Table of Contents

 

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, 2014

 

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

Commission File Number:  001-35358

 

TC PipeLines, LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

52-2135448

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

 

 

717 Texas Street, Suite 2400

Houston, Texas

 

77002-2761

(Address of principle executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

877-290-2772

(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 o

 

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 o

 

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 o

Non-accelerated filer o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting

company)

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o                    No x

 

As of April 29, 2014, there were 62,327,766 of the registrant’s common units outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

Page No.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

5

Item 2.

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

17

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

22

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

24

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

25

Item 6.

Exhibits

26

 

Signatures

27

 

All amounts are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

DEFINITIONS

 

The abbreviations, acronyms, and industry terminology used in this quarterly report are defined as follows:

 

2013 Acquisition

Acquisition of an additional 45 percent membership interest in each of GTN and Bison by the Partnership

ASC

Accounting Standards Codification

ASU

Accounting Standards Update

Bison

Bison Pipeline LLC

Carty Lateral

The proposed GTN lateral pipeline

DOT

U.S. Department of Transportation

EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

GAAP

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles

General Partner

TC PipeLines GP, Inc.

Great Lakes

Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership

Great Lakes Rate Settlement

Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement for Great Lakes regarding its rates and terms and conditions of service

GTN

Gas Transmission Northwest LLC

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

NGA

Natural Gas Act of 1938

North Baja

North Baja Pipeline, LLC

Northern Border

Northern Border Pipeline Company

Other Pipes

GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora

Our pipeline systems

Our ownership interests in GTN, Northern Border, Bison, Great Lakes, North Baja and Tuscarora

Partnership

TC PipeLines, LP including its subsidiaries, as applicable

Partnership Agreement

Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership

PHMSA

U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

Senior Credit Facility

TC PipeLines, LP’s senior credit facility under revolving credit agreement as amended and restated, dated November 20, 2012

Term Loan Facility

TC PipeLines, LP’s term loan credit facility under a term loan agreement dated July 1, 2013

TransCanada

TransCanada Corporation and its subsidiaries

Tuscarora

Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company

U.S.

United States of America

 

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, TC PipeLines, LP and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to in this quarterly report as “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Partnership.” We use “our pipeline systems” and “our pipelines” when referring to the Partnership’s ownership interests in Gas Transmission Northwest LLC (GTN), Northern Border Pipeline Company (Northern Border), Bison Pipeline LLC (Bison), Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership (Great Lakes), North Baja Pipeline, LLC (North Baja) and Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company (Tuscarora).

 

3



Table of Contents

 

PART I

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This report includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are identified by words and phrases such as: “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “forecast,” “should,” “predict,” “could,” “will,” “may,” and other terms and expressions of similar meaning. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on currently available information and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated financial performance, future capital expenditures, liquidity, market or competitive conditions, regulations, organic or strategic growth opportunities, contract renewals and ability to market open capacity, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings and cash distributions to unitholders.

 

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results predicted. Factors that could cause actual results and our financial condition to differ materially from those contemplated in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

·

the ability of our pipeline systems to sell available capacity on favorable terms and renew expiring contracts which are affected by, among other factors:

o     demand for natural gas;

o     changes in relative cost structures and production levels of natural gas producing basins;

o     natural gas prices and regional differences;

o     weather conditions;

o     availability and location of natural gas supplies in Canada and the U.S. in relation to our pipeline systems;

o     competition from other pipeline systems;

o     natural gas storage levels; and

o     rates and terms of service;

·

the performance by the shippers of their contractual obligations on our pipeline systems;

·

the outcome and frequency of rate proceedings or settlement negotiations on our pipeline systems;

·

changes in the taxation of master limited partnership investments by state or federal governments such as the elimination of pass-through taxation or tax deferred distributions;

·

increases in operational or compliance costs resulting from changes in laws and governmental regulations affecting our pipeline systems, particularly regulations issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT);

·

our ongoing ability to grow distributions through acquisitions, accretive expansions or other growth opportunities;

·

potential conflicts of interest between TC PipeLines GP, Inc., our general partner (General Partner), TransCanada and us;

·

the ability to maintain secure operation of our information technology;

·

the impact of any impairment charges;

·

operating hazards, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control; and

·

the level of our indebtedness, including the indebtedness of our pipeline systems, and the availability of capital.

 

These are not the only factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. Other factors described elsewhere in this document, or factors that are unknown or unpredictable, could also have material adverse effects on future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date made and except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or other changes.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                                 Financial Statements

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars except per common unit amounts)

 

2014

 

2013(a)

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission revenues

 

87

 

86

Equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates (Note 3)

 

33

 

18

Operation and maintenance expenses

 

(12)

 

(13)

Property taxes

 

(6)

 

(6)

General and administrative

 

(2)

 

(2)

Depreciation

 

(21)

 

(21)

Financial charges and other

 

(12)

 

(9)

Net income

 

67

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

10

 

10

Net income attributable to controlling interests

 

57

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to controlling interests allocation (Note 5)

 

 

 

 

Common units

 

56

 

28

General Partner

 

1

 

1

 

 

57

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common unit (Note 5) basic and diluted

 

$0.90

 

$0.52

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common units outstanding (millions) – basic and diluted

 

62.3

 

53.5

 

 

 

 

 

Common units outstanding, end of period (millions)

 

62.3

 

53.5

 

(a)       Recast as discussed in Note 2.

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2013(a)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

67

 

53

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges (Note 9)

 

-

 

-

Reclassification to net income of gains and losses on cash flow hedges (Note 9)

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

Total comprehensive income

 

67

 

53

Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

10

 

10

Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests

 

57

 

43

 

(a)       Recast as discussed in Note 2.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

41

 

25

Accounts receivable and other (Note 10)

 

34

 

37

Inventories

 

7

 

7

 

 

82

 

69

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (Note 3)

 

1,206

 

1,195

Plant, property and equipment

 

 

 

 

(Net of $695 accumulated depreciation; 2013 - $674)

 

2,021

 

2,042

Goodwill

 

130

 

130

Other assets

 

7

 

7

 

 

3,446

 

3,443

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

21

 

19

Accounts payable to affiliates (Note 8)

 

30

 

29

Accrued interest

 

12

 

4

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)

 

3

 

3

 

 

66

 

55

Long-term debt (Note 4)

 

1,565

 

1,575

Other liabilities

 

24

 

24

 

 

1,655

 

1,654

Partners’ Equity

 

 

 

 

Common units

 

1,327

 

1,322

General partner

 

28

 

28

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1)

 

(1)

Controlling interests

 

1,354

 

1,349

Non-controlling interests

 

437

 

440

 

 

1,791

 

1,789

 

 

3,446

 

3,443

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

 

2013

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Generated From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

67

 

 

53

 

Depreciation

 

21

 

 

21

 

Equity earnings in excess of cumulative distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Border

 

(2

)

 

-

 

Great Lakes

 

(5

)

 

-

 

Change in long-term liabilities

 

-

 

 

1

 

Change in operating working capital (Note 7)

 

16

 

 

8

 

 

 

97

 

 

83

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative distributions in excess of equity earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Border

 

-

 

 

5

 

Great Lakes

 

-

 

 

4

 

Investment in Great Lakes

 

(4

)

 

(4

)

Capital expenditures

 

(2

)

 

-

 

Change in affiliate demand loan receivable

 

-

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(6

)

 

(12

)

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions paid (Note 6)

 

(52

)

 

(43

)

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests

 

(13

)

 

(11

)

Change in affiliate demand loan payable

 

-

 

 

2

 

Long-term debt issued

 

-

 

 

2

 

Long-term debt repaid

 

(10

)

 

(5

)

Distributions paid to former parent of GTN and Bison

 

-

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(75

)

 

(72

)

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

16

 

 

(1

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

25

 

 

3

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

41

 

 

2

 

 

(a)       Recast as discussed in Note 2.

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Three months ended

March 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(millions of units)

 

(millions of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

Common Units

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

62.3

 

1,322

Net income

 

 

 

56

Distributions paid

 

 

 

(51)

Balance at end of period

 

62.3

 

1,327

General Partner

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

 

 

28

Net income

 

 

 

1

Distributions paid

 

 

 

(1)

Balance at end of period

 

 

 

28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a)

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

 

 

(1)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

-

Balance at end of period

 

 

 

(1)

Equity attributable to controlling interests

 

 

 

1,354

 

 

 

 

 

Equity attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

 

 

440

Net income

 

 

 

10

Distributions paid to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

(13)

Balance at end of period

 

 

 

437

Total Equity at March 31, 2014

 

62.3

 

1,791

 

(a)       Losses related to cash flow hedges reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and expected to be reclassified to Net Income in the next 12 months are estimated to be $1 million. These estimates assume constant interest rates over time; however, the amounts reclassified will vary based on actual value of interest rates at the date of settlement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1        ORGANIZATION

 

TC PipeLines, LP and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the Partnership. The Partnership was formed by TransCanada PipeLines Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation (TransCanada Corporation together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to herein as TransCanada), to acquire, own and participate in the management of energy infrastructure assets in North America.

 

NOTE 2        SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The accompanying financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and amounts are stated in U.S. dollars. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. That report contains a more comprehensive summary of the Partnership’s major accounting policies. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements contain all of the appropriate adjustments, all of which are normally recurring adjustments unless otherwise noted, considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Partnership, the results of operation and cash flows for the respective periods. Our significant accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in Note 2 of the financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Certain items from that Note are repeated or updated below as necessary to assist in understanding the accompanying financial statements.

 

(a) Basis of Presentation

The Partnership consolidates its investments in GTN, Bison, North Baja and Tuscarora, over which it is able to exercise control. To the extent there are interests owned by other parties, these interests are included in non-controlling interests. The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in Northern Border and Great Lakes, over which it is able to exercise significant influence.

 

On July 1, 2013, the Partnership acquired an additional 45 percent membership interest in each of GTN and Bison (the 2013 Acquisition) from subsidiaries of TransCanada which resulted in a 70 percent ownership in each of GTN and Bison. The 2013 Acquisition was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control, similar to a pooling of interests, whereby the assets and liabilities of GTN and Bison were recorded at TransCanada’s carrying value and the Partnership’s historical financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for all periods presented.

 

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

NOTE 3        INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

 

Northern Border and Great Lakes are regulated by FERC and are operated by TransCanada. The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for its interests in its equity investees.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Ownership

 

Equity Earnings from
Unconsolidated Affiliates

 

Investments in
Unconsolidated Affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest at

 

Three months

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

 

ended March 31,

 

March 31,

December 31,

 

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Border(a)

 

50%

 

23

 

16

 

525

523

 

Great Lakes

 

46.45%

 

10

 

2

 

681

672

 

 

 

 

 

33

 

18

 

1,206

1,195

 

 

(a)                Equity earnings from Northern Border is net of the 12-year amortization of a $10 million transaction fee paid to the operator of Northern Border at the time of the Partnership’s additional 20 percent interest acquisition in April 2006.

 

Northern Border

 

The Partnership recorded no undistributed earnings from Northern Border for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

The summarized financial information for Northern Border is as follows:

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

40

 

27

Other current assets

 

44

 

34

Plant, property and equipment, net

 

1,191

 

1,197

Other assets

 

32

 

33

 

 

1,307

 

1,291

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

62

 

51

Deferred credits and other

 

20

 

19

Long-term debt, including current maturities

 

411

 

411

Partners’ equity

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

 

816

 

812

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2)

 

(2)

 

 

1,307

 

1,291

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission revenues

 

86

 

72

Operating expenses

 

(18)

 

(19)

Depreciation

 

(15)

 

(15)

Financial charges and other

 

(6)

 

(5)

Net income

 

47

 

33

 

Great Lakes

The Partnership made an equity contribution to Great Lakes of $4 million in the first quarter of 2014. This amount represents the Partnership’s 46.45 percent share of a $9 million cash call from Great Lakes to make a scheduled debt repayment.

 

The Partnership recorded no undistributed earnings from Great Lakes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The summarized financial information for Great Lakes is as follows:

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

69

 

52

Plant, property and equipment, net

 

764

 

771

 

 

833

 

823

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

28

 

28

Long-term debt, including current maturities

 

326

 

335

Partners’ equity

 

479

 

460

 

 

833

 

823

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission revenues

 

48

 

35

Operating expenses

 

(12)

 

(15)

Depreciation

 

(7)

 

(8)

Financial charges and other

 

(7)

 

(7)

Net income

 

22

 

5

 

NOTE 4        CREDIT FACILITIES AND LONG-TERM DEBT

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Credit Facility due 2017

 

370

 

380

Term Loan Facility due 2018

 

500

 

500

4.65% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2021

 

349

 

349

5.09% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2015

 

75

 

75

5.29% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2020

 

100

 

100

5.69% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2035

 

150

 

150

3.82% Series D Senior Notes due 2017

 

24

 

24

 

 

1,568

 

1,578

Less: current portion of long-term debt

 

3

 

3

 

 

1,565

 

1,575

 

The Partnership’s Senior Credit Facility consists of a $500 million senior revolving credit facility with a banking syndicate, maturing November 20, 2017, under which $370 million was outstanding at March 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 - $380 million), leaving $130 million available for future borrowing.

 

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) based interest rate on the Senior Credit Facility averaged 1.42 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – 1.46 percent). The LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.41 percent at March 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 – 1.42 percent).

 

The LIBOR-based interest rate on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.42 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014. After hedging activity, the interest rate incurred on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.83 percent for three months ended March 31, 2014. Prior to hedging activities, the LIBOR-based interest rate was 1.41 percent at March 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 – 1.42 percent).

 

GTN’s Senior Notes provisions contain a covenant that limits total debt to no greater than 70 percent of total capitalization.

 

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Series D Senior Notes are secured by Tuscarora’s transportation contracts, supporting agreements and substantially all of Tuscarora’s property. The note purchase agreements contain certain provisions that include, among other items, limitations on additional indebtedness and distributions to partners.

 

At March 31, 2014, the Partnership was in compliance with its financial covenants, in addition to the other covenants which include restrictions on entering into mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, granting liens, material amendments to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (Partnership Agreement), incurring additional debt and distributions to unitholders.

 

The principal repayments required on the long-term debt are as follows:

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

3

 

2015

 

79

 

2016

 

4

 

2017

 

383

 

2018

 

500

 

Thereafter

 

599

 

 

 

1,568

 

 

NOTE 5        NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT

 

Net income per common unit is computed by dividing net income attributable to controlling interests, after deduction of the General Partner’s allocation and net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent, by the weighted average number of common units outstanding. The General Partner’s allocation is equal to an amount based upon the General Partner’s effective two percent general partner interest, plus an amount equal to incentive distributions. Incentive distributions are paid to the General Partner if quarterly cash distributions on the common units exceed levels specified in the Partnership Agreement.

 

Net income per common unit was determined as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars, except per common unit amounts)

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Net income(a)

 

67

 

53

Net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent(a)

 

-

 

(14)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests(a)

 

(10)

 

(10)

Net income allocated to partners(b)

 

57

 

29

Net income allocated to General Partner

 

1

 

1

Net income allocable to common units

 

56

 

28

Weighted average common units outstanding (millions) – basic and diluted

 

62.3

 

53.5

Net income per common unit – basic and diluted

 

$0.90

 

$0.52

 

(a)       Recast as discussed in Note 2.

(b)       Net income allocated to partners excludes net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent as it was allocated to TransCanada and was not allocable to either the general partner or common units.

 

 

NOTE 6        CASH DISTRIBUTIONS

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Partnership distributed $0.81 per common unit (2013 – $0.78 per common unit) for a total of $52 million (2013 - $43 million). The distributions paid for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 included no incentive distributions to the General Partner.

 

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NOTE 7        CHANGE IN OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL

 

(unaudited)

 

Three months ended March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2013(a)

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accounts receivable and other

 

3

 

5

Change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

4

 

(4)

Change in accounts payable to affiliates

 

1

 

(1)

Change in accrued interest

 

8

 

8

Change in operating working capital

 

16

 

8

 

(a)       Recast as discussed in Note 2.

 

NOTE 8        RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Partnership does not have any employees. The management and operating functions are provided by the General Partner. The General Partner does not receive a management fee in connection with its management of the Partnership. The Partnership reimburses the General Partner 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 Partnership. Such costs include (i) overhead costs (such as office space and equipment) and (ii) out-of-pocket expenses related to the provision of such services. The Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner will determine the costs that are allocable to the Partnership in any reasonable manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion. Total costs charged to the Partnership by the General Partner were $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – $1 million).

 

As operator, TransCanada’s subsidiaries provide capital and operating services to our pipeline systems. TransCanada’s subsidiaries incur costs on behalf of our pipeline systems, including, but not limited to, employee salary and benefit costs, and property and liability insurance costs.

 

Capital and operating costs charged to our pipeline systems for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 by TransCanada’s subsidiaries and amounts payable to TransCanada’s subsidiaries at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized in the following tables:

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

Capital and operating costs charged by TransCanada’s subsidiaries to:

 

 

 

 

GTN (a) 

 

6

 

7

Northern Border (a)

 

7

 

7

Bison (a)

 

1

 

1

Great Lakes (a) 

 

7

 

8

North Baja

 

1

 

1

Tuscarora

 

1

 

1

Impact on the Partnership’s net income attributable to controlling interests:

 

 

 

 

GTN (b) 

 

4

 

5

Northern Border

 

4

 

3

Bison (b)

 

1

 

1

Great Lakes

 

3

 

4

North Baja

 

1

 

1

Tuscarora

 

1

 

1

 

(a)       Represents 100 percent of the costs.

(b)       Recast as discussed in Note 2.

 

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(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Amount payable to TransCanada’s subsidiaries for costs charged in the period by:

 

 

 

 

GTN (a) 

 

2

 

3

Northern Border (a)

 

2

 

3

Bison (a) 

 

1

 

-

Great Lakes (a)

 

3

 

3

North Baja

 

1

 

1

Tuscarora

 

-

 

-

 

(a)       Represents 100 percent of the costs.

 

Great Lakes’ earns transportation revenues from TransCanada and its affiliates under contracts, some of which are provided at discounted rates and some at maximum recourse rates. Great Lakes earned $22 million of transportation revenues under these contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 - $21 million). These amounts represent 47 percent of total revenues earned by Great Lakes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – 59 percent).

 

Revenue from TransCanada and its affiliates of $11 million is included in the Partnership’s equity earnings from Great Lakes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 - $10 million). At March 31, 2014, $11 million was included in Great Lakes’ receivables in regards to the transportation contracts with TransCanada and its affiliates (December 31, 2013 - $11 million).

 

In 2013, the Partnership accrued $25 million of additional consideration in accordance with the 2013 Acquisition with respect to Carty Lateral. This amount was payable to a subsidiary of TransCanada and was included in accounts payable to affiliates as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. On April 11, 2014, the Partnership made a $25 million payment with respect to the Carty Lateral consideration. It was financed by cash on hand and a draw on the Senior Credit Facility.

 

 

NOTE 9        FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

Under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, fair value measurements are characterized in one of three levels based upon the input used to arrive at the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

·      Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.

·      Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

·      Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

 

When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors including credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

 

(b) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and other, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accounts payable to affiliates and accrued interest approximate their fair values because of the short maturity or duration of these instruments, or because the instruments bear a variable rate of interest or a rate that approximates current rates. The fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at estimated current borrowing rates. The fair value of interest rate derivatives is calculated using the income approach which uses period-end market rates and applies a discounted cash flow valuation model.

 

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The estimated fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt as at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

(unaudited)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

(millions of dollars)

 

Carrying Value

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying Value

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Credit Facility due 2017

 

370

 

370

 

380

 

380

Term Loan Facility due 2018

 

500

 

500

 

500

 

500

4.65% Senior Notes due 2021

 

349

 

361

 

349

 

353

5.09% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2015

 

75

 

79

 

75

 

79

5.29% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2020

 

100

 

115

 

100

 

106

5.69% Unsecured Senior Notes due 2035

 

150

 

167

 

150

 

154

3.82% Series D Senior Notes due 2017

 

24

 

25

 

24

 

25

 

 

1,568

 

1,617

 

1,578

 

1,597

 

Long-term debt is recorded at amortized cost and classified in Level II of the fair value hierarchy for fair value disclosure purposes. Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities are classified in Level II for all periods presented where the fair value is determined by using valuation techniques that refer to observable market data or estimated market prices.

 

Market risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates may result in fluctuations in the fair values or cash flows of financial instruments. The Partnership’s floating rate debt is subject to LIBOR benchmark interest rate risk. The Partnership uses interest rate derivatives to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. We regularly assess the impact of interest rate fluctuations on future cash flows and evaluate hedging opportunities to mitigate our interest rate risk.

 

The interest rate swaps are structured such that the cash flows of the derivative instruments match those of the variable rate of interest on the Term Loan Facility. The Partnership hedged interest payments on $150 million of variable-rate Term Loan Facility with interest rate swaps effective September 3, 2013 and maturing July 1, 2018, at a weighted average fixed interest rate of 2.79 percent. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges was less than $1 million (both on a gross and net basis). The Partnership did not record any amounts in net income related to ineffectiveness for interest rate hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – nil). The change in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income was less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – nil). For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the net realized loss related to the interest rate swaps was $1 million and was included in financial charges and other (2013 – nil).

 

The Partnership has no master netting agreements; however, contracts contain provisions with rights of offset. The Partnership has elected to present the fair value of derivative instruments with the right to offset on a gross basis in the balance sheet. Had the Partnership elected to present these instruments on a net basis, there would be no effect on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

NOTE 10      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of nil

 

33

 

33

Other

 

1

 

4

 

 

34

 

37

 

NOTE 11      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On April 25, 2014, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s first quarter 2014 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit payable on May 15, 2014 to unitholders of record as of May 5, 2014.

 

GTN declared its first quarter 2014 distribution of $36 million on April 7, 2014, of which the Partnership will receive its 70 percent share or $25 million on May 1, 2014.

 

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Northern Border declared its first quarter 2014 distribution of $52 million on April 16, 2014, of which the Partnership will receive its 50 percent share or $26 million on May 1, 2014.

 

Bison declared its first quarter 2014 distribution of $16 million on April 7, 2014, of which the Partnership will receive its 70 percent share or $11 million on May 1, 2014.

 

Great Lakes declared its first quarter 2014 distribution of $29 million on April 7, 2014, of which the Partnership will receive its 46.45 percent share or $13 million on May 1, 2014.

 

On April 11, 2014, the Partnership made a $25 million payment to a subsidiary of TransCanada in accordance with the 2013 Acquisition with respect to the Carty Lateral. It was financed by cash on hand and a draw on the Senior Credit Facility (refer to note 8).

 

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Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and notes included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

 

Cash Distributions – On April 25, 2014, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s first quarter 2014 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit, payable on May 15, 2014 to unitholders of record as of May 5, 2014.

 

Outlook of Our Business

 

In 2014, the Partnership’s portfolio of six FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines, five of which are backed by long-term, ship-or-pay contracts, is expected to deliver higher Partnership Cash flows as compared to 2013 primarily due to the increased membership interests in GTN and Bison. Great Lakes is expected to continue to contract largely on a short-term, short-haul basis; however, the higher recourse rates resulting from its recent settlement with shippers provide it with a greater opportunity to generate additional revenues as market conditions allow. Due to the effects of extended cold weather in the winter of 2013/14, management expects transportation revenues from our current pipeline systems to be modestly higher in 2014 when compared to 2013.

 

HOW WE EVALUATE OUR OPERATIONS

 

We evaluate our business primarily on the basis of the underlying operating results for each of our pipeline systems along with a measure of Partnership cash flows. This measure does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. It is, therefore, considered to be a non-GAAP measure and is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Refer to Partnership Cash Flows for additional information.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions, which cannot be known with certainty, that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ. There were no significant changes to the Partnership’s critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

Information about our critical accounting policies and estimates is included under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests

To supplement our financial statements, we have presented a comparison of the earnings contribution components from each of our investments. We have presented net income attributable to controlling interests in this format to enhance investors’ understanding of the way management analyzes our financial performance. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars)

 

2014

 

2013(a)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

GTN

 

22

 

21

Bison

 

12

 

11

North Baja

 

6

 

6

Tuscarora

 

4

 

4

Equity earnings:

 

 

 

 

Northern Border

 

23

 

16

Great Lakes

 

10

 

2

Partnership expenses

 

(10)

 

(7)

Net income

 

67

 

53

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

10

 

10

Net income attributable to controlling interests

 

57

 

43

 

(a) Financial information was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison for the period presented.

 

First Quarter 2014 Compared with First Quarter 2013

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, net income attributable to controlling interests increased by $14 million to $57 million compared to $43 million in the first quarter of 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher equity earnings from Northern Border and Great Lakes partially offset by higher Partnership expenses.

 

Equity earnings from Northern Border were $23 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $7 million compared to the same quarter in 2013. The increase was primarily due to Northern Border selling short-term services to its customers during the coldest periods this quarter.

 

Equity earnings from Great Lakes were $10 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $8 million compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to Great Lakes’ sales of daily capacity during the winter peaks, plus sales of some one year capacity. Additionally, Great Lakes had lower operation and maintenance expenses and property taxes in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

 

Partnership expenses were $10 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $3 million compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to interest expense incurred in relation to the $500 million term loan obtained to finance a portion of the 2013 Acquisition.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Overview

Our principal sources of liquidity include distributions received from our investments in partially owned affiliates, operating cash flows from our subsidiaries, public offerings of debt and equity, term loans and our bank credit facility. The Partnership funds its operating expenses, debt service and cash distributions primarily with operating cash flow. Long-term capital needs may be met through the issuance of long-term debt and/or equity.

 

Our pipeline systems’ principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operating activities, long-term debt offerings, bank credit facilities and equity contributions from their owners. Our pipeline systems have historically funded operating expenses, debt service and cash distributions to their owners primarily with operating cash flow. However, since the fourth quarter of 2010, Great Lakes has funded its debt repayments with cash calls to its owners. Northern Border also funded $62 million of debt repayment in 2013 with a cash call to its owners.

 

Capital expenditures are funded by a variety of sources, including cash generated from operating activities, borrowings under bank credit facilities, issuance of senior unsecured notes or equity contributions from our pipeline systems’ owners. The ability of our pipeline systems to access the debt capital markets under reasonable terms depends on their financial position and general market conditions.

 

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The Partnership’s pipeline systems monitor the creditworthiness of their customers and have credit provisions included in their tariffs which, although limited by FERC, allow them to request credit support as circumstances dictate.

 

Our cash flow is based on the distributions from our portfolio of six pipelines. Overall, we believe that our pipeline systems’ ability to obtain financing at reasonable rates, together with a history of consistent cash flow from operating activities, provide a solid foundation to meet future liquidity and capital requirements. We expect to be able to fund our liquidity requirements, including our distributions, at the Partnership level over the next 12 months utilizing our cash flow and our existing Senior Credit Facility if required.

 

Partnership Cash Flows

 

The Partnership uses the non-GAAP financial measures “Partnership cash flows” and “Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions” as they provide a measure of cash generated during the period to evaluate our cash distribution capability. As well, management uses these measures as a basis for recommendations to our General Partner’s board of directors regarding the distribution amount to be declared each quarter. Partnership cash flow information is presented to enhance investors’ understanding of the way that management analyzes the Partnership’s financial performance.

 

Partnership cash flows include net income attributable to controlling interests, less net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent, plus operating cash flows from North Baja and Tuscarora, and cash distributions received from GTN, Northern Border, Bison and Great Lakes, less equity earnings from unconsolidated affiliates and Other Pipes’ net income as previously reported, plus net income attributable to non-controlling interests from consolidated subsidiaries after the 2013 Acquisition, and net of distributions declared to the General Partner. Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions represent Partnership cash flows prior to distributions paid to the General Partner.

 

Partnership cash flows and Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions are provided as a supplement to GAAP financial results and are not meant to be considered in isolation or as substitutes for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Non-GAAP Measures

 

Reconciliations of Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests to Partnership Cash Flows

 

 

 

Three months ended

(unaudited)

 

March 31,

(millions of dollars except per common unit amounts)

 

2014

 

2013

Net income attributable to controlling interests (a)

 

57

 

43

Less net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent (a)

 

-

 

(14)

Net income as previously reported

 

57

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions from GTN (b) 

 

20

 

6

Cash distributions from Northern Border (b) 

 

21

 

22

Cash distributions from Bison (b) 

 

12

 

4

Cash distributions from Great Lakes (b)

 

5

 

6

Cash flows provided by North Baja’s and Tuscarora’s operating activities

 

13

 

13

 

 

71

 

51

Less:

 

 

 

 

Equity earnings as previously reported:

 

 

 

 

GTN

 

-

 

(5)

Northern Border

 

(23)

 

(16)

Bison

 

-

 

(3)

Great Lakes

 

(10)

 

(2)

 

 

(33)

 

(26)

Less:

 

 

 

 

Other Pipes’ net income as previously reported (c)

 

 

 

 

GTN

 

(22)

 

-

Bison

 

(12)

 

-

North Baja

 

(6)

 

(6)

Tuscarora

 

(4)

 

(4)

 

 

(44)

 

(10)

Add:

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests after the 2013 Acquisition

 

10

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Partnership cash flows before General Partner distributions

 

61

 

44

General Partner distributions (d)

 

(1)

 

(1)

Partnership cash flows

 

60

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions declared

 

(52)

 

(43)

Cash distributions declared per common unit (e)

 

$0.81

 

$0.78

Cash distributions paid

 

(52)

 

(43)

Cash distributions paid per common unit (e)

 

$0.81

 

$0.78

 

(a) Financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was recast to consolidate GTN and Bison. Prior to the 2013 Acquisition, our net income was $29 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, reflecting our 25 percent ownership in each of GTN and Bison at that time. As a result of the recast, net income attributable to controlling interests is $43 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as if we owned 70 percent in each of GTN and Bison. Net income attributed to GTN’s and Bison’s former parent of $14 million, reflecting the acquired ownership interests not then owned by the Partnership, reconciles the net income as previously reported and net income attributable to controlling interests.

(b) In accordance with the cash distribution policies of the respective entities, cash distributions from GTN, Northern Border, Bison and Great Lakes, are based on their respective prior quarter financial results. Distributions from GTN and Bison are based on 70 percent ownership starting from July 1, 2013.

(c) “Other Pipes” includes the results of North Baja and Tuscarora and, after July 1, 2013, also includes GTN and Bison.

(d) General Partner distributions represent the cash distributions paid to the General Partner with respect to its two percent interest plus an amount equal to incentive distributions. Incentive distributions in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 were nil.

(e) Cash distributions declared per common unit and cash distributions paid per common unit are computed by dividing cash distributions, after the deduction of the General Partner’s allocation, by the number of common units outstanding. The General Partner’s allocation is computed based upon the General Partner’s two percent interest plus an amount equal to incentive distributions.

 

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First Quarter 2014 Compared with First Quarter 2013

Partnership cash flows increased $17 million to $60 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $43 million in the first quarter of 2013. This increase was primarily due to increased cash distributions from GTN and Bison of $22 million as a result of the 2013 Acquisition.

 

The Partnership paid distributions of $52 million in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $9 million compared to the same period in 2013. This increase was due to a $0.03 increase in the distribution per common unit in July 2013, as well as an increase in the number of common units outstanding resulting from the equity issuance in May 2013.

 

Other Cash Flows

In the first quarter of 2014, the Partnership made an equity contribution of $4 million to Great Lakes which was used to fund debt repayments.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The Partnership’s contractual obligations related to debt as of March 31, 2014 included the following:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

(millions of dollars)

 

Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

Long-term Portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Credit Facility due 2017

 

370

 

-

 

370

 

Term Loan Facility due 2018

 

500

 

-

 

500

 

4.65% Senior Notes due 2021

 

349

 

-

 

349

 

5.09% Senior Notes due 2015

 

75

 

-

 

75

 

5.29% Senior Notes due 2020

 

100

 

-

 

100

 

5.69% Senior Notes due 2035

 

150

 

-

 

150

 

3.82% Series D Notes due 2017

 

24

 

3

 

21

 

 

 

1,568

 

3

 

1,565

 

 

The Partnership’s Senior Credit Facility consists of a $500 million senior revolving credit facility with a banking syndicate, maturing November 20, 2017, under which $370 million was outstanding at March 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 - $380 million).

 

The LIBOR-based interest rate on the Senior Credit Facility averaged 1.42 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – 1.46 percent).

 

The LIBOR-based interest rate on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.42 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014. After hedging activity, the interest rate incurred on the Term Loan Facility averaged 1.83 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

GTN’s Senior Notes provisions contain a covenant that limits total debt to no greater than 70 percent of total capitalization.

 

Series D Senior Notes are secured by Tuscarora’s transportation contracts, supporting agreements and substantially all of Tuscarora’s property. The note purchase agreements contain certain provisions that include, among other items, limitations on additional indebtedness and distributions to partners.

 

At March 31, 2014, the Partnership was in compliance with its financial covenants, in addition to the other covenants which include restrictions on entering into mergers, consolidations and sales of assets, granting liens, material amendments to the Partnership Agreement, incurring additional debt and distributions to unitholders.

 

The Partnership’s long-term debt results in exposures to changing interest rates. The Partnership uses derivatives to assist in managing its exposure to interest rate risk. Refer to Market Risk for additional information regarding the derivatives.

 

The fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at estimated current borrowing rates. The estimated fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt at March 31, 2014 was $1,617 million.

 

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Northern Border’s contractual obligations related to debt as of March 31, 2014 included the following:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

(millions of dollars)

 

Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

Long-term Portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.24% Senior Notes due 2016

 

100

 

-

 

100

 

7.50% Senior Notes due 2021

 

250

 

-

 

250

 

$200 million Credit Agreement due 2016

 

62

 

-

 

62

 

 

 

412

 

-

 

412

 

 

As of March 31, 2014, $62 million was outstanding under its $200 million revolving credit agreement, leaving $138 million available for future borrowings. The interest rate related to the borrowings on the credit agreement was 1.37 percent as of March 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 – 1.37). At March 31, 2014, Northern Border was in compliance with all of its financial covenants.

 

Northern Border has commitments of $5 million as of March 31, 2014 in connection with various capital overhaul and other capital projects.

 

Great Lakes’ contractual obligations related to debt as of March 31, 2014 included the following:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

(millions of dollars)

 

Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

Long-term Portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.73% series Senior Notes due 2015 to 2018

 

36

 

9

 

27

 

9.09% series Senior Notes due 2014 and 2021

 

80

 

10

 

70

 

6.95% series Senior Notes due 2019 and 2028

 

110

 

-

 

110

 

8.08% series Senior Notes due 2021 and 2030

 

100

 

-

 

100

 

 

 

326

 

19

 

307

 

 

Great Lakes is required to comply with certain financial, operational and legal covenants. Under the most restrictive covenants in the senior note agreements, approximately $176 million of Great Lakes’ partners’ capital was restricted as to distributions as of March 31, 2014 (December 31, 2013 – $180 million). Great Lakes was in compliance with all of its financial covenants at March 31, 2014.

 

Capital Requirements

The Partnership made an equity contribution to Great Lakes of $4 million in the first quarter of 2014. This amount represents the Partnership’s 46.45 percent share of a $9 million cash call from Great Lakes to make a scheduled debt repayment. The Partnership expects to make an additional $5 million equity contribution to Great Lakes in the fourth quarter of 2014 to further fund debt repayments.

 

GTN will spend approximately $54 million to build the Carty Lateral which is expected to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Partnership’s share is 70 percent or $38 million.

 

2014 First Quarter Cash Distribution

On April 25, 2014, the board of directors of our General Partner declared the Partnership’s first quarter 2014 cash distribution in the amount of $0.81 per common unit payable on May 15, 2014 to unitholders of record as of May 5, 2014.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Please read Note 8 within Item 1. “Financial Statements” for information regarding related party transactions.

 

Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Partnership and our pipeline systems are exposed to market risk, counterparty credit risk, and liquidity risk. Our exposure to market risk discussed below includes forward-looking statements and is not necessarily indicative of

 

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actual results, which may not represent the maximum possible gains and losses that may occur, since actual gains and losses will differ from those estimated, based on actual market conditions.

 

Our primary risk management objective is to mitigate the impact of these risks on earnings and cash flow, and ultimately, unitholder value. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

We record derivative financial instruments on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities at fair value. We estimate the fair value of derivative financial instruments using available market information and appropriate valuation techniques. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in earnings unless the instrument qualifies as a hedge and meets specific hedge accounting criteria. Qualifying derivative financial instruments’ gains and losses may offset the hedged items’ related results in earnings for a fair value hedge or be deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income for a cash flow hedge.

 

MARKET RISK

 

From time to time, and in order to finance our business and that of our pipeline systems, the Partnership and our pipeline systems issue debt to invest in growth opportunities and provide for ongoing operations. The issuance of floating rate debt exposes the Partnership and our pipeline systems to market risk from changes in interest rates which affect earnings and the value of the financial instruments we hold.

 

Market risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates may result in fluctuations in the fair values or cash flows of financial instruments. We regularly assess the impact of interest rate fluctuations on future cash flows and evaluate hedging opportunities to mitigate our interest rate risk.

 

As of March 31, 2014, the Partnership’s interest rate exposure results from our floating rate Senior Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility under which $870 million was outstanding (December 31, 2013 – $880 million). As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the variable interest rate exposure related to $150 million of the $500 million Term Loan Facility was hedged by fixed interest rate swap arrangements. As a result, 46 percent of our outstanding debt was subject to variability in LIBOR interest rates (December 31, 2013 – 46 percent). If interest rates hypothetically increased (decreased) by one percent, 100 basis points, compared with rates in effect at March 31, 2014, our annual interest expense would increase (decrease) and net income would decrease (increase) by approximately $7 million.

 

As of March 31, 2014, $62 million, or 15 percent of Northern Border’s outstanding debt was at floating rates (December 31, 2013 – $62 million or 15 percent). If interest rates hypothetically increased (decreased) by one percent, 100 basis points, compared with rates in effect at March 31, 2014, Northern Border’s annual interest expense would increase (decrease) and its net income would decrease (increase) by approximately $1 million.

 

GTN, Great Lakes and Tuscarora utilize fixed-rate debt; therefore, they are not exposed to market risk due to floating interest rates. Interest rate risk does not apply to Bison and North Baja, as they currently do not have any debt.

 

The Partnership and our pipeline systems use derivatives as part of our overall risk management policy to assist in managing exposures to market risk resulting from these activities within established policies and procedures. Derivative contracts used to manage market risk generally consist of the following:

 

·                  Swaps – contractual agreements between two parties to exchange streams of payments over time according to specified terms.

 

·                  Options – contractual agreements to convey the right, but not the obligation, for the purchaser to buy or sell a specific amount of a financial instrument at a fixed price, either at a fixed date or at any time within a specified period.

 

The Partnership hedged interest payments on $150 million of variable-rate Term Loan Facility with interest rate swaps effective September 3, 2013 and maturing July 1, 2018, at a weighted average fixed interest rate of 2.79 percent. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges was less than $1 million (both on a gross and net basis). For the three months ended March 31, 2014,

 

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the Partnership did not record any amounts in net income related to ineffectiveness for interest rate hedges (2013 – nil). The change in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income was less than $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (2013 – nil). For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the net realized loss related to the interest rate swaps was $1 million and was included in financial charges and other (2013 – nil).

 

The Partnership has no master netting agreements; however, contracts contain provisions with rights of offset. The Partnership has elected to present the fair value of derivative instruments with the right to offset on a gross basis in the balance sheet. Had the Partnership elected to present these instruments on a net basis, there would be no effect on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

OTHER RISKS

 

The Partnership is influenced by the same factors that influence our pipeline systems. None of our pipeline systems own any of the natural gas they transport; therefore, they do not assume any of the related natural gas commodity price risk with respect to transported natural gas volumes.

 

Counterparty credit risk represents the financial loss that the Partnership and our pipeline systems would experience if a counterparty to a financial instrument failed to meet its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the financial instruments with the Partnership or its pipeline systems. Our maximum counterparty credit exposure with respect to financial instruments at the balance sheet date consists primarily of the carrying amount, which approximates fair value, of non-derivative financial assets, such as accounts receivable, as well as the fair value of derivative financial assets. We review our accounts receivable regularly and record allowances for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method. At March 31, 2014, we had not incurred any significant credit losses and had no significant amounts past due or impaired. At March 31, 2014, the Partnership’s maximum counterparty credit exposure consisted of accounts receivable of $34 million (December 31, 2013 – $37 million).

 

The Partnership and our pipeline systems have significant credit exposure to financial institutions as they provide committed credit lines and critical liquidity in the interest rate derivative market, as well as letters of credit to mitigate exposures to non-creditworthy parties. The Partnership closely monitors the creditworthiness of our counterparties, including financial institutions. Overall, we do not believe the Partnership and our pipeline systems have any significant concentrations of counterparty credit risk.

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Partnership and our pipeline systems will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they become due. Our approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that we always have sufficient cash and credit facilities to meet our obligations when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or damage to our reputation. At March 31, 2014, the Partnership had a committed revolving bank line of $500 million maturing in 2017 and the outstanding balance on this facility was $370 million. In addition, at March 31, 2014, Northern Border had a committed revolving bank line of $200 million maturing in 2016 and $62 million was drawn.

 

Item 4.           Controls and Procedures

 

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, the management of our General Partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated as of the end of the period covered by this report the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. The Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based upon and as of the date of the evaluation, the management of our General Partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the

 

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SEC’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to the management of our General Partner, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, there was no change in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting other than noted below. Effective January 1, 2014, our General Partner implemented an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. As a result of the ERP system, certain processes supporting our General Partner’s internal control over financial reporting have changed. Our General Partner will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these processes going forward.

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                                                         Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, as well as proceedings that we consider material under federal securities regulations. For additional information on other legal and environmental proceedings affecting the Partnership, please refer to Part 1. Item 3 of the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2013.

 

In addition to the above written matter, we and our pipeline systems are parties to lawsuits and governmental proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business.

 

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Item 6.                                                         Exhibits

 

No.

Description

 

 

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on this 29th day of April 2014.

 

 

TC PIPELINES, LP

 

(A Delaware Limited Partnership)

 

by its General Partner, TC PipeLines GP, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Steven D. Becker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven D. Becker

 

 

President

 

 

TC PipeLines GP, Inc. (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Sandra P. Ryan-Robinson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra P. Ryan-Robinson

 

 

Controller

 

 

TC PipeLines GP, Inc. (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

No.

Description

 

 

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document.

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.