Goodwill and Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

(4) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is the cost of an acquisition less the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired business. The fair value of goodwill is based on inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 inputs. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

We perform our goodwill assessments at the reporting unit level for all reporting units. We use a discounted cash flow analysis to perform the assessments. Key assumptions in the analysis include the use of an appropriate discount rate, terminal year multiples and estimated future cash flows including volume and price forecasts and estimated operating and general and administrative costs. In estimating cash flows, we incorporate current and historical market and financial information, among other factors. Impairment determinations involve significant assumptions and judgments and differing assumptions regarding any of these inputs could have a significant effect on the various valuations. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to goodwill impairment charges, which would be recognized in the period in which the carrying value exceeds fair value.

During February 2016, we determined that weakness in the overall energy sector, driven by low commodity prices, together with a decline in our unit price, caused a change in circumstances warranting an interim impairment test. Based on these triggering events, we performed a goodwill impairment analysis in the first quarter of 2016 on all reporting units. Based on this analysis, a goodwill impairment loss for the Texas, Crude and Condensate, and Corporate reporting units in the amount of $873.3 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2016 and is included as an impairment loss in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016. We concluded that the fair value of our Oklahoma reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and the amount of goodwill disclosed on the consolidated balance sheet associated with this reporting unit is recoverable. Therefore, no other goodwill impairment was identified or recorded for this reporting unit as a result of our goodwill impairment analysis.

During the first quarter of 2017, we elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step two of the goodwill impairment test referenced in ASC 350. Although no interim assessment was required for the first quarter of 2017, we will perform future goodwill impairment tests according to ASU 2017-04. For additional information, see Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets associated with customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefits of the customer relationships, which range from 10 to 20 years.

The following table represents our change in carrying value of intangible assets (in millions):



	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Customer relationships, beginning of period	$	1,795.8	$	(171.6	)	$	1,624.2
Amortization expense	—		(29.5		)	(29.5		)
Customer relationships, end of period	$	1,795.8	$	(201.1	)	$	1,594.7

The weighted average amortization period is 13.7 years. Amortization expense was approximately $29.5 million and $27.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The following table summarizes our estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years (in millions):



2017 (remaining)	$	88.4
2018	117.9
2019	117.9
2020	117.9
2021	117.9
Thereafter	1,034.7
Total	$	1,594.7

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details