequent Events

In April 2013, we issued 5.2 million common units to the public representing limited partner interests. The net proceeds from this offering were $193.2 million, including our general partner’s proportionate unit purchase of 0.1 million general partner units after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. The net proceeds from this issuance may only be used to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. Pending such use, the net proceeds of this offering will be held as cash or invested in short-term securities, or a combination of both.

On May 2, 2013, we entered into definitive agreements with subsidiaries of Spectra Energy with respect to the Express-Platte Pipeline System, under which we will acquire a 40% ownership interest in the U.S. portion of the Express-Platte Pipeline System and a 100% ownership interest in the Canadian portion of the pipeline system for approximately $823.0 million. The transactions will be funded with approximately $555.0 million in cash, initially funded with cash on hand and other borrowings, approximately $139.0 million in newly issued partnership units to our general partner, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Spectra Energy, and approximately $129.0 million of acquired Express-Platte System debt. The 1,717-mile Express-Platte Pipeline System, which begins in Hardisty, Alberta, and terminates in Wood River, Illinois, is comprised of both the Express and Platte crude oil pipelines. The Express pipeline carries crude oil to U.S. refining markets in the Rockies area, specifically Billings and Laurel, Montana, and Casper, Wyoming. The Platte pipeline, which interconnects with Express pipeline in Casper, transports crude oil predominantly from the Bakken shale and western Canada to refineries in the Midwest. Completion of the transactions are subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The transactions are expected to close in the third quarter of 2013.

 

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Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we reported net income of $55.9 million compared to $52.4 million for the comparable period in 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, cash available for distribution was $72.9 million, an increase of $6.7 million from the prior year quarter. The increase in both net income and cash available for distribution (CAD) was primarily the result of the acquisition of the 38.76% interest in the M&N US pipeline in October 2012.

In April 2013, we issued 5.2 million common units to the public representing limited partner interests. The net proceeds from this offering were $193.2 million and may only be used to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. Pending such use, the net proceeds of this offering will be held as cash or invested in short term securities, or a combination of both.

On May 2, 2013, we entered into definitive agreements with subsidiaries of Spectra Energy with respect to the Express-Platte Pipeline System (Express-Platte System), under which we will acquire a 40% ownership interest in the U.S. portion of the Express-Platte System and a 100% ownership interest in the Canadian portion of the system for approximately $823.0 million. These interests are expected to generate approximately 50% of the consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) resulting from the Express-Platte System in the near term.

The transactions will be funded with approximately $555.0 million in cash, initially funded with cash on hand and other borrowings, approximately $139.0 million in newly issued partnership units to our general partner, and approximately $129.0 million of acquired Express-Platte System debt. Completion of the transactions are subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The transactions are expected to close in the third quarter of 2013.

A cash distribution of $0.50125 per limited partner unit was declared on April 29, 2013 and is payable on May 15, 2013, representing a 1.3% increase over the previous distribution of $0.495 per limited partner unit paid in February 2013. It is our objective to increase our quarterly distribution by three-quarters of a cent following the closing of the Express- Platte System transactions described above. Our board evaluates each distribution decision within the confines of the Partnership agreement and based on an assessment of growth in cash available for distribution.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012				Increase (Decrease)
		(in millions)
Operating revenues		$	60.9			$	61.9			$	(1.0	)
Operating, maintenance and other expense			18.4				19.5				(1.1	)
Depreciation and amortization			9.4				9.3				0.1
Operating income			33.1				33.1				—
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			30.7				27.4				3.3
Other income and expenses, net			0.1				—				0.1
Interest income			0.1				—				0.1
Interest expense			7.6				7.7				(0.1	)
Earnings before income taxes			56.4				52.8				3.6
Income tax expense			0.5				0.4				0.1
Net income		$	55.9			$	52.4			$	3.5
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	72.5			$	57.5			$	15.0
Adjusted EBITDA (a)			42.5				42.4				0.1
Cash Available for Distribution (a)			72.9				66.2				6.7

 

(a)	See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of this measure to its most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 compared to same period in 2012

Operating Revenues. Operating revenues decreased $1.0 million primarily due to lower revenues at Ozark. Low natural gas prices and the decision by some producers to delay production in the Fayetteville Shale for the near-term have negatively affected Ozark revenues.

Operating, Maintenance and Other. The decrease was mainly driven by accelerated software amortization in 2012 and higher pipeline fuel recoveries by East Tennessee in 2013.

 

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Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates. The $3.3 million increase in equity earnings was driven by the acquisition of 38.76% interest in M&N US, partially offset by lower equity earnings from Market Hub due to expected lower rates on contract renewals. The following schedule summarizes the components of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and our ownership interest for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012				Increase (Decrease)
		(in millions)
Gulfstream
Net income		$	31.2			$	31.2			$	—
Ownership interest			49	%			49	%			—
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		$	15.3			$	15.3			$	—
Market Hub
Net income		$	17.5			$	24.2			$	(6.7	)
Ownership interest			50	%			50	%			—
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		$	8.7			$	12.1			$	(3.4	)
M&N US
Net income		$	17.2			$	—			$	17.2
Ownership interest			38.76	%			—				—
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		$	6.7			$	—			$	6.7
Total Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates		$	30.7			$	27.4			$	3.3

Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Distribution

Adjusted EBITDA

We define our Adjusted EBITDA as Net Income plus Interest Expense, Income Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization less our Equity in Earnings of Gulfstream, Market Hub and M&N US, Interest Income, and Other Income and Expenses, net, which primarily consists of non-cash Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC). Since Adjusted EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income and is defined differently by companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered an alternative to Net Income, Operating Income, cash from operations or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by our management and by external users of our financial statements to assess:

 

•

the financial performance of assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;

 

•

the ability to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on indebtedness and to make distributions to partners; and

 

•

operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other publicly traded limited partnerships that own energy infrastructure assets, without regard to financing methods and capital structure.

Significant drivers of variances in Adjusted EBITDA between the periods presented are substantially the same as those previously discussed under Results of Operations.

 

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Cash Available for Distribution

We define Cash Available for Distribution (CAD) as our Adjusted EBITDA plus Cash Available for Distribution from Gulfstream, Market Hub, and M&N US and net preliminary project costs, less interest expense, cash paid for income tax expense, maintenance capital expenditures, excluding the impact of reimbursable projects, and other non-cash items affecting net income. Cash Available for Distribution does not reflect changes in working capital balances. Cash Available for Distribution for Gulfstream and Market Hub is defined on a basis consistent with us. Cash Available for Distribution for M&N US includes an adjustment for amortizing bond payments. These bond payments are paid out in the second and fourth quarters of each year using operating cash flows. Spectra Energy Partners, Gulfstream and Market Hub do not make similar bond payments. Cash Available for Distribution should not be viewed as indicative of the actual amount of cash we plan to distribute for a given period.

Cash Available for Distribution is a non-GAAP measure and should not be considered an alternative to Net Income, Operating Income, cash from operations or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Cash Available for Distribution excludes some, but not all, items that affect Net Income and Operating Income and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, Cash Available for Distribution as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Significant drivers of variances in Cash Available for Distribution between the periods presented are substantially the same as those previously discussed under Results of Operations. Other drivers include the timing of certain cash outflows, such as capital expenditures for maintenance.

Spectra Energy Partners

Reconciliation of Net Income to Non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Cash Available for Distribution”

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Net income		$	55.9			$	52.4
Add:
Interest expense			7.6				7.7
Income tax expense			0.5				0.4
Depreciation and amortization			9.4				9.3
Less:
Equity in earnings of Gulfstream			15.3				15.3
Equity in earnings of Market Hub			8.7				12.1
Equity in earnings of M&N US			6.7				—
Interest income			0.1				—
Other income and expenses, net			0.1				—
Adjusted EBITDA			42.5				42.4
Add:
Cash Available for Distribution from Gulfstream			19.5				19.6
Cash Available for Distribution from Market Hub			10.3				13.5
Cash Available for Distribution from M&N US			9.7				—
Preliminary project costs, net			—				—
Less:
Interest expense			7.6				7.7
Cash paid for income tax expense			—				—
Maintenance capital expenditures			1.6				1.7
Other			(0.1	)			(0.1	)
Cash Available for Distribution		$	72.9			$	66.2

 

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Spectra Energy Partners

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Cash Available for Distribution”

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	72.5			$	57.5
Interest income			(0.1	)			—
Interest expense			7.6				7.7
Income tax expense—current			—				—
Distributions received from Gulfstream			(15.3	)			(15.3	)
Distributions received from Market Hub			(10.2	)			(9.0	)
Distributions received from M&N US			(7.9	)			—
Changes in operating working capital and other			(4.1	)			1.5
Adjusted EBITDA			42.5				42.4
Add:
Cash Available for Distribution from Gulfstream			19.5				19.6
Cash Available for Distribution from Market Hub			10.3				13.5
Cash Available for Distribution from M&N US			9.7				—
Preliminary project costs, net			—				—
Less:
Interest expense			7.6				7.7
Cash paid for income tax expense			—				—
Maintenance capital expenditures			1.6				1.7
Other			(0.1	)			(0.1	)
Cash Available for Distribution		$	72.9			$	66.2

Gulfstream

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Cash Available for Distribution”

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Net income		$	31.2			$	31.2
Add:
Interest expense			17.5				17.5
Depreciation and amortization			8.9				8.9
Adjusted EBITDA—100%			57.6				57.6
Add:
Preliminary project costs, net			0.4				0.3
Less:
Interest expense			17.5				17.5
Maintenance capital expenditures			0.8				0.3
Cash Available for Distribution—100%		$	39.7			$	40.1
Adjusted EBITDA—49%		$	28.2			$	28.2
Cash Available for Distribution—49%			19.5				19.6

 

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Market Hub

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Cash Available for Distribution”

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Net income		$	17.5			$	24.2
Add:
Interest expense			—				(0.1	)
Income tax expense			0.1				0.1
Depreciation and amortization			2.9				2.8
Adjusted EBITDA—100%			20.5				27.0
Less:
Interest expense			—				(0.1	)
Maintenance capital expenditures			—				0.1
Cash Available for Distribution—100%		$	20.5			$	27.0
Adjusted EBITDA—50%		$	10.3			$	13.5
Cash Available for Distribution—50%			10.3				13.5

M&N US

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Cash Available for Distribution”

 

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		(in millions)
Net income		$	17.2
Add:
Interest expense			9.6
Depreciation and amortization			6.4
Adjusted EBITDA—100%			33.2
Less:
Interest expense			9.6
Cash paid for amortizing bond payments			—
Other			(1.3	)
Cash Available for Distribution—100%		$	24.9
Adjusted EBITDA—38.76%		$	12.9
Cash Available for Distribution—38.76%			9.7

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We will rely upon cash flows from operations, including cash distributions received from Gulfstream, Market Hub and M&N US, and various financing transactions, which may include issuances of short-term and long-term debt, to fund our liquidity and capital requirements for the next 12 months. As of March 31, 2013, we had negative net working capital of $316.6 million compared to a negative $330.8 million of working capital as of December 31, 2012. These balances include commercial paper totaling $324.1 million as of March 31, 2013 and $336.4 million as of December 31, 2012.

We have access to a credit facility, with available capacity of $375.9 million at March 31, 2013, which is used to manage working capital requirements. We also have $136.1 million of investments in commercial paper, funded with our proceeds from the November 2012 equity issuance, which may only be used to fund capital

 

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expenditures and acquisitions. Given that we expect to continue to pursue expansion opportunities over the next several years, capital resources may continue to include commercial paper, short-term borrowings under our current credit facility and possibly securing additional sources of capital including debt and/or equity.

Cash Flow Analysis

The following table summarizes the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activity for each of the periods presented:

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities		$	72.5			$	57.5
Investing activities			5.6				(9.4	)
Financing activities			(73.4	)			(45.8	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			4.7				2.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period			20.6				0.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period		$	25.3			$	3.1

Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $72.5 million in the first three months of 2013 compared to $57.5 million during the same period in 2012. This increase was driven primarily by distributions received from the acquisition of 38.76% interest in M&N US in October 2012 and timing of payments for normal operating expenses.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by investing activities was $5.6 million in the first three months of 2013 compared to $9.4 million used in the same period in 2012. The change was driven mainly by:

 

•

an $8.6 million decrease in investment expenditures due to completion of expansion projects at Market Hub in 2012 and

 

•

$4.6 million of net proceeds in 2013 from the liquidation of available-for-sale securities.

Capital and Investment Expenditures

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013				2012
		(in millions)
Capital Expenditures
Gas Transportation and Storage		$	4.6			$	5.3
Investment Expenditures
Gulfstream			—				—
Market Hub			0.5				9.1
M&N US			—				—
Total capital and investment expenditures		$	5.1			$	14.4

 

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Capital and investment expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $5.1 million and included $3.0 million for expansion projects and $2.1 million for maintenance and other projects. We estimate 2013 capital and investment expenditures of approximately $24 million, of which $19 million is to be used for maintenance and other projects.

We continue to evaluate the markets’ needs for incremental expansion opportunities at East Tennessee, Big Sandy, Gulfstream, Market Hub and M&N US. In addition, we are assessing the supply and market needs at Ozark for new or additional transportation services. We expect that significant natural gas infrastructure, including both natural gas transportation and storage with links to growing gas supplies and markets, will be needed over time to serve growth in gas-fired power generation, oil-to-gas conversions, industrial development, petrochemical plants and attachments to new gas supply.

Financing Cash Flows

Net cash used in financing activities was $73.4 million in the first three months of 2013 compared to $45.8 million during the same period in 2012. This change was driven mainly by:

 

•

$12.3 million net redemption of commercial paper in 2013 compared to $13.0 million net issuances in 2012 and

 

•

an $8.0 million increase in distributions to partners in 2013 as a result of increases in distribution rates, limited partner units outstanding and incentive distribution rights, partially offset by

 

•

$1.3 million of payments on note payable to affiliates in 2013 compared to $7.0 million in 2012.

Available Credit Facility and Restrictive Debt Covenants. See Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the available credit facility and related financial and other covenants.

Cash Distributions. As previously discussed, a cash distribution of $0.50125 per limited partner unit was declared on April 29, 2013, payable on May 15, 2013, representing a 1.3% increase over the previous distribution of $0.495 per limited partner unit and the twenty-second consecutive quarterly increase.

Other Financing Matters. We have an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to register the issuance of unspecified amounts of limited partner common units and various debt securities.

OTHER ISSUES

New Accounting Pronouncements. There were no significant accounting pronouncements adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2013 that had a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Our exposure to market risk is described in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. We believe the exposure to market risk has not changed materially since then.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures

 

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designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the management of Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP (our General Partner), including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2013, and, based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Under the supervision and with the participation of the management of our General Partner, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated changes in internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013 and found no change that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

We have no material pending legal proceedings that are required to be disclosed hereunder. For information regarding other legal proceedings and environmental matters, see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which information is incorporated by reference into this Part II.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, careful consideration should be given to the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which could materially affect our financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes to those risk factors.

 

Item 5.

Other Information.

On May 8, 2013, the sole member of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC (“Spectra GP LLC”), the general partner of our general partner, amended and restated the limited liability agreement of Spectra GP LLC to clarify the authority of our board of directors to delegate certain responsibilities to our management. This description of the amendments is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Spectra GP LLC, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated in this Item 5 by reference.

 

Item 6.

Exhibits.

Any agreements included as exhibits to this Form 10-Q may contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

 

•

were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;

 

•

may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement;

 

•

may apply contract standards of “materiality” that are different from “materiality” under the applicable securities laws; and

 

•

were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.

We acknowledge that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, we are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in this Form 10-Q not misleading.

 

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(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number
*3.1		Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC.
*31.1		Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2		Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.1		Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.2		Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*101.INS		XBRL Instance Document.
*101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
*101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
*101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
*101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
*101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

 

*	Filed herewith

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

				SPECTRA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP
				By:		Spectra Energy Partners (DE) GP, LP, its general partner
				By:		Spectra Energy Partners GP, LLC, its general partner
Date: May 8, 2013						/S/    JULIE A. DILL
						Julie A. Dill President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 8, 2013						/S/    J. PATRICK REDDY
						J. Patrick Reddy Chief Financial Officer

 

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