10-Q 1 snmp-20190331x10q.htm 10-Q snmp_Current_Folio_10Q

 

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

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 001-33147

Sanchez Midstream Partners LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

Delaware

11-3742489

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

1000 Main Street, Suite 3000

Houston, Texas

77002

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

(713) 783-8000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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  ☒    No  ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    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, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☒

Non‑accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☒

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

    

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Units representing limited partner

 

 

 

interests

 

SNMP

NYSE American

 

Common units outstanding as of May 8, 2019: Approximately 18,300,817 units.

 

 

 


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I—Financial Information 

6

Item 1. 

Financial Statements

6

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

6

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

7

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

8

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

9

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10

Item 2. 

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

26

Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

35

Item 4. 

Controls and Procedures

35

PART II—Other Information  

35

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

35

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

35

Item 2. 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

35

Item 3. 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

36

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

36

Item 5. 

Other Information

36

Item 6. 

Exhibits

36

Signatures  

38

 

 

2


 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control.  These statements may include discussions about our business strategy; our acquisition strategy; our financing strategy; our ability to make, maintain and grow distributions; the ability of our customers to meet their drilling and development plans on a timely basis, or at all, and perform under gathering, processing and other agreements; our future operating results; the ability of our partners to perform under our joint ventures and partnerships; our future capital expenditures; and our plans, objectives, expectations, forecasts, outlook and intentions.

All of these types of statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-Q, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be found in Part I, Item 2. and other items within this Form 10-Q. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by the management of our general partner. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. In addition, management’s assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate.

Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward‑looking statements include, among others:

·

our ability to successfully execute our business, acquisition and financing strategies;

·

the ability of our customers to meet their drilling and development plans on a timely basis, or at all, and perform under gathering, processing and other agreements;

·

the creditworthiness and performance of our counterparties, including financial institutions, operating partners, customers and other counterparties;

·

our ability to make, maintain and grow distributions;

·

the ability of our partners to perform under our joint ventures and partnerships;

·

the availability, proximity and capacity of, and costs associated with, gathering, processing, compression and transportation facilities;

·

our ability to utilize the services, personnel and other assets of the sole member of our general partner, SP Holdings, LLC (“Manager”), pursuant to the Services Agreement  (as defined below);

·

Manager’s ability to retain personnel to perform its obligations under its shared services agreement with SOG;

·

our ability to access the credit and capital markets to obtain financing on terms we deem acceptable, if at all, and to otherwise satisfy our capital expenditure requirements;

·

the timing and extent of changes in prices for, and demand for, natural gas, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and oil;

·

our ability to successfully execute our hedging strategy and the resulting realized prices therefrom;

·

the accuracy of reserve estimates, which by their nature involve the exercise of professional judgment and may, therefore, be imprecise;

·

competition in the oil and natural gas industry for employees and other personnel, equipment, materials and services and, related thereto, the availability and cost of employees and other personnel, equipment, materials and services;

·

the extent to which our assets operated by others are operated successfully and economically;

·

our ability to compete with other companies in the oil and natural gas industry;

3


 

·

the impact of, and changes in, government policies, laws and regulations, including tax laws and regulations, environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, waste disposal, hydraulic fracturing and access to and use of water, laws and regulations imposing conditions and restrictions on drilling and completion operations and laws and regulations with respect to derivatives and hedging activities;

·

the use of competing energy sources and the development of alternative energy sources;

·

unexpected results of litigation filed against us;

·

disruptions due to extreme weather conditions, such as extreme rainfall, hurricanes or tornadoes;

·

the extent to which we incur uninsured losses and liabilities or losses and liabilities in excess of our insurance coverage; and

·

the other factors described under “Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in our other public filings with the SEC.

Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

4


 

 

COMMONLY USED DEFINED TERMS

As used in this Form 10-Q, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the following terms have the following meanings:

·

“Sanchez Midstream Partners,” “SNMP,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “us,” “our” or like terms refer collectively to Sanchez Midstream Partners LP, its consolidated subsidiaries and, where the context provides, the entity in which we have a 50% or more ownership interest.

·

“Bbl” means a barrel of 42 U.S. gallons of oil.

·

“Board” means the board of directors of our general partner.

·

“Boe” means one barrel of oil equivalent, calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil.

·

“Boe/d” means one Boe per day.

·

“Manager” refers to SP Holdings, LLC, the sole member of our general partner.

·

“MBbl” means one thousand barrels of oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

·

“MBoe” means one thousand Boe.

·

“Mcf” means one thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

·

“MMBtu” means one million British thermal units.

·

“MMcf/d” means one million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

·

“NGLs” refers to the combination of ethane, propane, butane, natural gasolines and other components that when removed from natural gas become liquid under various levels of higher pressure and lower temperature.

·

“our general partner” refers to Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC, our general partner.

·

“Sanchez Energy” refers to Sanchez Energy Corporation (OTC Pink: SNEC) and its consolidated subsidiaries.

·

“SOG” refers to Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation, an entity that provides operational support to us.

 

5


 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements  

SANCHEZ MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  

(In thousands, except unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

 

2019

    

2018

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

$

110

 

$

473

Oil sales

 

(739)

 

 

3,462

Natural gas liquid sales

 

179

 

 

595

Gathering and transportation sales

 

1,683

 

 

1,688

Gathering and transportation lease revenues

 

16,257

 

 

12,318

Total revenues

 

17,490

 

 

18,536

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

1,715

 

 

1,971

Transportation operating expenses

 

2,676

 

 

2,847

Production taxes

 

183

 

 

322

General and administrative expenses

 

4,749

 

 

5,165

Unit-based compensation expense

 

635

 

 

1,438

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

6,429

 

 

6,628

Accretion expense

 

133

 

 

126

Total operating expenses 

 

16,520

 

 

18,497

Other (income) expense

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

2,786

 

 

2,599

Earnings from equity investments

 

(1,442)

 

 

(4,272)

Other (income) expense

 

(46)

 

 

270

Total other (income) expenses

 

1,298

 

 

(1,403)

Total expenses 

 

17,818

 

 

17,094

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(328)

 

 

1,442

Income tax expense

 

46

 

 

 —

Net income (loss)

 

(374)

 

 

1,442

Less

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred unit distributions

 

(8,838)

 

 

(8,750)

Preferred unit amortization

 

(697)

 

 

(531)

Net loss attributable to common unitholders

$

(9,909)

 

$

(7,839)

Net loss per unit

 

 

 

 

 

Common units - Basic and Diluted

$

(0.61)

 

$

(0.53)

Weighted Average Units Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Common units - Basic and Diluted

 

16,173,858

 

 

14,738,528

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


 

SANCHEZ MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except unit data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

2019

    

2018

ASSETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

6,855

 

$

2,934

Accounts receivable

 

85

 

 

277

Accounts receivable - related entities

 

6,316

 

 

6,700

Prepaid expenses

 

1,085

 

 

931

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

 

536

 

 

3,044

Total current assets 

 

14,877

 

 

13,886

Oil and natural gas properties and related equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities (successful efforts method)

 

112,346

 

 

112,173

Gathering and transportation assets

 

186,583

 

 

186,406

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment

 

(103,297)

 

 

(100,245)

Oil and natural gas properties and equipment, net

 

195,632

 

 

198,334

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net

 

155,341

 

 

158,706

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

 

57

 

 

876

Equity investments

 

111,259

 

 

114,465

Other non-current assets

 

385

 

 

418

Total assets 

$

477,551

 

$

486,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

4,000

 

$

4,678

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - related entities

 

6,826

 

 

5,641

Royalties payable

 

359

 

 

359

Short-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

176,863

 

 

 —

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

 

800

 

 

 6

Other liabilities

 

132

 

 

125

Total current liabilities 

 

188,980

 

 

10,809

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

6,505

 

 

6,200

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

 

 —

 

 

178,582

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments

 

713

 

 

 —

Other liabilities

 

5,810

 

 

5,857

Total other liabilities 

 

13,028

 

 

190,639

Total liabilities 

 

202,008

 

 

201,448

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

Mezzanine equity

 

 

 

 

 

Class B preferred units, 31,310,896 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018

 

350,554

 

 

349,857

Partners' deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Common units, 18,252,065 and 16,486,239 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

(75,011)

 

 

(64,620)

Total partners' deficit

 

(75,011)

 

 

(64,620)

Total liabilities and partners' capital

$

477,551

 

$

486,685

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


 

SANCHEZ MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

 

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

(374)

 

$

1,442

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

3,064

 

 

3,263

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

287

 

 

131

Accretion expense

 

133

 

 

126

Distributions from equity investments

 

4,658

 

 

6,992

Equity earnings in affiliate

 

(1,442)

 

 

(4,272)

Net loss on commodity derivative contracts

 

4,524

 

 

1,937

Net cash settlements received (paid) on commodity derivative contracts

 

477

 

 

(189)

Unit-based compensation

 

635

 

 

738

(Gain) loss on earnout derivative

 

(31)

 

 

270

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,365

 

 

3,365

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

69

 

 

102

Accounts receivable - related entities

 

380

 

 

7,105

Prepaid expenses

 

(154)

 

 

66

Other assets

 

19

 

 

22

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

661

 

 

5,591

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities- related entities

 

1,181

 

 

(3,570)

Royalties payable

 

 —

 

 

(3)

Other long-term liabilities

 

(9)

 

 

 —

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

17,443

 

 

23,116

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Development of oil and natural gas properties

 

 —

 

 

(3)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 —

 

 

350

Construction of gathering and transportation assets

 

(197)

 

 

(1,160)

Purchases of and contributions to equity affiliates

 

(10)

 

 

(263)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(207)

 

 

(1,076)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments for offering costs

 

 —

 

 

(50)

Repayment of debt

 

(2,000)

 

 

(5,000)

Distributions to common unitholders

 

(2,471)

 

 

(6,746)

Class B preferred unit cash distributions

 

(8,838)

 

 

(8,750)

Debt issuance costs

 

(6)

 

 

(11)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(13,315)

 

 

(20,557)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

3,921

 

 

1,483

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

2,934

 

 

321

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

6,855

 

$

1,804

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Change in accrued capital expenditures

$

20

 

$

641

Cash paid during the period for interest

$

2,582

 

$

2,300

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8


 

 

SANCHEZ MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital

(In thousands, except unit data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Units

 

Total

 

Units

    

Amount

 

Capital

Partners' Deficit, December 31, 2018

16,486,239

 

$

(64,620)

 

$

(64,620)

Adoption of accounting standards

 —

 

 

(181)

 

 

(181)

Unit-based compensation programs

978,076

 

 

815

 

 

815

Issuance of common units

787,750

 

 

1,355

 

 

1,355

Cash distributions to common unitholders

 —

 

 

(2,471)

 

 

(2,471)

Distributions - Class B preferred units

 —

 

 

(9,535)

 

 

(9,535)

Net loss

 —

 

 

(374)

 

 

(374)

Partners' Deficit, March 31, 2019

18,252,065

 

$

(75,011)

 

$

(75,011)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Units

 

Total

 

Units

    

Amount

 

Capital

Partners' Capital, December 31, 2017

14,965,134

 

$

(29,308)

 

$

(29,308)

Unit-based compensation programs

(4,166)

 

 

738

 

 

738

Issuance of common units, net of offering costs of $0.1 million

210,978

 

 

2,292

 

 

2,292

Cash distributions to common unitholders

 —

 

 

(6,746)

 

 

(6,746)

Distributions - Class B preferred units

 —

 

 

(9,281)

 

 

(9,281)

Net income

 —

 

 

1,442

 

 

1,442

Partners' Deficit, March 31, 2018

15,171,946

 

$

(40,863)

 

$

(40,863)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

9


 

SANCHEZ MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Organization

We are a growth-oriented publicly-traded limited partnership focused on the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of midstream and other energy-related assets in North America. We have ownership stakes in oil and natural gas gathering systems, natural gas pipelines and natural gas processing facilities, all located in the Western Eagle Ford in South Texas. We also own production assets in Texas and Louisiana. We have entered into a shared services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Manager,  pursuant to which Manager provides services we require to conduct our business, including overhead, technical, administrative, marketing, accounting, operational, information systems, financial, compliance, insurance, acquisition, disposition and financing services. On June 2, 2017, we changed our name to Sanchez Midstream Partners LP. Manager owns our general partner and all of our incentive distribution rights. Our common units are currently listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “SNMP.”

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

Accounting policies used by us conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of us and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Our business consists of two reportable segments: Production and Midstream. Midstream includes Western Catarina Midstream (defined in Note 10 “Intangible Assets”), the Carnero JV (defined in Note 11 “Investments”) and Seco Pipeline (defined in Note 13 “Related Party Transactions”). Production consists of our oil and natural gas properties in Texas and Louisiana. Our management evaluates performance based on these two business segments.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. 

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of SNMP and its subsidiaries included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on March 7, 2019. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements,” which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements.  This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07 “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which expands the scope of Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2019, which resulted in the remeasurement of our outstanding unvested awards as of January 1, 2019 and will change the expense recorded for equity awards going forward. The adoption of this standard resulted in an approximately $0.2 million charge to retained earnings.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU modifies the impairment model to utilize an expected loss methodology in place of the currently used incurred loss methodology, which will result in the more timely recognition of losses. This ASU is effective for public

10


 

business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842),” effective for annual and interim periods for public companies beginning after December 15, 2018. Additionally, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842 (Leases),” which provides narrow amendments to clarify how to apply certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. The Partnership plans on electing the practical expedients disclosed in ASU 2018-10. The effective date in ASU 2018-10 is the same as that of ASU 2016-02. The standards update the previous lease guidance by requiring the recognition of a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the statement of financial position for those leases previously classified as operating leases under the old guidance. In addition, ASU 2016-02 updates the criteria for a lessee’s classification of a finance lease. The Partnership adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. 

Estimates

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes.  These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses.  The estimates that are particularly significant to our financial statements include estimates of our reserves of natural gas, NGLs and oil; future cash flows from oil and natural gas properties; depreciation, depletion and amortization; asset retirement obligations; certain revenues and operating expenses; fair values of derivatives; and fair values of assets and liabilities. As fair value is a market-based measurement, it is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best judgment using the data available.  Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from the estimates. Any changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. 

3.  REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

We account for revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with ASC 606. The unit of account in ASC 606 is a performance obligation, which is a promise in a contract to transfer to a customer either a distinct good or service (or bundle of goods or services) or a series of distinct goods or services provided over a period of time. ASC 606 requires that a contract’s transaction price, which is the amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, is to be allocated to each performance obligation in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices and recognized as revenue when (point in time) or as (over time) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Disaggregation of Revenue

We disaggregate revenue based on type of revenue and product type. In selecting the disaggregation categories, we considered a number of factors, including disclosures presented outside the financial statements, such as in our earnings release and investor presentations, information reviewed internally for evaluating performance, and other factors used by the Partnership or the users of its financial statements to evaluate performance or allocate resources.  We have concluded that disaggregating revenue by type of revenue and product type appropriately depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Midstream Segment

The Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement is the only contract that we account for under ASC 606. The Catarina Midstream Gathering Agreement is classified as an operating lease and is accounted for under ASC 842, Leases, and is reported as gathering and transportation lease revenue  in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Both of these contracts are further discussed in Note 13 “Related Party Transactions.” 

We account for income from our unconsolidated equity method investments as earnings from equity investments in our condensed

11


 

consolidated statements of operations. Earnings from these equity method investments are further discussed in Note 11 “Investments.”

Production Segment

Our oil, natural gas, and NGL revenue is marketed and sold on our behalf by the respective asset operators. We are not party to the contracts with the third-party customers. However, we are party to joint operating agreements, which we account for under ASC 808, and revenue for these arrangements is recognized based on the information provided to us by the operators.

We additionally recognize and present changes in the fair value of our commodity derivative instruments within natural gas sales and oil sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As this income is accounted for under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, it is not subject to ASC 606.

We recognized aggregate revenue of $17.5 million for three months ended March 31, 2019. The following table displays revenue disaggregated by type of revenue and product type (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

 

 

 

Production

    

Midstream

    

Total

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

 

$

110

 

$

 —

 

$

110

Oil sales

 

 

 

(739)

 

 

 —

 

 

(739)

Natural gas liquid sales

 

 

 

179

 

 

 —

 

 

179

Gathering and transportation sales

 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,683

 

 

1,683

Gathering and transportation lease revenues

 

 

 

 —

 

 

16,257

 

 

16,257

Total revenues

 

 

$

(450)

 

$

17,940

 

$

17,490

Performance Obligations

Under the Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement, we agreed to provide transportation services of certain quantities of natural gas from the receipt point to the delivery point.  Each MMBtu of natural gas transported is distinct and the transportation services performed on each distinct molecule of product is substantially the same in nature.  As such, we applied the series guidance and treat these services as a single performance obligation satisfied over time using volumes delivered as the measure of progress. The Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement requires payment within 30 days following the calendar month of delivery.

The Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement contains variable consideration in the form of volume variability. As the distinct goods or services (rather than the series) are considered for the purpose of allocating variable consideration, we have taken the optional exception under ASC 606 which is available only for wholly unsatisfied performance obligations for which the criteria in ASC 606 have been met.  Under this exception, neither estimation of variable consideration nor disclosure of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations is required.  Revenue is alternatively recognized in the period that control is transferred to the customer and the respective variable component of the total transaction price is resolved.

For forms of variable consideration that are not associated with a specific volume (such as late payment fees) and thus do not meet allocation exception, estimation is required. These fees, however, are immaterial to our condensed consolidated financial statements and have a low probability of occurrence. As significant reversals of revenue due to this variability are not probable, no estimation is required.

Contract Balances

Under our sales contracts, we invoice customers after performance obligations have been satisfied, at which point payment is unconditional. Accordingly, our contracts do not give rise to contract assets or liabilities under ASC 606. At each of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our receivables from contracts with customers were $0.6 million and are presented within accounts receivable – related entities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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4. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Louisiana Divestiture

 

In September 2018, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell certain non-operated production assets located in Louisiana for cash consideration of approximately $1.3 million (the “Louisiana Divestiture”). The divestiture closed on October 22, 2018, and we recorded a gain of approximately $0.6 million on the sale. 

 

Briggs Divestiture

 

In April 2018, we entered into a  purchase and sale agreement to sell specified wellbores and related assets and interests in La Salle County Texas (the “Briggs Assets”) for cash consideration of approximately $4.2 million (the “Briggs Divestiture”). In addition, other than limited obligations that we retained,  the buyer of the Briggs Assets agreed to assume all obligations relating to the Briggs Assets, including all plugging and abandonment costs, that may arise on or after March 1, 2018. The Briggs Divestiture closed April 30, 2018, and we recorded a gain of approximately $1.8 million on the sale.

Cola Divestiture

 

In April 2018, we entered into multiple purchase and sale agreements to sell certain non-operated production assets located in Oklahoma for total cash consideration of approximately $1.0 million (collectively, the “Cola Divestiture”). Each of the  divestitures closed by May 8, 2018, and we recorded a total gain of approximately $1.1 million on the sales.

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Measurements of fair value of derivative instruments are classified according to the fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1:    Measured based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Active markets are considered those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2:    Measured based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data, or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.

Level 3:    Measured based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable from objective sources (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Management's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2019

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

 

 

 

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Fair Value

 

Commodity derivative instrument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative liability

 

$

 —

 

$

(920)

 

$

 —

 

$

(920)

 

Midstream derivative instrument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnout derivative liability

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,825)

 

 

(5,825)

 

Total

 

$

 —

 

$

(920)

 

$

(5,825)

 

$

(6,745)

 

 

 

13


 

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

 

 

 

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Fair Value

 

Commodity derivative instrument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative assets

 

$

 —

 

$

3,914

 

$

 —

 

$

3,914

 

Midstream derivative instrument

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnout derivative liability

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,856)

 

 

(5,856)

 

Total

 

$

 —

 

$

3,914

 

$

(5,856)

 

$

(1,942)

 

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets and current liabilities approximated their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Partnership follows the provisions of Topic 820-10 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore represent Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. We periodically review oil and natural gas properties and related equipment for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Partnership’s asset retirement obligations is presented in Note 9 “Asset Retirement Obligation.”

We had no non-recurring fair value measurements of our assets as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.    

The fair values of oil and natural gas properties and related equipment were measured using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs to the valuation of oil and natural gas properties and related equipment include estimates of: (i) reserves; (ii) future operating and development costs; (iii) future commodity prices; (iv) estimated future cash flows; (v) estimated throughput; and (vi) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by the Partnership’s management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies described below. We prioritize the use of the highest level inputs available in determining fair value such that fair value measurements are determined using the highest and best use as determined by market participants and the assumptions that they would use in determining fair value.

Credit Agreement – We believe that the carrying value of our Credit Agreement (defined in Note 7 “Long-Term Debt”) approximates its fair value because the interest rates on the debt approximate market interest rates for debt with similar terms.  The debt is classified as a Level 2 input in the fair value hierarchy and represents the amount at which the instrument could be valued in an exchange during a current transaction between willing parties.  The Credit Agreement is discussed further in Note 7 “Long-Term Debt.”

Derivative Instruments – The income valuation approach, which involves discounting estimated cash flows, is primarily used to determine recurring fair value measurements of our derivative instruments classified as Level 2 inputs.  Our commodity derivatives are valued using the terms of the individual derivative contracts with our counterparties, expected future levels of oil and natural gas prices and an appropriate discount rate.  Our interest rate derivatives are valued using the terms of the individual derivative contracts with our counterparties, expected future levels of the LIBOR interest rates and an appropriate discount rate. We did not have any interest rate derivatives as of March 31, 2019.  

Earnout Derivative – As part of the Carnero Gathering Transaction (defined in Note 11 “Investments”), we are required to pay Sanchez Energy an earnout based on natural gas received above a threshold volume and tariff at designated delivery points from Sanchez Energy and other producers. The earnout derivative was valued through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model which utilized observable inputs such as the earnout price and volume commitment, as well as unobservable inputs related to the weighted probabilities of various throughput scenarios. We have therefore classified the fair value measurements of the earnout derivative as Level 3 and is presented within other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

14


 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the Partnership’s earnout derivative liability classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

    

March 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Beginning balance

 

$

(5,856)

 

$

(6,402)

  Gain on earnout derivative

 

 

31

 

 

546

Ending balance

 

$

(5,825)

 

$

(5,856)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain included in earnings related to derivatives still held as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

$

31

 

$

546

 

 

6. DERIVATIVE AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

To reduce the impact of fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices on our revenues, we periodically enter into derivative contracts with respect to a portion of our projected oil and natural gas production through various transactions that fix or modify the future prices to be realized.  These hedging activities are intended to support oil and natural gas prices at targeted levels and to manage exposure to oil and natural gas price fluctuations.  It is never our intention to enter into derivative contracts for speculative trading purposes.

Under Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” all derivative instruments are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either short-term or long-term assets or liabilities based on their anticipated settlement date.  We will net derivative assets and liabilities for counterparties where we have a legal right of offset.  Changes in the derivatives’ fair values are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  We have not elected to designate any of our current derivative contracts as hedges; however, changes in the fair value of all of our derivative instruments are recognized in earnings and included in natural gas sales and oil sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

As of March 31, 2019, we had the following derivative contracts in place for the periods indicated, all of which are accounted for as mark-to-market activities:

15


 

Fixed Price Basis Swaps – West Texas Intermediate (WTI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended (volume in Bbls)

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

2019

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

59,552

 

$

60.44

 

57,024

 

$

60.48

 

54,824

 

$

60.52

 

171,400

 

$

60.48

2020

 

52,776

 

$

53.50

 

50,960

 

$

53.50

 

49,224

 

$

53.50

 

47,624

 

$

53.50

 

200,584

 

$

53.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

371,984

 

 

 

Fixed Price Swaps – NYMEX (Henry Hub)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended (volume in MMBtu)

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

2019

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

115,784

 

$

2.85

 

112,032

 

$

2.85

 

108,552

 

$

2.85

 

336,368

 

$

2.85

2020

 

105,104

 

$

2.85

 

102,008

 

$

2.85

 

99,136

 

$

2.85

 

96,200

 

$

2.85

 

402,448

 

$

2.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

738,816

 

 

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of the Partnership’s commodity derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

    

March 31, 2019

    

December 31, 2018

Beginning fair value of commodity derivatives

 

$

3,914

 

$

1,231

  Net gains (losses) on crude oil derivatives

 

 

(4,484)

 

 

1,400

  Net losses on natural gas derivatives

 

 

(40)

 

 

(84)

Net settlements paid (received) on derivative contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Oil

 

 

(347)

 

 

1,330

  Natural gas

 

 

37

 

 

37

Ending fair value of commodity derivatives

 

$

(920)

 

$

3,914

The effect of derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated statements of operations was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location of Gain(Loss)

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

Derivative Type

 

in Income

 

2019

 

2018

Commodity – Mark-to-Market

 

Oil sales

 

$

(4,484)

 

$

(1,939)

Commodity – Mark-to-Market

 

Natural gas sales

 

 

(40)

 

 

 2

 

 

 

 

$

(4,524)

 

$

(1,937)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative instruments expose us to counterparty credit risk.  Our commodity derivative instruments are currently contracted with three counterparties.  We generally execute commodity derivative instruments under master agreements which allow us, in the event of default, to elect early termination of all contracts with the defaulting counterparty.  If we choose to elect early termination, all asset and liability positions with the defaulting counterparty would be net cash settled at the time of election. We include a measure of counterparty credit risk in our estimates of the fair values of derivative instruments. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the impact of non-performance credit risk on the valuation of our derivative instruments was not significant.

Earnout Derivative

Refer to Note 5 “Fair Value Measurements”.

7. LONG-TERM DEBT

We have entered into a credit facility with Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (“Credit Agreement”).  The Credit Agreement provides a maximum commitment of $500.0 million and has a maturity date of March 31, 2020.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by various mortgages of oil and natural gas properties that we own, as well as various security and pledge agreements among the Partnership, certain of its subsidiaries and the administrative agent.

16


 

Our Credit Agreement became a current liability as of March 31, 2019. We expect to refinance or extend the maturity of our Credit Agreement prior to its maturity date. However, we may not be able to renew or replace the facility or, if we are able to renew or replace the facility, we may not be able to do so with borrowing and debt issue costs, terms, covenants, restrictions or a  borrowing base favorable to us.

The amount available for borrowing at any one time under the Credit Agreement is limited to the borrowing base for our midstream assets and our oil and natural gas properties.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available for direct investment in oil and natural gas properties, acquisitions, and working capital and general business purposes.  The Credit Agreement has a sub-limit of $15.0 million which may be used for the issuance of letters of credit.  The initial borrowing base under the Credit Agreement was $200.0 million.  The borrowing base for the credit available for the upstream oil and gas properties is re-determined semi-annually in the second and fourth quarters of the year, and may be re-determined at our request more frequently and by the lenders, in their sole discretion, based on reserve reports as prepared by petroleum engineers, using, among other things, the oil and natural gas pricing prevailing at such time.  The borrowing base for the credit available for our midstream properties is generally equal to the rolling four quarter Adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations, together with the amount of distributions received from the Carnero JV (defined in Note 11 “Investments”) multiplied by 4.5. Outstanding borrowings in excess of our borrowing base must be repaid or we must pledge other oil and natural gas properties as additional collateral.  We may elect to pay any borrowing base deficiency in three equal monthly installments such that the deficiency is eliminated in a period of three months.  Any increase in our borrowing base must be approved by all of the lenders.  As of March 31, 2019, the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement was $303.1 million, with an elected commitment amount of $210.0 million, and we had $178.0 million of debt outstanding under the facility, leaving us with $32.0 million in unused borrowing capacity. There were no letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2019. Our Credit Agreement matures on March 31, 2020.

At our election, interest for borrowings under the Credit Agreement are determined by reference to (i) the London interbank rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin between 2.25% and 3.25% per annum based on utilization or (ii) a domestic bank rate (“ABR”) plus an applicable margin between 1.25% and 2.25% per annum based on utilization plus (iii) a commitment fee of 0.500% per annum based on the unutilized borrowing base.  Interest on the borrowings for ABR loans and the commitment fee are generally payable quarterly.  Interest on the borrowings for LIBOR loans are generally payable at the applicable maturity date.  

The Credit Agreement contains various covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments, and pay distributions.  

In addition, we are required to maintain the following financial covenants: 

·

current assets to current liabilities ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 at all times;

·

senior secured net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio for the last twelve months, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, of not greater than 4.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations equals or exceeds one-third of total Adjusted EBITDA or 4.0 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is less than one-third of total adjusted EBITDA; and

·

minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is greater than one-third of our total adjusted EBITDA.

The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations and warranties when made or when deemed to be made, violation of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid and a change in control.  A change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of one of the following events: (i) our existing general partner ceases to be our sole general partner or (ii) certain specified persons shall cease to own more than 50% of the equity interests of our general partner or shall cease to control our general partner.  If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the Credit Agreement and exercise other rights and remedies.

The Credit Agreement limits our ability to pay distributions to unitholders.  We have the ability to pay distributions to unitholders from available cash, including cash from borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as long as no event of default exists and provided that no distributions to unitholders may be made if the borrowings outstanding, net of available cash, under the Credit Agreement exceed 90% of the borrowing base, after giving effect to the proposed distribution. Our available cash is reduced by any cash reserves established by the Board for the proper conduct of our business and the payment of fees and expenses.

At March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement. We monitor compliance on an ongoing basis.  If we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our Credit Agreement or maintain the required ratios discussed above, the lenders could call an event of default and accelerate the outstanding debt

17


 

under the terms of the Credit Agreement, such that our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement could become then due and payable.  We may request waivers of compliance for any violation of a financial covenant from the lenders, but there is no assurance that such waivers would be granted.

Debt Issuance Costs

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our unamortized debt issuance costs were  $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. These costs are amortized to interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations over the life of our Credit Agreement. Amortization of debt issuance costs recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

8. OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT

Gathering and transportation assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Gathering and transportation assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midstream assets

 

$

186,583

 

$

186,406

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(36,567)

 

 

(34,598)

Total Gathering and transportation assets, net

 

$

150,016

 

$

151,808

Oil and natural gas properties and related equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Oil and natural gas properties and related equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved property

 

$

112,346

 

$

112,173

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairments

 

 

(66,730)

 

 

(65,647)

Oil and natural gas properties and equipment, net

 

$

45,616

 

$

46,526

Oil and Natural Gas Properties. We follow the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and natural gas production activities.  Under this method of accounting, costs relating to leasehold acquisition, property acquisition and the development of proved areas are capitalized when incurred.  If proved reserves are found on an undeveloped property, leasehold cost is transferred to proved properties.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation and depletion of producing oil and natural gas properties is recorded at the field level, based on the units-of-production method.  Unit rates are computed for unamortized drilling and development costs using proved developed reserves and for unamortized leasehold costs using all proved reserves.

All other properties, including the gathering and transportation assets, are stated at historical acquisition cost, net of any impairments, and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 15 years for furniture and equipment, and up to 36 years for gathering facilities.

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairments consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

 

2019

    

2018

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and natural gas-related assets

$

1,095

 

$

1,363

Depreciation and amortization of gathering and transportation related assets

 

1,969

 

 

1,900

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,365

 

 

3,365

Total Depreciation, depletion and amortization

$

6,429

 

$

6,628

Impairment of Oil and Natural Gas Properties and Other Non-Current Assets. Oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis when facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.  We assess impairment of capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties by comparing net capitalized costs to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows using expected prices. If net capitalized costs exceed estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, the measurement of impairment is based on estimated fair value, which would consider estimated future discounted cash flows.  The cash flow estimates are based upon reserve reports using future expected oil and natural gas prices adjusted for basis differentials.  Other significant inputs, besides reserves, used to determine the fair values of proved properties include estimates of: (i) future operating and

18


 

development costs; (ii) future commodity prices; and (iii) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate.  These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by the Partnership’s management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change.  Cash flow estimates for impairment testing exclude derivative instruments.

The recoverability of gathering and transportation assets is evaluated when facts or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable.  Asset recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with its expected future pre-tax undiscounted cash flows. These cash flow estimates require us to make projections and assumptions for many years into the future for pricing, demand, competition, operating cost and other factors. If the carrying amount exceeds the expected future undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment equal to the excess of net book value over fair value. The determination of the fair value using present value techniques requires us to make projections and assumptions regarding the probability of a range of outcomes and the rates of interest used in the present value calculations.  Any changes we make to these projections and assumptions could result in significant revisions to our evaluation of recoverability of our gathering and transportation assets and the recognition of additional impairments.  Upon disposition or retirement of gathering and transportation assets, any gain or loss is recorded to operations.

For each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded no impairment charges.

9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

We recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.  Each period, we accrete the ARO to its then present value.  The associated asset retirement cost (“ARC”) is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of our oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities or gathering and transportation assets.  Subsequently, the ARC is depreciated using the units-of-production method for production assets and the straight-line method for midstream assets.  The AROs recorded by us relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and natural gas wells, and decommissioning of oil and natural gas gathering and other facilities.

Inherent in the fair value calculation of ARO are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate settlement amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments.  To the extent future revisions to these assumptions result in adjustments to the recorded fair value of the existing ARO, a corresponding adjustment is made to the ARC capitalized as part of the oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities or gathering and transportation assets.

The following table is a reconciliation of changes in ARO for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

    

March 31, 2019

    

December 31, 2018

Asset retirement obligation, beginning balance

 

$

6,200

 

$

6,074

Liabilities added from escalating working interests

 

 

172

 

 

288

Sales

 

 

 —

 

 

(613)

Revisions to cost estimates

 

 

 —

 

 

(46)

Accretion expense

 

 

133

 

 

497

Asset retirement obligation, ending balance

 

$

6,505

 

$

6,200

Additional AROs increase the liability associated with new oil and natural gas wells and other facilities as these obligations are incurred.  Abandonments of oil and natural gas wells and other facilities reduce the liability for AROs.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no significant expenditures for abandonments and there were no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling existing AROs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, obligations were sold as part of the Briggs Divestiture,  Louisiana Divestiture and Cola Divestiture.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are comprised of customer and marketing contracts.  The intangible assets balance includes $155.3 million related to the Gathering Agreement (defined in Note 13 “Related Party Transactions”) with Sanchez Energy that was entered into as part of the acquisition of the Western Catarina gathering system (“Western Catarina Midstream”).  Pursuant to the 15-year agreement, Sanchez Energy tenders all of its crude petroleum, natural gas and other hydrocarbon-based product volumes on 35,000 dedicated acres in the Western Catarina area of the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas for processing and transportation through Western Catarina Midstream, with a right to tender additional volumes outside of the dedicated acreage.  These intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over the 15-year life of the agreement.

19


 

Amortization expense for each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was $3.4 million.  These costs are amortized to depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The following table is a reconciliation of changes in intangible assets (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

 

2019

    

2018

Beginning balance

 

$

158,706

 

$

172,166

   Amortization

 

 

(3,365)

 

 

(13,460)

Ending balance

 

$

155,341

 

$

158,706

 

 

11. INVESTMENTS

In July 2016, we completed a transaction pursuant to which we acquired from Sanchez Energy a 50% interest in Carnero Gathering, LLC (“Carnero Gathering”), a joint venture that was 50% owned and operated by Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) (“Targa”), for an initial payment of approximately $37.0 million and the assumption of remaining capital commitments to Carnero Gathering, estimated at approximately $7.4 million as of the acquisition date (the “Carnero Gathering Transaction”). The fair value of the intangible asset for the contractual customer relationship related to Carnero Gathering was valued at approximately $13.0 million. This amount is being amortized over a contract term of 15 years and decreases earnings from equity investments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As part of the Carnero Gathering Transaction, we are required to pay Sanchez Energy an earnout based on natural gas received above a threshold volume and tariff at designated delivery points from Sanchez Energy and other producers. See Note 5 “Fair Value Measurements” for further discussion of the earnout derivative.

In November 2016, we completed a transaction pursuant to which we acquired from Sanchez Energy a 50% interest in Carnero Processing, LLC (“Carnero Processing”), a joint venture that was 50% owned and operated by Targa, for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $55.5 million and the assumption of remaining capital contribution commitments to Carnero Processing, estimated at approximately $24.5 million as of the date of acquisition (the “Carnero Processing Transaction”).

In May 2018, we executed a series of agreements with Targa and other parties pursuant to which, among other things: (1) the parties merged their respective 50% interests in Carnero Gathering and Carnero Processing (the “Carnero JV Transaction”) to form an expanded 50 / 50 joint venture in South Texas within Carnero G&P, LLC (the “Carnero JV”), (2) Targa contributed 100% of the equity interest in the Silver Oak II Gas Processing Plant (“Silver Oak II”), located in Bee County Texas, to the Carnero JV, which expands the processing capacity of the Carnero JV from 260 MMcf/d to 460 MMcf/d, (3) Targa contributed certain capacity in the 45 miles of high pressure natural gas gathering pipelines owned by Carnero Gathering that connect Western Catarina Midstream to nearby pipelines and the Raptor Gas Processing Facility (the “Carnero Gathering Line”) to the Carnero JV resulting in the Carnero JV owning all of the capacity in the Carnero Gathering Line, which has a design limit (without compression) of 400 MMcf/d, (4) the Carnero JV received a new dedication from Sanchez Energy and its working interest partners of over 315,000 Comanche acres in the Western Eagle Ford pursuant to a new long-term firm gas gathering and processing agreement.  The agreement with Sanchez Energy, which was approved by all of the unaffiliated Comanche working interest partners, establishes commercial terms for the gathering of gas on the Carnero Gathering Line and processing at the Raptor Gas Processing Facility and Silver Oak II.  Prior to execution of the agreement, Comanche volumes were gathered and processed on an interruptible basis, with the processing capabilities of the Carnero JV limited by the capacity of the Raptor Gas Processing Facility. As a result of the Carnero JV Transaction we now record our share of earnings and losses from the Carnero JV using the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (“HLBV”) method of accounting.  The HLBV is a balance-sheet approach that calculates the amount we would have received if the Carnero JV were liquidated at book value at the end of each measurement period. The change in our allocated amount during the period is recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.  In the event of liquidation of the Carnero JV, available proceeds are first distributed to any priority return and unpaid capital associated with Silver Oak II, and then to members in accordance with their capital accounts.

As of March 31, 2019, the Partnership had paid approximately $123.9 million for its investment in the Carnero JV related to the initial payments and contributed capital. The Partnership has accounted for this investment using the equity method. Targa is the operator of the Carnero JV and has significant influence with respect to the normal day-to-day construction and operating decisions. We have included the investment balance in the equity investments caption on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Partnership recorded earnings of approximately $1.7 million in equity investments from the Carnero JV, which was offset by approximately $0.3 million related to the amortization of the contractual customer intangible asset. We have included these equity method earnings in earnings from equity investments within the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  Cash distributions of approximately $4.7 million were received during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

20


 

Summarized financial information of unconsolidated entities is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2019

    

2018

Sales

 

$

57,042

 

$

89,789

Total expenses

 

 

52,159

 

 

80,662

Net income

 

$

4,883

 

$

9,127

 

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As part of the Carnero Gathering Transaction, we are required to pay Sanchez Energy an earnout based on natural gas received above a threshold volume and tariff at designated delivery points from Sanchez Energy and other producers. This earnout has an approximate value of $5.8 million and is recorded as other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we paid Sanchez Energy $18.9 thousand related to the earnout. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the natural gas the Carnero JV received did not exceed the aforementioned threshold, which resulted in no payment to Sanchez Energy related to the earnout.

13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Please read the disclosure under the headings “Sanchez-Related Agreements” and “Sanchez-Related Transactions” in Note 14 “Related Party Transactions” of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a more complete description of certain related party transactions that were entered into prior to 2019. The following is an update to such disclosure:

In conjunction with the acquisition of Western Catarina Midstream, we entered into a 15-year gas gathering agreement with Sanchez Energy pursuant to which Sanchez Energy agreed to tender all of its crude petroleum, natural gas and other hydrocarbon-based product volumes on approximately 35,000 dedicated acres in the Western Catarina area of the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas for processing and transportation through Western Catarina Midstream, with the potential to tender additional volumes outside of the dedicated acreage (the “Gathering Agreement”). On June 30, 2017, the Gathering Agreement was amended to add an incremental infrastructure fee to be paid by a subsidiary of Sanchez Energy based on water that is delivered through the gathering system through March 31, 2018.  Subsequent to the conclusion of the incremental infrastructure fee amendment, the parties have agreed to continue the incremental infrastructure fee on a month-to-month basis. On January 1, 2019, the Partnership increased the Western Catarina Midstream tariff rate for throughput volumes which are outside of the dedicated acreage under the Gathering Agreement.

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Partnership had a net receivable from related parties of approximately $6.3 million, and $6.7 million, respectively, which are included in accounts receivable – related entities  on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.   As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Partnership also had a net payable to related parties of approximately $6.8 million, and $5.6 million, respectively, which are included in accounts payable – related entities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.   The net receivable/payable as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consist primarily of revenues receivable from oil and natural gas production and transportation, offset by costs associated with that production and transportation and obligations for general and administrative costs.

14. UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION

The Sanchez Midstream Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) allows for grants of restricted common units. Restricted common unit activity under the LTIP during the period is presented in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Number of

 

Grant Date

 

 

Restricted

 

Fair Value

 

    

Units

    

Per Unit

Outstanding at December 31, 2018

 

513,694

 

$

12.31

Granted

 

991,560

 

 

2.74

Returned/Cancelled

 

(13,484)

 

 

12.05

Outstanding at March 31, 2019

 

1,491,770

 

$

5.95

 

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In March 2019, the Partnership issued 991,560 restricted common units pursuant to the LTIP to certain officers and directors of the Partnership’s general partner that vest over three years from the date of grant. The unit based compensation expense for the awards was based on the fair value on the day before the grant date.

As of March 31, 2019,  598,205 common units remained available for future issuance to participants under the LTIP.

15. DISTRIBUTIONS TO UNITHOLDERS

The table below reflects the payment of cash distributions on common units related to the three months ended March 31, 2019 and each of the three month periods ended during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution

 

Date of

 

Date of

 

Date of

 

Three months ended

    

per unit

    

declaration

    

record

    

distribution

 

March 31, 2018

 

$

0.4508

 

May 8, 2018

 

May 22, 2018

 

May 31, 2018

 

June 30, 2018

 

$

0.4508

 

August 8, 2018

 

August 21, 2018

 

August 31, 2018

 

September 30, 2018

 

$

0.1500

 

November 9, 2018

 

November 20, 2018

 

November 30, 2018

 

December 31, 2018

 

$

0.1500

 

February 7, 2019

 

February 20, 2019

 

February 28, 2019

 

March 31, 2019

 

$

0.1500

 

May 3, 2019

 

May 22, 2019

 

May 31, 2019

 

 

The table below reflects the payment of distributions on Class B Preferred Units (defined below) related to the three months ended March 31, 2019 and each of the three month periods ended during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distribution

 

Date of

 

Date of

 

Date of

 

Three months ended

    

per unit

    

declaration

    

record

    

distribution

 

March 31, 2018

 

$

0.28225

 

May 8, 2018

 

May 22, 2018

 

May 31, 2018

 

June 30, 2018 (a)

 

$

0.22580

 

August 8, 2018

 

August 21, 2018

 

August 31, 2018

 

September 30, 2018

 

$

0.28225

 

November 9, 2018

 

November 20, 2018

 

November 30, 2018

 

December 31, 2018

 

$

0.28225

 

February 7, 2019

 

February 20, 2019

 

February 28, 2019

 

March 31, 2019

 

$

0.28225

 

May 3, 2019

 

May 22, 2019

 

May 31, 2019

 

(a)

The Partnership elected to pay the second-quarter 2018 distribution on the Class B Preferred Units in part cash and part in Class B Preferred Units. Accordingly, the Partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.22580 per Class B Preferred Unit and an aggregate distribution of 310,009 Class B Preferred Units, each payable on August 31, 2018 to holders of record on August 21, 2018. 

 

 

16. PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

Outstanding Units 

As of March 31, 2019, we had 31,310,896 Class B Preferred Units outstanding, and 18,252,065 common units outstanding, which included 1,491,770 unvested restricted common units issued under the LTIP.  

Common Unit Issuances

The following table shows the common units issued by the Partnership in 2018 and 2019 to Manager  in connection with providing services under the Services Agreement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

Date of

Three months ended

    

units

    

issuance

December 31, 2017

 

210,978

 

March 15, 2018

March 31, 2018

 

220,214

 

May 31, 2018

June 30, 2018

 

224,342

 

September 10, 2018

September 30, 2018

 

334,010

 

November 30, 2018

December 31, 2018

 

787,750

 

March 8, 2019

Class B Preferred Unit Offering

On October 14, 2015, pursuant to the Class B Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement dated September 25, 2015 between the Partnership and Stonepeak, the Partnership sold and Stonepeak purchased 19,444,445 of the Partnership’s newly created Class B Preferred Units (the “Class B Preferred Units”) in a privately negotiated transaction for an aggregate cash purchase price of $18.00 per Class B Preferred Unit, which resulted in gross proceeds to the Partnership of approximately $350.0 million.  The Partnership used the

22


 

net proceeds to pay a portion of the consideration for the acquisition of Western Catarina Midstream, along with the payment to Stonepeak of a fee equal to 2.25% of the consideration paid for the Class B Preferred Units.

Under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (as amended to date, the “Amended Partnership Agreement”), holders of the Class B Preferred Units receive a quarterly distribution, at the election of the Board, of 10.0% per annum if paid in full in cash or 12.0% per annum if paid in part cash (8.0% per annum) and in part Class B Preferred PIK Units (4.0% per annum), as defined in the Amended Partnership Agreement.  Distributions are to be paid on or about the last day of each of February, May, August and November after the end of each quarter.

In accordance with the Amended Partnership Agreement, on December 6, 2016 the Partnership issued an additional 9,851,996 Class B Preferred Units to Stonepeak.  On January 25, 2017, the Partnership and Stonepeak entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release (the “Settlement Agreement”) to settle a dispute arising from the calculation of an adjustment to the number of Class B Preferred Units pursuant to Section 5.10(g) of the Amended Partnership Agreement.  Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, and in accordance with Section 5.4 of the Amended Partnership Agreement, the Partnership issued 1,704,446 Class B Preferred Units to Stonepeak in a privately negotiated transaction as partial consideration for the Settlement Agreement, with the “Class B Preferred Unit Price” being established at $11.29 per Class B Preferred Unit.  Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Partnership Agreement, the Class B Preferred Units are convertible at any time, at the option of Stonepeak, into common units of the Partnership, subject to the requirement to convert a minimum of $17.5 million of Class B Preferred Units.

The Partnership elected to pay the second-quarter 2018 distribution on the Class B Preferred Units in part cash and part Class B Preferred PIK Units in accordance with the Amended Partnership Agreement. Accordingly, the Partnership issued 310,009 Class B Preferred Units on August 31, 2018, to Stonepeak.

The Class B Preferred Units are accounted for as mezzanine equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in mezzanine equity (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Mezzanine equity, beginning balance

 

$

349,857

 

$

343,912

Amortization of discount

 

 

697

 

 

2,358

Distributions

 

 

8,838

 

 

36,925

Distributions paid

 

 

(8,838)

 

 

(33,338)

Mezzanine equity, ending balance

 

$

350,554

 

$

349,857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per Unit

Net income (loss) per common unit for the period is based on any distributions that are made to the unitholders (common units) plus an allocation of undistributed net income (loss) based on provisions of the Amended Partnership Agreement, divided by the weighted average number of common units outstanding. The two-class method dictates that net income (loss) for a period be reduced by the amount of distributions and that any residual amount representing undistributed net income (loss) be allocated to common unitholders and other participating unitholders to the extent that each unit may share in net income (loss) as if all of the net income for the period had been distributed in accordance with the Amended Partnership Agreement. Unit-based awards granted but unvested are eligible to receive distributions. The underlying unvested restricted unit awards are considered participating securities for purposes of determining net income (loss) per unit. Undistributed income is allocated to participating securities based on the proportional relationship of the weighted average number of common units and unit-based awards outstanding. Undistributed losses (including those resulting from distributions in excess of net income) are allocated to common units based on provisions of the Amended Partnership Agreement.   Undistributed losses are not allocated to unvested restricted unit awards as they do not participate in net losses.  Distributions declared and paid in the period are treated as distributed earnings in the computation of earnings per common unit even though cash distributions are not necessarily derived from current or prior period earnings.

Our general partner does not have an economic interest in the Partnership and, therefore, does not participate in the Partnership’s net income.

 

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17. REPORTING SEGMENTS

“Midstream” and “Production” best describe the operating segments of the businesses that we separately report.  The factors used to identify these reporting segments are based on the nature of the operations that are undertaken by each segment.  The Midstream segment operates the gathering, processing and transportation of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. The Production segment operates to produce crude oil and natural gas. These segments are broadly understood across the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

These functions have been defined as the operating segments of the Partnership because they are the segments (1) that engage in business activities from which revenues are earned and expenses are incurred; (2) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Partnership’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance; and (3) for which discrete financial information is available.  Operating segments are evaluated for their contribution to the Partnership’s consolidated results based on operating income, which is defined as segment operating revenues less expenses.

The following tables present financial information for each operating segment for the periods indicated based on our operating segments (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

    

Production

    

Midstream

    

Production

 

Midstream

Segment revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

110

 

$

 —

 

$

473

 

$

 —

Oil sales

 

 

(739)

 

 

 —

 

 

3,462

 

 

 —

Natural gas liquid sales

 

 

179

 

 

 —

 

 

595

 

 

 —

Gathering and transportation sales

 

 

 —

 

 

1,683

 

 

 —

 

 

1,688

Gathering and transportation lease revenues

 

 

 —

 

 

16,257

 

 

 —

 

 

12,318

Total segment revenues

 

 

(450)

 

 

17,940

 

 

4,530

 

 

14,006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment operating costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

1,319

 

 

396

 

 

1,752

 

 

219

Transportation operating expenses

 

 

 —

 

 

2,676

 

 

 —

 

 

2,847

Production taxes

 

 

183

 

 

 —

 

 

322

 

 

 —

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

1,095

 

 

5,334

 

 

1,363

 

 

5,265

Accretion expense

 

 

54

 

 

79

 

 

54

 

 

72

Total segment operating costs

 

 

2,651

 

 

8,485

 

 

3,491

 

 

8,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment other income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from equity investments

 

 

 —

 

 

1,442

 

 

 —

 

 

4,272

Total segment other income

 

 

 —

 

 

1,442

 

 

 —

 

 

4,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment operating income (expense)

    

$

(3,101)

 

$

10,897

 

$

1,039

 

$

9,875

 

 

 

24


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

    

2019

 

2018

Reconciliation of segment operating income to net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total production operating income (loss)

 

 

$

(3,101)

 

$

1,039

Total midstream operating income

 

 

 

10,897

 

 

9,875

Total segment operating income

 

 

 

7,796

 

 

10,914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

 

(4,749)

 

 

(5,165)

Unit-based compensation expense

 

 

 

(635)

 

 

(1,438)

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

(2,786)

 

 

(2,599)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

46

 

 

(270)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

(46)

 

 

 —

Net income (loss)

 

 

$

(374)

 

$

1,442

The following table summarizes the total assets by operating segment as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and total capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

 

Production

    

Midstream

 

Corporate (a)

 

Total

Other financial information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

47,745

 

$

421,122

 

$

8,684

 

$

477,551

Capital expenditures(b)

 

$

 —

 

$

186

 

$

 —

 

$

186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

Production

    

Midstream

 

Corporate (a)

 

Total

Other financial information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

53,556

 

$

429,523

 

$

3,606

 

$

486,685

Capital expenditures(b)

 

$

11

 

$

4,856

 

$

 —

 

$

4,867

 

(a)

Corporate assets not reviewed by the CODM on a segment basis consists of cash, certain prepaid expenses, office furniture, and other assets.

(b)

Inclusive of capital contributions made to equity method investments. 

 

 

18. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Partnership’s investment in the Carnero JV represents a variable interest entity (“VIE”) that could expose the Partnership to losses.  The amount of losses the Partnership could be exposed to from the Carnero JV is limited to the capital investment of approximately $111.3 million.

As of March 31, 2019, the Partnership had invested approximately $123.9 million in the Carnero JV and no debt has been incurred by the Carnero JV.   We have included this VIE in other assets, equity investments on the balance sheet.

Below is a tabular comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of the VIE and the Partnership’s maximum exposure to loss as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Acquisitions and capital investments

 

$

127,910

 

$

127,899

Earnings in equity investments

 

 

24,585

 

 

23,144

Distributions received

 

 

(41,236)

 

 

(36,578)

Maximum exposure to loss

 

$

111,259

 

$

114,465

 

19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 3,  2019, the Board declared a first-quarter 2019 cash distribution on the Partnership’s common units of $0.15 per unit ($0.60 per unit annualized) payable on May 31, 2019 to the holders of record on May 22, 2019.  The Partnership also declared a first-quarter cash distribution on the Class B Preferred Units of $0.28225 per Class B Preferred Unit payable on May 31, 2019 to holders of record on May 22, 2019.

On April 23, 2019, the Partnership paid $2.0 million in principal outstanding under the Credit Agreement resulting in debt outstanding of $176.0 million under the Credit Agreement as of that date.

25


 

Effective April 1, 2019, the Partnership increased the Western Catarina Midstream tariff rate for throughput volumes from approximately 71,000 net acres on Sanchez Energy’s Catarina Asset which are not currently dedicated under the Gathering Agreement.

 

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 financial statements and the summary of significant accounting policies and notes included herein and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, forecasts, guidance, beliefs and expected performance. The “forward-looking statements” are dependent upon events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these “forward-looking statements.” Please read “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

We are a growth-oriented publicly-traded limited partnership focused on the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of midstream and other energy-related assets in North America. We have ownership stakes in oil and natural gas gathering systems, natural gas pipelines and natural gas processing facilities, all located in the Western Eagle Ford in South Texas.  Our assets include our wholly-owned Western Catarina Midstream gathering system, our wholly-owned Seco Pipeline, and a 50% interest in the Carnero JV, a 50/50 joint venture operated by Targa that owns the Carnero Gathering Line, Raptor Gas Processing Facility, and Silver Oak II, and reversionary working interests and other production assets in Texas and Louisiana. On June 2, 2017, we changed our name to Sanchez Midstream Partners LP. Manager owns our general partner and all of our incentive distribution rights. Our common units are currently listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “SNMP.”

How We Evaluate Our Operations

We evaluate our business on the basis of the following key measures:

·

our throughput volumes on gathering systems upon acquiring those assets;

·

our operating expenses; and

·

our Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure (for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable GAAP financial measure please read “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures–Adjusted EBITDA”).

Throughput Volumes

Upon the acquisition of Western Catarina Midstream, our management began to analyze our performance based on the aggregate amount of throughput volumes on the gathering system. We must connect additional wells or well pads within Sanchez Energy’s Catarina Asset, which consists of approximately 106,000 net acres in Dimmit, La Salle and Webb counties, in order to maintain or increase throughput volumes on Western Catarina Midstream. Our success in connecting additional wells is impacted by successful drilling activity by Sanchez Energy on the acreage dedicated to Western Catarina Midstream, our ability to secure volumes from Sanchez Energy from new wells drilled on non-dedicated acreage, our ability to attract hydrocarbon volumes currently gathered by our competitors and our ability to cost-effectively construct or acquire new infrastructure. Construction of the Seco Pipeline was completed in August 2017, and throughput volumes are dependent on gas processed at the Raptor Gas Processing Facility and demand for dry gas in markets in South Texas. Natural gas is currently being transported through the Seco Pipeline under the Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement. Future throughput volumes on the pipeline are dependent on the continuation of this month-to-month agreement with Sanchez Energy, execution of a new agreement with Sanchez Energy or execution of an agreement with a third party.

Operating Expenses

Our management seeks to maximize Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, in part by minimizing operating expenses. These expenses are or will be comprised primarily of field operating costs (which generally consists of lease operating expenses, labor, vehicles, supervision, transportation, minor maintenance, tools and supplies expenses, among other items), compression expense, ad valorem taxes and other operating costs, some of which will be independent of our oil and natural gas production or the throughput volumes on the gathering system but fluctuate depending on the scale of our operations during a specific period.

26


 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Adjusted EBITDA

To supplement our financial results and guidance presented in accordance with GAAP, we use Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, in this quarterly report. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures are helpful in understanding our past financial performance and potential future results, particularly in light of the effect of various transactions effected by us. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted by: (i) interest (income) expense, net, which includes interest expense, interest expense net (gain) loss on interest rate derivative contracts, and interest (income); (ii) income tax expense (benefit); (iii) depreciation, depletion and amortization; (iv) asset impairments; (v) accretion expense; (vi) (gain) loss on sale of assets; (vii) unit-based compensation expense; (viii) unit-based asset management fees; (ix) distributions in excess of equity earnings; (x) (gain) loss on mark-to-market activities; (xi) commodity derivatives settled early; (xii) (gain) loss on embedded derivatives; and (xiii) acquisition and divestiture costs.

Adjusted EBITDA is a significant performance metric used by our management to indicate (prior to the establishment of any cash reserves by the Board) the distributions that we would expect to pay to our unitholders. Specifically, this financial measure indicates to investors whether or not we are generating cash flows at a level that can sustain or support a quarterly distribution or any increase in our quarterly distribution rates. Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a quantitative standard by our management and by external users of our financial statements such as investors, research analysts, our lenders and others to assess: (i) the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis; (ii) the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs and support our indebtedness; and (iii) our operating performance and return on capital as compared to those of other companies in our industry, without regard to financing or capital structure.

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss). Our non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes some but not all items that affect net income (loss). Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing its utility.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), its most directly comparable GAAP performance measure, for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31, 

 

2019

    

2018

Net income (loss)

$

(374)

 

$

1,442

Adjusted by:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

2,786

 

 

2,599

Income tax expense

 

46

 

 

 —

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

6,429

 

 

6,628

Accretion expense

 

133

 

 

126

Unit-based compensation expense

 

635

 

 

1,438

Unit-based asset management fees

 

2,032

 

 

2,279

Distributions in excess of equity earnings

 

2,064

 

 

1,837

Loss on mark-to-market activities

 

4,803

 

 

1,978

Acquisition and divestiture costs

 

 —

 

 

251

Adjusted EBITDA

$

18,554

 

$

18,578

 

Significant Operational Factors

·

Throughput. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, Sanchez Energy transported average daily production through Western Catarina Midstream of approximately 14.3 MBbls/d of crude oil, 157.1 Mcf/d of natural gas and 9.3 MBbls/d of water. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, Sanchez Energy transported average daily production through Seco Pipeline of approximately 7.5 MMcf/d of natural gas. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, Sanchez Energy transported average daily production through Western Catarina Midstream of approximately 11.4 MBbls/d of crude oil, 151.7 MMcf/d of natural gas and 8.7 MBbls/d of water. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, Sanchez Energy transported average daily production through the Seco Pipeline of approximately 67.9 MMcf/d of natural gas.

·

Production. Our production for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was 85 MBoe, or an average of 944 Boe/d, compared to approximately 141 MBoe, or an average of 1,567 Boe/d, for the three months ended March 31, 2018.  

27


 

·

Capital Expenditures. For the three months ended March 31, 2019,  we spent approximately $0.2 million in capital expenditures, related to the development of Western Catarina Midstream.  For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we spent approximately $0.4 million in capital expenditures, related to the development of Western Catarina Midstream.  

·

Hedging Activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the non-cash mark-to-market loss for our commodity derivatives was approximately $4.8 million, compared to a loss of $1.7 million for the same period in 2018.

Recent Developments

On May 3, 2019, the Board declared a first-quarter 2019 cash distribution on the Partnership’s common units of $0.15 per unit ($0.60 per unit annualized) payable on May 31, 2019 to the holders of record on May 22, 2019. The Partnership also declared a first-quarter cash distribution on the Class B Preferred Units of $0.28225 per Class B Preferred Unit payable on May 31, 2019 to holders of record on May 22, 2019.

Results of Operations by Segment

Three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to three months ended March 31, 2018

Midstream Operating Results

The following table sets forth the selected financial and operating data pertaining to the Midstream segment for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

 

Variance

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gathering and transportation sales

 

$

1,683

 

$

1,688

 

$

(5)

 

(0)

%

Gathering and transportation lease revenues

 

 

16,257

 

 

12,318

 

 

3,939

 

32

%

Total gathering and transportation sales

 

 

17,940

 

 

14,006

 

 

3,934

 

28

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

396

 

 

219

 

 

177

 

81

%

Transportation operating expenses

 

 

2,676

 

 

2,847

 

 

(171)

 

(6)

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

5,334

 

 

5,265

 

 

69

 

 1

%

Accretion expense

 

 

79

 

 

72

 

 

 7

 

10

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

8,485

 

 

8,403

 

 

82

 

 1

%

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from equity investments

 

 

1,442

 

 

4,272

 

 

(2,830)

 

(66)

%

Operating income

 

$

10,897

 

$

9,875

 

$

1,022

 

10

%

Gathering and transportation sales. Gathering and transportation sales remained relatively consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2019 with no material change when compared to the same period in 2018.  Gathering and transportation lease revenues increased approximately $4.0 million, or 32%, to approximately $16.3 million compared to approximately $12.3 million for the same period in 2018. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the rate charged for natural gas transported on Western Catarina Midstream which was produced from outside the dedicated acreage under the Gathering Agreement.

Transportation operating expenses. Our operating expenses generally consist of equipment rentals, chemicals, treating, metering fees, permit and regulatory fees, labor, minor maintenance, tools, supplies, and pipeline integrity management expenses. Our transportation operating expenses decreased slightly by approximately $0.2 million, or 6%, to approximately $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately $2.9 million for the same period in 2018.

Depreciation and amortization expense. Gathering and transportation assets are stated at historical acquisition cost, net of any impairments, and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from 5 to 15 years for equipment, and up to 36 years for gathering facilities. Our depreciation and amortization expense remained consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2019 with no material change when compared to the same period in 2018.

Earnings from equity investments. Earnings from equity investments decreased approximately $2.8 million, or 66%, to approximately $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately $4.3 million for the same period in 2018.  This decrease was the result of higher ad valorem taxes due to the addition of Silver Oak II to the Carnero JV as well as lower throughput during three months ended March 31, 2019.

28


 

Production Operating Results

The following tables set forth the selected financial and operating data pertaining to the Production segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except net production and average sales and average unit costs):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

 

Variance

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales at market price

 

$

150

 

$

471

 

$

(321)

 

(68)

%

Natural gas hedge settlements

 

 

(37)

 

 

 —

 

 

(37)

 

NM

(a)

Natural gas mark-to-market activities

 

 

(3)

 

 

 2

 

 

(5)

 

NM

(a)

Natural gas total

 

 

110

 

 

473

 

 

(363)

 

(77)

%

Oil sales at market price

 

 

3,745

 

 

5,402

 

 

(1,657)

 

(31)

%

Oil hedge settlements

 

 

347

 

 

(230)

 

 

577

 

NM

(a)

Oil mark-to-market activities

 

 

(4,831)

 

 

(1,710)

 

 

(3,121)

 

NM

(a)

Oil total

 

 

(739)

 

 

3,462

 

 

(4,201)

 

NM

(a)

NGL sales

 

 

179

 

 

595

 

 

(416)

 

(70)

%

Total revenues

 

 

(450)

 

 

4,530

 

 

(4,980)

 

NM

(a)

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

1,319

 

 

1,752

 

 

(433)

 

(25)

%

Production taxes

 

 

183

 

 

322

 

 

(139)

 

(43)

%

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

1,095

 

 

1,363

 

 

(268)

 

(20)

%

Accretion expense

 

 

54

 

 

54

 

 

 —

 

 —

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

2,651

 

 

3,491

 

 

(840)

 

(24)

%

Operating income (loss)

 

$

(3,101)

 

$

1,039

 

$

(4,140)

 

NM

(a)

(a)

Variances deemed to be Not Meaningful “NM.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Variance

Net production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (MMcf)

 

 

54

 

 

182

 

 

(128)

 

(70)

%

Oil production (MBbl)

 

 

64

 

 

85

 

 

(21)

 

(25)

%

NGLs (MBbl)

 

 

12

 

 

26

 

 

(14)

 

(54)

%

Total production (MBoe)

 

 

85

 

 

141

 

 

(56)

 

(40)

%

Average daily production (Boe/d)

 

 

944

 

 

1,567

 

 

(623)

 

(40)

%

Average sales prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas price per Mcf with hedge settlements

 

$

2.09

 

$

2.59

 

$

(0.50)

 

(19)

%

Natural gas price per Mcf without hedge settlements

 

$

2.78

 

$

2.59

 

$

0.19

 

7

%

Oil price per Bbl with hedge settlements

 

$

63.94

 

$

60.85

 

$

3.09

 

5

%

Oil price per Bbl without hedge settlements

 

$

58.52

 

$

63.55

 

$

(5.03)

 

(8)

%

NGL price per Bbl without hedge settlements

 

$

14.92

 

$

22.88

 

$

(7.96)

 

(35)

%

Total price per Boe with hedge settlements

 

$

51.58

 

$

44.24

 

$

7.34

 

17

%

Total price per Boe without hedge settlements

 

$

47.93

 

$

45.87

 

$

2.06

 

4

%

Average unit costs per Boe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field operating expenses (a)

 

$

17.67

 

$

14.71

 

$

2.96

 

20

%

Lease operating expenses

 

$

15.52

 

$

12.43

 

$

3.09

 

25

%

Production taxes

 

$

2.15

 

$

2.28

 

$

(0.13)

 

(6)

%

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

$

12.88

 

$

9.67

 

$

3.21

 

33

%

(a)

Field operating expenses include lease operating expenses and production taxes.

Production. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, 75% of our production was oil, 14% was NGLs and 11% was natural gas as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, where 60% of our production was oil, 18% was NGLs and 22% was natural gas. The production mix between the periods has shifted to a higher oil production as a result of multiple asset divestitures in 2018 that were rich in natural gas. Combined production decreased by 56 MBoe for the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily due to the closing of the Briggs Divestiture, Louisiana Divestiture and Cola Divestiture.

Natural gas, NGLs and oil sales. Unhedged oil sales decreased approximately  $1.7 million, or 31%, to approximately $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately  $5.4 million for the same period in 2018. NGL sales decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 70%, to approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately $0.6 million for the same period in 2018. Unhedged natural gas sales decreased approximately  $0.3 million, or 68%, to approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately  $0.5 million for the same period in

29


 

2018. Total decrease in oil, natural gas and NGL sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily the result of the Briggs Divestiture, Louisiana Divestiture and Cola Divestiture.

Including hedges and mark-to-market activities, our total production-related revenue decreased approximately $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This decrease was primarily the result of decreases of approximately $3.1 million in oil mark-to-market activities, and $2.4 million in oil, natural gas, NGL sales, offset by an increase of approximately $0.5 million in settlements on oil derivatives.

The following tables provide an analysis of the impacts of changes in average realized prices and production volumes between the periods on our unhedged revenues from the three months ended March 31, 2018 to the three months ended March 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands, except average sales prices and volumes):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Q1 2019

    

Q1 2018

    

Production

    

Q1 2018

    

Revenue

 

 

 

Production

 

Production

 

Volume

 

Average

 

Decrease

 

 

 

Volume

 

Volume

 

Difference

 

Sales Price

 

due to Production

 

Natural gas (MMcf)

 

54

 

182

 

(128)

 

$

2.59

 

$

(331)

 

Oil (MBbl)

 

64

 

85

 

(21)

 

$

63.55

 

$

(1,335)

 

NGLs (MBbl)

 

12

 

26

 

(14)

 

$

22.88

 

$

(320)

 

   Total oil equivalent (MBoe)

 

85

 

141

 

(56)

 

$

45.87

 

$

(1,986)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

Q1 2019

    

 

Q1 2018

    

 

 

    

 

    

Revenue

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Average

 

Average Sales

 

Q1 2019

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

Sales Price

 

 

Sales Price

 

Price Difference

 

Volume

 

due to Price

 

Natural gas (MMcf)

 

$

2.78

 

$

2.59

 

$

0.19

 

54

 

$

10

 

Oil (MBbl)

 

$

58.52

 

$

63.55

 

$

(5.03)

 

64

 

$

(322)

 

NGLs (MBbl)

 

$

14.92

 

$

22.88

 

$

(7.96)

 

12

 

$

(96)

 

   Total oil equivalent (MBoe)

 

$

47.93

 

$

45.87

 

$

2.06

 

85

 

$

(408)

 

A 10% increase or decrease in our average realized sales prices, excluding the impact of derivatives, would have increased or decreased our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2019 by approximately $0.4 million. 

Hedging and mark-to-market activities. We apply mark-to-market accounting to our derivative contracts and the full volatility of the non-cash change in fair value of our outstanding contracts is reflected in oil and natural gas sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the non-cash mark-to-market loss was approximately $4.8 million, compared to a loss of approximately $1.7 million for the same period in 2018. The 2019 non-cash loss resulted from higher future expected oil prices on these derivative transactions. Cash settlements received for our commodity derivatives were approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to cash settlements paid of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Field operating expenses. Our field operating expenses generally consist of lease operating expenses, labor, vehicles, supervision, transportation, minor maintenance, tools and supplies expenses, as well as production and ad valorem taxes.

Lease operating expense.  Lease operating expenses, which includes ad valorem taxes, decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 25%, to approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately $1.7 million for the same period in 2018. This decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to the Briggs Divestiture, Louisiana Divestiture and Cola Divestiture.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense includes the depreciation, depletion and amortization of acquisition costs and equipment costs. Depletion is calculated using units-of-production under the successful efforts method of accounting. Assuming other variables remain constant, as oil, natural gas and NGL production increases or decreases, our depletion expense would increase or decrease as well.

Our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased approximately $0.3 million to approximately  $1.1 million, compared to approximately $1.4 million for the same period in 2018. This decrease is primarily the result of the Briggs Divestiture, Louisiana Divestiture and Cola Divestiture.

Impairment expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018 we did not record impairment charges.

30


 

Consolidated Earnings Results

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of segment operating income to net income (loss) for periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

 

Variance

Reconciliation of segment operating income to net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total production operating income (loss)

 

 

$

(3,101)

 

$

1,039

 

$

(4,140)

 

 

NM

(a)

Total midstream operating income

 

 

 

10,897

 

 

9,875

 

 

1,022

 

 

10

%

Total segment operating income

 

 

 

7,796

 

 

10,914

 

 

(3,118)

 

 

(29)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

 

(4,749)

 

 

(5,165)

 

 

416

 

 

(8)

%

Unit-based compensation expense

 

 

 

(635)

 

 

(1,438)

 

 

803

 

 

(56)

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

(2,786)

 

 

(2,599)

 

 

(187)

 

 

 7

%

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

46

 

 

(270)

 

 

316

 

 

NM

(a)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

(46)

 

 

 —

 

 

(46)

 

 

NM

(a)

Net income (loss)

 

 

$

(374)

 

$

1,442

 

$

(1,816)

 

 

NM

(a)

(a)

Variances deemed to be Not Meaningful “NM.”

 

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include the costs of our employees, related benefits, field office expenses, professional fees, direct and indirect costs billed by Manager in connection with the Services Agreement and other costs not directly associated with field operations. General and administrative expenses, inclusive of unit-based compensation expense,  decreased by approximately $1.2 million, or 18%, to approximately $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to approximately $6.6 million for the same period in 2018. The decrease was the result of a lower stock price for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 which reduced expenses related to the Sanchez Midstream Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense increased approximately  $0.2 million, or 7%, to approximately  $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to approximately $2.6 million for the same period in 2018. This increase was the result of higher interest rates for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was approximately $46 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to no expense recorded for the same period in 2018.  The increase resulted from income taxes on gross margin within the state of Texas, which was primarily driven by a decrease in total operating expenses over the comparable periods and the removal of the valuation allowance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2019, we had approximately $6.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $32.0 million available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement in effect on such date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we paid approximately $2.6 million in cash for interest on borrowings under our Credit Agreement, of which approximately $37.6 thousand was related to the fee on undrawn commitments.

Our capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2019 were funded with cash on hand. In the future, capital and liquidity are anticipated to be provided by operating cash flows, borrowings under our Credit Agreement and proceeds from the issuance of additional limited partner units. We expect that the combination of these capital resources will be adequate to meet our short-term working capital requirements, long-term capital expenditures program and expected quarterly cash distributions.

We expect that our future cash requirements relating to working capital, maintenance capital expenditures and quarterly cash distributions to our partners will be funded from cash flows internally generated from our operations. Our expansion capital expenditures will be funded by borrowings under our Credit Agreement or from potential capital market transactions. However, there can be no assurance that operations and other capital resources will provide cash in sufficient amounts to maintain our current debt level, planned levels of capital expenditures, operating expenses or any cash distributions that we may make to unitholders.

31


 

Credit Agreement

We have entered into a credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement provides a maximum commitment of $500.0 million and has a maturity date of March 31, 2020. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by various mortgages of oil and natural gas properties that we own, as well as various security and pledge agreements among the Partnership, certain of its subsidiaries and the administrative agent.

Our Credit Agreement became a current liability as of March 31, 2019. We expect to refinance or extend the maturity of our Credit Agreement prior to its maturity date. However, we may not be able to renew or replace the facility or, if we are able to renew or replace the facility, we may not be able to do so with borrowing and debt issue costs, terms, covenants, restrictions or a borrowing base favorable to us.

The amount available for borrowing at any one time under the Credit Agreement is limited to the borrowing base for our midstream assets and our oil and natural gas properties. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available for direct investment in oil and natural gas properties, acquisitions, and working capital and general business purposes.  The Credit Agreement has a sub-limit of $15.0 million, which may be used for the issuance of letters of credit.  The initial borrowing base under the Credit Agreement was $200.0 million.  The borrowing base for the credit available for the upstream oil and natural gas properties is re-determined semi-annually in the second and fourth quarters of the year, and may be re-determined at our request more frequently and by the lenders, in their sole discretion, based on reserve reports as prepared by petroleum engineers, using, among other things, the oil and natural gas pricing prevailing at such time.  The borrowing base for the credit available for our midstream properties is generally equal to the rolling four quarter Adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations, together with the amount of distributions received from the Carnero JV multiplied by 4.5.  Outstanding borrowings in excess of our borrowing base must be repaid or we must pledge other oil and natural gas properties as additional collateral.  We may elect to pay any borrowing base deficiency in three equal monthly installments such that the deficiency is eliminated in a period of three months.  Any increase in our borrowing base must be approved by all of our lenders. As of March 31, 2019, the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement was $303.1 million, with an elected commitment amount of $210.0 million.

At our election, interest for borrowings under the Credit Agreement are determined by reference to (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin between 2.25% and 3.25% per annum based on utilization or (ii) ABR plus an applicable margin between 1.25% and 2.25% per annum based on utilization plus (iii) a commitment fee of 0.500% per annum based on the unutilized borrowing base.  Interest on the borrowings for ABR loans and the commitment fee are generally payable quarterly.  Interest on the borrowings for LIBOR loans are generally payable at the applicable maturity date.  

The Credit Agreement contains various covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments, and pay distributions.  

In addition, we are required to maintain the following financial covenants: 

·

Current assets to current liabilities ratio for at least 1.0 to 1.0 at all times;

·

Senior secured net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio for the last twelve months, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, of not greater than 4.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations equals or exceeds one-third of total Adjusted EBITDA or 4.0 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is less than one-third of total adjusted EBITDA; and

·

minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 2.5 to 1.0 if the adjusted EBITDA of our midstream operations is greater than one-third of our total adjusted EBITDA.

The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations and warranties when made or when deemed made, violation of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid and a change in control. A change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of one of the following events: (i) our existing general partner ceases to be our sole general partner or (ii) certain specified persons shall cease to own more than 50% of the equity interests of our general partner or shall cease to control our general partner. If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the Credit Agreement and exercise other rights and remedies.  

The Credit Agreement limits our ability to pay distributions to unitholders. We have the ability to pay distributions to unitholders from available cash, including cash from borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as long as no event of default exists and provided that no distributions to unitholders may be made if the borrowings outstanding, net of available cash, under the Credit Agreement exceed

32


 

90% of the borrowing base, after giving effect to the proposed distribution. Our available cash is reduced by any cash reserves established by the Board for the proper conduct of our business and the payment of fees and expenses.

At March 31, 2019, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement. We monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our Credit Agreement or maintain the required ratios discussed above, the lenders could call an event of default and accelerate the outstanding debt under the terms of the Credit Agreement, such that our outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement could become then due and payable. We may request waivers of compliance from the violated financial covenants from the lenders, but there is no assurance that such waivers would be granted.

Sources of Debt and Equity Financing

As of March 31, 2019, the elected commitment amount under our Credit Agreement was set at $210.0 million, and we had $178.0 million of debt outstanding under the facility, leaving us with $32.0 million in unused borrowing capacity. There were no letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2019. Our Credit Agreement matures on March 31, 2020.

Open Commodity Hedge Positions

We enter into hedging arrangements to reduce the impact of oil and natural gas price volatility on our operations. By removing the price volatility from a significant portion of our oil and natural gas production, we have mitigated, but not eliminated, the potential effects of changing prices on our cash flow from operations. While mitigating the negative effects of falling commodity prices, these derivative contracts also limit the benefits we might otherwise receive from increases in commodity prices. These derivative contracts also limit our ability to have additional cash flows to fund higher severance taxes, which are usually based on market prices for oil and natural gas. Our operating cash flows are also impacted by the cost of oilfield services. In the event of inflation increasing service costs or administrative expenses, our hedging program will limit our ability to have increased operating cash flows to fund these higher costs. Increases in the market prices for oil and natural gas will also increase our need for working capital as our commodity hedging contracts cash settle prior to our receipt of cash from our sales of the related commodities to third parties.

It is our policy to enter into derivative contracts only with counterparties that are creditworthy financial institutions deemed by management as competent and competitive market makers. All of our derivatives are currently collateralized by the assets securing our Credit Agreement and therefore currently do not require the posting of cash collateral. This is significant since we are able to lock in sales prices on a substantial amount of our expected future production without posting cash collateral based on price changes prior to the hedges being cash settled.

The following tables as of March 31, 2019, summarize, for the periods indicated, our hedges currently in place through December 31, 2020. All of these derivatives are accounted for as mark-to-market activities.

MTM Fixed Price Swaps— West Texas Intermediate (WTI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended (volume in Bbls)

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

2019

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

59,552

 

$

60.44

 

57,024

 

$

60.48

 

54,824

 

$

60.52

 

171,400

 

$

60.48

2020

 

52,776

 

$

53.50

 

50,960

 

$

53.50

 

49,224

 

$

53.50

 

47,624

 

$

53.50

 

200,584

 

$

53.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

371,984

 

 

 

 

MTM Fixed Price Basis Swaps– NYMEX (Henry Hub)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended (volume in MMBtu)

 

 

March 31, 

 

June 30, 

 

September 30, 

 

December 31, 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Average

 

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

    

Volume

    

Price

2019

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

115,784

 

$

2.85

 

112,032

 

$

2.85

 

108,552

 

$

2.85

 

336,368

 

$

2.85

2020

 

105,104

 

$

2.85

 

102,008

 

$

2.85

 

99,136

 

$

2.85

 

96,200

 

$

2.85

 

402,448

 

$

2.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

738,816

 

 

 

33


 

Operating Cash Flows

We had net cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 of approximately $17.4 million, compared to net cash flow provided by operating activities of approximately $23.1 million for the same period in 2018. This decrease was primarily related to the impact of lower commodity prices and production between the periods resulting in a decrease of approximately $2.4 million, as well as a decrease on net cash settlements received on commodity derivative contracts of approximately $2.6 million between the periods.

Our operating cash flows are subject to many variables, the most significant of which is the volume of oil and natural gas transported through our midstream assets, volatility of oil and natural gas prices and our level of production of oil and natural gas. Oil and natural gas prices are determined primarily by prevailing market conditions, which are dependent on regional and worldwide economic activity, weather and other factors beyond our control. Our future operating cash flows will depend on oil and natural gas transported through our midstream assets, as well as the market prices of oil and natural gas and our hedging program.

Investing Activities

We had net cash flows used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 of approximately $0.2 million, substantially all of which were related to midstream activities.

We had net cash flows used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of approximately $1.1 million, substantially all of which were related to midstream activities, including pipeline construction.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities was approximately $13.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we distributed $8.8 million and $2.5 million to Class B Preferred Unitholders and common unitholders, respectively. Additionally, we repaid borrowings of $2.0 million under our Credit Agreement.

Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $20.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we distributed $8.7 million and $6.7 million to Class B Preferred unitholders and common unitholders, respectively. Additionally, we paid $0.1 million in offering costs and repaid $5.0 million of borrowings under our Credit Agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2019, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements with third parties, and we maintained no debt obligations that contained provisions requiring accelerated payment of the related obligations in the event of specified levels of declines in credit ratings.

Credit Markets and Counterparty Risk

We actively monitor the credit exposure and risks associated with our counterparties. Additionally, we continue to monitor global credit markets to limit our potential exposure to credit risk where possible. Our primary credit exposures result from the generation of substantially all of our midstream business segment revenues from a single customer, Sanchez Energy, the sale of oil and natural gas and our use of derivatives. Through March 31, 2019, we have not suffered any significant losses with our counterparties as a result of non-performance. Any development that materially and adversely affect Sanchez Energy’s operations or financial condition could have a material adverse impact on us. For additional information on the risks associated with our relationships with Sanchez Energy, please read “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates pertain to proved oil and natural gas reserves and related cash flow estimates used in the calculation of depletion and impairment of oil and natural gas properties, the fair value of commodity derivative contracts and asset retirement obligations, accrued oil and natural gas revenues and expenses and the allocation of general and administrative expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. 

34


 

As of March 31, 2019, there were no changes with regard to the critical accounting policies disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on March 7, 2019. The policies disclosed included the accounting for oil and natural gas properties, oil and natural gas reserve quantities, revenue recognition and hedging activities. Please read Part 1. Item 1. Note 2 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of additional accounting policies and estimates made by management.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Part 1. Item 1. Note 2 “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for information on new accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under this item.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of the general partner of SNMP have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2019 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II—Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time we may be the subject of lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits or claims. Management does not currently expect the outcome of any of the known claims or proceedings to individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1A. Risk Factors  

Carefully consider the risk factors under the caption “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-Q and in our other public filings, press releases, and public discussions with our management. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

In connection with providing services under the Services Agreement for the fourth-quarter 2018, the Partnership issued 787,750 common units to Manager on March 8, 2019. See Note 13 “Related Party Transactions” and the information incorporated by reference therein for additional information related to the Services Agreement. The issuance of these common units was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.

35


 

No common units were purchased in the first-quarter of 2019.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information 

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the exhibit index below and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

 

36


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

 

10.1

Summary Compensation of Executive Officers of Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Sanchez Midstream Partners LP on March 7, 2019, File No. 001-33147).

 

10.2

Summary Compensation of Directors of Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Sanchez Midstream Partners LP on March 7, 2019, File No. 001-33147).

 

31.1*

Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2*

Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1**

Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.2**

Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC 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 Schema Document

 

 

101.CAL*

XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

101.LAB*

XBRL Label Linkbase Document

 

 

101.PRE*

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

101.DEF*

XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

 


*Filed herewith.

**Furnished herewith.

 

37


 

SIGNATURES

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANCHEZ MIDSTREAM PARTNERS LP

(REGISTRANT)

By: Sanchez Midstream Partners GP LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

Date: May  9, 2019

 

By

/s/ Charles C. Ward

 

 

 

Charles C. Ward

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38