We will amend and
complete the information in this prospectus supplement. This
preliminary prospectus supplement and the prospectus are part of
an effective registration statement filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement
and the prospectus are not offers to sell nor solicitations of
offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such
offer or sale is not
permitted.
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-116538
Subject to Completion, dated
November 14, 2005
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
To Prospectus dated July 7, 2004
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
3,500,000 Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
We are selling 3,500,000 common units of Crosstex Energy, L.P.
Our common units trade on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol XTEX. On November 11, 2005, the last
reported sale price of our common units on the Nasdaq National
Market was $35.56 per common unit.
Investing in our common units involves risks. Risk
Factors begin on page S-10 of this
prospectus supplement and on page 3 of the accompanying
prospectus.
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Public offering price
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Underwriting discount and commission
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Proceeds to Crosstex Energy, L.P. (before expenses)
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We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
to an additional 525,000 common units from us on the same terms
and conditions as set forth above if the underwriters sell more
than 3,500,000 common units in this offering.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Lehman Brothers, on behalf of the underwriters, expects to
deliver the common units on or
about ,
2005.
Sole Book-Running Manager
Lehman
Brothers
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A.G. Edwards |
Goldman, Sachs & Co. |
Wachovia
Securities
,
2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Prospectus Supplement |
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Forward-Looking Statements
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Prospectus |
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About This Prospectus
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Who We Are
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The Subsidiary Guarantors
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Risk Factors
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Forward-Looking Statements
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Use of Proceeds
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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Description of the Debt Securities
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Description of the Common Units
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Description of Our Partnership Agreement
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Cash Distribution Policy
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Material Tax Consequences
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Investment in Us by Employee Benefit Plans
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Plan of Distribution
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Legal Matters
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Experts
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Where You Can Find More Information
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus
supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common
units. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which
gives more general information, some of which may not apply to
the common units. If the information relating to the offering
varies between the prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, you should rely on the information in this
prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained in or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to
provide you with different information. We are not making an
offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information contained
in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is
accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of
those documents or that any information we have incorporated by
reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the
document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed
since such dates.
i
SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It
does not contain all of the information you should consider
before making an investment decision. You should read the entire
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the
documents incorporated by reference and the other documents to
which we refer for a more complete understanding of this
offering. Please read Risk Factors beginning on
page S-10 of this prospectus supplement and on page 3
of the accompanying prospectus for more information about
important factors that you should consider before buying common
units in this offering. Unless we indicate otherwise, the
information we present in this prospectus supplement, including
references to common units outstanding and ownership
percentages, assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their
option to purchase additional common units.
Throughout this prospectus supplement, when we use the terms
the Partnership, we, us and
our and similar terms, we are referring to Crosstex
Energy, L.P. or to Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries
collectively as the context requires.
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
We are an independent midstream energy company engaged in the
gathering, transmission, treating, processing and marketing of
natural gas. We connect the wells of natural gas producers in
our market areas to our gathering systems, treat natural gas to
remove impurities to ensure that it meets pipeline quality
specifications, process natural gas for the removal of natural
gas liquids, or NGLs, transport natural gas and ultimately
provide natural gas to a variety of markets. We purchase natural
gas from natural gas producers and other supply points and sell
that natural gas to utilities, industrial consumers, other
marketers and pipelines and thereby generate gross margins based
on the difference between the purchase and resale prices. In
addition, we purchase natural gas from producers not connected
to our gathering systems for resale and sell natural gas on
behalf of producers for a fee.
We have two operating segments, Midstream and Treating. Our
Midstream division focuses on the gathering, processing,
transmission and marketing of natural gas, as well as providing
certain producer services, while our Treating division focuses
on the removal of impurities from natural gas to meet pipeline
quality specifications. On November 1, we acquired
El Paso Corporations natural gas processing and
liquids business in South Louisiana, which we refer to as the
El Paso Acquisition, significantly expanding our midstream
presence in that area. Following this acquisition, our primary
midstream assets include approximately 5,000 miles of
natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, nine natural
gas processing plants and four fractionators. Our gathering
systems consist of a network of pipelines that collect natural
gas from points near producing wells and transport it to larger
pipelines for further transmission. Our transmission pipelines
primarily receive natural gas from our gathering systems and
from third party gathering and transmission systems and deliver
natural gas to industrial end-users, utilities and other
pipelines. Our processing plants remove NGLs from a natural gas
stream and our fractionators separate the NGLs into separate NGL
products, including ethane, propane, mixed butanes and natural
gasoline. Our primary treating assets include approximately 111
natural gas treating plants. Our natural gas treating plants
remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas
prior to delivering the gas into pipelines to ensure that it
meets pipeline quality specifications.
On a pro forma basis for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005, our average throughput would have been
2.6 billion cubic feet per day, or Bcf/d, representing
approximately 4.9% of marketed U.S. daily production based
on August 2005 Department of Energy data. Our assets are
strategically located in the Gulf States region where both
onshore and offshore development of new oil and gas reserves
continues at a rapid pace.
S-1
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to increase distributable cash flow per unit by
making accretive acquisitions of assets that are essential to
the production, transportation, and marketing of natural gas;
improving the profitability of our owned assets by increasing
their utilization while controlling costs; accomplishing
economies of scale through new construction or expansion in core
operating areas; and maintaining financial flexibility to take
advantage of opportunities. We will also build new assets in
response to producer and market needs, such as our North Texas
Pipeline project discussed below. We believe the expanded scope
of our operations, combined with a continued high level of
drilling in our principal geographic areas, should present
opportunities for continued expansion in our existing areas of
operation as well as opportunities to acquire or develop assets
in new geographic areas that may serve as a platform for future
growth. Key elements of our strategy include the following:
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Pursuing accretive acquisitions. We intend to use our
acquisition and integration experience to continue to make
strategic acquisitions of midstream assets that offer the
opportunity for operational efficiencies and the potential for
increased utilization and expansion of the acquired asset. We
pursue acquisitions that we believe will add to existing core
areas in order to capitalize on our existing infrastructure,
personnel, and producer and consumer relationships. For example,
we believe the El Paso Acquisition will complement our
existing asset base in Louisiana and lead to asset optimization
and cost savings opportunities. We also examine opportunities to
establish new core areas in regions with significant natural gas
reserves and high levels of drilling activity or with growing
demand for natural gas. We plan to establish new core areas
primarily through the acquisition or development of key assets
that will serve as a platform for further growth both through
additional acquisitions and the construction of new assets. We
established new core areas through the acquisition of the
Mississippi pipeline system in 2003 and the acquisition of LIG
Pipeline Company and its subsidiaries, which we collectively
refer to as LIG, in 2004. The principal assets acquired in the
LIG acquisition consist of approximately 2,000 miles of gas
gathering and transmission systems and five processing plants
(including three idle plants) located in Louisiana. |
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Improving existing system profitability. After we acquire
or construct a new system, we begin an aggressive effort to
market services directly to both producers and end users in
order to connect new supplies of natural gas, improve margins
and more fully utilize the systems capacity. Many of our
recently acquired systems have excess capacity that provide us
opportunities to increase throughput with minimal incremental
cost. As part of this process, we focus on providing a full
range of services to small and medium size independent producers
and end users, including supply aggregation, transportation and
hedging, which we believe provides us with a competitive
advantage when we compete for sources of natural gas supply.
Since treating services are not provided by many of our
competitors, we have an additional advantage in competing for
new supply when gas requires treating to meet pipeline
specifications. Additionally, we emphasize increasing the
percentage of our natural gas sales directly to end users, such
as industrial and utility consumers, in an effort to increase
our operating margins. As an example, we have increased
throughput on our LIG system to an average of approximately
616,000 MMBtu/d for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 from 580,000 MMBtu/d on
April 1, 2004 when we acquired LIG. |
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Undertaking construction and expansion opportunities. We
leverage our existing infrastructure and producer and customer
relationships by constructing and expanding systems to meet new
or increased demand for our gathering, transmission, treating,
processing and marketing services. These projects include
expansion of existing systems and construction of new
facilities, which has driven the growth of the Treating division
in recent years. In February 2005, we announced a new 122-mile
pipeline construction project to transport gas from an area near
Fort Worth, Texas, where recent drilling activity in the
Barnett Shale formation has expanded production beyond the
existing infrastructure capability. We refer to this project as
our North Texas Pipeline project and expect that it will
commence operations in the first quarter of 2006. Once
completed, the pipeline will allow curtailed gas to flow to
markets that are currently not available to some key Barnett
Shale producers. |
S-2
Competitive Strengths
We believe that we are well positioned to compete in the natural
gas gathering, transmission, treating, processing and liquids
businesses. Our competitive strengths include:
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Strategic position in Louisiana, the Texas Gulf Coast and
Mississippi. With our acquisition of El Pasos
natural gas processing and liquids in South Louisiana, we
substantially expanded our core area in Louisiana. All of our
processing capacity and approximately 90% of our total gathering
and transmission pipeline miles are located in Louisiana, the
Texas Gulf Coast and south-central Mississippi. These regions
are characterized by consistently high levels of drilling
activity, which provide us with significant opportunities to
access newly developed gas supplies. In addition, the
El Paso acquisition allows us the opportunity to
participate in the growing development of deepwater Gulf of
Mexico reserves. |
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Strategic asset base provides opportunities for synergistic
growth through organic development. As our asset base has
expanded and our financial capability has increased, we have
more opportunity to develop new projects that will benefit from
our existing footprint. In addition, we believe our extensive
inventory of treating plants gives us an advantage in competing
for new business since we can often have a plant in service
faster than our competitors. |
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Range of services. We offer a full range of midstream
services to natural gas producers, including gathering,
transmission, treating, processing and marketing. In addition,
as a component of our producer services business, we purchase
natural gas for sale to others and, in doing so, provide risk
management opportunities to natural gas producers. We believe
this full range of services gives us advantages in competing for
new business because we can provide substantially all the
services a producer requires to get its production of natural
gas to market, as compared to our competitors who often do not
provide a full range of services. In addition, we provide a full
range of services to natural gas buyers, including an aggregated
supply of natural gas, load balancing and price risk management,
which allows buyers to find a significant volume of natural gas
that meets their requirements without having to negotiate with
multiple producers. |
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Proven acquisition and development expertise. Since
January 2000, we have acquired and integrated 18 operations with
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $719 million.
Our management teams significant industry contacts have
enabled us to become aware of, and gain access to, strategic
acquisition opportunities. We intend to use our experience and
reputation in strategically acquiring assets to continue growth
through accretive acquisitions, focusing on opportunities in
which we see potential to improve throughput volumes and cash
flows through marketing and new construction and expansion
projects. In addition, we have invested in excess of
$185 million in our construction and expansion projects
from January 2000 through September 30, 2005. |
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Flexible financial structure. We have a
$750.0 million senior secured credit facility, more than
$300 million of which will be available upon the closing of
this offering. We believe the available capacity under our
credit facility, combined with our ability to access the capital
markets, should provide us with a flexible financial structure
that will facilitate our expansion and acquisition strategy. |
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Experienced and motivated management. Our management
teams extensive experience and contacts within the
midstream industry provide a strong foundation for managing and
enhancing our operations, for accessing strategic acquisition
opportunities and for constructing new assets. Our senior
management team has an average of over 20 years of industry
experience primarily with the type of assets and the markets in
which we currently operate. |
S-3
Recent Developments
El Paso Acquisition and Concurrent Financings
On November 1, 2005, we acquired El Paso
Corporations natural gas processing and liquids business
in South Louisiana for $486.4 million. The assets acquired
include a total of 2.3 Bcf/d of processing capacity,
66,000 barrels per day of fractionation capacity,
2.4 million barrels of underground storage and
140 miles of liquids transport lines. The primary
facilities and other assets we acquired consist of:
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the Eunice processing plant and fractionation facility; |
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the Pelican processing plant; |
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the Sabine Pass processing plant; |
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a 23.85% interest in the Blue Water gas processing plant; |
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the Riverside fractionator and loading facility; |
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the Napoleonville natural gas liquid storage facility; and |
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the Cajun Sibon pipeline system. |
We believe the El Paso Acquisition will provide us with
several key strategic benefits, including:
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the opportunity to participate in the growing development of
deepwater Gulf of Mexico reserves; |
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the opportunity to establish a significant presence in the
natural gas liquids marketing business; |
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the opportunity to realize operating efficiencies with our
existing asset base in Louisiana, including the ability to shift
processing from some of our plants acquired with the LIG system
to plants acquired from El Paso that have additional
capacity, reducing our overall operating costs and freeing
certain LIG assets to be redeployed to underserved
markets; and |
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a larger business platform from which we can grow our midstream
operations. |
After giving pro forma effect to the El Paso Acquisition
and this offering, our gross margins would have been
$193.5 million and $150.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2005, respectively (revenues of
$2.51 billion and $2.23 billion, respectively, less
purchased gas of $2.32 billion and $2.08 billion,
respectively). You should carefully review the pro forma
condensed combined financial information included in this
prospectus supplement and in our Current Report on
Form 8-K/A which we filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 10, 2005 and which is incorporated
by reference into this prospectus supplement.
Concurrently with the closing of the El Paso Acquisition,
we amended our existing senior secured credit facility and
increased our borrowing capacity by $500 million to a total
borrowing capacity of $750 million. We financed the
El Paso Acquisition and refinanced our existing credit
facility and related costs through borrowings of approximately
$462 million under the amended credit facility and through
a private placement of 2,850,165 of our Senior Subordinated
Series B Units to institutional investors at a price of
$36.84 per unit, which resulted in net proceeds to us of
$107.1 million, including a $2.1 million capital
contribution from our general partner. The Senior Subordinated
Series B Units are a new class of equity securities of the
Partnership. The Senior Subordinated Series B Units
automatically converted into our common units at a conversion
rate of one common unit for each Senior Subordinated
Series B Unit on November 14, 2005.
Impact of Recent Hurricanes
During the third quarter of 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita
caused substantial damage to the Gulf Coast region of Texas,
Louisiana and Mississippi. None of our systems sustained
significant damage from these storms. Hurricane Rita struck the
Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana the last week of September
causing minor damage to the Sabine Pass processing plant. This
plant was acquired on November 1, 2005 in the El Paso
Acquisition. El Paso bore the costs of the repairs to this
plant, which is now complete, and the
S-4
facility is expected to recommence operations by the end of
November 2005. All other facilities were operational after
minor clean-up from the storms, although throughput has not yet
returned to pre-storm levels.
The most significant short term impact of the hurricanes was the
interruption of natural gas supply in the Gulf Coast region.
Gulf of Mexico offshore gas production for the first week of
November 2005 was approximately 54% of pre-storm levels
according to the Minerals Management Service, or MMS. We believe
that the lack of substantial damage to our facilities will
provide opportunities in the near term for us to secure supply
that has been displaced from plants owned by our competitors
that sustained heavier damage from the storms.
Quarterly Distribution
On October 20, 2005, we announced that on November 15,
2005 we will pay a quarterly distribution of $0.49 per unit
to our common and subordinated unitholders of record on
November 1, 2005. This distribution represents a
$0.02 per unit increase over the second quarter 2005
distribution of $0.47 per unit. We have increased
distributions to our unitholders every quarter since our initial
public offering in December 2002.
North Texas Pipeline
We are in the process of constructing a 122-mile pipeline and
associated gathering lines from an area near Fort Worth,
Texas into new markets accessed by the NGPL pipeline system.
Drilling success in the Barnet Shale formation in the area has
expanded productions beyond the capacity of the existing
pipeline infrastructure to efficiently access markets. Capital
cost to construct the pipeline and associated facilities are
estimated to be approximately $98 million, with completion
estimated in the first quarter of 2006.
S-5
S-6
THE OFFERING
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Common units offered by us |
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3,500,000 common units. |
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4,025,000 common units if the underwriters exercise their option
to purchase additional common units in full. |
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Units outstanding after this offering |
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15,184,477 common units, representing a 57.2% limited partner
interest in Crosstex Energy, L.P., 9,334,000 subordinated units,
representing a 35.2% limited partner interest in Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and 1,495,410 senior subordinated units,
representing a 5.6% limited partner interest in Crosstex Energy,
L.P. Our common units include 2,850,165 units that were
issued upon the conversion of our Senior Subordinated
Series B Units issued in connection with the financing of
the El Paso Acquisition. |
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Use of proceeds |
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We intend to use all of the net proceeds of this offering to
repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our credit
facility incurred in connection with the El Paso
Acquisition. Affiliates of each of Wachovia Capital Markets,
LLC, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and Harris Nesbitt Corp.
are lenders under our credit facility and will receive a portion
of the net proceeds of this offering through such repayment.
Please see Use of Proceeds and
Underwriting. |
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Cash distributions |
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Common units are entitled to receive distributions of available
cash of $0.25 per quarter, or $1.00 on an annualized basis,
before any distributions are paid on our subordinated units
(excluding any senior subordinated units). |
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On October 20, 2005, we announced that on November 15,
2005 we will pay a quarterly distribution of $0.49 per unit
to our common and subordinated unitholders of record on
November 1, 2005. |
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In general, we will pay any cash distributions we make each
quarter in the following manner: |
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first, 98% to the common units and 2% to the general
partner, until each common unit has received a minimum quarterly
distribution of $0.25 plus any arrearages from prior quarters;
and |
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second, 98% to the subordinated units and 2% to the
general partner, until each subordinated unit has received a
minimum quarterly distribution of $0.25. |
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If cash distributions exceed $0.25 per unit in a quarter,
our general partner will receive increasing percentages, up to
50%, of the cash we distribute in excess of that amount. We
refer to these distributions as incentive
distributions. Please see Cash Distribution
Policy Incentive Distribution Rights in the
accompanying prospectus. |
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We must distribute all of our cash on hand at the end of each
quarter, less reserves established by our general partner in its
sole discretion. These reserve funds are meant to provide for
the proper conduct of our business including funds needed to
provide for our |
S-7
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operations as well as to comply with applicable debt
instruments. As we cannot estimate the size of these reserves
for any given quarter at this time, we cannot assure you that,
after the establishment of reserves, we will have cash on hand
for distribution to our unitholders. We refer to this cash
available for distribution as available cash, and we
define its meaning in our partnership agreement. Please see
Cash Distribution Policy Distributions of
Available Cash in the accompanying prospectus for a
description of available cash. The amount of available cash may
be greater than or less than the minimum quarterly distribution. |
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Timing of distributions |
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We pay distributions approximately 45 days after
March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 to the unitholders of record on the applicable
record date. |
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Subordination period |
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The principal difference between our common units and
subordinated units is that in any quarter during a subordination
period, holders of the subordinated units are entitled to
receive the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.25 per
unit only after the common units have received the minimum
quarterly distribution plus arrearages in the payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution from prior periods. The
subordination period will end once we meet the financial tests
in the partnership agreement, but it generally cannot end before
December 31, 2007. |
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When the subordination period ends, each remaining subordinated
unit will convert into one common unit and the common units will
no longer be entitled to arrearages. Please see Cash
Distribution Policy Subordination Period in
the accompanying prospectus. |
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Early conversion of
subordinated units |
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If we meet the applicable financial tests in the partnership
agreement for any three consecutive four-quarter periods ending
on or after December 31, 2005, 25% of the subordinated
units will convert into common units. If we meet these tests for
any three consecutive four-quarter periods ending on or after
December 31, 2006, an additional 25% of the subordinated
units will convert into common units. The early conversion of
the second 25% of the subordinated units may not occur until at
least one year after the early conversion of the first 25% of
the subordinated units. |
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Conversion of senior
subordinated units |
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The senior subordinated units will automatically convert into
our common units at a conversion rate of one common unit for
each senior subordinated unit on February 24, 2006. |
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Issuance of additional units |
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In general, while any subordinated units remain outstanding, we
may not issue more than 2,632,000 additional common units
without obtaining unitholder approval. We may, however, issue an
unlimited number of common units for acquisitions, capital
improvements or debt repayments that increase cash flow from
operations per unit on a pro forma basis. |
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Voting rights |
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Our general partner manages and operates us. Unlike the holders
of common stock in a corporation, you will have only limited |
S-8
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voting rights on matters affecting our business. You will have
no right to elect our general partner or the directors of its
general partner on an annual or other continuing basis. Our
general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the
holders of at least
662/3%
of the outstanding units, including any units owned by our
general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single
class. Because affiliates of our general partner will own 38.4%
of the outstanding units upon completion of the offering, you
will not be able to remove the general partner without its
consent. |
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Limited call right |
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If at any time more than 80% of the outstanding common units are
owned by our general partner and its affiliates, our general
partner has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all
of the remaining common units at a price not less than the
then-current market price of the common units. |
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Estimated ratio of taxable income to distributions |
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We estimate that if you own the common units you purchase in
this offering through December 31, 2007, you will be
allocated, on a cumulative basis, an amount of federal taxable
income for that period that will be 20% or less of the cash
distributed to you with respect to that period. Please see
Material Tax Consequences for the basis of this
estimate. |
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Exchange listing |
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Our common units are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol XTEX. |
Our executive offices are located at 2501 Cedar Springs,
Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75201, and our telephone number is
(214) 953-9500.
S-9
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common units involves a significant
degree of risk, including the risks described below. You should
carefully consider the following risk factors together with all
of the other information included in this prospectus supplement,
the accompanying prospectus and the documents we have
incorporated by reference into this prospectus in evaluating an
investment in our common units.
If any of the following risks actually were to occur, our
business, financial condition or results of operations could be
affected materially and adversely. In that case, we may be
unable to make distributions to our unitholders, the trading
price of our common units could decline and you could lose all
or part of your investment.
Risks Inherent in Our Business
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If we are unable to integrate the South Louisiana business
and operations acquired in the El Paso Acquisition, or any
future acquisition, our future financial performance may be
limited. |
In November 2005, we acquired El Paso Corporations
processing and liquids business in South Louisiana for
approximately $486.4 million. This acquisition is
significantly larger than any other acquisition we have
undertaken, and integration of the South Louisiana business and
operations with our existing operations will be a complex,
time-consuming and costly process. Failure to successfully
integrate the South Louisiana business and operations with our
existing business and operations in a timely manner may have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows. In addition, we may not
realize all of the anticipated benefits from our acquisition of
the South Louisiana business and operations, such as cost
savings and revenue enhancements, for various reasons, including
difficulties integrating operations and personnel, higher costs,
unknown liabilities and fluctuations in markets.
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Acquisitions typically increase our debt and subject us to
other substantial risks, which could adversely affect our
results of operations. |
Our future financial performance will depend, in part, on our
ability to make acquisitions of assets and businesses at
attractive prices. From time to time, we will evaluate and seek
to acquire assets or businesses that we believe complement our
existing business and related assets. We may acquire assets or
businesses that we plan to use in a manner materially different
from their prior owners use. Any acquisition involves
potential risks, including:
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the inability to integrate the operations of recently acquired
businesses or assets; |
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the diversion of managements attention from other business
concerns; |
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the loss of customers or key employees from the acquired
businesses; |
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a significant increase in our indebtedness; and |
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potential environmental or regulatory liabilities and title
problems. |
Managements assessment of these risks is necessarily
inexact and may not reveal or resolve all existing or potential
problems associated with an acquisition. Realization of any of
these risks could adversely affect our operations and cash
flows. If we consummate any future acquisition, our
capitalization and results of operations may change
significantly, and you will not have the opportunity to evaluate
the economic, financial and other relevant information that we
will consider in determining the application of these funds and
other resources.
We are continuing to consider large acquisition candidates and
transactions in addition to the El Paso Acquisition. The
integration, financial and other risks discussed above will be
amplified if the size of our future acquisitions increases.
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Our acquisition strategy is based, in part, on our expectation
of ongoing divestitures of gas processing and transportation
assets by large industry participants. A material decrease in
such divestitures will limit our opportunities for future
acquisitions and could adversely affect our growth plans.
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We are vulnerable to operational, regulatory and other
risks associated with South Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico,
including the effects of adverse weather conditions such as
hurricanes, because we have a significant portion of our assets
located in South Louisiana. |
Our operations and revenues will be significantly impacted by
conditions in South Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico because we
have a significant portion of our assets located in South
Louisiana. This concentration of activity make us more
vulnerable than many of our competitors to the risks associated
with Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, including:
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adverse weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical
storms; |
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delays or decreases in production, the availability of
equipment, facilities or services; and |
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changes in the regulatory environment. |
Because a significant portion of our operations could experience
the same condition at the same time, these conditions could have
a relatively greater impact on our results of operations than
they might have on other midstream companies who have operations
in a more diversified geographic area.
In addition, our operations in South Louisiana are dependent
upon continued deep water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The
deep water in the Gulf of Mexico is an area that has had limited
historical drilling activity. This is due, in part, to its
geological complexity and depth. Deep water development is more
expensive and inherently more risky than conventional shelf
drilling. A decline in the level of deep water drilling in the
Gulf of Mexico could have an adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
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If the volumes at our South Louisiana assets do not return
to levels experienced prior to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, then
our results of operations and financial condition could be
adversely affected. |
Although none of our assets sustained significant damage from
hurricanes Katrina and Rita, natural gas supply in the gulf
coast region was interrupted and the volumes at many of our
South Louisiana facilities have not returned to levels
experienced prior to the hurricanes. Many of our South Louisiana
facilities were acquired in the El Paso Acquisition, and we
based our acquisition price on an expectation that volumes would
quickly recover. If natural gas volumes do not return to
pre-hurricane levels in the near term, our results of operations
and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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We may not have sufficient cash after the establishment of
cash reserves and payment of our general partners fees and
expenses to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution
each quarter. |
We may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay
the minimum quarterly distribution. Under the terms of our
partnership agreement, we must pay our general partners
fees and expenses and set aside any cash reserve amounts before
making a distribution to our unitholders. The amount of cash we
can distribute on our common units principally depends upon the
amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will
fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:
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the amount of natural gas transported in our gathering and
transmission pipelines; |
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the level of our processing and treating operations; |
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the fees we charge and the margins we realize for our services; |
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the price of natural gas and natural gas liquids, or NGLs; |
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the relationship between natural gas and NGL prices; and |
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our level of operating costs. |
S-11
In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available
for distribution will depend on other factors, some of which are
beyond our control, including:
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the level of capital expenditures we make; |
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the cost of acquisitions, if any; |
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our debt service requirements; |
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fluctuations in our working capital needs; |
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restrictions on distributions contained in our bank credit
facility, including satisfying certain coverage ratios contained
therein; |
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our ability to make working capital borrowings under our bank
credit facility to pay distributions; |
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prevailing economic conditions; and |
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the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner
in its sole discretion for the proper conduct of our business. |
Because of these factors, we may not have sufficient available
cash each quarter to pay the minimum quarterly distribution.
Furthermore, you should also be aware that the amount of cash we
have available for distribution depends primarily upon our cash
flow, including cash flow from financial reserves and working
capital borrowings, and is not solely a function of
profitability, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a
result, we may make cash distributions during periods when we
record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods
when we record net income.
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Our profitability is dependent upon prices and market
demand for natural gas and NGLs, which are beyond our control
and have been volatile. |
We are subject to significant risks due to fluctuations in
commodity prices. These risks are based upon three components of
our business: (1) we purchase certain volumes of natural
gas at a price that is a percentage of a relevant index;
(2) certain processing contracts for our Gregory system and
our Plaquemine and Gibson processing plants expose us to natural
gas and NGL commodity price risks; and (3) part of our fee
from our Conroe and Seminole gas plants as well as those
acquired in the El Paso Acquisition is based on a portion
of the NGLs produced, and, therefore, is subject to commodity
price risks. The margins we realize from purchasing and selling
a portion of the natural gas that we transport through our
pipeline systems decrease in periods of low natural gas prices
because our gross margins related to such purchases are based on
a percentage of the index price. For the year ended
December 31, 2004 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2005, we purchased approximately 8% and 11%,
respectively, of our gas at a percentage of relevant index.
Accordingly, a decline in the price of natural gas could have an
adverse impact on our results of operations.
A portion of our profitability is affected by the relationship
between natural gas and NGL prices. For a component of our
Gregory system and our Plaquemine plant and Gibson plant
volumes, we purchase natural gas, process natural gas and
extract NGLs, and then sell the processed natural gas and NGLs.
A portion of our profits from the plants acquired in the
El Paso Acquisition is dependent on NGL prices and
elections by us and the producers. In cases where we process gas
for producers when they have the ability to decide whether to
process their gas, we may elect to receive a processing fee or
we may retain and sell the NGLs and keep the producer whole on
its sale of natural gas. Since we extract energy content, which
we measure in British Thermal Units, or Btus, from the gas
stream in the form of the liquids or consume it as fuel during
processing, we reduce the Btu content of the natural gas.
Accordingly, our margins under these arrangements can be
negatively affected in periods in which the value of natural gas
is high relative to the value of NGLs.
In the past, the prices of natural gas and NGLs have been
extremely volatile and we expect this volatility to continue.
For example, in 2004, the NYMEX settlement price for natural gas
for the prompt month contract ranged from a high of
$7.976 per MMBtu to a low of $5.082 per MMBtu. For the
first nine months of 2005, the same index ranged from
$10.847 per MMBtu to $6.123 per MMBtu. A composite of the
OPIS
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Mt. Belvieu monthly average liquids price based upon our average
liquids composition in 2004 ranged from a high of approximately
$0.98 per gallon to a low of approximately $0.66 per
gallon. For the first nine months of 2005, the same composite
ranged from approximately $1.22 per gallon to approximately
$0.84 per gallon.
We may not be successful in balancing our purchases and sales.
In addition, a producer could fail to deliver contracted volumes
or deliver in excess of contracted volumes, or a consumer could
purchase less than contracted volumes. Any of these actions
could cause our purchases and sales not to be balanced. If our
purchases and sales are not balanced, we will face increased
exposure to commodity price risks and could have increased
volatility in our operating income.
The markets and prices for residue gas and NGLs depend upon
factors beyond our control. These factors include demand for
oil, natural gas and NGLs, which fluctuate with changes in
market and economic conditions and other factors, including:
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the impact of weather on the demand for oil and natural gas; |
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the level of domestic oil and natural gas production; |
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the level of domestic industrial and manufacturing activity; |
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the availability of imported oil and natural gas; |
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actions taken by foreign oil and gas producing nations; |
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the availability of local, intrastate and interstate
transportation systems; |
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the availability and marketing of competitive fuels; |
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the impact of energy conservation efforts; and |
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the extent of governmental regulation and taxation. |
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We must continually compete for natural gas supplies, and
any decrease in our supplies of natural gas could adversely
affect our financial condition and results of operations. |
Competition is intense in many of our markets. The principal
areas of competition include obtaining gas supplies and the
marketing and transportation of natural gas and NGLs. Our
competitors include major integrated oil companies, interstate
and intrastate pipelines and natural gas gatherers and
processors. Our competitors in the Texas Gulf Coast area include
El Paso Field Services, Kinder Morgan Inc., Energy Transfer
and Duke Energy Field Services. Our competitors in Mississippi
include Southern Natural Gas and Gulf South Pipeline Company.
Our competitors in Louisiana include Bridgeline, Acadian
Pipeline and Gulf South Pipeline Company. Our competitors for
natural gas processing in Louisiana include ExxonMobil, Targa
Resources, Inc., Williams Companies and Enterprise Products
Partners, L.P. Some of our competitors offer more services or
have greater financial resources and access to larger natural
gas supplies than we do.
If we are unable to maintain or increase the throughput on our
systems by accessing new natural gas supplies to offset the
natural decline in reserves, our business and financial results
could be materially, adversely affected. In addition, our future
growth will depend, in part, upon whether we can contract for
additional supplies at a greater rate than the rate of natural
decline in our currently connected supplies.
In order to maintain or increase throughput levels in our
natural gas gathering systems and asset utilization rates at our
treating and processing plants, we must continually contract for
new natural gas supplies. We may not be able to obtain
additional contracts for natural gas supplies. The primary
factors affecting our ability to connect new wells to our
gathering facilities include our success in contracting for
existing natural gas supplies that are not committed to other
systems and the level of drilling activity near our gathering
systems. Fluctuations in energy prices can greatly affect
production rates and investments by third parties in the
development of new oil and natural gas reserves. Drilling
activity generally decreases as oil and natural gas prices
decrease. Tax policy changes, such as the recently reported
consideration of a windfall profits tax, could have
a negative impact on drilling activity, reducing supplies of
natural gas available to our systems. We have no control over
producers and depend on them to maintain sufficient levels of
drilling activity. A material decrease in natural gas production
or in the level of drilling activity in our principal
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geographic areas for a prolonged period, as a result of
depressed commodity prices or otherwise, likely would have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial position.
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A substantial portion of our assets is connected to
natural gas reserves that will decline over time, and the cash
flows associated with those assets will decline
accordingly. |
A substantial portion of our assets, including our gathering
systems and our treating plants, is dedicated to certain natural
gas reserves and wells for which the production will naturally
decline over time. Accordingly, our cash flows associated with
these assets will also decline. If we are unable to access new
supplies of natural gas either by connecting additional reserves
to our existing assets or by constructing or acquiring new
assets that have access to additional natural gas reserves, our
cash flows may decline and our ability to make distributions to
our unitholders could decrease.
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Growing our business by constructing new pipelines and
processing and treating facilities subjects us to construction
risks, risks that natural gas supplies will not be available
upon completion of the facilities and risks of construction
delay and additional costs due to obtaining
rights-of-way. |
One of the ways we intend to grow our business is through the
construction of additions to our existing gathering systems and
construction of new pipelines and gathering, processing and
treating facilities. The construction of pipelines and
gathering, processing and treating facilities requires the
expenditure of significant amounts of capital, which may exceed
our expectations. Generally, we may have only limited natural
gas supplies committed to these facilities prior to their
construction. Moreover, we may construct facilities to capture
anticipated future growth in production in a region in which
anticipated production growth does not materialize. We may also
rely on estimates of proved reserves in our decision to
construct new pipelines and facilities, which may prove to be
inaccurate because there are numerous uncertainties inherent in
estimating quantities of proved reserves. As a result, new
facilities may not be able to attract enough natural gas to
achieve our expected investment return, which could adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition. In
addition, we face the risks of construction delay and additional
costs due to obtaining rights-of-way.
We are in the process of constructing a 122-mile pipeline and
associated gathering lines from an area near Fort Worth,
Texas into new markets accessed by the NGPL pipeline system.
Drilling success in the Barnet Shale formation in the area has
expanded productions beyond the capacity of the existing
pipeline infrastructure to efficiently access markets. Capital
cost to construct the pipeline and associated facilities are
estimated to be approximately $98 million, with completion
estimated in the first quarter of 2006.
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We have limited control over the development of certain
assets because we are not the operator. |
As the owner of non-operating interests in the Seminole and Blue
Water gas processing plants, we do not have the right to direct
or control the operation of the plants. As a result, the success
of the activities conducted at these plants, which are operated
by a third party, may be affected by factors outside of our
control. The failure of the third-party operator to make
decisions, perform its services, discharge its obligations, deal
with regulatory agencies or comply with laws, rules and
regulations affecting these plants, including environmental laws
and regulations, in a proper manner could result in material
adverse consequences to our interest and adversely affect our
results of operations.
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We expect to encounter significant competition in any new
geographic areas into which we seek to expand and our ability to
enter such markets may be limited. |
As we expand our operations into new geographic areas, we expect
to encounter significant competition for natural gas supplies
and markets. Competitors in these new markets will include
companies larger than us, which have both lower capital costs
and greater geographic coverage, as well as smaller companies,
which have lower total cost structures. As a result, we may not
be able to successfully develop acquired assets and markets
located in new geographic areas and our results of operations
could be adversely affected.
S-14
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We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers and
counterparties, and a general increase in the nonpayment and
nonperformance by our customers could have an adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations. |
Risks of nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers are a
major concern in our business. We are subject to risks of loss
resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers.
Any increase in the nonpayment and nonperformance by our
customers could reduce our ability to make distributions to our
unitholders.
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We may not be able to retain existing customers or acquire
new customers, which would reduce our revenues and limit our
future profitability. |
The renewal or replacement of existing contracts with our
customers at rates sufficient to maintain current revenues and
cash flows depends on a number of factors beyond our control,
including competition from other pipelines, and the price of,
and demand for, natural gas in the markets we serve.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 76% of
our sales of gas which were transported using our physical
facilities were to industrial end-users and utilities. As a
consequence of the increase in competition in the industry and
volatility of natural gas prices, end-users and utilities are
reluctant to enter into long-term purchase contracts. Many
end-users purchase natural gas from more than one natural gas
company and have the ability to change providers at any time.
Some of these end-users also have the ability to switch between
gas and alternate fuels in response to relative price
fluctuations in the market. Because there are numerous companies
of greatly varying size and financial capacity that compete with
us in the marketing of natural gas, we often compete in the
end-user and utilities markets primarily on the basis of price.
The inability of our management to renew or replace our current
contracts as they expire and to respond appropriately to
changing market conditions could have a negative effect on our
profitability.
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We depend on certain key customers, and the loss of any of
our key customers could adversely affect our financial
results. |
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from contracts
with Dow Hydrocarbons and a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Inc. To
the extent that these and other customers may reduce volumes of
natural gas purchased under existing contracts, we would be
adversely affected unless we were able to make comparably
profitable arrangements with other customers. Sales to Dow
accounted for 10% of our revenues for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 and sales to the Kinder Morgan
subsidiary accounted for 10.2% of our revenues during 2004. Our
agreements with our key customers provide for minimum volumes of
natural gas that each customer must purchase until the
expiration of the term of the applicable agreement, subject to
certain force majeure provisions. Our customers may default on
their obligations to purchase the minimum volumes required under
the applicable agreements. Significant customers of the plants
acquired in the El Paso Acquisition include Marathon
Petroleum, Dufour Petroleum and BASF Corporation. These
customers accounted for approximately 21%, 13% and 9% of sales,
respectively, of liquids produced from the acquired plants in
the nine months ended September 30, 2005. We will
market the majority of the liquids produced from the plants.
Liquids are sold under a combination of short term contracts and
spot market sales.
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Our business involves many hazards and operational risks,
some of which may not be fully covered by insurance. |
Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the
gathering, compressing, treating and processing of natural gas
and storage of residue gas, including:
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damage to pipelines, related equipment and surrounding
properties caused by hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural
disasters and acts of terrorism; |
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inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; |
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leaks of natural gas, NGLs and other hydrocarbons; and |
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fires and explosions. |
These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal
injury and/or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of
property and equipment and pollution or other environmental
damage and may result in curtailment or suspension of our
related operations. Our operations are concentrated in Texas,
Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and a natural disaster
or other hazard affecting this region could have a material
adverse effect on our operations. We are not fully insured
against all risks incident to our business. In accordance with
typical industry practice, we do not have any property insurance
on any of our underground pipeline systems that would cover
damage to the pipelines. We are not insured against all
environmental accidents that might occur, other than those
considered to be sudden and accidental. Our business
interruption insurance covers only our Gregory processing plant.
If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully
insured, it could adversely affect our operations and financial
condition.
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The threat of terrorist attacks has resulted in increased
costs, and future war or risk of war may adversely impact our
results of operations and our ability to raise capital. |
Terrorist attacks or the threat of terrorist attacks cause
instability in the global financial markets and other
industries, including the energy industry. Uncertainty
surrounding retaliatory military strikes or a sustained military
campaign may affect our operations in unpredictable ways,
including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets and the
possibility that infrastructure facilities, including pipelines,
production facilities and transmission and distribution
facilities, could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of
an act of terror. Instability in the financial markets as a
result of terrorism, the war in Iraq or future developments
could also affect our ability to raise capital.
Changes in the insurance markets attributable to the threat of
terrorist attacks have made certain types of insurance more
difficult for us to obtain. Our insurance policies now generally
exclude acts of terrorism. Such insurance is not available at
what we believe to be acceptable pricing levels. A lower level
of economic activity could also result in a decline in energy
consumption, which could adversely affect our revenues or
restrict our future growth. Instability in the financial markets
as a result of terrorism or war could also affect our ability to
raise capital.
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Federal, state or local regulatory measures could
adversely affect our business. |
While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC,
generally does not regulate any of our operations, directly or
indirectly, it influences certain aspects of our business and
the market for our products. As a raw natural gas gatherer, we
generally are exempt from FERC regulation under the Natural Gas
Act of 1938, or NGA, but FERC regulation still significantly
affects our business. In recent years, FERC has pursued
pro-competitive policies in its regulation of interstate natural
gas pipelines. However, we cannot assure you that FERC will
continue this approach as it considers matters such as pipeline
rates and rules and policies that may affect rights of access to
natural gas transportation capacity.
Some of our intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines are
subject to regulation as a common carrier and as a gas utility
by the Texas Railroad Commission, or TRRC. The TRRCs
jurisdiction extends to both rates and pipeline safety. The
rates we charge for transportation services are deemed just and
reasonable under Texas law unless challenged in a complaint.
Should a complaint be filed or should regulation become more
active, our business may be adversely affected.
Other state and local regulations also affect our business. We
are subject to ratable take and common purchaser statutes in the
states where we operate. Ratable take statutes generally require
gatherers to take, without undue discrimination, natural gas
production that may be tendered to the gatherer for handling.
Similarly, common purchaser statutes generally require gatherers
to purchase without undue discrimination as to source of supply
or producer. These statutes have the effect of restricting our
right as an owner of gathering facilities to decide with whom we
contract to purchase or transport natural gas. Federal law
leaves any economic regulation of natural gas gathering to the
states, and some of the states in which we operate
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have adopted complaint-based or other limited economic
regulation of natural gas gathering activities. States in which
we operate that have adopted some form of complaint-based
regulation, like Oklahoma and Texas, generally allow natural gas
producers and shippers to file complaints with state regulators
in an effort to resolve grievances relating to natural gas
gathering access and rate discrimination.
The states in which we conduct operations administer federal
pipeline safety standards under the Pipeline Safety Act of 1968.
The rural gathering exemption under the Natural Gas
Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 presently exempts substantial
portions of our gathering facilities from jurisdiction under
that statute, including those portions located outside of
cities, towns, or any area designated as residential or
commercial, such as a subdivision or shopping center. The
rural gathering exemption, however, may be
restricted in the future, and it does not apply to our natural
gas transmission pipelines. In response to recent pipeline
accidents in other parts of the country, Congress and the
Department of Transportation have passed or are considering
heightened pipeline safety requirements.
Compliance with pipeline integrity regulations issued by the
TRRC, or those issued by the United States Department of
Transportation, or DOT, in December of 2003 could result in
substantial expenditures for testing, repairs and replacement.
TRRC regulations require periodic testing of all intrastate
pipelines meeting certain size and location requirements. Our
costs relating to compliance with the required testing under the
TRRC regulations were approximately $0.1 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2005 and $1.9 million
in 2004 and we expect the costs for compliance with TRRC and DOT
regulations to be $2.4 million in aggregate during 2006 and
2007. If our pipelines fail to meet the safety standards
mandated by the TRRC or the DOT regulations, then we may be
required to repair or replace sections of such pipelines, the
cost of which cannot be estimated at this time.
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Our business involves hazardous substances and may be
adversely affected by environmental regulation. |
Many of the operations and activities of our gathering systems,
plants and other facilities, including the natural gas and
processing liquids business in South Louisiana recently acquired
from El Paso, are subject to significant federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations. These laws and
regulations impose obligations related to air emissions and
discharge of pollutants from our facilities and the cleanup of
hazardous substances and other wastes that may have been
released at properties currently or previously owned or operated
by us or locations to which we have sent wastes for treatment or
disposal. Various governmental authorities have the power to
enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued
under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil
and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or
both. Strict, joint and several liability may be incurred under
these laws and regulations for the remediation of contaminated
areas. Private parties, including the owners of properties
through which our gathering systems pass, may also have the
right to pursue legal actions to enforce compliance as well as
to seek damages for non-compliance with environmental laws and
regulations or for personal injury or property damage.
There is inherent risk of the incurrence of significant
environmental costs and liabilities in our business due to our
handling of natural gas and other petroleum products, air
emissions related to our operations, historical industry
operations, waste disposal practices and the prior use of
natural gas flow meters containing mercury. In addition, the
possibility exists that stricter laws, regulations or
enforcement policies could significantly increase our compliance
costs and the cost of any remediation that may become necessary.
We may incur material environmental costs and liabilities.
Furthermore, our insurance may not provide sufficient coverage
in the event an environmental claim is made against us.
Our business may be adversely affected by increased costs due to
stricter pollution control requirements or liabilities resulting
from non-compliance with required operating or other regulatory
permits. New environmental regulations might adversely affect
our products and activities, including processing, storage and
transportation, as well as waste management and air emissions.
Federal and state agencies could also impose additional safety
requirements, any of which could affect our profitability.
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Our use of derivative financial instruments has in the
past resulted and could in the future result in financial losses
or reduce our income. |
We use over-the-counter price and basis swaps with other natural
gas merchants and financial institutions, and we use futures and
option contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Use
of these instruments is intended to reduce our exposure to
short-term volatility in commodity prices. We could incur
financial losses or fail to recognize the full value of a market
opportunity as a result of volatility in the market values of
the underlying commodities or if one of our counterparties fails
to perform under a contract. For example, at the time we signed
the purchase agreement related to the El Paso Acquisition
in August 2005, we acquired puts which entitle us to sell a
portion of the liquids from the acquired assets at a fixed price
over a two-year period beginning January 1, 2006. Because
we did not own the assets in the third quarter of 2005, the puts
did not qualify for hedge accounting and had to be marked to
market on our consolidated statement of operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. Since there was a
significant increase in NGL prices from the date we signed the
purchase agreement until September 30, 2005, we were
required to recognize a mark to market charge of approximately
$11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2005.
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Due to our lack of asset diversification, adverse
developments in our gathering, transmission, treating,
processing and producer services businesses would reduce our
ability to make distributions to our unitholders. |
We rely exclusively on the revenues generated from our
gathering, transmission, treating, processing and producer
services businesses, and as a result our financial condition
depends upon prices of, and continued demand for, natural gas
and NGLs. Due to our lack of asset diversification, an adverse
development in one of these businesses would have a
significantly greater impact on our financial condition and
results of operations than if we maintained more diverse assets.
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Our success depends on key members of our management, the
loss of whom could disrupt our business operations. |
We depend on the continued employment and performance of the
officers of the general partner of our general partner and key
operational personnel. The general partner of our general
partner has entered into employment agreements with each of its
executive officers. If any of these officers or other key
personnel resign or become unable to continue in their present
roles and are not adequately replaced, our business operations
could be materially adversely affected. We do not maintain any
key man life insurance for any officers.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
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Crosstex Energy, Inc. controls our general partner and
will own a 37.7% limited partner interest in us upon completion
of this offering. Our general partner has conflicts of interest
and limited fiduciary responsibilities, which may permit our
general partner to favor its own interests. |
Following this offering, Crosstex Energy, Inc., or CEI, will
indirectly own an aggregate limited partner interest of
approximately 37.7% in us. In addition, CEI owns and controls
our general partner. Due to its control of our general partner
and the size of its limited partner interest in us, CEI
effectively controls all limited partnership decisions,
including any decisions related to the removal of our general
partner. Conflicts of interest may arise in the future between
CEI and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the
one hand, and our partnership, on the other hand. As a result of
these conflicts our general partner may favor its
S-18
own interests and those of its affiliates over our interests.
These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:
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Conflicts Relating to Control: |
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our partnership agreement limits our general partners
liability and reduces its fiduciary duties, while also
restricting the remedies available to our unitholders for
actions that might, without these limitations, constitute
breaches of fiduciary duty by our general partner; |
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in resolving conflicts of interest, our general partner is
allowed to take into account the interests of parties in
addition to unitholders, which has the effect of limiting its
fiduciary duties to the unitholders; |
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our general partners affiliates may engage in limited
competition with us; |
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our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed
to us by our general partner and its affiliates; |
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our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel,
accountants or others to perform services for us; |
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in some instances our general partner may cause us to borrow
funds from affiliates of the general partner or from third
parties in order to permit the payment of cash distributions,
even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make a
distribution on our subordinated units or to make incentive
distributions or hasten the expiration of the subordination
period; and |
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our partnership agreement gives our general partner broad
discretion in establishing financial reserves for the proper
conduct of our business. These reserves also will affect the
amount of cash available for distribution. Our general partner
may establish reserves for distribution on our subordinated
units, but only if those reserves will not prevent us from
distributing the full minimum quarterly distribution, plus any
arrearages, on the common units for the following four quarters. |
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Conflicts Relating to Costs: |
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our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset
purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuance
of additional limited partner interests and reserves, each of
which can affect the amount of cash that is available for the
payment of principal and interest on the notes; |
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our general partner determines which costs incurred by it and
its affiliates are reimbursable by us; and |
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our general partner is not restricted from causing us to pay it
or its affiliates for any services rendered on terms that are
fair and reasonable to us or entering into additional
contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our
behalf. |
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Our unitholders have no right to elect our general partner
or the directors of its general partner and have limited ability
to remove our general partner. |
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders
have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our
business, and therefore limited ability to influence
managements decisions regarding our business. Unitholders
did not elect our general partner or the board of directors of
its general partner and have no right to elect our general
partner or the board of directors of its general partner on an
annual or other continuing basis.
Furthermore, if unitholders are dissatisfied with the
performance of our general partner, they will have little
ability to remove our general partner. The general partner
generally may not be removed except upon the vote of the holders
of
662/3%
of the outstanding units voting together as a single class.
Because affiliates of the general partner will control
approximately 38.4% of all the units upon completion of this
offering, the general partner could not be removed without the
consent of the general
S-19
partner and its affiliates. Also, if the general partner is
removed without cause during the subordination period and units
held by the general partner and its affiliates are not voted in
favor of that removal, all remaining subordinated units will
automatically be converted into common units and any existing
arrearages on the common units will be extinguished. A removal
without cause would adversely affect the common units by
prematurely eliminating their distribution and liquidation
preference over the subordinated units which would otherwise
have continued until we had met certain distribution and
performance tests.
Cause is narrowly defined to mean that a court of competent
jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment
finding the general partner liable for actual fraud, gross
negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as
our general partner. Cause does not include, in most cases,
charges of poor management of the business, so the removal of
the general partner because of the unitholders
dissatisfaction with the general partners performance in
managing our partnership will most likely result in the
termination of the subordination period.
In addition, unitholders voting rights are further
restricted by the partnership agreement provision providing that
any units held by a person that owns 20% or more of any class of
units then outstanding, other than our general partner, its
affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such
units with the prior approval of the board of directors of the
general partners general partner, cannot be voted on any
matter. In addition, the partnership agreement contains
provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings
or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other
provisions limiting the unitholders ability to influence
the manner or direction of management.
As a result of these provisions, it will be more difficult for a
third party to acquire our partnership without first negotiating
such a purchase with our general partner and, as a result, you
are less likely to receive a takeover premium.
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Cost reimbursements due our general partner may be
substantial and will reduce the cash available for distribution
to you. |
Prior to making any distributions on the units, we reimburse our
general partner and its affiliates, including officers and
directors of our general partner, for all expenses they incur on
our behalf. The reimbursement of expenses could adversely affect
our ability to make distributions to our unitholders. Our
general partner has sole discretion to determine the amount of
these expenses. In addition, our general partner and its
affiliates provide us with services for which we are charged
reasonable fees as determined by our general partner in its sole
discretion.
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The control of our general partner may be transferred to a
third party, and that third party could replace our current
management team. |
The general partner may transfer its general partner interest to
a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially
all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders.
Furthermore, there is no restriction in the partnership
agreement on the ability of the owner of the general partner
from transferring its ownership interest in the general partner
to a third party. The new owner of the general partner would
then be in a position to replace the board of directors and
officers of the general partner with its own choices and to
control the decisions taken by the board of directors and
officers.
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Our general partners absolute discretion in
determining the level of cash reserves may adversely affect our
ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. |
Our partnership agreement requires our general partner to deduct
from operating surplus cash reserves that in its reasonable
discretion are necessary to fund our future operating
expenditures. In addition, the partnership agreement permits our
general partner to reduce available cash by establishing cash
reserves for the proper conduct of our business, to comply with
applicable law or agreements to which we are a party or to
provide funds for future distributions to partners. These cash
reserves will affect the amount of cash available for
distribution to our unitholders.
S-20
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Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce
the remedies available to unitholders for actions that might
otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary duty by our general
partner. |
Our partnership agreement limits the liability and reduces the
fiduciary duties of our general partner to the unitholders. The
partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to
unitholders for actions that would otherwise constitute breaches
of our general partners fiduciary duties. If you choose to
purchase a common unit, you will be treated as having consented
to the various actions contemplated in the partnership agreement
and conflicts of interest that might otherwise be considered a
breach of fiduciary duties under applicable state law.
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We may issue additional common units without your
approval, which would dilute your ownership interests. |
During the subordination period, our general partner, without
the approval of our unitholders, may cause us to issue up to
2,632,000 additional common units. Our general partner may also
cause us to issue an unlimited number of additional common units
or other equity securities of equal rank with the common units,
without unitholder approval, in a number of circumstances such
as:
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the issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions
that increase cash flow from operations per unit on a pro forma
basis; |
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the conversion of subordinated units into common units; |
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the conversion of units of equal rank with the common units into
common units under some circumstances; |
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the conversion of the general partner interest and the incentive
distribution rights into common units as a result of the
withdrawal of our general partner; |
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issuances of common units under our long-term incentive plan; or |
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issuances of common units to repay indebtedness, the cost of
which to service is greater than the distribution obligations
associated with the units issued in connection with the
debts retirement. |
The issuance of additional common units or other equity
securities of equal or senior rank will have the following
effects:
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our unitholders proportionate ownership interest in us
will decrease; |
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the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may
decrease; |
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because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be
subordinated units, the risk that a shortfall in the payment of
the minimum quarterly distribution will be borne by our common
unitholders will increase; |
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit
may be diminished; and |
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the market price of the common units may decline. |
After the end of the subordination period, we may issue an
unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type
without the approval of our unitholders. Our partnership
agreement does not give our unitholders the right to approve our
issuance of equity securities ranking junior to the common units
at any time.
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Our general partner has a limited call right that may
require you to sell your common units at an undesirable time or
price. |
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the
right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its
affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of
the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not
less than their then-current market price. As a result, you may
be required to sell your common units at an undesirable
S-21
time or price and may therefore not receive any return on your
investment. You may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of
your units.
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You may not have limited liability if a court finds that
unitholder action constitutes control of our business. |
You could be held liable for our obligations to the same extent
as a general partner if a court determined that the right or the
exercise of the right by our unitholders to remove or replace
our general partner, to approve amendments to our partnership
agreement, or to take other action under our partnership
agreement constituted participation in the control
of our business, to the extent that a person who has transacted
business with the partnership reasonably believes, based on your
conduct, that you are a general partner. Our general partner
generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the
partnership, such as its debts and environmental liabilities,
except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that
are expressly made without recourse to our general partner. In
addition, Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform
Limited Partnership Act provides that a limited partner who
receives a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution
that the distribution was in violation of that section may be
liable to the limited partnership for the amount of the
distribution for a period of three years from the date of the
distribution. The limitations on the liability of holders of
limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited
partnership have not been clearly established in some of the
other states in which we do business.
Tax Risks to Our Unitholders
You are urged to read Material Tax Consequences for
a more complete discussion of the expected material federal
income tax consequences of owning and disposing of common units.
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Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes, as well as our not being
subject to entity-level taxation by individual states. If the
IRS treats us as a corporation or we become subject to
entity-level taxation for state tax purposes, it would
substantially reduce the amount of cash available for
distribution to you. |
The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in
us depends largely on our being treated as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not
plan to request, a ruling from the IRS on this or any other
matter affecting us.
If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, we would pay tax on our income at corporate rates of
up to 35% (under the law as of the date of this prospectus) and
we would probably pay state income taxes as well. In addition,
distributions to unitholders would generally be taxed again as
corporate distributions and none of our income, gains, losses,
or deductions would flow through to unitholders. Because a tax
would be imposed upon us as a corporation, the cash available
for distribution to unitholders would be substantially reduced.
Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a
material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax
return to the unitholders and thus would likely result in a
material reduction in the value of the common units.
A change in current law or a change in our business could cause
us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes or otherwise subject us to entity-level taxation. In
addition, because of widespread state budget deficits, several
states are evaluating ways to subject partnerships to
entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income,
franchise and other forms of taxation. If any of these states
were to impose a tax on us, the cash available for distribution
to unitholders would be reduced. Our partnership agreement
provides that, if a law is enacted or existing law is modified
or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to taxation as a
corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation
for federal, state, or local income tax purposes, the minimum
quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution
amounts will be decreased to reflect the impact of that law on
us.
S-22
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A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax
positions we take may adversely impact the market for our common
units and the costs of any contest will be borne by us and,
therefore, indirectly by our unitholders and our general
partner. |
We have not requested any ruling from the IRS with respect to
our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes
or any other matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions
that differ from our counsels conclusions expressed in
this prospectus or from the positions we take. It may be
necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to
sustain some or all of our counsels conclusions or the
positions we take. A court may not agree with all of our
counsels conclusions or the positions we take. Any contest
with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for
our common units and the prices at which our common units trade.
In addition, our costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne
by us and therefore indirectly by our unitholders and our
general partner since such costs will reduce the amount of cash
available for distribution by us.
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Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on income from us
even if they do not receive any cash distributions from
us. |
Because our unitholders will be treated as partners to whom we
will allocate taxable income which could be different in amount
than the cash we distribute, they will be required to pay
federal income taxes and, in some cases, state, local, and
foreign income taxes on their share of our taxable income even
if they do not receive cash distributions from us. Unitholders
may not receive cash distributions equal to their share of our
taxable income or even the tax liability that results from that
income.
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Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units
could be different than expected. |
Unitholders who sell common units will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized and their
tax basis in those common units. Prior distributions in excess
of the total net taxable income allocated for a common unit,
which decreased the tax basis in that common unit, will, in
effect, become taxable income to the unitholder if the common
unit is sold at a price greater than the tax basis in that
common unit, even if the price received is less than the
original cost. A substantial portion of the amount realized,
whether or not representing gain, will likely be ordinary income
to the unitholder. Should the IRS successfully contest some
positions we take, unitholders could recognize more gain on the
sale of units than would be the case under those positions,
without the benefit of decreased income in prior years. In
addition, unitholders who sell units may incur a tax liability
in excess of the amount of cash they receive from the sale.
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Tax-exempt entities and foreign persons face unique tax
issues from owning common units that may result in adverse tax
consequences to them. |
Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as
individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs) and
non-U.S. persons, raises issues unique to them. For
example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations
exempt from federal income tax, including individual retirement
accounts and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business
income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to
non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding taxes, at
the highest applicable effective tax rate, and
non-U.S. persons will be required to file federal income
tax returns and generally pay tax on their share of our taxable
income. If you are a tax-exempt entity or a foreign person, you
should consult your tax advisor before investing in our common
units.
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We will determine the tax benefits that are available to
an owner of units without regard to the units purchased. The IRS
may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the
value of the common units. |
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common
units and because of other reasons, we will take depreciation
and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects
of the Treasury regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those
positions could adversely affect the amount of tax benefits
S-23
available to unitholders. It also could affect the timing of
these tax benefits or the amount of gain from the sale of common
units and could have a negative impact on the value of our
common units or result in audit adjustments to the tax returns
of unitholders.
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The sale or exchange of 50% or more of our capital and
profits interests within a 12-month period will result in the
termination of our partnership for federal income tax
purposes. |
We will be considered to have terminated our partnership for
federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of
50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits
within a 12-month period. Our termination would, among other
things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all
unitholders and could result in a deferral of depreciation
deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. Please
read Material Tax Consequences Disposition of
Common Units Constructive Termination for a
discussion of the consequences of our termination for federal
income tax purposes.
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As a result of investing in our common units, unitholders
will likely be subject to state and local taxes and return
filing requirements in jurisdictions where they do not
live. |
In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be
subject to other taxes such as state and local income taxes,
unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions
in which we do business or own property. Unitholders will likely
be required to file state, local and foreign income tax returns
and pay state, local and foreign income taxes in some or all of
the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own
property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply
with those requirements. We own property or conduct business in
Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi
and Alabama. Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas,
Mississippi and Alabama impose an income tax, generally. Texas
does not impose a state income tax on individuals, but does
impose a franchise tax on limited liability companies and
corporations in certain circumstances. Texas does not impose a
franchise tax on partnerships at this time. We may do business
or own property in other states or foreign countries in the
future. It is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all
federal, state, local, and foreign tax returns. Our counsel has
not rendered an opinion on the state, local, or foreign tax
consequences of owning our common units.
S-24
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from this offering will be approximately
$121.4 million, or approximately $139.7 million if the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units is
exercised in full, in each case, including our general
partners proportionate capital contribution and after
deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses payable by us.
We will use the net proceeds from this offering to repay a
portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our credit
facility. Any proceeds received from the exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units
will be used to further repay indebtedness under our credit
facility. Affiliates of each of Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC,
RBC Capital Markets Corporation and Harris Nesbitt Corp. are
lenders under our credit facility and will receive a portion of
the net proceeds of this offering through such repayment. Please
see Underwriting.
As of November 1, 2005, total borrowings under our
$750 million credit facility were approximately
$462 million, and it had a weighted average interest rate
of 6.08%. The credit facility has a maturity date of
November 1, 2010. Borrowings under the credit facility
during 2005 were used to refinance our prior revolving credit
facility and for acquisitions, including the El Paso
Acquisition and for capital projects, including the North Texas
Pipeline project.
S-25
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
September 30, 2005 on:
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a historical basis; |
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on a pro forma basis to give effect to (i) the consummation
of the El Paso Acquisition, (ii) the incurrence of
approximately $388.4 million of indebtedness under our
credit facility incurred to refinance our prior revolving credit
facility and to finance a portion of the purchase price of the
El Paso Acquisition and (iii) our private placement of
Senior Subordinated Series B Units, which converted to our
common units on November 14, 2005, the net proceeds of
which (including a $2.1 million capital contribution from
our general partner) were used to finance a portion of the
purchase price of the El Paso Acquisition; and |
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on a pro forma basis as adjusted to give effect to (i) the
issuance of 3,500,000 common units in this offering, assuming an
offering price to the public of $35.56 per common unit,
(ii) our general partners capital contribution and
(iii) and the application of the net proceeds from this
offering as described in Use of Proceeds. |
You should read our financial statements and notes that are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement for
additional information about our capital structure.
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As of September 30, 2005 | |
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Pro Forma | |
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Historical | |
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Pro Forma | |
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As Adjusted | |
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(In thousands) | |
Debt:
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Bank credit facility
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$ |
65,000 |
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$ |
453,356 |
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$ |
331,986 |
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Senior secured notes
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115,000 |
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115,000 |
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115,000 |
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Other
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650 |
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650 |
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650 |
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Total debt
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180,650 |
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569,006 |
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447,636 |
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Partners equity:
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Common unitholders
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103,473 |
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103,473 |
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222,303 |
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Subordinated unitholders
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16,933 |
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16,933 |
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16,933 |
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Senior subordinated unitholders
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49,921 |
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154,871 |
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154,871 |
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General partner interest
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5,374 |
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7,517 |
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10,057 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
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(14,183 |
) |
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(14,183 |
) |
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(14,183 |
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Total partners equity
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161,518 |
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268,611 |
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389,981 |
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Total capitalization
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$ |
342,168 |
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$ |
837,617 |
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$ |
837,617 |
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S-26
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Our common units are listed on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol XTEX. The following table shows the high
and low closing sales prices per common unit, as reported by the
Nasdaq National Market, for the periods indicated.
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Common Unit | |
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Price Range (a) | |
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Cash Distribution | |
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High | |
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Low | |
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Paid Per Unit (a)(b) | |
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2005:
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|
|
Quarter Ended December 31 (through November 11, 2005)
|
|
$ |
37.39 |
|
|
$ |
35.56 |
|
|
|
N/A |
(c) |
|
Quarter Ended September 30
|
|
|
44.90 |
|
|
|
38.51 |
|
|
|
N/A |
(d) |
|
Quarter Ended June 30
|
|
|
38.78 |
|
|
|
32.68 |
|
|
$ |
0.47 |
|
|
Quarter Ended March 31
|
|
|
36.70 |
|
|
|
31.90 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended December 31
|
|
$ |
33.00 |
|
|
$ |
29.91 |
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30
|
|
|
31.65 |
|
|
|
26.42 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
Quarter Ended June 30
|
|
|
29.72 |
|
|
|
24.38 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
Quarter Ended March 31
|
|
|
28.03 |
|
|
|
20.38 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended December 31
|
|
$ |
21.79 |
|
|
$ |
19.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.375 |
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30
|
|
|
19.90 |
|
|
|
16.63 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
Quarter Ended June 30
|
|
|
17.20 |
|
|
|
12.18 |
|
|
|
0.275 |
|
|
Quarter Ended March 31
|
|
|
12.25 |
|
|
|
10.74 |
|
|
|
0.288 |
(e) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Unit prices and cash distributions per unit have been adjusted
for the two-for-one unit split on March 29, 2004. |
|
(b) |
|
For each quarter, an identical cash distribution was paid on all
outstanding subordinated units. |
|
(c) |
|
We expect to declare and pay a cash distribution for the quarter
ended December 31, 2005 within 45 days following the
end of such quarter. |
|
(d) |
|
On October 20, 2005, we announced that on November 15,
2005 we will pay a quarterly distribution of $0.49 per unit
to our common and subordinated unitholders of record on
November 1, 2005. |
|
(e) |
|
Reflects minimum quarterly distribution of $0.25 for the quarter
ended March 31, 2003 and the pro rata portion of the $0.25
minimum quarterly distribution, covering the period from the
December 17, 2002 closing of our initial public offering
through December 31, 2002. |
The last reported sale price of our common units on the Nasdaq
National Market on November 11, 2005 was $35.56 per
unit. As of October 14, 2005, there were approximately
7,700 record holders and beneficial owners (held in street
name) of our common units and one record holder of our
subordinated units. There is no established public trading
market for our subordinated units.
S-27
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Introduction
The following are our unaudited combined pro forma balance sheet
as of September 30, 2005 and our unaudited combined pro
forma statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2005.
The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet assumes that the
following transactions occurred on September 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
the acquisition of CFS Louisiana Midstream Company and
El Paso Dauphin Island Company, L.L.C. from subsidiaries of
El Paso Corporation for $486.4 million and direct
acquisition costs of $3.5 million; |
|
|
|
borrowings under our amended credit facility of
$382.9 million to finance the El Paso Acquisition and
$5.5 million of fees to amend our credit facility; |
|
|
|
our offering of 2,850,165 Senior Subordinated Series B
Units for net proceeds of $107.1 million, including a
$2.1 million capital contribution from our general partner,
the proceeds of which were used to finance the El Paso
Acquisition; and |
|
|
|
our offering of 3,500,000 common units for net proceeds of
approximately $121.4 million (after deducting public
offering fees of $5.6 million), including a
$2.5 million capital contribution from our general partner,
the proceeds of which will be used to reduce outstanding bank
debt under our credit facility. |
Our unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for
the year ended December 31, 2004 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 reflect the aforementioned transactions
as if each such transaction occurred as of January 1, 2004.
Our unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 2004 reflects our previously
disclosed April 2004 acquisition of LIG Pipeline Company and
Subsidiaries (LIG) as if the transaction occurred on
January 1, 2004.
The pro forma balance sheet and the pro forma statements of
operations were derived by adjusting the historical financial
statements of Crosstex Energy, L.P. The adjustments are based on
currently available information and, therefore, the actual
adjustments may differ from the pro forma adjustments.
The pro forma statements of operations have also been derived
from El Pasos historical accounting records and are
presented on a carve-out basis to include the historical
operations applicable to CFS Louisiana Midstream Company and
El Paso Dauphin Island Company, L.L.C. The historical
statements of direct revenues and expenses for these entities
vary from an income statement in that they do not show certain
expenses that were incurred in connection with El Paso
Corporations and its subsidiaries ownership of the
acquired companies, including general and administrative
expenses and income taxes. These costs were not separately
allocated to the acquired companies and any pro forma allocation
would not be a reliable estimate of what these costs would
actually have been had the acquired companies been operated
historically as stand-alone entities. In addition, these
allocations, if made using historical general and administrative
structures and tax burdens, would not produce allocations that
would be indicative of the acquired companies historical
performance due to greatly different size, structure,
operations, and accounting of El Paso Corporation and its
subsidiaries.
Full separate financial statements prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles are not presented
because the information necessary to prepare such statements is
neither readily available on an individual property basis nor
practicable to obtain in these circumstances.
However, management believes that the adjustments provide a
reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects of the
El Paso Acquisition and the other transactions. The unaudited
pro forma combined financial statements do not purport to
present the financial position or results of operations of
Crosstex Energy, L.P. had the El Paso Acquisition or the other
transactions actually been completed as of the dates indicated.
Moreover, the statements do not project the financial position
or results of operations of Crosstex Energy, L.P. for any future
date or period.
S-28
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2005
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crosstex | |
|
|
|
|
|
Offering | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
3,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,055 |
|
|
Accounts and notes receivable, net:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade, accrued revenue, and other
|
|
|
332,006 |
|
|
$ |
60,522 |
(a) |
|
|
392,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
392,528 |
|
|
|
Related party
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
373 |
|
|
Fair value of derivative assets
|
|
|
18,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,458 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses, natural gas in storage and other
|
|
|
5,854 |
|
|
|
31,264 |
(a) |
|
|
37,118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
359,746 |
|
|
|
91,786 |
|
|
|
451,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
451,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
370,405 |
|
|
|
245,500 |
(a) |
|
|
615,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
615,905 |
|
Fair value of derivative assets
|
|
|
9,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,132 |
|
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
|
|
|
4,650 |
|
|
|
245,500 |
(a) |
|
|
250,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,150 |
|
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization
|
|
|
6,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,568 |
|
Other assets, net
|
|
|
4,290 |
|
|
|
5,524 |
(a) |
|
|
9,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
754,791 |
|
|
$ |
588,310 |
|
|
$ |
1,343,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,343,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable, drafts payables, and accrued gas purchases
|
|
$ |
346,976 |
|
|
$ |
84,710 |
(a) |
|
$ |
431,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
431,686 |
|
|
Fair value of derivative liabilities
|
|
|
32,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,532 |
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
4,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,168 |
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
17,300 |
|
|
|
8,151 |
(a) |
|
|
25,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
400,976 |
|
|
|
92,861 |
|
|
|
493,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
493,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes Payable
|
|
|
110,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,882 |
|
|
|
|
Notes Payable-Banks
|
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
388,356 |
(a) |
|
|
453,356 |
|
|
|
(121,370 |
)(b) |
|
|
331,986 |
|
|
|
|
Notes Payable-Other
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
176,482 |
|
|
|
388,356 |
|
|
|
564,838 |
|
|
|
(121,370 |
) |
|
|
443,468 |
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
7,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,720 |
|
Minority interest in subsidiary
|
|
|
4,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,663 |
|
Fair value of derivative liabilities
|
|
|
3,432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,432 |
|
Partners equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common unitholders
|
|
|
103,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103,463 |
|
|
|
118,830 |
(b) |
|
|
222,293 |
|
|
Subordinated unitholders
|
|
|
16,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,933 |
|
|
Senior subordinated unitholders
|
|
|
49,921 |
|
|
|
104,950 |
(a) |
|
|
154,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154,871 |
|
|
General partner interest
|
|
|
5,384 |
|
|
|
2,143 |
(a) |
|
|
7,527 |
|
|
|
2,540 |
(b) |
|
|
10,067 |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
|
(14,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total partners equity
|
|
|
161,518 |
|
|
|
107,093 |
|
|
|
268,611 |
|
|
|
121,370 |
|
|
|
389,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and partners equity
|
|
$ |
754,791 |
|
|
$ |
588,310 |
|
|
$ |
1,343,101 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,343,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S-29
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2004
(In thousands, except per unit data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crosstex | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
LIG | |
|
El Paso | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midstream
|
|
$ |
1,948,021 |
|
|
$ |
201,280 |
|
|
$ |
330,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,479,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,479,682 |
|
|
Treating
|
|
|
30,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,755 |
|
|
Profit on commercial services activities
|
|
|
2,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
1,981,004 |
|
|
|
201,280 |
|
|
|
330,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,512,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,512,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midstream purchased gas
|
|
|
1,861,204 |
|
|
|
194,278 |
|
|
|
256,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,311,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,311,643 |
|
|
Treating purchased gas
|
|
|
5,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,274 |
|
|
Operating expense
|
|
|
38,340 |
|
|
|
4,205 |
|
|
|
25,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,124 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
20,866 |
|
|
|
1,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,821 |
|
|
Loss (profit) on derivatives
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
Loss (gain) on sale of property
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
23,034 |
|
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,733 |
(c) |
|
|
56,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
315 |
(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
1,948,427 |
|
|
|
201,350 |
|
|
|
281,740 |
|
|
|
33,048 |
|
|
|
2,464,565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,464,565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
32,577 |
|
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
48,641 |
|
|
|
(33,048 |
) |
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense net
|
|
|
(9,220 |
) |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,999 |
)(e) |
|
|
(26,152 |
) |
|
|
6,023 |
(k) |
|
|
(20,129 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,105 |
)(f) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(782 |
)(g) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income affiliated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(108 |
)(h) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(8,422 |
) |
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,994 |
) |
|
|
(25,271 |
) |
|
|
6,023 |
|
|
|
(19,248 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before minority interest and taxes
|
|
|
24,155 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
48,641 |
|
|
|
(50,042 |
) |
|
|
22,829 |
|
|
|
6,023 |
|
|
|
28,852 |
|
Minority interest in subsidiary
|
|
|
(289 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(289 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(289 |
) |
Income tax provision
|
|
|
(162 |
) |
|
|
(274 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
223 |
(i) |
|
|
(213 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(213 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
23,704 |
|
|
$ |
(199 |
) |
|
$ |
48,641 |
|
|
$ |
(49,819 |
) |
|
$ |
22,327 |
|
|
$ |
6,023 |
|
|
$ |
28,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General partner interest in net income
|
|
$ |
5,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
830 |
(j) |
|
$ |
6,743 |
|
|
|
1,173 |
(l) |
|
$ |
7,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partner interest in net income
|
|
$ |
17,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
20,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per unit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
0.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
0.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average units outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
18,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,850 |
|
|
|
20,931 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
24,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
18,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,850 |
|
|
|
21,483 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
24,983 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S-30
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
(In thousands, except per unit data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crosstex | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
Historical | |
|
El Paso | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midstream
|
|
$ |
1,928,330 |
|
|
$ |
270,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,199,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,199,158 |
|
|
Treating
|
|
|
34,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,064 |
|
|
Profit on Commercial Services activities
|
|
|
1,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
1,963,551 |
|
|
|
270,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,234,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,234,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midstream purchased gas
|
|
|
1,851,418 |
|
|
|
225,598 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,077,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,077,016 |
|
|
Treating purchased gas
|
|
|
5,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,996 |
|
|
Operating Expense
|
|
|
37,598 |
|
|
|
18,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,948 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,948 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
22,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,337 |
|
|
Loss (profit) on energy trading activities
|
|
|
13,679 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,679 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,679 |
|
|
Loss (gain) on sale of property
|
|
|
(7,797 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,797 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,797 |
) |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
22,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,550 |
(c) |
|
|
46,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
1,945,365 |
|
|
|
243,948 |
|
|
|
24,550 |
|
|
|
2,213,863 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,213,863 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
18,186 |
|
|
|
26,880 |
|
|
|
(24,550 |
) |
|
|
20,516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,516 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense net
|
|
|
(9,323 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,260 |
)(e) |
|
|
(26,412 |
) |
|
|
6,080 |
(k) |
|
|
(20,332 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(829 |
)(f) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(8,943 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17,089 |
) |
|
|
(26,032 |
) |
|
|
6,080 |
|
|
|
(19,952 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before minority interest and taxes
|
|
|
9,243 |
|
|
|
26,880 |
|
|
|
(41,639 |
) |
|
|
(5,516 |
) |
|
|
6,080 |
|
|
|
564 |
|
Minority interest in subsidiary
|
|
|
(331 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(331 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(331 |
) |
Income tax provision
|
|
|
(176 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(176 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(176 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (loss)
|
|
$ |
8,736 |
|
|
$ |
26,880 |
|
|
$ |
(41,639 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,023 |
) |
|
$ |
6,080 |
|
|
$ |
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General partner interest in net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
5,216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
737 |
(j) |
|
$ |
5,953 |
|
|
|
1,389 |
(l) |
|
$ |
7,342 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partner interest in net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
3,520 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(11,976 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(7,285 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per unit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.54 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average units outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
18,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,850 |
(a) |
|
|
20,976 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
(b) |
|
|
24,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
19,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,850 |
(a) |
|
|
22,221 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
(b) |
|
|
25,721 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S-31
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except unit data)
Offering and Transactions
The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet assumes that the
following transactions occurred on September 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
the acquisition of CFS Louisiana Midstream Company and El Paso
Dauphin Island Company, L.L.C. from subsidiaries of El Paso
Corporation for $486.4 million and direct acquisition costs
of $3.5 million; |
|
|
|
borrowings under our amended credit facility of
$382.9 million to finance the El Paso Acquisition and
$5.5 million of fees to refinance our credit facility; |
|
|
|
our offering of 2,850,165 Senior Subordinated Series B
Units for net proceeds of $107.1 million, including a
$2.1 million capital contribution from our general partner,
the proceeds of which were used to finance the El Paso
Acquisition; and |
|
|
|
our offering of 3,500,000 common units for net proceeds of
approximately $121.4 million (after deducting public
offering fees of $5.6 million), including a
$2.5 million capital contribution from our general partner,
the proceeds of which will be used to reduce outstanding bank
debt under our credit facility. |
Our unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for
the year ended December 31, 2004 and the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 reflect the aforementioned transactions
as if each such transaction occurred as of January 1, 2004.
Our unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 2004 reflects our previously
disclosed April 2004 acquisition of LIG as if the transaction
occurred on January 1, 2004.
Pro Forma Adjustments to Balance Sheet
(a) Reflects the acquisition of assets and assumption of
liabilities from El Paso for $486.4 million, and
$3.5 million for direct acquisition costs. The acquisition
was funded by increased borrowings under our credit facility of
$388.4 million, including $5.5 million in fees and
expenses for an amendment to increase our borrowing capacity by
$500 million, and net proceeds of $107.1 million,
including a $2.1 million capital contribution from our
general partner, from the sale of 2,850,165 Senior Subordinated
Series B Units at a purchase price of $36.84 per unit.
These Senior Subordinated Series B Units will not
participate in the third quarter 2005 distribution, but
converted to common units on November 14, 2005.
We have accounted for the El Paso Acquisition as a business
combination in accordance with the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 Business
Combinations. The purchase price allocation, based on a third
party preliminary valuation report shown below, for these pro
formas assumes a fifteen year estimated useful life for both the
tangible and intangible assets acquired. The actual purchase
price allocation may differ from the allocation reflected herein.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase Price to El Paso
|
|
$ |
486.4 |
|
|
|
million |
|
Direct acquisition costs
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Purchase Price
|
|
$ |
489.9 |
|
|
|
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets acquired
|
|
$ |
91.8 |
|
|
|
million |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(92.9) |
|
|
|
million |
|
Property plant and equipment
|
|
|
245.5 |
|
|
|
million |
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
245.5 |
|
|
|
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Purchase Price
|
|
$ |
489.9 |
|
|
|
million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S-32
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(b) Reflects the offering of 3,500,000 common units for
gross proceeds of $127.0 million, including
$2.5 million capital contribution from our general partner
less public offering fees of $5.6 million. These net
proceeds of $121.4 million were used to pay down
outstanding bank debt incurred in our El Paso acquisition.
Pro Forma Adjustments to Combined Statement of Operations
(c) Reflects additional depreciation and amortization
expenses realized from the assets acquired from El Paso as
if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2004. The
additional depreciation and amortization expenses were
calculated based on a straight line basis over an estimated
fifteen years, based on the preliminary valuation report.
(d) Reflects additional depreciation and amortization
expenses realized from the assets acquired from the LIG
acquisition. Pro forma depreciation and amortization expense was
based on estimated useful lives of fifteen years for the
acquired transmission assets, three years for acquired vehicles
and three years for the intangible assets.
(e) Reflects additional interest expense related to the
increased borrowings on our credit facility to consummate the El
Paso Acquisition. The applicable interest rates used were 3.86%
for the year ended December 31, 2004, and 5.58% for the
nine months ended September 30, 2005. The effects of
fluctuations of 0.125% and 0.25% in annual interest rates under
the Partnerships credit facility on pro forma interest
expense would have been approximately $0.5 million and
$1.0 million, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2004. The effect of fluctuations of 0.125% and
0.25% in interest rates under our credit facility on
pro forma interest expense for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 would have been approximately
$0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
(f) Reflects increased amortization of debt issue costs
incurred in negotiating increased borrowing capacity under our
credit facility to provide funds for the El Paso Acquisition.
These costs were amortized based on the five years remaining on
the credit facility term as of the acquisition date.
(g) Reflects the increase of interest expense resulting
from borrowings under our senior secured credit facility of
$69.8 million for the LIG acquisition. The applicable
interest rate used was 4.13% for the three months ended
March 31, 2004.
(h) Reflects the elimination of interest income from
LIGs former parent company.
(i) Reflects the adjustment of income tax expense for the
estimated tax expense associated with our new LIG entities. The
new LIG entities we formed for the LIG acquisition are treated
as C corporations for tax purposes and therefore are required to
pay income tax on their net income. The purpose of the corporate
structure of the new LIG entities is twofold: (i) to obtain
a step-up in the depreciable basis of the assets for the
unitholders and (ii) to minimize the tax cost to achieve the
step-up. We will recognize a current tax expense on the LIG
entities net taxable income and will receive a benefit for the
reversal of the deferred tax liability relating to the
difference between the book and tax basis of the net assets
acquired as of the acquisition date.
(j) Reflects the increase in the net income allocation to
our general partner due to the increase in incentive
distributions to our general partner based on historical
distribution rates per unit per quarter applied to additional
Senior Subordinated Series B Units issued to fund the El
Paso Acquisition less the general partners proportionate
2% share of decreased pro forma net income relative to the
acquisition adjustments and pro forma adjustments.
(k) Reflects the reduction of interest expense realized
from the repayment of $121.4 million of outstanding
borrowings under our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit
Facility. In addition, based on the applicable margin determined
as a function of the leverage ratio, each as defined in the
credit facility, we have applied a 50 basis point interest
rate reduction to our outstanding borrowings under the credit
facility as
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CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
if this transaction occurred on January 1, 2004. The
applicable interest rates used were 3.36% for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 5.08% for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. The effects of fluctuations of 0.125%
and 0.25% in annual interest rates under the credit facility on
pro forma interest expense after reflecting the reduction from
the receipt of net proceeds from the public offering would have
been approximately $0.4 million and $0.8 million,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2004. The
effect of fluctuations of 0.125% and 0.25% in interest rates
under the credit facility on pro forma interest expense after
reflecting the reduction from the receipt of net proceeds from
the public offering would have been approximately
$0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the
nine months ended September 30, 2005.
(l) Reflects the increase in the net income allocation to
our general partner due to the increase in incentive
distributions to our general partner based on historical
distribution rates per unit per quarter applied to the offering
of the 3,500,000 common units plus the general partners
proportionate 2% share of increased pro forma net income
relative to the pro forma adjustments.
S-34
EL PASO ACQUISITION
Overview of the El Paso Acquisition
On November 1, 2005, we acquired El Paso
Corporations natural gas processing and liquids business
in South Louisiana for approximately $486.4 million. The
assets acquired include a total of 2.3 Bcf/d of processing
capacity, 66,000 barrels per day of fractionation capacity,
2.4 million barrels of underground storage and
140 miles of liquids transport lines. We believe the
El Paso Acquisition will provide us with several key
strategic benefits, including:
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the opportunity to participate in the growing development of
deepwater Gulf of Mexico reserves; |
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the opportunity to establish a significant presence in the
natural gas liquids marketing business; |
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the opportunity to realize operating efficiencies with our
existing asset base in Louisiana, including the ability to shift
processing from some of our plants acquired with the LIG system
to plants acquired from El Paso that have additional
capacity, reducing our overall operating costs and freeing
certain LIG assets to be redeployed to underserved
markets; and |
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a larger business platform from which we can grow our midstream
operations. |
The primary facilities and other assets we acquired consist of:
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Eunice Processing Plant and Fractionation Facility. The
Eunice facilities are located near Eunice, Louisiana. The Eunice
processing plant has a capacity of 1.2 Bcf/d and was
processing in excess of 787 million cubic feet per day
(MMcf /d) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. The plant is connected to onshore,
continental shelf and deepwater gas production and has
downstream connections to the ANR Pipeline, Florida Gas
Transmission and Texas Gas Transmission. As of
September 30, 2005, the Eunice plant was serving 44 gas
processing customers. Approximately 61% of the contracts with
these customers are on a percentage of proceeds basis and the
remaining 39% of such contracts are fee-based. The Eunice
fractionation facility has a capacity of 36,000 barrels per
day of liquid products. This facility also has
190,000 barrels of above ground storage capacity. The
fractionation facility produces propane, iso-butane, normal
butane and natural gasoline for customers such as Westlake,
Econogas, Dufour, Ferrell Gas, Hercules and Marathon. The
fractionation facility is directly connected to the Southeast
propane market and pipelines to the Anse La Butte storage
facility. In connection with the acquisition of this facility,
we also acquired a three-year storage agreement with the Anse
La Butte facility. |
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Pelican Processing Plant. The Pelican processing plant
complex is located in Patterson, Louisiana. The Pelican plant
expansion was completed in September 2005. The expansion doubled
the designed capacity of the plant from 300 MMcf /d to
600 MMcf /d. For the nine months ended September 30,
2005, the plant was processing approximately 311 MMcf /d.
The Pelican plant was serving 37 gas processing customers as of
September 30, 2005. Approximately 67% of the contracts with
such customers are on a percentage of proceeds basis and 33% of
such contracts are fee-based. The Pelican plant is connected
with continental shelf and deepwater production and has
downstream connections to the ANR Pipeline. |
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Sabine Pass Processing Plant. The Sabine Pass processing
plant is located 15 miles east of the Sabine River at
Johnsons Bayou, Louisiana and has a processing capacity of
300 MMcf /d. For the nine months ended September 30,
2005, this facility was processing approximately 235 MMcf
/d. The Sabine Pass plant is connected to continental shelf and
deepwater gas production with downstream connections to Florida
Gas Transmission, Tennessee Gas Pipeline and Transco. As of
September 30, 2005, the Sabine Pass facility was serving
approximately 26 gas producing customers. Approximately 69% of
the contracts with such customers are on a percentage of
proceeds basis. The remaining 31% of such contracts are
fee-based. |
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Blue Water Gas Processing Plant. We acquired a 23.85%
interest in the Blue Water gas processing plant, which
represents net capacity to the acquired interest of
186 MMcf /d, of which approximately |
S-35
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52 MMcf /d was being used for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. The Blue Water plant is located near
Crowley, Louisiana and is operated by ExxonMobil. The Blue Water
facility is connected to continental shelf and deepwater
production volumes through the Blue Water pipeline system.
Downstream connections from this plant include the Tennessee Gas
Pipeline and Columbia Gulf. The facility also performs LNG
conditioning services for the Excelerate Energy LNG tanker
unloading facility. As of September 30, 2005, the Blue
Water facility served approximately 14 gas producing customers.
All of the contracts with such customers are on a percentage of
proceeds basis. |
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Riverside Fractionation Plant. The Riverside fractionator
and loading facility is located on the Mississippi River upriver
from Geismar, Louisiana. The Riverside plant has a fractionation
capacity of 28,000 to 30,000 barrels per day of liquids
products and fractionates liquids delivered by the Cajun Sibon
pipeline system from the Pelican, Blue Water and Cow Island
plants or by truck. The Riverside facility has above ground
storage capacity of approximately 102,000 barrels. |
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Napoleonville Storage Facility. The Napoleonville natural
gas liquid storage facility is connected to the Riverside
facility and has a total capacity of 2.4 million barrels of
underground storage. |
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Cajun Sibon Pipeline System. The Cajun Sibon pipeline
system consists of 140 miles of 6-inch and 8-inch pipelines
with a system capacity of 28,000 Bbls /day. The pipeline
transports raw make from the Pelican Complex and the Blue Water
Plant to either the Riverside Fractionator or the Napoleonville
storage facility. Alternate deliveries can be made to the Eunice
Plant. |
Hurricane Rita struck the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana the
last week of September 2005 causing minor damage to the Sabine
Pass processing plant. El Paso bore the costs of the
repairs to this plant, which is now complete, and the facility
is expected to recommence operations by the end of November
2005. All other facilities were operational after minor clean-up
from the storms, although throughput has not yet returned to
pre-storm levels.
These facilities are well positioned to continue to benefit from
their proximity to the high activity central and western Gulf of
Mexico production areas. Gulf of Mexico production is expected
to remain a vital source of natural gas supply for the United
States, accounting for 19% to 21% of estimated natural gas
consumption between 2004 and 2013 according to the MMS.
Furthermore, deepwater production is expected to increase
significantly over the next decade. These expected increases are
primarily related to large-scale development projects that
continue to benefit from technological advances, royalty relief
and strong commodity prices.
We estimate that deepwater inlet volumes processed at these
facilities will increase from approximately 25% to 50% of total
gas processed within the next five years. The majority of gas
produced in the deepwater is associated gas produced from oil
wells, which results in a gas stream that is richer in
liquifiable hydrocarbons (approximately two to three times the
concentration of typical continental shelf gas). Given the
rich nature of deepwater gas production and its
significant expected growth, the acquired assets strategic
location offers a unique opportunity to benefit from increasing
gallons of NGLs available for recovery.
Overview of the El Paso Acquisition Financing
Concurrently with the closing of the El Paso Acquisition,
we amended our existing senior secured credit facility and
increased our borrowing capacity by $500 million to a total
borrowing capacity of $750 million. We financed the
El Paso Acquisition and refinanced our existing credit
facility and related costs through borrowings of approximately
$462 million under the amended credit facility and through
a private placement of 2,850,165 of our Senior Subordinated
Series B Units to institutional investors at a price of
$36.84 per unit, which resulted in net proceeds to us of
$107.1 million, including a $2.1 million capital
contribution from our general partner. The Senior Subordinated
Series B Units are a new class of equity securities of the
Partnership. The Senior Subordinated Series B Units
automatically converted into our common units at a conversion
rate of one common unit for each Senior Subordinated
Series B Unit on November 14, 2005.
S-36
MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
This section discusses the material tax consequences that may be
relevant to prospective unitholders who are individual citizens
or residents of the United States. It is based upon current
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, existing regulations,
proposed regulations to the extent noted, and current
administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are
subject to change. Later changes in these authorities may cause
the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences
described below. Unless the context otherwise requires,
references in this section to us or we
are references to Crosstex Energy, L.P. and Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P.
No attempt has been made in the following discussion to comment
on all federal income tax matters affecting us or the
unitholders. Moreover, the discussion focuses on unitholders who
are individual citizens or residents of the United States and
has only limited application to corporations, estates, trusts,
nonresident aliens or other unitholders subject to specialized
tax treatment, such as tax-exempt institutions, foreign persons,
individual retirement accounts (IRAs), real estate investment
trusts (REITs), or mutual funds. Accordingly, we recommend that
each prospective unitholder consult, and depend on, his own tax
advisor in analyzing the federal, state, local and foreign tax
consequences particular to him of the ownership or disposition
of common units.
All statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions, but
not as to factual matters, contained in this section, unless
otherwise noted, are the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P.,
counsel to the general partner and to us, and are, to the extent
noted herein, based on the accuracy of certain factual matters.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding
any matter affecting us or prospective unitholders. An opinion
of counsel represents only that counsels best legal
judgment and does not bind the IRS or the courts. Accordingly,
the opinions and statements made here may not be sustained by a
court if contested by the IRS. Any contest of this sort with the
IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for the
common units and the prices at which the common units trade. In
addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne
directly or indirectly by the unitholders and our general
partner. Furthermore, the tax treatment of us, or of an
investment in us, may be significantly modified by future
legislative or administrative changes or court decisions. Any
modifications may or may not be retroactively applied.
For the reasons described below, Baker Botts L.L.P. has not
rendered an opinion with respect to the following specific
federal income tax issues:
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the treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a
short seller to cover a short sale of common units (please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Treatment of Short Sales below); |
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whether our monthly convention for allocating taxable income and
losses is permitted by existing Treasury Regulations (please
read Disposition of Common Units
Allocations between Transferors and Transferees
below); and |
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whether our method for depreciating Section 743 adjustments
is sustainable (please read Tax Consequences
of Unit Ownership Section 754 Election
below). |
Partnership Status
A partnership is not a taxable entity and incurs no federal
income tax liability. Instead, each partner of a partnership is
required to take into account his share of items of income,
gain, loss and deduction of the partnership in computing his
federal income tax liability, even if no cash distributions are
made to him by the partnership. Distributions by a partnership
to a partner are generally not taxable unless the amount of cash
distributed is in excess of the partners adjusted basis in
his partnership interest.
No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS and the IRS
has made no determination as to our status for federal income
tax purposes or whether our operations generate qualifying
income under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue
Code. Instead, we will rely on the opinion of Baker
Botts L.L.P. that, based upon the Internal Revenue Code,
its regulations, published revenue rulings and court decisions,
that the
S-37
operating partnership will be disregarded as an entity separate
from us for federal income tax purposes so long as the operating
partnership and its general partner (which is a limited
liability company) do not elect to be treated as a corporation
and we will be classified as a partnership so long as:
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we do not elect to be treated as a corporation; |
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we are operated in accordance with applicable partnership
statutes, the applicable partnership agreement, and the manner
specified in this prospectus; and |
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for each taxable year, more than 90% of our gross income is
qualifying income within the meaning of
Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that
publicly traded partnerships will, as a general rule, be taxed
as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the
Qualifying Income Exception, exists with respect to
publicly traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the gross
income for every taxable year consists of qualifying
income. Qualifying income includes certain income and
gains derived from the transportation and processing of crude
oil, natural gas and products thereof. Other types of qualifying
income include interest other than from a financial business,
dividends, gains from the sale of real property and gains from
the sale or other disposition of assets held for the production
of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying income. We
estimate that more than 90% of our current income is within one
or more categories of income that are qualifying income in the
opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. The portion of our income that is
qualifying income can change from time to time.
Although we expect to conduct our business so as to meet the
Qualifying Income Exception, if we fail to meet the Qualifying
Income Exception, other than a failure that is determined by the
IRS to be inadvertent and that is cured within a reasonable time
after discovery, we will be treated as if we had transferred all
of our assets, subject to liabilities, to a newly formed
corporation, on the first day of the year in which we fail to
meet the Qualifying Income Exception, in return for stock in
that corporation, and as if we had then distributed that stock
to the unitholders in liquidation of their interests in us. This
contribution and liquidation should be tax-free to unitholders
and us so long as we, at that time, do not have liabilities in
excess of the tax basis of our assets. Thereafter, we would be
treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
If we were treated as a corporation in any taxable year, either
as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception
or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction
would be reflected only on our tax return rather than being
passed through to the unitholders, and our net income would be
taxed to us at corporate rates. In addition, any distribution
made to a unitholder would be treated as either taxable dividend
income, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, or, in the absence of earnings and profits, a
nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the
unitholders tax basis in his common units, or taxable
capital gain, after the unitholders tax basis in his
common units is reduced to zero. Accordingly, treatment of us as
a corporation would result in a material reduction in a
unitholders cash flow and after-tax return and thus would
likely result in a substantial reduction of the value of the
common units.
The discussion below assumes that we will be treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes. See the discussion
above of the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. that we will be
treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Limited Partner Status
Unitholders who have become limited partners of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. will be treated as our partners for federal
income tax purposes. Also:
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assignees who have executed and delivered transfer applications,
and are awaiting admission as limited partners; and |
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unitholders whose common units are held in street name or by a
nominee and who have the right to direct the nominee in the
exercise of all substantive rights attendant to the ownership of
their common units, |
S-38
will be treated as our partners for federal income tax purposes.
Assignees of common units who are entitled to execute and
deliver transfer applications and become entitled to direct the
exercise of attendant rights, but who fail to execute and
deliver transfer applications, may not be treated as one of our
partners for federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, a
purchaser or other transferee of common units who does not
execute and deliver a transfer application may not receive some
federal income tax information or reports furnished to record
holders of common units unless the common units are held in a
nominee or street name account and the nominee or broker has
executed and delivered a transfer application for those common
units.
A beneficial owner of common units whose common units have been
transferred to a short seller to complete a short sale would
appear to lose his status as one of our partners with respect to
those common units for federal income tax purposes. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Treatment of Short Sales below.
No portion of our income, gain, deductions or losses is
reportable by a unitholder who is not one of our partners for
federal income tax purposes, and any cash distributions received
by a unitholder who is not one of our partners for federal
income tax purposes would therefore appear to be fully taxable
as ordinary income. These holders are urged to consult their own
tax advisors with respect to the consequences of holding common
units for federal income tax purposes.
The following assumes that a unitholder is treated as one of our
partners.
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Flow-through of Taxable Income. Each unitholder will be
required to report on his income tax return his share of our
income, gains, losses and deductions even if no cash
distributions are received by him. Consequently, we may allocate
income to a unitholder even if he has not received a cash
distribution from us. Each unitholder will be required to
include in income his allocable share of our income, gains,
losses and deductions for our taxable year ending with or within
his taxable year. Our taxable year ends on December 31.
Treatment of Distributions. Our distributions to a
unitholder generally will not be taxable to him for federal
income tax purposes to the extent of his tax basis in his common
units immediately before the distribution. Our cash
distributions in excess of a unitholders tax basis
generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or
exchange of the common units, taxable in accordance with the
rules described under Disposition of Common
Units below. Any reduction in a unitholders share of
our liabilities for which no partner, including the general
partner, bears the economic risk of loss, which are known as
nonrecourse liabilities, will be treated as a
distribution of cash to that unitholder. To the extent our
distributions cause a unitholders at risk
amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year, he
must recapture any losses deducted in previous years. Please
read Limitations on Deductibility of
Losses below.
A decrease in a unitholders percentage interest in us
because of our issuance of additional common units will decrease
his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and result in a
corresponding deemed distribution of cash. A non-pro rata
distribution of money or property may result in ordinary income
to a unitholder, regardless of his tax basis in his common
units, if the distribution reduces the unitholders share
of our unrealized receivables, including
depreciation recapture and substantially appreciated
inventory items, both as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code, and collectively, Section 751
Assets. To that extent, he will be treated as having been
distributed his proportionate share of our Section 751
Assets and having exchanged those assets with us in return for
the non-pro rata portion of the actual distribution made to him.
This latter deemed exchange will generally result in the
unitholders realization of ordinary income, which will
equal the excess of (1) the non-pro rata portion of that
distribution over (2) the unitholders tax basis for
the share of Section 751 Assets deemed relinquished in the
exchange.
Ratio of Taxable Income to Distributions. We estimate
that if you purchase common units in this offering and own them
through the record date for the distribution for the fourth
quarter of 2007, then you will be allocated, on a cumulative
basis, an amount of federal taxable income for that period that
will be 20% or less of the cash distributed to you with respect
to that period. These estimates are based upon the
S-39
assumption that our available cash for distribution will be
sufficient for us to make quarterly distributions of
$0.25 per unit to the holders of our common units, and
other assumptions with respect to capital expenditures, cash
flow, net working capital and anticipated cash distributions.
These estimates and assumptions are subject to, among other
things, numerous business, economic, regulatory, competitive and
political uncertainties beyond our control. Further, the
estimates are based on current tax law and certain tax reporting
positions that we have adopted with which the Internal Revenue
Service could disagree. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that
these estimates will be correct. The actual percentage of
distributions that will constitute taxable income could be
higher or lower, and any differences could be material and could
materially affect the value of the common units.
Basis of Common Units. A unitholders initial tax
basis for his common units will be the amount he paid for the
common units plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That
basis will be increased by his share of our income and by any
increases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That
basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by distributions he
receives from us, by his share of our losses, by any decreases
in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by his share of
our expenditures that are not deductible in computing taxable
income and are not required to be capitalized. A unitholder
generally will have no share of our debt that is recourse to the
general partner, but will have a share, generally based on his
share of profits, of our nonrecourse liabilities. Please read
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss below.
Limitations on Deductibility of Losses. The deduction by
a unitholder of his share of our losses will be limited to the
tax basis in his common units and, in the case of an individual
unitholder or a corporate unitholder, if more than 50% of the
value of the corporate unitholders stock is owned directly
or indirectly by five or fewer individuals or some tax-exempt
organizations, to the amount for which the unitholder is
considered to be at risk with respect to our
activities, if that is less than his tax basis. A unitholder
must recapture losses deducted in previous years to the extent
that distributions cause his at risk amount to be less than zero
at the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a
unitholder or recaptured as a result of these limitations will
carry forward and will be allowable to the extent that his tax
basis or at risk amount, whichever is the limiting factor, is
subsequently increased. Upon the taxable disposition of a unit,
any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by losses that
were previously suspended by the at risk limitation but may not
be offset by losses suspended by the basis limitation. Any
excess loss above that gain previously suspended by the at risk
or basis limitations is no longer utilizable.
In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the
tax basis of his common units, excluding any portion of that
basis attributable to his share of our nonrecourse liabilities,
reduced by any amount of money he borrows to acquire or hold his
common units, if the lender of those borrowed funds owns an
interest in us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to
the common units for repayment. A unitholders at risk
amount will increase or decrease as the tax basis of the
unitholders common units increases or decreases, other
than tax basis increases or decreases attributable to increases
or decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities.
The passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals,
estates, trusts and some closely-held corporations and personal
service corporations can deduct losses from passive activities,
which are generally corporate or partnership activities in which
the taxpayer does not materially participate, only to the extent
of the taxpayers income from those passive activities. The
passive loss limitations are applied separately with respect to
each publicly traded partnership. Consequently, any passive
losses we generate will only be available to offset our passive
income generated in the future and will not be available to
offset income from other passive activities or investments,
including our investments or the unitholders investments
in other publicly traded partnerships, or salary or active
business income. Passive losses that are not deductible because
they exceed a unitholders share of our income may be
deducted in full when he disposes of his entire investment in us
in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party. The
passive activity loss rules are applied after other applicable
limitations on deductions, including the at risk rules and the
basis limitation described above.
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A unitholders share of our net income may be offset by any
of our suspended passive losses, but it may not be offset by any
other current or carryover losses from other passive activities,
including those attributable to other publicly traded
partnerships.
Limitations on Interest Deductions. The deductibility of
a non-corporate taxpayers investment interest
expense is generally limited to the amount of that
taxpayers net investment income. Investment
interest expense includes:
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interest on indebtedness properly allocable to property held for
investment; |
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our interest expense attributed to portfolio income; and |
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the portion of interest expense incurred to purchase or carry an
interest in a passive activity to the extent attributable to
portfolio income. |
The computation of a unitholders investment interest
expense will take into account interest on any margin account
borrowing or other loan incurred to purchase or carry a unit.
Net investment income includes gross income from property held
for investment and amounts treated as portfolio income under the
passive loss rules, less deductible expenses, other than
interest, directly connected with the production of investment
income, but generally does not include gains attributable to the
disposition of property held for investment. The IRS has
indicated that the net passive income earned by a publicly
traded partnership will be treated as investment income to its
unitholders. In addition, a unitholders share of our
portfolio income will be treated as investment income.
Entity-Level Collections. If we are required or
elect under applicable law to pay any federal, state, local or
foreign income tax on behalf of any unitholder or the general
partner or any former unitholder, we are authorized to pay those
taxes from our funds. That payment, if made, will be treated as
a distribution of cash to the unitholder on whose behalf the
payment was made. If the payment is made on behalf of a
unitholder whose identity cannot be determined, we are
authorized to treat the payment as a distribution to all current
unitholders. We are authorized to amend the partnership
agreement in the manner necessary to maintain uniformity of
intrinsic tax characteristics of common units and to adjust
later distributions, so that after giving effect to these
distributions, the priority and characterization of
distributions otherwise applicable under the partnership
agreement is maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by
us as described above could give rise to an overpayment of tax
on behalf of a unitholder in which event the unitholder would be
required to file a claim in order to obtain a credit or refund.
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. In
general, if we have a net profit, our items of income, gain,
loss and deduction will be allocated among the general partner
and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage
interests in us. At any time that distributions are made to the
common units in excess of distributions to the subordinated
units or the senior subordinated units, or incentive
distributions are made to the general partner, gross income will
be allocated to the recipients to the extent of these
distributions. If we have a net loss for the entire year, that
loss generally will be allocated first to the general partner
and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage
interests in us to the extent of their positive capital accounts
and, second, to the general partner. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any items of loss or deduction that are attributable
to compensatory transfers of stock, stock options or other
property by our general partner or CEI to any employee or other
service provider will generally be specially allocated to the
general partner.
Certain items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be
allocated to account for the difference between the tax basis
and fair market value of our property at the time of an
offering. We are using the remedial method with respect to such
differences with respect to some, but not all, of our assets,
and we may use other methods with respect to some assets. The
effect to a unitholder purchasing units in an offering will, as
to those assets in respect of which we use the remedial method,
be essentially the same as if the tax basis of such assets was
equal to their fair market value at the time of the offering,
and the effect of allocations that are made under the
traditional method will be essentially the same as if those
assets had a tax basis that is less than fair market value. In
addition, recapture income will be allocated to the extent
possible to the unitholder who was allocated the deduction
giving rise to the treatment of that gain as recapture income in
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order to minimize the recognition of ordinary income by other
unitholders. Finally, although we do not expect that our
operations will result in the creation of negative capital
accounts, if negative capital accounts nevertheless result,
items of our income and gain will be allocated in an amount and
manner to eliminate the negative balance as quickly as possible.
An allocation of items of our income, gain, loss or deduction,
other than an allocation required by the Internal Revenue Code
to eliminate the difference between a partners
book capital account, credited with the fair market
value of Contributed Property, and tax capital
account, credited with the tax basis of Contributed Property,
referred to in this discussion as the Book-Tax
Disparity, will generally be given effect for federal
income tax purposes in determining a partners share of an
item of income, gain, loss or deduction only if the allocation
has substantial economic effect.
Baker Botts L.L.P. is of the opinion that, with the exception of
the issues described in Section 754
Election below and Disposition of Common
Units Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees below, the allocations in our partnership
agreement will be given effect for federal income tax purposes
in determining a unitholders share of our income, gain,
loss or deduction.
Treatment of Short Sales. A unitholder whose common units
are loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale
of common units may be considered as having disposed of those
common units. If so, he would no longer be a partner for tax
purposes with respect to those common units during the period of
the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition. As
a result, during this period:
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any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those
common units would not be reportable by him; |
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any cash distributions received by him on those common units
would be fully taxable; and |
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all of these distributions would appear to be ordinary income to
him. |
Baker Botts L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion regarding the
treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a
short seller; therefore, unitholders desiring to assure their
status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a
loan to a short seller are urged to modify any applicable
brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from
borrowing or loaning their common units. The IRS has announced
that it is studying issues relating to the tax treatment of
short sales of partnership interests. Please read
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss below.
Alternative Minimum Tax. Each unitholder will be required
to take into account his share of any items of our income, gain,
loss or deduction for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
We do not expect to generate significant tax preference items or
adjustments. Prospective unitholders are urged to consult with
their tax advisors as to the impact of an investment in common
units on their liability for the alternative minimum tax.
Tax Rates. In general, the highest effective United
States federal income tax rate for individuals for 2005 is 35%
and the maximum United States federal income tax rate for net
capital gains of an individual for 2005 is 15% if the asset
disposed of was held for more than 12 months at the time of
disposition.
Section 754 Election. We made the election permitted
by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code. That election
is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. The election
generally permits us to adjust a common unit purchasers
tax basis in our assets (inside basis) under
Section 743(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to reflect his
purchase price when he buys common units from a holder thereof.
This election does not apply to a person who purchases common
units directly from us. For purposes of this discussion, a
unitholders inside basis in our assets will be considered
to have two components: (1) the unitholders share of
our tax basis in our assets (common basis) and
(2) the unitholders Section 743(b) adjustment to
that basis.
Treasury Regulations under Section 743 of the Internal
Revenue Code require, if the remedial allocation method is
adopted (which we have adopted), a portion of the
Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to recovery property
to be depreciated over the remaining cost recovery period for
the Section 704(c) built-in
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gain. Under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), a
Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to recovery property
depreciated under Section 167 of the Internal Revenue Code,
is generally required to be depreciated using either the
straight-line method or the 150% declining balance method. Under
our partnership agreement, the general partner is authorized to
take a position to preserve the uniformity of units even if that
position is not consistent with these Treasury Regulations.
In order to preserve uniformity of the economic and tax
characteristics of common units and/or determine the tax
attributes of a common unit based on its date of purchase and
the amount that is paid therefor, we may adopt certain positions
with respect to the depreciation or amortization of
Section 743(b) adjustments that may be inconsistent with
the Treasury Regulations. In particular, we intend to depreciate
the portion of a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to
any unamortized difference between the book and tax
basis of an asset in respect of which we use the remedial method
in a manner that is consistent with the regulations under
Section 743 of the Internal Revenue Code as to recovery
property in respect of which the remedial allocation method is
adopted. Such method is arguably inconsistent with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6), which may apply
to certain of our assets (although we would not expect these to
constitute a material portion of our assets). If we determine
that this position cannot reasonably be taken, we may take a
depreciation or amortization position which may result in lower
annual depreciation or amortization deductions than would
otherwise be allowable to some unitholders. In addition, if
particular groups of unitholders are entitled to different
treatment in respect of property as to which we are using the
traditional method of eliminating differences in
book and tax basis, we may also take a position that
results in lower annual deductions to some or all of our
unitholders than might otherwise be available. Baker Botts
L.L.P. is unable to opine as to the validity of any position
that is described in this paragraph because there is no clear
applicable authority.
A Section 754 election is advantageous if the
transferees tax basis in his common units is higher than
the common units share of the aggregate tax basis of our
assets immediately prior to the transfer. In that case, as a
result of the election, the transferee would have, among other
items, a greater amount of depreciation deductions and his share
of any gain on a sale of our assets would be less.
The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are
complex and will be made on the basis of assumptions as to the
value of our assets and other matters. For example, the
allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment among our
assets must be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue
Code. The IRS could seek to reallocate some or all of any
Section 743(b) adjustment allocated by us to our tangible
assets to goodwill instead. Goodwill, as an intangible asset, is
generally amortizable over a longer period of time or under a
less accelerated method than our tangible assets. The
determinations we make may be successfully challenged by the IRS
and the deductions resulting from them may be reduced or
disallowed altogether. Should the IRS require a different basis
adjustment to be made, and should we determine that the expense
of compliance exceeds the benefit of the election, we may seek
permission from the IRS to revoke our Section 754 election.
If permission is granted, a subsequent purchaser of common units
may be allocated more income than he would have been allocated
had the election not been revoked.
Tax Treatment of Operations
Accounting Method and Taxable Year. We use the year
ending December 31 as our taxable year and the accrual
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Each
unitholder will be required to include in income his share of
our income, gain, loss and deduction for our taxable year ending
within or with his taxable year. In addition, a unitholder who
has a taxable year ending on a date other than December 31
and who disposes of all of his common units following the close
of our taxable year but before the close of his taxable year
will be required to include in income for his taxable year his
share of more than one year of our income, gain, loss and
deduction. Please read Disposition of Common
Units Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees below.
Tax Basis, Depreciation and Amortization. The tax basis
of our assets is used for purposes of computing depreciation and
cost recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain or loss on the
disposition of these assets. The federal income tax burden
associated with the difference between the fair market value of
our
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assets and their tax basis immediately prior to an offering will
be borne by the general partner, its affiliates and our other
unitholders as of that time. Please read Tax
Consequences of Unit Ownership Allocation of Income,
Gain, Loss and Deduction above.
To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation
and cost recovery methods that will result in the largest
deductions being taken in the early years after assets are
placed in service. Property we acquire or construct in the
future may be depreciated using accelerated methods permitted by
the Internal Revenue Code.
If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure, or
otherwise, all or a portion of any gain, determined by reference
to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature
of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed
as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Similarly, a
unitholder who has taken cost recovery or depreciation
deductions with respect to property we own will likely be
required to recapture some or all of those deductions as
ordinary income upon a sale of his units. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction above and
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss below.
The costs that we incur in selling our common units
(syndication expenses) must be capitalized and
cannot be deducted by us currently, ratably or upon our
termination. There are uncertainties regarding the
classification of costs as organization expenses, which will be
amortized by us over a period of 60 months, and as
syndication expenses, which may not be amortized by us. Any
underwriting discounts and commissions we incur will be treated
as syndication expenses.
Valuation and Tax Basis of Our Properties. The federal
income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of
common units will depend in part on our estimates of the fair
market values, and determinations of the initial tax bases, of
our assets. Although we may from time to time consult with
professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we will
make many of the fair market value estimates ourselves. These
estimates of value and determinations of basis are subject to
challenge and will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. If
the estimates and determinations of fair market value or basis
are later found to be incorrect, the character and amount of
items of income, gain, loss or deductions previously reported by
unitholders might change, and unitholders might be required to
adjust their tax liability for prior years and incur interest
and penalties with respect to those adjustments.
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss. Gain or loss will be
recognized on a sale of common units equal to the difference
between the amount realized and the unitholders tax basis
for the common units sold. A unitholders amount realized
will be measured by the sum of the cash or the fair market value
of other property received by him plus his share of our
nonrecourse liabilities. Because the amount realized includes a
unitholders share of our nonrecourse liabilities, the gain
recognized on the sale of common units could result in a tax
liability in excess of any cash received from the sale.
Prior distributions from us in excess of cumulative net taxable
income for a common unit that decreased a unitholders tax
basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income
if the common unit is sold at a price greater than his tax basis
in that common unit, even if the price received is less than his
original cost.
Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder,
other than a dealer in common units, on the sale or
exchange of a unit held for more than one year will generally be
taxable as long-term capital gain or loss. However, a portion of
this gain or loss, which will likely be substantial, will be
separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under
Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent
attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture,
other potential recapture items, or other unrealized
receivables or to inventory items we own.
Ordinary income attributable to unrealized receivables,
inventory items and depreciation recapture may exceed net
taxable gain realized upon the sale of a unit and may be
recognized even if there is a net taxable loss realized on the
sale of a unit. Thus, a unitholder may recognize both ordinary
income and a capital loss upon a sale of common units. Capital
losses may offset
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capital gains and no more than $3,000 of ordinary income, in the
case of individuals, and may only be used to offset capital
gains in the case of corporations.
The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a
partnership in separate transactions must combine those
interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those
interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of
those interests, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated
to the interests sold using an equitable
apportionment method. Treasury Regulations under
Section 1223 of the Internal Revenue Code allow a selling
unitholder who can identify common units transferred with an
ascertainable holding period to elect to use the actual holding
period of the common units transferred. Thus, according to the
ruling, a common unitholder will be unable to select high or low
basis common units to sell, but, under the regulations, may
designate specific common units sold for purposes of determining
the holding period of the common units sold. A unitholder
electing to use the actual holding period of common units
transferred must consistently use that identification method for
all subsequent sales or exchanges of our common units. A
unitholder considering the purchase of additional common units
or a sale of common units purchased in separate transactions is
urged to consult his tax advisor as to the possible consequences
of this ruling and application of the regulations.
The Internal Revenue Code treats a taxpayer as having sold a
partnership interest, such as our units, in which gain would be
recognized if it were actually sold at its fair market value, if
the taxpayer or related persons enters into:
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a short sale; |
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an offsetting notional principal contract; or |
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a futures or forward contract with respect to the partnership
interest or substantially identical property. |
Moreover, if a taxpayer has previously entered into a short
sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or
forward contract with respect to the partnership interest, the
taxpayer will be treated as having sold that position if the
taxpayer or a related person then acquires the partnership
interest or substantially identical property.
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees. In
general, our taxable income and losses will be determined
annually, will be prorated on a monthly basis and will be
subsequently apportioned among the unitholders in proportion to
the number of common units owned by each of them as of the
opening of the applicable exchange on the first business day of
the month. However, gain or loss realized on a sale or other
disposition of our assets other than in the ordinary course of
business will be allocated among the unitholders on the first
business day of the month in which that gain or loss is
recognized. As a result, a unitholder transferring common units
may be allocated income, gain, loss and deduction realized after
the date of transfer.
The use of this method may not be permitted under existing
Treasury Regulations. Accordingly, Baker Botts L.L.P. has
not opined on the validity of this method of allocating income
and loses among unitholders. If this method is not allowed under
the Treasury Regulations, or only applies to transfers of less
than all of the unitholders interest, our taxable income
or losses might be reallocated among the unitholders. We are
authorized to revise our method of allocation between
transferors and transferees as well as among unitholders whose
interests vary during a taxable year to conform to a method
permitted under future Treasury Regulations.
A unitholder who owns common units at any time during a quarter
and who disposes of them prior to the record date set for a cash
distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our
income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to that quarter
but will not be entitled to receive that cash distribution.
Notification Requirements. A unitholder who sells any of
his units, other than through a broker, generally is required to
notify us in writing of that sale within 30 days after the
sale (or, if earlier, January 15 of the year following the
sale). A purchaser of units who purchases units from another
unitholder generally is required to notify us in writing of that
purchase within 30 days after the purchase, unless a broker
or nominee will satisfy such requirement. We are required to
notify the IRS of that transaction and to
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furnish specified information to the transferor and transferee.
Failure to notify us of a purchase may lead, in some cases, to
the imposition of penalties. However, these reporting
requirements do not apply to a sale by an individual who is a
citizen of the United States and who effects the sale or
exchange through a broker.
Constructive Termination. We will be considered to have
been terminated for tax purposes if there are sales
or exchanges which, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of
the total interests in our capital and profits within a 12-month
period. A termination of us will result in the
closing of our taxable year for all unitholders. In the case of
a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal
year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year
may result in more than 12 months of our taxable income or
loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of
termination. We would be required to make new tax elections
after a termination, including a new election under
Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a termination
would result in a deferral of our deductions for depreciation. A
termination could also result in penalties if we were unable to
determine that the termination had occurred. Moreover, a
termination might either accelerate the application of, or
subject us to, any tax legislation enacted before the
termination.
Uniformity of Units
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of units, we
must maintain uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics
of the units to a purchaser of these units. In the absence of
uniformity, we may be unable to completely comply with a number
of federal income tax requirements, both statutory and
regulatory. A lack of uniformity can result from a literal
application of Treasury Regulation
Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6). Any non-uniformity could have a
negative impact on the value of the units. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership-Section 754 Election.
We intend to depreciate the portion of a Section 743(b)
adjustment attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value
of Contributed Property, to the extent of any unamortized
Book-Tax Disparity, using a rate of depreciation or amortization
derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful
life applied to the common basis of that property, or treat that
portion as nonamortizable, to the extent attributable to
property the common basis of which is not amortizable,
consistent with the regulations under Section 743 of the
Internal Revenue Code, even though that position may be
inconsistent with Treasury Regulation
Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), which is not expected to directly
apply to a material portion of our assets. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership-Section 754 Election. To the extent that
the Section 743(b) adjustment is attributable to
appreciation in value in excess of the unamortized Book-Tax
Disparity, we will apply the rules described in the Treasury
Regulations and legislative history. If we determine that this
position cannot reasonably be taken, we may adopt a depreciation
and amortization position under which all purchasers acquiring
units in the same month would receive depreciation and
amortization deductions, whether attributable to a common basis
or Section 743(b) adjustment, based upon the same
applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in
our property. If this position is adopted, it may result in
lower annual depreciation and amortization deductions that would
otherwise be allowable to some unitholders and risk the loss of
depreciation and amortization deductions not taken in the year
that these deductions are otherwise allowable. This position
will not be adopted if we determine that the loss of
depreciation and amortization deductions will have a material
adverse effect on the unitholders. If we choose not to utilize
this aggregate method, we may use any other reasonable
depreciation and amortization method to preserve the uniformity
of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any units that would not
have a material adverse effect on the unitholders. The IRS may
challenge any method of depreciating the Section 743(b)
adjustment described in this paragraph. If this challenge were
sustained, the uniformity of units might be affected, and the
gain from the sale of units might be increased without the
benefit of additional deductions. Please read
Disposition of Common Units-Recognition of
Gain or Loss.
Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors
Ownership of common units by employee benefit plans, other
tax-exempt organizations, non-resident aliens, foreign
corporations and other foreign persons raises issues unique to
those investors and, as described below, may have substantially
adverse tax consequences to them.
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Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from
federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and
other retirement plans, are subject to federal income tax on
unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income
allocated to a unitholder that is a tax-exempt organization will
be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to it.
Non-resident aliens and foreign corporations, trusts or estates
that own common units will be considered to be engaged in
business in the United States because of the ownership of common
units. As a consequence, they will be required to file federal
tax returns to report their share of our income, gain, loss or
deduction and pay federal income tax at regular rates on their
share of our net income or gain. Moreover, under rules
applicable to publicly traded partnerships, we will withhold at
the highest effective tax rate applicable to individuals from
cash distributions made quarterly to foreign unitholders. Each
foreign unitholder must obtain a taxpayer identification number
from the IRS and submit that number to our transfer agent on a
Form W-8 BEN or applicable substitute form in order to
obtain credit for the taxes withheld. A change in applicable law
may require us to change these procedures.
In addition, because a foreign corporation that owns common
units will be treated as engaged in a United States trade or
business, that corporation may be subject to the United States
branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, in addition to regular
federal income tax, on its share of our income and gain, as
adjusted for changes in the foreign corporations
U.S. net equity, which are effectively
connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business.
That tax may be reduced or eliminated by an income tax treaty
between the United States and the country in which the foreign
corporate unitholder is a qualified resident. In
addition, this type of unitholder is subject to special
information reporting requirements under Section 6038C of
the Internal Revenue Code.
Under a published ruling of the IRS, the IRS has taken the
position that a foreign unitholder who sells or otherwise
disposes of a unit will be subject to federal income tax on gain
realized on the sale or disposition of that unit to the extent
the gain is attributable to appreciated property, other than
United States real property interests, that is effectively
connected with a united States trade or business of the
partnership. Moreover, a foreign unitholder is subject to
federal income tax on gain realized on the sale or disposition
of a unit to the extent that such gain is attributable to
appreciated United States real property interests; however, a
foreign unitholder will not be subject to federal income tax
under this rule unless such foreign unitholder has owned more
than 5% in value of our units during the five-year period ending
on the date of the sale or disposition, provided the units are
regularly traded on an established securities market at the time
of the sale or disposition.
Administrative Matters
Information Returns and Audit Procedures. We intend to
furnish to each unitholder, within 90 days after the close
of each calendar year, specific tax information, including a
Schedule K-1, which describes his share of our income,
gain, loss and deduction for our preceding taxable year. In
preparing this information, which generally will not be reviewed
by counsel, we will take various accounting and reporting
positions, some of which have been mentioned earlier, to
determine each unitholders share of income, gain, loss and
deduction. We cannot assure you that any of those positions will
yield a result that conforms to the requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations or administrative
interpretations of the IRS. Any challenge by the IRS could
negatively affect the value of the common units.
The IRS may audit our federal income tax information returns.
Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit may require each
unitholder to adjust a prior years tax liability, and
possibly may result in an audit of his return. Any audit of a
unitholders return could result in adjustments not related
to our returns as well as those related to our returns.
Partnerships generally are treated as separate entities for
purposes of federal tax audits, judicial review of
administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement
proceedings. The tax treatment of partnership items of income,
gain, loss and deduction are determined in a partnership
proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the
partners. The Internal Revenue Code requires that one partner be
designated as the Tax
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Matters Partner for these purposes. The partnership
agreement names our general partner as our Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner has made and will make some elections on
our behalf and on behalf of unitholders. In addition, the Tax
Matters Partner can extend the statute of limitations for
assessment of tax deficiencies against unitholders for items in
our returns. The Tax Matters Partner may bind a unitholder with
less than a 1% profits interest in us to a settlement with the
IRS unless that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with
the IRS, not to give that authority to the Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner may seek judicial review, by which all
the unitholders are bound, of a final partnership administrative
adjustment and, if the Tax Matters Partner fails to seek
judicial review, judicial review may be sought by any unitholder
having at least a 1% interest in profits or by any group of
unitholders having in the aggregate at least a 5% interest in
profits. However, only one action for judicial review will go
forward, and each unitholder with an interest in the outcome may
participate.
A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the
treatment of any item on his federal income tax return that is
not consistent with the treatment of the item on our return.
Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency
requirement may subject a unitholder to substantial penalties.
Nominee Reporting. Persons who hold an interest in us as
a nominee for another person are required to furnish us with the
following information:
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the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the
beneficial owner and the nominee; |
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whether the beneficial owner is: |
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a person that is not a United States person; |
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a foreign government, an international organization or any
wholly owned agency or instrumentality of either of the
foregoing; or |
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a tax-exempt entity; |
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the amount and description of common units held, acquired or
transferred for the beneficial owner; and |
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specific information including the dates of acquisitions and
transfers, means of acquisitions and transfers, and acquisition
cost for purchases, as well as the amount of net proceeds from
sales. |
Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish
additional information, including whether they are United States
persons and specific information on common units they acquire,
hold or transfer for their own account. A penalty of
$50 per failure, up to a maximum of $100,000 per
calendar year, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for
failure to report that information to us. The nominee is
required to supply the beneficial owner of the common units with
the information furnished to us.
Accuracy-related Penalties. An additional tax equal to
20% of the amount of any portion of an underpayment of tax that
is attributable to one or more specified causes, including
negligence or disregard of rules or regulations, substantial
understatements of income tax and substantial valuation
misstatements, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. No
penalty will be imposed, however, for any portion of an
underpayment if it is shown that there was a reasonable cause
for that portion and that the taxpayer acted in good faith
regarding that portion.
A substantial understatement of income tax in any taxable year
exists if the amount of the understatement exceeds the greater
of 10% of the tax required to be shown on the return for the
taxable year or $5,000 ($10,000 for most corporations). The
amount of any understatement subject to penalty generally is
reduced if any portion is attributable to a position adopted on
the return:
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for which there is, or was, substantial
authority; or |
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as to which there is a reasonable basis and the pertinent facts
of that position are disclosed on the return. |
If any item of income, gain, loss or deduction included in the
distributive shares of unitholders might result in that kind of
an understatement of income for which no
substantial authority exists, we must disclose the
pertinent facts on our return. In addition, we will make a
reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for
unitholders to make adequate disclosure on their returns and to
take other actions as may be
S-48
appropriate to permit unitholders to avoid liability for
penalties. More stringent rules apply to tax
shelters, which we do not believe includes us. A
substantial valuation misstatement exists if the value of any
property, or the adjusted basis of any property, claimed on a
tax return is 200% or more of the amount determined to be the
correct amount of the valuation or adjusted basis. No penalty is
imposed unless the portion of the underpayment attributable to a
substantial valuation misstatement exceeds $5,000 ($10,000 for
most corporations). If the valuation claimed on a return is 400%
or more than the correct valuation, the penalty imposed
increases to 40%.
Reportable Transactions. If we were to engage in a
reportable transaction, we (and possibly you and
others) would be required to make a detailed disclosure of the
transaction to the IRS. A transaction may be a reportable
transaction based upon any of several factors, including the
fact that it is a type of tax avoidance transaction publicly
identified by the IRS as a listed transaction or
that it produced certain kinds of losses in excess of
$2 million. Our participation in a reportable transaction
could increase the likelihood that our federal income tax
information return (and possibly your tax return) would be
audited by the IRS. Please read Information
Returns and Audit Procedures.
Moreover, if we were to participate in a reportable transaction
with a significant purpose to avoid or evade tax, or in any
listed transaction, you may be subject to the following
provisions:
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accuracy-related penalties with a broader scope, significantly
narrower exceptions, and potentially greater amounts than
described above at Accuracy-related
Penalties, |
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for those persons otherwise entitled to deduct interest on
federal tax deficiencies, nondeductibility of interest on any
resulting tax liability and |
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in the case of a listed transaction, an extended statute of
limitations. |
We do not expect to engage in any reportable
transactions.
State, Local, Foreign and Other Tax Consequences
In addition to federal income taxes, you will be subject to
other taxes, including state, local and foreign income taxes,
unincorporated business taxes, and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that may be imposed by the various
jurisdictions in which we do business or own property or in
which you are a resident. Although an analysis of those various
taxes is not presented here, each prospective unitholder should
consider their potential impact on his investment in us. We own
property or do business in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New
Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. We may also own
property or do business in other jurisdictions in the future.
Although you may not be required to file a return and pay taxes
in some jurisdictions because your income from that jurisdiction
falls below the filing and payment requirement, you will be
required to file income tax returns and to pay income taxes in
many of these jurisdictions in which we do business or own
property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply
with those requirements. In some jurisdictions, tax losses may
not produce a tax benefit in the year incurred and may not be
available to offset income in subsequent taxable years. Some of
the jurisdictions may require us, or we may elect, to withhold a
percentage of income from amounts to be distributed to a
unitholder who is not a resident of the jurisdiction.
Withholding, the amount of which may be greater or less than a
particular unitholders income tax liability to the
jurisdiction, generally does not relieve a nonresident
unitholder from the obligation to file an income tax return.
Amounts withheld will be treated as if distributed to
unitholders for purposes of determining the amounts distributed
by us. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership Entity-Level Collections above.
Based on current law and our estimate of our future operations,
we anticipate that any amounts required to be withheld will not
be material.
It is the responsibility of each unitholder to investigate
the legal and tax consequences, under the laws of pertinent
jurisdictions, of his investment in us. Accordingly, each
prospective unitholder is urged to consult his tax counsel or
other advisor with regard to those matters. Further, it is the
responsibility of each unitholder to file all state, local and
foreign, as well as United States federal tax returns, that may
be required of him. Baker Botts L.L.P. has not rendered an
opinion on the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an
investment in us.
S-49
UNDERWRITING
Lehman Brothers Inc. is acting as the sole book-running manager
for the underwriters. Under the terms of an underwriting
agreement, which we will file as an exhibit to our current
report on Form 8-K and incorporate by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, each of
the underwriters named below has severally agreed to purchase
from us the respective number of common units shown opposite its
name below:
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Number of | |
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Common Units | |
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Lehman Brothers Inc.
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A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
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Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC
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Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
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RBC Capital Markets Corporation
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KeyBanc Capital Markets, a division of McDonald Investments Inc.
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Harris Nesbitt Corp.
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Total
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3,500,000 |
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The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters
obligation to purchase common units depends on the satisfaction
of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement
including:
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the obligation to purchase all of the common units offered
hereby, if any of the common units are purchased; |
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the representations and warranties made by us to the
underwriters are true; |
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there is no material change in the financial markets; and |
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we deliver customary closing documents to the underwriters. |
Commissions and Expenses
The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and
commissions we will pay to the underwriters. These amounts are
shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units.
The underwriting fee is the difference between the initial price
to the public and the amount the underwriters pay to us for the
common units.
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No Exercise | |
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The underwriters have advised us that they propose to offer the
common units directly to the public at the public offering price
on the cover of this prospectus supplement and to selected
dealers, which may include the underwriters, at such offering
price less a selling concession not in excess of
$ per
common unit. The underwriters may allow, and the selected
dealers may re-allow, a discount from the concession not in
excess of
$ per
common unit to other dealers. After the offering, the
underwriters may change the offering price and other selling
terms.
The expenses of the offering that are payable by us are
estimated to be $300,000 (exclusive of underwriting discounts
and commissions).
Option to Purchase Additional Common Units
We have granted the underwriters an option exercisable for
30 days after the date of the underwriting agreement, to
purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an
aggregate of 525,000 common units
S-50
at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and
commissions. This option may be exercised if the underwriters
sell more than 3,500,000 common units in connection with
this offering. To the extent that this option is exercised, each
underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to
purchase its pro rata portion of these additional common units
based on the underwriters percentage underwriting
commitment in the offering as indicated in the table at the
beginning of this Underwriting section.
Lock-Up Agreements
We, Crosstex Holdings, L.P. and all of our directors and
executive officers have agreed that, without the prior written
consent of Lehman Brothers Inc., we and they will not directly
or indirectly, offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell,
sell, contract to sell, sell an option or contract to purchase,
purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right
or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any
common units or any securities that may be converted into or
exchanged for any common units, enter into any swap or other
agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the
economic consequences of ownership of the common units, make any
demand for or exercise any right or file or cause to be filed a
registration statement with respect to the registration of any
common units or securities convertible, exercisable or
exchangeable into common units or any of our other securities
(other than any registration statement relating to the common
units issued or issuable upon conversion of the senior
subordinated units and the Senior Subordinated Series B
Units) or publicly disclose the intention to do any of the
foregoing for a period of 90 days from the date of this
prospectus supplement other than permitted transfers.
The 90-day restricted period described in the preceding
paragraph will be extended if:
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during the last 17 days of the 90-day restricted period we
issue an earnings release or announces material news or a
material event; or |
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prior to the expiration of the 90-day restricted period, we
announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day
period beginning on the last day of the 90-day period; |
in which case the restrictions described in the preceding
paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the
18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release
or the announcement of the material news or material event.
Lehman Brothers Inc., in its sole discretion, may release the
common units and other securities subject to the lock-up
agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with
or without notice. When determining whether or not to release
common units and other securities from lock-up agreements,
Lehman Brothers Inc. will consider, among other factors, the
holders reasons for requesting the release, the number of
common units and other securities for which the release is being
requested and market conditions at the time.
Indemnification
We, Crosstex Operating GP, LLC and Crosstex Energy Services,
L.P. have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and
to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required
to make for these liabilities.
Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
The underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, short
sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales,
and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing
or maintaining the price of the common units, in accordance with
Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
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Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying
security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a
specified maximum. |
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A short position involves a sale by the underwriters of common
units in excess of the number of common units the underwriters
are obligated to purchase in the offering, which creates the
syndicate |
S-51
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short position. This short position may be either a covered
short position or a naked short position. In a covered short
position, the number of common units involved in the sales made
by the underwriters in excess of the number of common units they
are obligated to purchase is not greater than the number of
common units that they may purchase by exercising their option
to purchase additional common units. In a naked short position,
the number of common units involved is greater than the number
of common units in their option to purchase additional common
units. The underwriters may close out any short position by
either exercising their option to purchase additional common
units and/or purchasing common units in the open market. In
determining the source of common units to close out the short
position, the underwriters will consider, among other things,
the price of common units available for purchase in the open
market as compared to the price at which they may purchase
common units through their option to purchase additional common
units. A naked short position is more likely to be created if
the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward
pressure on the price of the common units in the open market
after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase
in the offering. |
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Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common
units in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. |
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Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling
concession from a syndicate member when the common units
originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a
stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate
short positions. |
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions
and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining
the market price of our common units or preventing or retarding
a decline in the market price of the common units. As a result,
the price of the common units may be higher than the price that
might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may
be effected on the NASDAQ National Market or otherwise and, if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation
or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect
that the transactions described above may have on the price of
the common units. In addition, neither we nor any of the
underwriters make representation that the underwriters will
engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any
transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
Passive Market Making
In connection with the offering, underwriters and selling group
members may engage in passive market making transactions in the
common units on the NASDAQ National Market in accordance with
Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the period before the commencement of offers
or sales of common units and extending through the completion of
distribution. A passive market maker must display its bids at a
price not in excess of the highest independent bid of the
security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the
passive market makers bid that bid must be lowered when
specified purchase limits are exceeded.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the
Internet sites or through other online services maintained by
one or more of the underwriters and /or selling group members
participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those
cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and,
depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group
member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders
online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a
specific number of common units for sale to online brokerage
account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions
will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other
allocations.
Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information
on any underwriters or selling group members web
site and any information contained in any other web site
maintained by an underwriter or
S-52
selling group member is not part of the prospectus or the
registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus forms a part, has not been approved
and /or endorsed by us or any underwriter or selling group
member in its capacity as underwriter or selling group member
and should not be relied upon by investors.
Stamp Taxes
If you purchase common units offered by this prospectus
supplement, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other
charges under the laws and practices of the country of purchase,
in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of
this prospectus supplement.
Relationships
Certain of the underwriters and their related entities have
engaged and may engage in commercial and investment banking
transactions with us in the ordinary course of their business.
They have received customary compensation and expenses for these
commercial and investment banking transactions. In addition,
Lehman Brothers Inc. acted as our financial advisor in
connection with the recent El Paso Acquisition. In
connection with this transaction, Lehman Brothers Inc. received
customary fees for such services and certain of its expenses
were reimbursed. Also, affiliates of each of Wachovia Capital
Markets, LLC, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and Harris Nesbitt
Corp. are lenders under our existing credit facility. Those
affiliates will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this
offering through our repayment of part of the outstanding
indebtedness under that facility. Because such affiliates will
receive more than 10% of the net proceeds from this offering,
this offering is being conducted in compliance with the
requirements of Rule 2710(h) of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or NASD.
Because a bona fide independent market exists for our common
units, the NASD does not require that we use a qualified
independent underwriter for this offering. The underwriters and
their affiliates may, from time to time in the future, engage in
transactions with and perform such services for us and our
affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
NASD Conduct Rules
Because the NASD views the common units offered hereby as
interests in a direct participation program, the offering is
being made in compliance with Rule 2810 of the NASD Conduct
Rules.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the common units will be passed upon for us by
Baker Botts L.L.P., Dallas, Texas. Certain legal matters in
connection with the common units offered hereby will be passed
upon for the underwriters by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.,
Houston, Texas.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial
statement schedule of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and subsidiaries
(the Partnership) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2004, and managements assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The audit report on managements assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2004, contains an explanatory paragraph
that states that the Partnership acquired the remaining outside
limited and general partnership interests of Crosstex Pipeline
Partners (CPP) during 2004, and management excluded from
its assessment of the effectiveness of the Partnerships
internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, CPPs internal control over
financial reporting associated with total assets of $5,203,000
S-53
and total revenues of $0, included in the consolidated financial
statements of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and subsidiaries as of and
for the year ended December 31, 2004. The audit of internal
control over financial reporting of the Partnership also
excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial
reporting of CPP.
The audited combined statements of revenues and direct operating
expenses of CFS Louisiana Midstream Company and El Paso Dauphin
Island Company, L.L.C. (collectively, the Companies)
included in Exhibit 99.1 of Crosstex Energy, L.P.s
Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated November 1, 2005
have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which
contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the
Companies significant transactions and relationships with
affiliated entities as described in Note 2 to the combined
financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
S-54
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933 that registers the securities offered by
this prospectus supplement. The registration statement,
including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant
information about us. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow
us to omit some information included in the registration
statement from this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus.
In addition, we file annual, quarterly and other reports and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any
document we file at the SECs public reference room at 100
F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC
at 1-800-732-0330 for further information on the operation of
the SECs public reference room. Our SEC filings are
available on the SECs web site at http:/ /www.sec.gov. We
also make available free of charge on our website, at http:/
/www.crosstexenergy.com, all materials that we file
electronically with the SEC, including our annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current
reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 reports and amendments
to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such
materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the
SEC. Information contained on our website or any other website
is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does
not constitute a part of this prospectus.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we have filed with the SEC. This means that we can
disclose important information to you without actually including
the specific information in this prospectus supplement by
referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC.
These other documents contain important information about us,
our financial condition and results of operations. The
information incorporated by reference is an important part of
this prospectus supplement. Information that we file later with
the SEC will automatically update and may replace information in
this prospectus supplement and information previously filed with
the SEC.
Any information that we file under Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that is
deemed filed will automatically update and supersede
this information. We incorporate by reference in this prospectus
the documents listed below:
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our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004, filed on March 15, 2005; |
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our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005 and September 30,
2005, filed on May 13, 2005, August 8, 2005 and
November 9, 2005, respectively; |
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our current reports on Form 8-K or Form 8-K/A filed on
April 6, 2005, May 6, 2005, June 24, 2005,
June 28, 2005 August 9, 2005, August 11, 2005,
October 19, 2005, November 3, 2005, November 10,
2005 and November 14, 2005 (in each case to the extent
filed and not furnished); and |
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the description of our common units in our registration
statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-50067) filed on
November 4, 2002. |
S-55
You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in
this prospectus from the SEC through the SECs web site at
the address provided above. You also may request a copy of any
document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement
(including exhibits to those documents specifically incorporated
by reference in this document), at no cost, by visiting our
internet website at www.crosstexenergy.com, or by writing or
calling us at the following address:
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Kathie Keller
Telephone: (214) 953-9500
You should rely only on the information incorporated by
reference or provided in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. If information in incorporated
documents conflicts with information in this prospectus
supplement or another incorporated document, you should rely on
the most recent information. You should not assume that the
information in this prospectus supplement or any document
incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than
the date of those documents.
S-56
PROSPECTUS
$250,000,000
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
COMMON UNITS
DEBT SECURITIES
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P.
DEBT SECURITIES
The following securities may be offered under this prospectus:
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Common units representing limited partner interests in Crosstex
Energy, L.P.; |
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Debt securities of Crosstex Energy, L.P.; and |
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Debt securities of Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. |
The aggregate initial offering price of the securities that we
offer by this prospectus will not exceed $250,000,000. We will
offer the securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be
determined by market conditions at the time of our offerings.
This prospectus describes only the general terms of these
securities and the general manner in which we will offer the
securities. The specific terms of any securities we offer will
be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus
supplement will describe the specific manner in which we will
offer the securities and also may add, update or change
information contained in this prospectus. The common units are
traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
XTEX.
You should read this prospectus and the prospectus supplement
carefully before you invest in any of our securities. This
prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities
unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Investing in our securities involves risk. You should
carefully consider the risk factors described under Risk
Factors beginning on page 3 of this prospectus before
you make any investment in our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined whether this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 7, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
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WHO WE ARE
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THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
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RISK FACTORS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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USE OF PROCEEDS
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
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CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY
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MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
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INVESTMENT IN US BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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LEGAL MATTERS
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EXPERTS
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have
incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to
give you different information. We are not offering these
securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the front of those documents. We will disclose any
material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this
prospectus, a prospectus supplement or a future filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission incorporated by reference in
this prospectus.
i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on
Form S-3 that we have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission using a shelf registration
process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell, in
one or more offerings, up to $250,000,000 in total aggregate
offering price of securities described in this prospectus. This
prospectus provides you with a general description of us and the
securities offered under this prospectus.
Each time we sell securities under this prospectus, we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific
information about the terms of that offering and the securities
being offered. The prospectus supplement also may add to, update
or change information in this prospectus. If there is any
inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the
prospectus supplement. You should read carefully this
prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the additional
information described below under the heading Where You
Can Find More Information.
As used in this prospectus, we, us and
our and similar terms mean either or both of
Crosstex Energy, L.P. and Crosstex Energy Services, L.P.
and their subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
WHO WE ARE
We are a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, formed in
July 2002 in connection with our initial public offering, which
was completed in December 2002. Our business activities are
conducted through our subsidiary, Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership which we
refer to as the Operating Partnership, and the
subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. We are an independent
midstream energy company engaged in the gathering, transmission,
treating, processing and marketing of natural gas. We connect
the wells of natural gas producers in our market areas to our
gathering systems, treat natural gas to remove impurities to
ensure that it meets pipeline quality specifications, process
natural gas for the removal of natural gas liquids or NGLs,
transport natural gas and ultimately provide an aggregated
supply of natural gas to a variety of markets. We purchase
natural gas from natural gas producers and other supply points
and sell that natural gas to utilities, industrial consumers,
other marketers and pipelines and thereby generate gross margins
based on the difference between the purchase and resale prices.
In addition, we purchase natural gas from producers not
connected to our gathering systems for resale and sell natural
gas on behalf of producers for a fee.
Our general partner, Crosstex Energy GP, L.P., is a
Delaware limited partnership. Crosstex Energy GP, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, is Crosstex Energy
GP, L.P.s general partner. Our general partner is
managed by its general partner, Crosstex Energy GP, LLC,
which has ultimate responsibility for conducting our business
and managing our operations.
Our executive offices are located at 2501 Cedar Springs,
Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75201, and our telephone number is
(214) 953-9500.
THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
Crosstex Energy, L.P. will, and Crosstex LIG, LLC, Crosstex
Tuscaloosa, LLC, Crosstex LIG Liquids, LLC, Crosstex
Treating Services, L.P., Crosstex Gulf Coast
Marketing Ltd., Crosstex Gulf Coast Transmission Ltd.,
Crosstex CCNG Gathering, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG
Processing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Marketing, Ltd.,
Crosstex CCNG Transmission, Ltd., Crosstex Acquisition
Management, L.P., Crosstex Mississippi Pipeline, L.P.,
Crosstex Seminole Gas, L.P., Crosstex Alabama Gathering
System, L.P. and Crosstex Mississippi Industrial Gas
Sales, L.P. may, unconditionally guarantee any series of
debt securities of Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. offered
by this prospectus, as set forth in a related prospectus
supplement. Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., Crosstex
LIG, LLC, Crosstex Tuscaloosa, LLC, Crosstex LIG
Liquids, LLC, Crosstex Treating Services, L.P.,
Crosstex Gulf Coast Marketing Ltd., Crosstex Gulf Coast
Transmission Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Gathering, Ltd.,
Crosstex CCNG Processing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG
Marketing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Transmission, Ltd.,
Crosstex Acquisition Management, L.P., Crosstex
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Mississippi Pipeline, L.P., Crosstex Seminole
Gas, L.P., Crosstex Alabama Gathering System, L.P. and
Crosstex Mississippi Industrial Gas Sales, L.P. may
unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities of
Crosstex Energy, L.P. offered by this prospectus, as set
forth in a related prospectus supplement. As used in this
prospectus, the term Subsidiary Guarantors means
Crosstex LIG, LLC, Crosstex Tuscaloosa, LLC, Crosstex LIG
Liquids, LLC, Crosstex Treating Services, L.P., Crosstex
Gulf Coast Marketing Ltd., Crosstex Gulf Coast
Transmission Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Gathering, Ltd.,
Crosstex CCNG Processing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG
Marketing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Transmission, Ltd.,
Crosstex Acquisition Management, L.P., Crosstex Mississippi
Pipeline, L.P., Crosstex Seminole Gas, L.P., Crosstex
Alabama Gathering System, L.P. and Crosstex Mississippi
Industrial Gas Sales, L.P. and also includes Crosstex
Energy Services, L.P. when discussing subsidiary guarantees of
the debt securities of Crosstex Energy, L.P. The term
Guarantor means Crosstex Energy, L.P. in its
role as guarantor of the debt securities of Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P.
2
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the securities involves a significant degree
of risk, including the risks described below. you should
carefully consider the following risk factors together with all
of the other information included in this prospectus, any
prospectus supplement and the documents we have incorporated by
reference into this document in evaluating an investment in the
securities.
If any of the following risks actually were to occur, our
business, financial condition or results of operations could be
affected materially and adversely. In that case, we may be
unable to make distributions to our unitholders or pay interest
on, or the principal on, any debt securities, the trading price
of our securities could decline and you could lose all or part
of your investment.
Risks Inherent in Our Business
We may not have sufficient cash after the establishment of
cash reserves and payment of our general partners fees and
expenses to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution
each quarter.
We may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay
the minimum quarterly distribution. Under the terms of our
partnership agreement, we must pay our general partners
fees and expenses and set aside any cash reserve amounts before
making a distribution to our unitholders. The amount of cash we
can distribute on our common units principally depends upon the
amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will
fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:
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the amount of natural gas transported in our gathering and
transmission pipelines; |
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the level of our processing and treating operations; |
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the fees we charge and the margins we realize for our services; |
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the price of natural gas; |
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the relationship between natural gas and NGL prices; and |
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our level of operating costs. |
In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available
for distribution will depend on other factors, some of which are
beyond our control, including:
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the level of capital expenditures we make; |
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the cost of acquisitions, if any; |
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our debt service requirements; |
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fluctuations in our working capital needs; |
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restrictions on distributions contained in our bank credit
facility; |
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our ability to make working capital borrowings under our bank
credit facility to pay distributions; |
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prevailing economic conditions; and |
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the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner
in its sole discretion for the proper conduct of our business. |
Because of these factors, we may not have sufficient available
cash each quarter to pay the minimum quarterly distribution.
Furthermore, you should also be aware that the amount of cash we
have available for distribution depends primarily upon our cash
flow, including cash flow from financial reserves and working
capital borrowings, and is not solely a function of
profitability, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a
result, we may make cash distributions during periods when we
record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods
when we record net income.
3
We must continually compete for natural gas supplies, and
any decrease in our supplies of natural gas could adversely
affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Competition is intense in many of our markets. The principal
areas of competition include obtaining gas supplies and the
marketing and transportation of natural gas and NGLs. Our
competitors include major integrated oil companies, interstate
and intrastate pipelines and natural gas gatherers and
processors. Our competitors in the Texas Gulf Coast area include
El Paso Field Services, Kinder Morgan Inc., Houston Pipeline
Company and Duke Energy Field Services. Our competitors in
Mississippi include Southern Natural Gas and Gulf South Pipeline
Company. Our competitors in Louisiana include Bridgeline,
Acadian Pipeline and Gulf South Pipeline Company. Some of our
competitors offer more services or have greater financial
resources and access to larger natural gas supplies than we do.
If we are unable to maintain or increase the throughput on our
systems by accessing new natural gas supplies to offset the
natural decline in reserves, our business and financial results
could be materially, adversely affected. In addition, our future
growth will depend, in part, upon whether we can contract for
additional supplies at a greater rate than the rate of natural
decline in our currently connected supplies.
In order to maintain or increase throughput levels in our
natural gas gathering systems and asset utilization rates at our
treating and processing plants, we must continually contract for
new natural gas supplies. We may not be able to obtain
additional contracts for natural gas supplies. The primary
factors affecting our ability to connect new wells to our
gathering facilities include our success in contracting for
existing natural gas supplies that are not committed to other
systems and the level of drilling activity near our gathering
systems. Fluctuations in energy prices can greatly affect
production rates and investments by third parties in the
development of new oil and natural gas reserves. Drilling
activity generally decreases as oil and natural gas prices
decrease. We have no control over producers and depend on them
to maintain sufficient levels of drilling activity. A material
decrease in natural gas production or in the level of drilling
activity in our principal geographic areas for a prolonged
period, as a result of depressed commodity prices or otherwise,
likely would have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial position.
A substantial portion of our assets is connected to
natural gas reserves that will decline over time, and the cash
flows associated with those assets will accordingly
decline.
A substantial portion of our assets, including our gathering
systems and our treating plants, is dedicated to certain natural
gas reserves and wells for which the production will naturally
decline over time. Accordingly, our cash flows associated with
these assets will also decline. If we are unable to access new
supplies of natural gas either by connecting additional reserves
to our existing assets or by constructing or acquiring new
assets that have access to additional natural gas reserves, our
cash flows may decline and we may not be able to make interest
or principal payments on the notes as they become due and our
ability to make distributions to our unitholders could decrease.
Our profitability is dependent upon prices and market
demand for natural gas and NGLs, which are beyond our control
and have been volatile.
We are subject to significant risks due to fluctuations in
commodity prices. These risks are based upon three components of
our business: (1) the purchase of certain volumes of
natural gas at a price that is a percentage of a relevant index;
(2) certain processing contracts for our Gregory system
whereby we are exposed to natural gas and NGL commodity price
risks; and (3) part of our fee from the Seminole gas plant
is based on a portion of the NGLs produced, and, therefore, is
subject to commodity price risks.
The margins we realize from purchasing and selling a portion of
the natural gas that we transport through our pipeline systems
decrease in periods of low natural gas prices because our gross
margins are based on a percentage of the index price. For the
year ended December 31, 2003 and the three months ended
March 31, 2004, we purchased approximately 8.4% and 9.2%,
respectively, of our gas at a percentage of relevant index.
Accordingly, a decline in the price of natural gas could have an
adverse impact on our results of operations.
4
A portion of our profitability is affected by the relationship
between natural gas and NGL prices. For a component of our
Gregory system volumes, we purchase natural gas, process natural
gas and extract NGLs, and then sell the processed natural gas
and NGLs. Since we extract Btus from the gas stream in the form
of the liquids or consume it as fuel during processing, we
reduce the Btu content of the natural gas. Accordingly, our
margins under these arrangements can be negatively affected in
periods in which the value of natural gas is high relative to
the value of NGLs. For example, a decrease of $0.01 per gallon
in the price of NGLs and an increase of $0.10 per MMBtu in the
average price of natural gas for the year ended
December 31, 2003 would have resulted in a decrease in
processing margins of approximately $170,000. For the year ended
December 31, 2003, we purchased approximately 16% of the
natural gas volumes on our Gregory system under such contracts.
In the past, the prices of natural gas and NGLs have been
extremely volatile and we expect this volatility to continue.
For example, in 2002, the NYMEX settlement price for natural gas
for the prompt month contract ranged from a high of $4.13 per
MMBtu to a low of $2.01 per MMBtu. In 2003, the same index
ranged from $4.486 per MMBtu to $9.282 per MMBtu. A composite of
the OPIS Mt. Belvieu monthly average liquids price based upon
our average liquids composition in 2002 ranged from a high of
approximately $0.48 per gallon to a low of approximately $0.27
per gallon. In 2003, the same composite ranged from
approximately $0.46 per gallon to approximately $0.65 per gallon.
We may not be successful in balancing our purchases and sales.
In addition, a producer could fail to deliver contracted volumes
or deliver in excess of contracted volumes, or a consumer could
purchase less than contracted volumes. Any of these actions
could cause our purchases and sales not to be balanced. If our
purchases and sales are not balanced, we will face increased
exposure to commodity price risks and could have increased
volatility in our operating income.
The markets and prices for residue gas and NGLs depend upon
factors beyond our control. These factors include demand for
oil, natural gas and NGLs, which fluctuate with changes in
market and economic conditions and other factors, including:
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the impact of weather on the demand for oil and natural gas; |
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the level of domestic oil and natural gas production; |
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the availability of imported oil and natural gas; |
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actions taken by foreign oil and gas producing nations; |
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the availability of local, intrastate and interstate
transportation systems; |
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the availability and marketing of competitive fuels; |
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the impact of energy conservation efforts; and |
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the extent of governmental regulation and taxation. |
If we are unable to integrate our recent acquisitions, or
if we do not continue to make acquisitions on economically
acceptable terms, our future financial performance may be
limited.
Our future financial performance will depend, in part, on our
ability to make acquisitions of assets and businesses at
attractive prices. From time to time, we will evaluate and seek
to acquire assets or businesses that we believe complement our
existing business and related assets. We may acquire assets or
businesses that we plan to use in a manner materially different
than their prior owners use. Any acquisition involves
potential risks, including:
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the inability to integrate the operations of recently acquired
businesses or assets; |
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the diversion of managements attention from other business
concerns; |
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the loss of customers or key employees from the acquired
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a significant increase in our indebtedness; and |
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potential environmental or regulatory liabilities and title
problems. |
Managements assessment of these risks is necessarily
inexact and may not reveal or resolve all existing or potential
problems associated with an acquisition. Realization of any of
these risks could adversely affect our operations and cash flows.
If we consummate any future acquisition, our capitalization and
results of operations may change significantly, and you will not
have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and
other relevant information that we will consider in determining
the application of these funds and other resources.
Our acquisition strategy is based, in part, on our expectation
of ongoing divestitures of gas processing and transportation
assets by large industry participants. A material decrease in
such divestitures will limit our opportunities for future
acquisitions and could adversely affect our operations and cash
flows.
If we are unable to integrate LIG, or if we are not able
to achieve the desired profitability from this acquisition, our
future financial performance may be limited.
We completed the acquisition of LIG Pipeline Company in April
2004, which geographically expanded our operations throughout
Louisiana and represents our largest acquisition to date. For
the year ended December 31, 2003, the LIG assets would have
constituted 21% of our pro forma gross margin. We cannot assure
you that we will successfully integrate this acquisition into
our operations. In addition, our business approach for LIG will
be different from that of its prior owner. We cannot assure you
that our business approach will achieve our desired financial
performance from this acquisition. Failure to successfully
integrate this substantial acquisition or the failure to achieve
our desired financial performance from this acquisition could
adversely affect our operations and cash flows.
We have limited control over the development of certain
assets because we are not the operator.
As the owner of a non-operating interest in the Seminole gas
processing plant, we do not have the right to direct or control
the operation of the plant. As a result, the success of the
activities conducted at the plant, which is operated by a third
party, may be affected by factors outside of our control. The
failure of the third-party operator to make decisions, perform
its services, discharge its obligations, deal with regulatory
agencies or comply with laws, rules and regulations affecting
the plant, including environmental laws and regulations, in a
proper manner could result in material adverse consequences to
our interest and adversely affect our results of operations.
We expect to encounter significant competition in any new
geographic areas into which we seek to expand and our ability to
enter such markets may be limited.
As we expand our operations into new geographic areas, we expect
to encounter significant competition for natural gas supplies
and markets. Competitors in these new markets include companies
larger than us, which have both lower capital costs and greater
geographic coverage, as well as smaller companies, which have
lower total cost structures. As a result, we may not be able to
successfully develop acquired assets and markets located in new
geographic areas and our results of operations could be
adversely affected.
We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers and
counterparties, and a general increase in the nonpayment and
nonperformance by our customers could have an adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks of nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers are a
major concern in our business. We are subject to risks of loss
resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers.
Any increase in the nonpayment and nonperformance by our
customers could reduce our ability to make distributions to our
unitholders and interest and principal payments on the notes.
6
We may not be able to retain existing customers or acquire
new customers, which would reduce our revenues and limit our
future profitability.
The renewal or replacement of existing contracts with our
customers at rates sufficient to maintain current revenues and
cash flows depends on a number of factors beyond our control,
including competition from other pipelines, and the price of,
and demand for, natural gas in the markets we serve.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately 58.0%
of our sales of gas which were transported using our physical
facilities were to industrial end-users and utilities. As a
consequence of the increase in competition in the industry and
volatility of natural gas prices, end-users and utilities are
reluctant to enter into long-term purchase contracts. Many
end-users purchase natural gas from more than one natural gas
company and have the ability to change providers at any time.
Some of these end-users also have the ability to switch between
gas and alternate fuels in response to relative price
fluctuations in the market. Because there are numerous companies
of greatly varying size and financial capacity that compete with
us in the marketing of natural gas, we often compete in the
end-user and utilities markets primarily on the basis of price.
The inability of our management to renew or replace our current
contracts as they expire and to respond appropriately to
changing market conditions could have a negative effect on our
profitability.
We depend on certain key customers, and the loss of any of
our key customers could adversely affect our financial
results.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from contracts
with a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Inc. To the extent that this
and other customers may reduce volumes of natural gas purchased
under existing contracts, we would be adversely affected unless
we were able to make comparably profitable arrangements with
other customers. Sales to the subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Inc.
accounted for 20.5% of our revenues during 2003, 27.5% of our
revenues during 2002 and 23.9% of our revenues during 2001. Our
primary contract with Kinder Morgan Inc. expires in March 2006.
Our agreements with our key customers provide for minimum
volumes of natural gas that each customer must purchase until
the expiration of the term of the applicable agreement, subject
to certain force majeure provisions. Our customers may default
on their obligations to purchase the minimum volumes required
under the applicable agreements.
We have a limited combined operating history.
Because we have grown rapidly, we have a limited operating
history for most of our operations to which you may look to
evaluate our performance. As a result, the historical and pro
forma information may not give you an accurate indication of
what our actual results would have been if the acquisitions had
been completed at the beginning of the periods presented or of
what our future results of operations are likely to be.
Growing our business by constructing new pipelines and
processing and treating facilities subjects us to construction
risks and risks associated with regional natural gas production
forecasts.
One of the ways we intend to grow our business is through the
construction of additions to our existing gathering systems and
construction of new gathering, processing and treating
facilities. The construction of gathering, processing and
treating facilities requires the expenditure of significant
amounts of capital, which may exceed our expectations.
Generally, we may have only limited natural gas supplies
committed to these facilities prior to their construction.
Moreover, we may construct facilities to capture anticipated
future growth in production in a region in which anticipated
production growth does not materialize. We may also rely on
estimates of proved reserves in our decision to construct new
pipelines and facilities, which may prove to be inaccurate
because there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
quantities of proved reserves. As a result, new facilities may
not be able to attract enough natural gas to achieve our
expected investment return, which could adversely affect our
results of operations and financial condition.
7
Our business involves many hazards and operational risks,
some of which may not be fully covered by insurance.
Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the
gathering, compressing, treating and processing of natural gas
and storage of residue gas, including:
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damage to pipelines, related equipment and surrounding
properties caused by hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural
disasters and acts of terrorism; |
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inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; |
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leaks of natural gas, NGLs and other hydrocarbons; and |
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fires and explosions. |
These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal
injury and/or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of
property and equipment and pollution or other environmental
damage and may result in curtailment or suspension of our
related operations. Our operations are concentrated in the
Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, and a natural
disaster or other hazard affecting this region could have a
material adverse effect on our operations. We are not fully
insured against all risks incident to our business. In
accordance with typical industry practice, we do not have any
property insurance on any of our underground pipeline systems
that would cover damage to the pipelines. We are not insured
against all environmental accidents that might occur, other than
those considered to be sudden and accidental. Our business
interruption insurance covers only our Gregory processing plant.
If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully
insured, it could adversely affect our operations and financial
condition.
The threat of terrorist attacks has resulted in increased
costs, and future war or risk of war may adversely impact our
results of operations and our ability to raise capital.
Terrorist attacks or the threat of terrorist attacks cause
instability in the global financial markets and other
industries, including the energy industry. Uncertainty
surrounding retaliatory military strikes or a sustained military
campaign may affect our operations in unpredictable ways,
including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets, and the
possibility that infrastructure facilities, including pipelines,
production facilities, and transmission and distribution
facilities, could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of
an act of terror. Instability in the financial markets as a
result of terrorism, the war in Iraq or future developments
could also affect our ability to raise capital.
Changes in the insurance markets attributable to the threat of
terrorist attacks have made certain types of insurance more
difficult for us to obtain. Our insurance policies now generally
exclude acts of terrorism. Such insurance is not available at
what we believe to be acceptable pricing levels. A lower level
of economic activity could also result in a decline in energy
consumption, which could adversely affect our revenues or
restrict our future growth. Instability in the financial markets
as a result of terrorism or war could also affect our ability to
raise capital.
Federal, state or local regulatory measures could
adversely affect our business.
While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC,
generally does not regulate any of our operations, directly or
indirectly, it influences certain aspects of our business and
the market for our products. As a raw natural gas gatherer, we
generally are exempt from FERC regulation under the Natural Gas
Act of 1938, or NGA, but FERC regulation still significantly
affects our business. In recent years, FERC has pursued
pro-competitive policies in its regulation of interstate natural
gas pipelines. However, we cannot assure you that FERC will
continue this approach as it considers matters such as pipeline
rates and rules and policies that may affect rights of access to
natural gas transportation capacity.
Some of our intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines are
subject to regulation as a common carrier and as a gas utility
by the Texas Railroad Commission, or TRRC. The TRRCs
jurisdiction extends to both rates and pipeline safety. The
rates we charge for transportation services are deemed just and
reasonable under
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Texas law unless challenged in a complaint. Should a complaint
be filed or should regulation become more active, our business
may be adversely affected.
Other state and local regulations also affect our business. We
are subject to ratable take and common purchaser statutes in the
states where we operate. Ratable take statutes generally require
gatherers to take, without undue discrimination, natural gas
production that may be tendered to the gatherer for handling.
Similarly, common purchaser statutes generally require gatherers
to purchase without undue discrimination as to source of supply
or producer. These statutes have the effect of restricting our
right as an owner of gathering facilities to decide with whom we
contract to purchase or transport natural gas. Federal law
leaves any economic regulation of natural gas gathering to the
states, and some of the states in which we operate have adopted
complaint-based or other limited economic regulation of natural
gas gathering activities. States in which we operate that have
adopted some form of complaint-based regulation, like Oklahoma
and Texas, generally allow natural gas producers and shippers to
file complaints with state regulators in an effort to resolve
grievances relating to natural gas gathering access and rate
discrimination.
The states in which we conduct operations administer federal
pipeline safety standards under the Pipeline Safety Act of 1968.
The rural gathering exemption under the Natural Gas
Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 presently exempts substantial
portions of our gathering facilities from jurisdiction under
that statute, including those portions located outside of
cities, towns, or any area designated as residential or
commercial, such as a subdivision or shopping center. The
rural gathering exemption, however, may be
restricted in the future, and it does not apply to our natural
gas transmission pipelines. In response to recent pipeline
accidents in other parts of the country, Congress and the
Department of Transportation have passed or are considering
heightened pipeline safety requirements.
Compliance with pipeline integrity regulations issued by the
TRRC, or those issued by the United States Department of
Transportation, or DOT, in December of 2003 could result in
substantial expenditures for testing, repairs and replacement.
TRRC regulations require periodic testing of all intrastate
pipelines meeting certain size and location requirements. Our
costs relating to compliance with the required testing under the
TRRC regulations were approximately $1.0 million in 2003
and we expect the costs for compliance with TRRC and DOT
regulations to be between $2.4 million and
$2.7 million in each of 2004 and 2005. If our pipelines
fail to meet the safety standards mandated by the TRRC or the
DOT regulations, then we may be required to repair or replace
sections of such pipelines, the cost of which cannot be
estimated at this time.
Our business involves hazardous substances and may be
adversely affected by environmental regulation.
Many of the operations and activities of our gathering systems,
plants and other facilities are subject to significant federal,
state and local environmental laws and regulations. These
include, for example, laws and regulations that impose
obligations related to air emissions and discharge of wastes
from our facilities and the cleanup of hazardous substances that
may have been released at properties currently or previously
owned or operated by us or locations to which we have sent
wastes for disposal. Various governmental authorities have the
power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the
permits issued under them, and violators are subject to
administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil
fines, injunctions or both. Liability may be incurred without
regard to fault for the remediation of contaminated areas.
Private parties, including the owners of properties through
which our gathering systems pass, may also have the right to
pursue legal actions to enforce compliance as well as to seek
damages for non-compliance with environmental laws and
regulations or for personal injury or property damage.
There is inherent risk of the incurrence of environmental costs
and liabilities in our business due to our handling of natural
gas and other petroleum products, air emissions related to our
operations, historical industry operations, waste disposal
practices and the prior use of natural gas flow meters
containing mercury. In addition, the possibility exists that
stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could
significantly increase our compliance costs and the cost of any
remediation that may become necessary. We may incur material
environmental costs and liabilities. Furthermore, our insurance
may not provide sufficient coverage in the event an
environmental claim is made against us.
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Our business may be adversely affected by increased costs due to
stricter pollution control requirements or liabilities resulting
from non-compliance with required operating or other regulatory
permits. New environmental regulations might adversely affect
our products and activities, including processing, storage and
transportation, as well as waste management and air emissions.
Federal and state agencies could also impose additional safety
requirements, any of which could affect our profitability.
Our use of derivative financial instruments has in the
past and could in the future result in financial losses or
reduce our income.
We use over-the-counter price and basis swaps with other natural
gas merchants and financial institutions, and we use futures and
option contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Use
of these instruments is intended to reduce our exposure to
short-term volatility in commodity prices. We could incur
financial losses or fail to recognize the full value of a market
opportunity as a result of volatility in the market values of
the underlying commodities or if one of our counterparties fails
to perform under a contract.
Due to our lack of asset diversification, adverse
developments in our gathering, transmission, treating,
processing and producer services businesses would reduce our
ability to make distributions to our unitholders.
We rely exclusively on the revenues generated from our
gathering, transmission, treating, processing and producer
services businesses, and as a result our financial condition
depends upon prices of, and continued demand for, natural gas
and NGLs. Due to our lack of asset diversification, an adverse
development in one of these businesses would have a
significantly greater impact on our financial condition and
results of operations than if we maintained more diverse assets.
Our success depends on key members of our management, the
loss of whom could disrupt our business operations.
We depend on the continued employment and performance of the
officers of the general partner of our general partner and key
operational personnel. The general partner of our general
partner has entered into employment agreements with each of its
executive officers. If any of these officers or other key
personnel resign or become unable to continue in their present
roles and are not adequately replaced, our business operations
could be materially adversely affected. We do not maintain any
key man life insurance for any officers.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
Crosstex Energy, Inc. controls our general partner and as
of June 1, 2004 owned a 54% limited partner interest in us.
Our general partner has conflicts of interest and limited
fiduciary responsibilities, which may permit our general partner
to favor its own interests.
As of June 1, 2004, CEI indirectly owned an aggregate
limited partner interest of approximately 54% in us. In
addition, CEI owns and controls our general partner. Due to its
control of our general partner and the size of its limited
partner interest in us, CEI effectively controls all limited
partnership decisions, including any decisions related to the
removal of our general partner. Conflicts of interest may arise
in the future between CEI and its affiliates, including our
general partner, on the one hand, and our partnership, on the
other hand. As a result of these conflicts our general partner
may favor its own interests and those of its affiliates over our
interests. These conflicts include, among others, the following
situations:
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Conflicts Relating to Control: |
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our partnership agreement limits our general partners
liability and reduces its fiduciary duties, while also
restricting the remedies available to our unitholders for
actions that might, without these limitations, constitute
breaches of fiduciary duty by our general partner; |
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in resolving conflicts of interest, our general partner is
allowed to take into account the interests of parties in
addition to unitholders, which has the effect of limiting its
fiduciary duties to the unitholders; |
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our general partners affiliates may engage in limited
competition with us; |
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our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed
to us by our general partner and its affiliates; |
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our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel,
accountants or others to perform services for us; |
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in some instances our general partner may cause us to borrow
funds from affiliates of the general partner or from third
parties in order to permit the payment of cash distributions,
even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make a
distribution on our subordinated units or to make incentive
distributions or hasten the expiration of the subordination
period; and |
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our partnership agreement gives our general partner broad
discretion in establishing financial reserves for the proper
conduct of our business. These reserves also will affect the
amount of cash available for distribution. Our general partner
may establish reserves for distribution on our subordinated
units, but only if those reserves will not prevent us from
distributing the full minimum quarterly distribution, plus any
arrearages, on the common units for the following four quarters. |
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Conflicts Relating to Costs: |
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our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset
purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuance
of additional limited partner interests and reserves, each of
which can affect the amount of cash that is available for the
payment of principal and interest on the notes; |
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our general partner determines which costs incurred by it and
its affiliates are reimbursable by us; and |
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our general partner is not restricted from causing us to pay it
or its affiliates for any services rendered on terms that are
fair and reasonable to us or entering into additional
contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our
behalf. |
Our unitholders have no right to elect our general partner
or the directors of its general partner and have limited ability
to remove our general partner.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders
have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our
business, and therefore limited ability to influence
managements decisions regarding our business. Unitholders
did not elect our general partner or the board of directors of
its general partner and have no right to elect our general
partner or the board of directors of its general partner on an
annual or other continuing basis.
Furthermore, if unitholders are dissatisfied with the
performance of our general partner, they will have little
ability to remove our general partner. The general partner
generally may not be removed except upon the vote of the holders
of
662/3%
of the outstanding units voting together as a single class.
Because affiliates of the general partner controlled
approximately 55% of all the units as of June 1, 2004, the
general partner could not be removed without the consent of the
general partner and its affiliates. Also, if the general partner
is removed without cause during the subordination period and
units held by the general partner and its affiliates are not
voted in favor of that removal, all remaining subordinated units
will automatically be converted into common units and any
existing arrearages on the common units will be extinguished. A
removal without cause would adversely affect the common units by
prematurely eliminating their distribution and liquidation
preference over the subordinated units which would otherwise
have continued until we had met certain distribution and
performance tests.
Cause is narrowly defined to mean that a court of competent
jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment
finding the general partner liable for actual fraud, gross
negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as
our general partner. Cause does not include, in most cases,
charges of poor
11
management of the business, so the removal of the general
partner because of the unitholders dissatisfaction with
the general partners performance in managing our
partnership will most likely result in the termination of the
subordination period.
In addition, unitholders voting rights are further
restricted by the partnership agreement provision providing that
any units held by a person that owns 20% or more of any class of
units then outstanding, other than our general partner, its
affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such
units with the prior approval of the board of directors of the
general partners general partner, cannot be voted on any
matter. In addition, the partnership agreement contains
provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings
or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other
provisions limiting the unitholders ability to influence
the manner or direction of management.
As a result of these provisions, it will be more difficult for a
third party to acquire our partnership without first negotiating
such a purchase with our general partner and, as a result, you
are less likely to receive a takeover premium.
Cost reimbursements due our general partner may be
substantial and will reduce the cash available for distribution
to you.
Prior to making any distributions on the units, we reimburse our
general partner and its affiliates, including officers and
directors of our general partner, for all expenses they incur on
our behalf. The reimbursement of expenses could adversely affect
our ability to make distributions to our unitholders. Our
general partner has sole discretion to determine the amount of
these expenses. In addition, our general partner and its
affiliates provide us with services for which we are charged
reasonable fees as determined by our general partner in its sole
discretion.
The control of our general partner may be transferred to a
third party, and that third party could replace our current
management team.
The general partner may transfer its general partner interest to
a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially
all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders.
Furthermore, there is no restriction in the partnership
agreement on the ability of the owner of the general partner
from transferring its ownership interest in the general partner
to a third party. The new owner of the general partner would
then be in a position to replace the board of directors and
officers of the general partner with its own choices and to
control the decisions taken by the board of directors and
officers.
Our general partners absolute discretion in
determining the level of cash reserves may adversely affect our
ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement requires our general partner to deduct
from operating surplus cash reserves that in its reasonable
discretion are necessary to fund our future operating
expenditures. In addition, the partnership agreement permits our
general partner to reduce available cash by establishing cash
reserves for the proper conduct of our business, to comply with
applicable law or agreements to which we are a party or to
provide funds for future distributions to partners. These cash
reserves will affect the amount of cash available for
distribution to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions which reduce
the remedies available to unitholders for actions that might
otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary duty by our general
partner.
Our partnership agreement limits the liability and reduces the
fiduciary duties of our general partner to the unitholders. The
partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to
unitholders for actions that would otherwise constitute breaches
of our general partners fiduciary duties. If you choose to
purchase a common unit, you will be treated as having consented
to the various actions contemplated in the partnership agreement
and conflicts of interest that might otherwise be considered a
breach of fiduciary duties under applicable state law.
12
We may issue additional common units without your
approval, which would dilute your ownership interests.
During the subordination period, our general partner, without
the approval of our unitholders, may cause us to issue up to
2,632,000 additional common units. Our general partner may also
cause us to issue an unlimited number of additional common units
or other equity securities of equal rank with the common units,
without unitholder approval, in a number of circumstances such
as:
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the issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions
that increase cash flow from operations per unit on a pro forma
basis; |
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the conversion of subordinated units into common units; |
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the conversion of units of equal rank with the common units into
common units under some circumstances; |
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the conversion of the general partner interest and the incentive
distribution rights into common units as a result of the
withdrawal of our general partner; |
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issuances of common units under our long-term incentive plan; or |
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issuances of common units to repay indebtedness, the cost of
which to service is greater than the distribution obligations
associated with the units issued in connection with the
debts retirement. |
The issuance of additional common units or other equity
securities of equal or senior rank will have the following
effects:
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our unitholders proportionate ownership interest in us
will decrease; |
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the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may
decrease; |
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because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be
subordinated units, the risk that a shortfall in the payment of
the minimum quarterly distribution will be borne by our common
unitholders will increase; |
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit
may be diminished; and |
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the market price of the common units may decline. |
After the end of the subordination period, we may issue an
unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type
without the approval of our unitholders. Our partnership
agreement does not give our unitholders the right to approve our
issuance of equity securities ranking junior to the common units
at any time.
Our general partner has a limited call right that may
require you to sell your common units at an undesirable time or
price.
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the
right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its
affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of
the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not
less than their then-current market price. As a result, you may
be required to sell your common units at an undesirable time or
price and may therefore not receive any return on your
investment. You may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of
your units. For additional information about the call right,
please read Description of Our Partnership
Agreement Limited Call Right.
You may not have limited liability if a court finds that
unitholder action constitutes control of our business.
You could be held liable for our obligations to the same extent
as a general partner if a court determined that the right or the
exercise of the right by our unitholders to remove or replace
our general partner, to approve amendments to our partnership
agreement, or to take other action under our partnership
agreement constituted participation in the control
of our business, to the extent that a person who has transacted
business with the partnership reasonably believes, based on your
conduct, that you are a general partner. Our
13
general partner generally has unlimited liability for the
obligations of the partnership, such as its debts and
environmental liabilities, except for those contractual
obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without
recourse to our general partner. In addition,
Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act provides that a limited partner who receives a
distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the
distribution was in violation of that section may be liable to
the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for a
period of three years from the date of the distribution. The
limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner
interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not
been clearly established in some of the other states in which we
do business. Please read Description of the Common Units
Limited Liability for a discussion of the
implications of the limitations on liability to a unitholder.
Risks Related to Debt Securities
We have a holding company structure in which our
subsidiaries conduct our operations and own our operating
assets.
We have a holding company structure, and our subsidiaries
conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating
assets. We have no significant assets other than the ownership
interests in our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make
required payments on the debt securities depends on the
performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute
funds to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make
distributions to us may be restricted by, among other things,
credit facilities and applicable state partnership laws and
other laws and regulations. Pursuant to the credit facilities,
we may be required to establish cash reserves for the future
payment of principal and interest on the amounts outstanding
under the credit facilities. If we are unable to obtain the
funds necessary to pay the principal amount at maturity of the
debt securities, or to repurchase the debt securities upon the
occurrence of a change of control, we may be required to adopt
one or more alternatives, such as a refinancing of the debt
securities. We cannot assure you that we would be able to
refinance the debt securities.
If we issue unsecured debt securities, your right to
receive payments on the debt securities will be unsecured and
will be effectively subordinated to our existing and future
secured indebtedness and to indebtedness of any of our
subsidiaries who do not guarantee the debt securities.
Any unsecured debt securities, including any guarantees, issued
by us, Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. or any Subsidiary
Guarantors will be effectively subordinated to the claims of our
secured creditors. In the event of the insolvency, bankruptcy,
liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or winding up of our
business or that of Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. or any
Subsidiary Guarantors, their secured creditors would generally
have the right to be paid in full before any distribution is
made to the holders of the unsecured debt securities.
Furthermore, if any of our subsidiaries do not guarantee the
unsecured securities, these debt securities will be effectively
subordinated to the claims of all creditors, including trade
creditors and tort claimants, of those subsidiaries. In the
event of the insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation,
reorganization, dissolution or winding up of the business of a
subsidiary that is not a guarantor, creditors of that subsidiary
would generally have the right to be paid in full before any
distribution is made to the issuer of the unsecured debt
securities or the holders of the unsecured debt securities.
We do not have the same flexibility as other types of
organizations to accumulate cash, which may limit cash available
to service the debt securities or to repay them at
maturity.
Unlike a corporation, our partnership agreement requires us to
distribute on a quarterly basis, 100% of our available cash to
our unitholders of record and our general partner. Available
cash is generally all of our cash on hand at the end of each
quarter, after payment of fees and expenses and the
establishment of cash reserves by our general partner in its
discretion. Our general partner determines the amount and timing
of cash distributions and has broad discretion to establish and
make additions to our reserves or the reserves of our
14
operating partnerships in amounts the general partner determines
in its reasonable discretion to be necessary or appropriate:
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to provide for the proper conduct of our business and the
businesses of our operating partnerships (including reserves for
future capital expenditures and for our anticipated future
credit needs); |
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to provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and our
general partner from any one or more of the next four calendar
quarters; or |
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to comply with applicable law or any of our loan or other
agreements. |
Depending on the timing and amount of our cash distributions to
unitholders and because we are not required to accumulate cash
for the purpose of meeting obligations to holders of any debt
securities, such distributions could significantly reduce the
cash available to us in subsequent periods to make payments on
any debt securities.
Tax Risks to Our Unitholders.
You are urged to read Material Tax Consequences for
a more complete discussion of the expected material federal
income tax consequences of owning and disposing of common units.
The IRS could treat us as a corporation for tax purposes,
which would substantially reduce the cash available for
distribution to our unitholders.
The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in
us depends largely on our being treated as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not
plan to request, a ruling from the IRS on this or any other
matter affecting us.
If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, we would pay tax on our income at corporate rates of
up to 35% (under the law as of the date of this prospectus) and
we would probably pay state income taxes as well. In addition,
distributions to unitholders would generally be taxed again as
corporate distributions and none of our income, gains, losses,
or deductions would flow through to unitholders. Because a tax
would be imposed upon us as a corporation, the cash available
for distribution to unitholders would be substantially reduced.
Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a
material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax
return to the unitholders and thus would likely result in a
material reduction in the value of the common units.
A change in current law or a change in our business could cause
us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes or otherwise subject us to entity-level taxation. Our
partnership agreement provides that, if a law is enacted or
existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that
subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects
us to entity-level taxation for federal, state, or local income
tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the
target distribution amounts will be decreased to reflect the
impact of that law on us.
A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax
positions we take may adversely impact the market for our common
units and the costs of any contest will be borne by us and,
therefore, indirectly by our unitholders and our general
partner.
We have not requested any ruling from the IRS with respect to
any matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions that differ
from our counsels conclusions expressed in this prospectus
or from the positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to
administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of
our counsels conclusions or the positions we take. A court
may not agree with all of our counsels conclusions or the
positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and
adversely impact the market for our common units and the prices
at which common units trade. In addition, our costs of any
contest with the IRS will be borne by us and therefore
indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner since such
costs will reduce the amount of cash available for distribution
by us.
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Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on income from us
even if they do not receive any cash distributions from
us.
Unitholders will be required to pay federal income taxes and, in
some cases, state, local, and foreign income taxes on their
share of our taxable income even if they do not receive cash
distributions from us. Unitholders may not receive cash
distributions equal to their share of our taxable income or even
the tax liability that results from that income.
Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units
could be different than expected.
Unitholders who sell common units will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized and their
tax basis in those common units. Prior distributions in excess
of the total net taxable income allocated for a common unit,
which decreased the tax basis in that common unit, will, in
effect, become taxable income to the unitholder if the common
unit is sold at a price greater than the tax basis in that
common unit, even if the price received is less than the
original cost. A substantial portion of the amount realized,
whether or not representing gain, will likely be ordinary income
to the unitholder. Should the IRS successfully contest some
positions we take, unitholders could recognize more gain on the
sale of units than would be the case under those positions,
without the benefit of decreased income in prior years. In
addition, unitholders who sell units may incur a tax liability
in excess of the amount of cash they receive from the sale.
Recent changes in federal income tax law could affect the
value of our common units.
On May 28, 2003, the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2003 was signed into law, which generally
reduces the maximum tax rate applicable to corporate dividends
to 15%. This reduction could materially affect the value of our
common units in relation to alternative investments in corporate
stock, as investments in corporate stock may be more attractive
to individual investors thereby exerting downward pressure on
the market price of our common units.
Tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, and
foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning common units
that may result in adverse tax consequences to them.
Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as
individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs), regulated
investment companies (known as mutual funds) and non-U.S.
persons, raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually
all of our income allocated to organizations exempt from federal
income tax, including individual retirement accounts and other
retirement plans, will be unrelated business income and will be
taxable to them. Very little of our income will be qualifying
income to a regulated investment company or mutual fund.
Distributions to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding
taxes, at the highest effective tax rate applicable to
individuals, and non-U.S. persons will be required to file
federal income tax returns and generally pay tax on their share
of our taxable income.
We are registered as a tax shelter. This may increase the
risk of an IRS audit of us or a unitholder.
We are registered with the IRS as a tax shelter. Our
tax shelter registration number is 02337000008. As a result, we
may be audited by the IRS and tax adjustments could be made. Any
unitholder owning less than a 1% profits interest in us has very
limited rights to participate in the income tax audit process.
Further, any adjustments in our tax returns will lead to
adjustments in our unitholders tax returns and may lead to
audits of unitholders tax returns and adjustments of items
unrelated to us. Unitholders will bear the cost of any expense
incurred in connection with an examination of their personal tax
return and will indirectly bear a portion of the cost of an
audit of us since our cash available for distribution would be
reduced in such a case.
We will determine the tax benefits that are available to
an owner of units without regard to the units purchased. The IRS
may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the
value of the common units.
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common
units and because of other reasons, we will take depreciation
and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects
of the Treasury
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regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could
adversely affect the amount of tax benefits available to
unitholders. It also could affect the timing of these tax
benefits or the amount of gain from the sale of common units and
could have a negative impact on the value of our common units or
result in audit adjustments to the tax returns of unitholders.
As a result of investing in our common units, unitholders
will likely be subject to state and local taxes and return
filing requirements in jurisdictions where they do not
live.
In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be
subject to other taxes such as state and local income taxes,
unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions
in which we do business or own property. Unitholders will likely
be required to file state, local and foreign income tax returns
and pay state, local and foreign income taxes in some or all of
the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own
property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply
with those requirements. We own property or conduct business in
Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi
and Alabama. Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas,
Mississippi and Alabama impose an income tax, generally. Texas
does not impose a state income tax on individuals, but does
impose a franchise tax on limited liability companies and
corporations in certain circumstances. Texas does not impose a
franchise tax on partnerships at this time. We may do business
or own property in other states or foreign countries in the
future. It is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all
federal, state, local, and foreign tax returns. Our counsel has
not rendered an opinion on the state, local, or foreign tax
consequences of owning our common units.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information included in this prospectus, any
prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by
reference contain forward-looking statements. These
statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to
future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial
condition, or state other information relating to us, based on
the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions
made by, and information currently available to, management.
Words such as may, will,
anticipate, believe, expect,
estimate, intend, project
and other similar phrases or expressions identify
forward-looking statements. When considering forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other
cautionary statements in this prospectus, any prospectus
supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference.
These forward-looking statements are made based upon
managements current plans, expectations, estimates,
assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us
and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We
caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and
that actual results could differ materially from those expressed
or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from those
expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements for a
number of important reasons, including those discussed under
Risk Factors beginning on page 3, and elsewhere in
this prospectus.
You should read these statements carefully because they discuss
our expectations about our future performance, contain
projections of our future operating results or our future
financial condition, or state other forward-looking
information. Before you invest, you should be aware that the
occurrence of any of the events described in Risk
Factors beginning on page 3 and elsewhere in this
prospectus could substantially harm our business, results of
operations and financial condition. We disclaim any obligation
to announce publicly the result of any revision to any of the
forward-looking information to reflect future events or
developments.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we
will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of securities
covered by this prospectus for general partnership purposes,
which may include, among other things:
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paying or refinancing all or a portion of our indebtedness
outstanding at the time; and |
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funding working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions. |
The actual application of proceeds from the sale of any
particular offering of securities using this prospectus will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to
such offering. The precise amount and timing of the application
of these proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and
the availability and cost of other funds.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The table below sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for us and our predecessor for each of the periods
indicated:
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Predecessor | |
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Historical | |
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Four Months | |
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Eight Months | |
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Year Ended | |
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Three Months | |
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Year Ended | |
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Ended | |
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Ended | |
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December 31, | |
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Ended | |
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December 31, | |
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April 30, | |
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December 31, | |
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March 31, | |
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1999 | |
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2000 | |
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2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charge
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1.8x |
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4.1x |
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1.7x |
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5.5x |
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5.9x |
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For purposes of calculating the ratios of earnings to fixed
charges:
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earnings represent net income before adjustment for
minority interest in subsidiary plus fixed charges less minority
interest in the income of subsidiaries that have not incurred
fixed charges; and |
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fixed charges represent interest expense, which
includes the amortization of capitalized expenses relating to
indebtedness. |
For the four months ended April 30, 2000 and the year ended
December 31, 2001, earnings were insufficient to cover
fixed charges by $7.6 million and $1.7 million,
respectively.
20
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
Crosstex Energy, L.P. may issue senior debt securities under an
indenture among Crosstex Energy, L.P., as issuer, the
Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, and a trustee that we will name
in the related prospectus supplement. We refer to this indenture
as the Crosstex Energy senior indenture. Crosstex
Energy, L.P. may also issue subordinated debt securities
under an indenture to be entered into among Crosstex
Energy, L.P., the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, and the
trustee. We refer to this indenture as the Crosstex Energy
subordinated indenture.
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. may issue senior debt
securities under an indenture among Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P., as issuer, Crosstex Energy, L.P., as
Guarantor, the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, and a trustee that
we will name in the related prospectus supplement. We refer to
this indenture as the Crosstex Energy Services senior indenture.
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. may also issue subordinated
debt securities under an indenture to be entered into among
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., the Guarantor, the
Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, and the trustee. We refer to this
indenture as the Crosstex Energy Services subordinated indenture.
We refer to the Crosstex Energy senior indenture, the Crosstex
Energy Services senior indenture, the Crosstex Energy
subordinated indenture and the Crosstex Energy Services
subordinated indenture collectively as the indentures. The debt
securities will be governed by the provisions of the related
indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
We have summarized material provisions of the indentures, the
debt securities and the guarantees below. This summary is not
complete. We have filed the form of senior indentures and the
form of subordinated indentures with the SEC as exhibits to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part,
and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be
important to you.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this
Description of the Debt Securities to
we, us and our mean Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. and
references in this prospectus to an indenture refer
to the particular indenture under which we issue a series of
debt securities.
Provisions Applicable to Each Indenture
General. Any series of debt securities:
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will be general obligations of the issuer; |
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will be general obligations of the Guarantor if they are
guaranteed by the Guarantor; |
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will be general obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors if they
are guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors; and |
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may be subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness of Crosstex
Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. and the
Subsidiary Guarantors. |
The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that
may be issued under any indenture, and do not limit the amount
of other indebtedness or securities that we may issue. We may
issue debt securities under the indentures from time to time in
one or more series, each in an amount authorized prior to
issuance.
No indenture contains any covenants or other provisions designed
to protect holders of the debt securities in the event we
participate in a highly leveraged transaction or upon a change
of control. The indentures also do not contain provisions that
give holders the right to require us to repurchase their
securities in the event of a decline in our credit ratings for
any reason, including as a result of a takeover,
recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.
Terms. We will prepare a prospectus supplement and either
a supplemental indenture, or authorizing resolutions of the
board of directors of our general partners general
partner, accompanied by an officers
21
certificate, relating to any series of debt securities that we
offer, which will include specific terms relating to some or all
of the following:
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whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt
securities; |
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the form and title of the debt securities of that series; |
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the total principal amount of the debt securities of that series; |
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whether the debt securities will be issued in individual
certificates to each holder or in the form of temporary or
permanent global securities held by a depositary on behalf of
holders; |
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the date or dates on which the principal of and any premium on
the debt securities of that series will be payable; |
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any interest rate which the debt securities of that series will
bear, the date from which interest will accrue, interest payment
dates and record dates for interest payments; |
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any right to extend or defer the interest payment periods and
the duration of the extension; |
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whether and under what circumstances any additional amounts with
respect to the debt securities will be payable; |
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whether debt securities are entitled to the benefits of any
guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor; |
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the place or places where payments on the debt securities of
that series will be payable; |
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any provisions for optional redemption or early repayment; |
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any provisions that would require the redemption, purchase or
repayment of debt securities; |
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the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued; |
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whether payments on the debt securities will be payable in
foreign currency or currency units or another form and whether
payments will be payable by reference to any index or formula; |
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the portion of the principal amount of debt securities that will
be payable if the maturity is accelerated, if other than the
entire principal amount; |
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any additional means of defeasance of the debt securities, any
additional conditions or limitations to defeasance of the debt
securities or any changes to those conditions or limitations; |
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any changes or additions to the events of default or covenants
described in this prospectus; |
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any restrictions or other provisions relating to the transfer or
exchange of debt securities; |
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any terms for the conversion or exchange of the debt securities
for our other securities or securities of any other entity; |
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any changes to the subordination provisions for the subordinated
debt securities; and |
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any other terms of the debt securities of that series. |
This description of debt securities will be deemed modified,
amended or supplemented by any description of any series of debt
securities set forth in a prospectus supplement related to that
series.
We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be
substantial, below their stated principal amount. These debt
securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at
the time of issuance is below market rates. If we sell these
debt securities, we will describe in the prospectus supplement
any material United States federal income tax consequences and
other special considerations.
If we sell any of the debt securities for any foreign currency
or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are
payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, we will
describe in the prospectus supplement the restrictions,
elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other
information relating to those debt securities and the foreign
currency or currency unit.
22
Guarantee of Crosstex Energy, L.P. Crosstex
Energy, L.P. will fully, irrevocably and unconditionally
guarantee on an unsecured basis all series of debt securities of
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., and will execute a notation
of guarantee as further evidence of its guarantee. As used in
this prospectus, the term Guarantor means Crosstex
Energy, L.P. in its role as guarantor of the debt
securities of Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. The applicable
prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any guarantee
by Crosstex Energy, L.P.
If a series of senior debt securities of Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P. is so guaranteed, Crosstex
Energy, L.P.s guarantee of the senior debt securities
will be Crosstex Energy, L.P.s unsecured and
unsubordinated general obligation, and will rank on a parity
with all of Crosstex Energy, L.P.s other unsecured
and unsubordinated indebtedness. If a series of subordinated
debt securities of Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. is so
guaranteed, Crosstex Energy, L.P.s guarantee of the
subordinated debt securities will be Crosstex
Energy, L.P.s unsecured general obligation and will
be subordinated to all of Crosstex Energy, L.P.s
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.
The Subsidiary Guarantees. The Subsidiary Guarantors may
fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee on an unsecured
basis all series of debt securities of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. or Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., and
will execute a notation of guarantee as further evidence of
their guarantee. The term Subsidiary Guarantors
means Crosstex LIG, LLC, Crosstex Tuscaloosa, LLC, Crosstex
LIG Liquids, LLC, Crosstex Treating Services, L.P.,
Crosstex Gulf Coast Marketing Ltd., Crosstex Gulf Coast
Transmission Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Gathering, Ltd.,
Crosstex CCNG Processing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG
Marketing, Ltd., Crosstex CCNG Transmission, Ltd.,
Crosstex Acquisition Management, L.P., Crosstex Mississippi
Pipeline, L.P., Crosstex Seminole Gas, L.P., Crosstex
Alabama Gathering System, L.P. and Crosstex Mississippi
Industrial Gas Sales, L.P. and also includes Crosstex
Energy Services, L.P. when discussing subsidiary guarantees
of the debt securities of Crosstex Energy, L.P. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any
guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors.
If a series of senior debt securities of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. or Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. is so
guaranteed, the Subsidiary Guarantors guarantee of the
senior debt securities will be the Subsidiary Guarantors
unsecured and unsubordinated general obligation, and will rank
on a parity with all of the Subsidiary Guarantors other
unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. If a series of
subordinated debt securities of Crosstex Energy, L.P. or
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. is so guaranteed, the
Subsidiary Guarantors guarantee of the subordinated debt
securities will be the Subsidiary Guarantors unsecured
general obligation and will be subordinated to all of the
Subsidiary Guarantors other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness.
The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its guarantee
of the debt securities will be limited to the maximum amount
that will not result in the obligations of the Subsidiary
Guarantor under the guarantee constituting a fraudulent
conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law,
after giving effect to:
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all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the Subsidiary
Guarantor; and |
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any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any
other Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of the obligations of the
Subsidiary Guarantor under its guarantee. |
The guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor may be released under
certain circumstances. If we exercise our legal or covenant
defeasance option with respect to debt securities of a
particular series as described below in
Defeasance, then any Subsidiary
Guarantor will be released with respect to that series. Further,
if no default has occurred and is continuing under the
indentures, and to the extent not otherwise prohibited by the
indentures, a Subsidiary Guarantor will be unconditionally
released and discharged from the guarantee:
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automatically upon any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by
way of merger or otherwise, to any person that is not our
affiliate, of all of our direct or indirect limited partnership
or other equity interests in the Subsidiary Guarantor; |
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automatically upon the merger of the Subsidiary Guarantor into
us or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or the liquidation and
dissolution of the Subsidiary Guarantor; or |
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following delivery of a written notice by us to the trustee,
upon the release of all guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantor
of any debt of ours for borrowed money for a purchase money
obligation or for a guarantee of either, except for any series
of debt securities. |
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. The indentures
generally permit a consolidation or merger involving Crosstex
Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. or the
Subsidiary Guarantors. They also permit Crosstex
Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. or the
Subsidiary Guarantors, as applicable, to lease, transfer or
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets. Each of
Crosstex Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P.
and the Subsidiary Guarantors has agreed, however, that it will
not consolidate with or merge into any entity (other than
Crosstex Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P.
or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable) or lease, transfer or
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to any entity
(other than Crosstex Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P. or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable)
unless:
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it is the continuing entity; or |
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if it is not the continuing entity, the resulting entity or
transferee is organized and existing under the laws of any
United States jurisdiction and assumes the performance of its
covenants and obligations under the indentures; and |
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in either case, immediately after giving effect to the
transaction, no default or event of default would occur and be
continuing or would result from the transaction. |
Upon any such consolidation, merger or asset lease, transfer or
disposition involving Crosstex Energy, L.P., Crosstex
Energy Services, L.P. or the Subsidiary Guarantors, the
resulting entity or transferee will be substituted for Crosstex
Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. or the
Subsidiary Guarantors, as applicable, under the applicable
indenture and debt securities. In the case of an asset transfer
or disposition other than a lease, Crosstex Energy, L.P. or
the Subsidiary Guarantors, as applicable, will be released from
the applicable indenture.
Events of Default. Unless we inform you otherwise in the
applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of
default with respect to a series of debt securities:
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failure to pay interest on that series of debt securities when
due that continues for 30 days; |
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default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on
any debt securities of that series when due at its stated
maturity, upon redemption, upon required repurchase or otherwise; |
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default in the payment of any sinking fund payment on any debt
securities of that series when due; |
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failure by the issuer or, if the series of debt securities is
guaranteed by the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantors, by
such Guarantor or Subsidiary Guarantor, to comply for
60 days with the other agreements contained in the
indentures, any supplement to the indentures or any board
resolution authorizing the issuance of that series after written
notice by the trustee or by the holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities issued under
that indenture that are affected by that failure; |
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of
the issuer or, if the series of debt securities is guaranteed by
the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantor, of the Guarantor
and/or any such Subsidiary Guarantor; |
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if the series of debt securities is guaranteed by the Guarantor
and/or any Subsidiary Guarantor: |
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any of the guarantees ceases to be in full force and effect,
except as otherwise provided in the indentures; |
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any of the guarantees is declared null and void in a judicial
proceeding; or |
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the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms
its obligations under the indentures or its guarantee; and |
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any other event of default provided for in that series of debt
securities. |
24
A default under one series of debt securities will not
necessarily be a default under another series. The trustee may
withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any
default or event of default (except in any payment on the debt
securities) if the trustee considers it in the interest of the
holders of the debt securities to do so.
If an event of default for any series of debt securities occurs
and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the
series affected by the default (or, in some cases, 25% in
principal amount of all debt securities issued under the
applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may
declare the principal of and all accrued and unpaid interest on
those debt securities to be due and payable. If an event of
default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization occurs, the principal of and interest on all the
debt securities issued under the applicable indenture will
become immediately due and payable without any action on the
part of the trustee or any holder. The holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the
series affected by the default (or, in some cases, of all debt
securities issued under the applicable indenture that are
affected, voting as one class) may in some cases rescind this
accelerated payment requirement.
A holder of a debt security of any series issued under each
indenture may pursue any remedy under that indenture only if:
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the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing
event of default for that series; |
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the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series make a written
request to the trustee to pursue the remedy; |
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the holders offer to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the
trustee; |
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the trustee fails to act for a period of 60 days after
receipt of the request and offer of indemnity; and |
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during that 60-day period, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the debt securities of that series do not
give the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request. |
This provision does not, however, affect the right of a holder
of a debt security to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment.
In most cases, holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of a series (or of all debt
securities issued under the applicable indenture that are
affected, voting as one class) may direct the time, method and
place of:
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conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
trustee; and |
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exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee
relating to or arising as a result of an event of default. |
The issuer is required to file each year with the trustee a
written statement as to its compliance with the covenants
contained in the applicable indenture.
Modification and Waiver. Each indenture may be amended or
supplemented if the holders of a majority in principal amount of
the outstanding debt securities of all series issued under that
indenture that are affected by the amendment or supplement
(acting as one class) consent to it. Without the consent of the
holder of each debt security affected, however, no modification
may:
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reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent
to an amendment, a supplement or a waiver; |
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reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on
the debt security; |
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reduce the principal of the debt security or change its stated
maturity; |
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reduce any premium payable on the redemption of the debt
security or change the time at which the debt security may or
must be redeemed; |
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change any obligation to pay additional amounts on the debt
security; |
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make payments on the debt security payable in currency other
than as originally stated in the debt security; |
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impair the holders right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the debt
security; |
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make any change in the percentage of principal amount of debt
securities necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions
of the indenture or to make any change in the provision related
to modification; |
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modify the provisions relating to the subordination of any
subordinated debt security in a manner adverse to the holder of
that security; |
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waive a continuing default or event of default regarding any
payment on the debt securities; or |
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release the Guarantor, or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or modify
the guarantee of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantor in
any manner adverse to the holders. |
Each indenture may be amended or supplemented or any provision
of that indenture may be waived without the consent of any
holders of debt securities issued under that indenture:
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to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; |
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to provide for the assumption of the issuers obligations
under the indentures by a successor upon any merger,
consolidation or asset transfer permitted under the indenture; |
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to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or
in place of certificated debt securities or to provide for
bearer debt securities; |
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to provide any security for, any guarantees of or any additional
obligors on any series of debt securities or, with respect to
the senior indentures, the related guarantees; |
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to comply with any requirement to effect or maintain the
qualification of that indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939; |
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to add covenants that would benefit the holders of any debt
securities or to surrender any rights the issuer has under the
indentures; |
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to add events of default with respect to any debt securities; and |
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to make any change that does not adversely affect any
outstanding debt securities of any series issued under that
indenture in any material respect. |
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of any series (or, in some cases, of all debt
securities issued under the applicable indenture that are
affected, voting as one class) may waive any existing or past
default or event of default with respect to those debt
securities. Those holders may not, however, waive any default or
event of default in any payment on any debt security or
compliance with a provision that cannot be amended or
supplemented without the consent of each holder affected.
Defeasance. When we use the term defeasance, we mean
discharge from some or all of our obligations under the
indentures. If any combination of funds or government securities
are deposited with the trustee under an indenture sufficient to
make payments on the debt securities of a series issued under
that indenture on the dates those payments are due and payable,
then, at our option, either of the following will occur:
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we will be discharged from our or their obligations with respect
to the debt securities of that series and, if applicable, the
related guarantees (legal defeasance); or |
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we will no longer have any obligation to comply with the
restrictive covenants, the merger covenant and other specified
covenants under the applicable indenture, and the related events
of default will no longer apply (covenant
defeasance). |
26
If a series of debt securities is defeased, the holders of the
debt securities of the series affected will not be entitled to
the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for obligations
to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, replace
stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities or maintain paying
agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. In the case of
covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium
and interest on the debt securities and, if applicable,
guarantees of the payments will also survive.
Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we
will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel
that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the
holders of the debt securities to recognize income, gain or loss
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal
defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling
from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a change in law
to that effect.
No Personal Liability of General Partner. Crosstex Energy
GP, L.P., our general partner, and Crosstex Energy GP, LLC, the
general partner of our general partner, and their directors,
officers, employees, incorporators and partners, in such
capacity, will not be liable for the obligations of Crosstex
Energy, L.P., Crosstex Energy Services, L.P. or any Subsidiary
Guarantor under the debt securities, the indentures or the
guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by
reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a
debt security, each holder of that debt security will have
agreed to this provision and waived and released any such
liability on the part of Crosstex Energy GP, L.P. and Crosstex
Energy GP, LLC and their directors, officers, employees,
incorporators and partners. This waiver and release are part of
the consideration for our issuance of the debt securities. It is
the view of the SEC that a waiver of liabilities under the
federal securities laws is against public policy and
unenforceable.
Governing Law. New York law will govern the indentures
and the debt securities.
Trustee. We may appoint a separate trustee for any series
of debt securities. We use the term trustee to refer
to the trustee appointed with respect to any such series of debt
securities. We may maintain banking and other commercial
relationships with the trustee and its affiliates in the
ordinary course of business, and the trustee may own debt
securities.
Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer. The debt
securities will be issued in registered form, without interest
coupons. There will be no service charge for any registration of
transfer or exchange of the debt securities. However, payment of
any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable for that
registration may be required.
Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other
debt securities of the same series, the same total principal
amount and the same terms but in different authorized
denominations in accordance with the applicable indenture.
Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer
at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent we
designate. The security registrar or transfer agent will effect
the transfer or exchange if its requirements and the
requirements of the applicable indenture are met.
The trustee will be appointed as security registrar for the debt
securities. If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer
agents we initially designate, we may at any time rescind that
designation or approve a change in the location through which
any transfer agent acts. We are required to maintain an office
or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment.
We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any
series of debt securities.
In the case of any redemption, we will not be required to
register the transfer or exchange of:
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any debt security during a period beginning 15 business days
prior to the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption and
ending on the close of business on the day of mailing of such
notice; or |
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any debt security that has been called for redemption in whole
or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security
being redeemed in part. |
Payment and Paying Agents. Unless we inform you otherwise
in a prospectus supplement, payments on the debt securities will
be made in U.S. dollars at the office of the trustee and
any paying agent. At our option, however, payments may be made
by wire transfer for global debt securities or by check mailed
to the address
27
of the person entitled to the payment as it appears in the
security register. Unless we inform you otherwise in a
prospectus supplement, interest payments may be made to the
person in whose name the debt security is registered at the
close of business on the record date for the interest payment.
Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the
trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as the
paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that
indenture. We may at any time designate additional paying agents
or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a
change in the office through which any paying agent acts.
If the principal of or any premium or interest on debt
securities of a series is payable on a day that is not a
business day, the payment will be made on the following business
day. For these purposes, unless we inform you otherwise in a
prospectus supplement, a business day is any day
that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking
institutions in New York, New York or a place of payment on the
debt securities of that series is authorized or obligated by
law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.
Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property
laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to us upon written
request any money held by them for payments on the debt
securities that remains unclaimed for two years after the date
upon which that payment has become due. After payment to us,
holders entitled to the money must look to us for payment. In
that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with
respect to that money will cease.
Book-Entry Debt Securities. The debt securities of a
series may be issued in the form of one or more global debt
securities that would be deposited with a depositary or its
nominee identified in the prospectus supplement. Global debt
securities may be issued in either temporary or permanent form.
We will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any
depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners
of beneficial interests in any global debt security.
Provisions Applicable Solely to the Crosstex Energy and
Crosstex Energy Services Subordinated Indentures
Subordination. Debt securities of a series may be
subordinated to the issuers Senior
Indebtedness, which is defined generally to include any
obligation created or assumed by the issuer (or, if the series
is guaranteed, the Guarantor and any Subsidiary Guarantors) for
the repayment of borrowed money, any purchase money obligation
created or assumed by the issuer, and any guarantee therefor,
whether outstanding or hereafter issued, unless, by the terms of
the instrument creating or evidencing such obligation, it is
provided that such obligation is subordinate or not superior in
right of payment to the debt securities (or, if the series is
guaranteed, the guarantee of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary
Guarantor), or to other obligations which are pari passu with or
subordinated to the debt securities (or, if the series is
guaranteed, the guarantee of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary
Guarantor). Subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in
right of payment, to the extent and in the manner set forth in
the subordinated indentures and the prospectus supplement
relating to such series, to the prior payment of all of our
indebtedness and that of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary
Guarantor that is designated as Senior Indebtedness
with respect to the series.
The holders of Senior Indebtedness of the issuer or, if
applicable, the Guarantor or a Subsidiary Guarantor, will
receive payment in full of the Senior Indebtedness before
holders of subordinated debt securities will receive any payment
of principal, premium or interest with respect to the
subordinated debt securities upon any payment or distribution of
our assets or, if applicable to any series of outstanding debt
securities, the Subsidiary Guarantors assets, to creditors:
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upon a liquidation or dissolution of the issuer or, if
applicable to any series of outstanding debt securities, the
Subsidiary Guarantors; or |
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in a bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceeding relating to
the issuer or, if applicable to any series of outstanding debt
securities, to the Subsidiary Guarantors. |
Until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, any distribution
to which holders of subordinated debt securities would otherwise
be entitled will be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness,
except that the
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holders of subordinated debt securities may receive units
representing limited partner interests and any debt securities
that are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness to at least the
same extent as the subordinated debt securities.
If the issuer does not pay any principal, premium or interest
with respect to Senior Indebtedness within any applicable grace
period (including at maturity), or any other default on Senior
Indebtedness occurs and the maturity of the Senior Indebtedness
is accelerated in accordance with its terms, the issuer may not:
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make any payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest
with respect to subordinated debt securities; |
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make any deposit for the purpose of defeasance of the
subordinated debt securities; or |
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repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire any subordinated debt
securities, except that in the case of subordinated debt
securities that provide for a mandatory sinking fund, the issuer
may deliver subordinated debt securities to the trustee in
satisfaction of our sinking fund obligation, |
unless, in either case,
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the default has been cured or waived and any declaration of
acceleration has been rescinded; |
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the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; or |
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the issuer and the trustee receive written notice approving the
payment from the representatives of each issue of
Designated Senior Indebtedness. |
Generally, Designated Senior Indebtedness will
include:
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any specified issue of Senior Indebtedness of at least
$100.0 million; and |
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any other Senior Indebtedness that we may designate in respect
of any series of subordinated debt securities. |
During the continuance of any default, other than a default
described in the immediately preceding paragraph, that may cause
the maturity of any Designated Senior Indebtedness to be
accelerated immediately without further notice, other than any
notice required to effect such acceleration, or the expiration
of any applicable grace periods, the issuer may not pay the
subordinated debt securities for a period called the
Payment Blockage Period. A Payment Blockage Period
will commence on the receipt by the issuer and the trustee of
written notice of the default, called a Blockage
Notice, from the representative of any Designated Senior
Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage
Period and will end 179 days thereafter.
The Payment Blockage Period may be terminated before its
expiration:
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by written notice from the person or persons who gave the
Blockage Notice; |
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by repayment in full in cash of the Designated Senior
Indebtedness with respect to which the Blockage Notice was
given; or |
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if the default giving rise to the Payment Blockage Period is no
longer continuing. |
Unless the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness have
accelerated the maturity of the Designated Senior Indebtedness,
we may resume payments on the subordinated debt securities after
the expiration of the Payment Blockage Period.
Generally, not more than one Blockage Notice may be given in any
period of 360 consecutive days. The total number of days during
which anyone or more Payment Blockage Periods are in effect,
however, may not exceed an aggregate of 179 days during any
period of 360 consecutive days.
After all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and until the
subordinated debt securities are paid in full, holders of the
subordinated debt securities shall be subrogated to the rights
of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions
applicable to Senior Indebtedness.
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As a result of the subordination provisions described above, in
the event of insolvency, the holders of Senior Indebtedness, as
well as certain of our general creditors, may recover more,
ratably, than the holders of the subordinated debt securities.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS
The common units represent limited partner interests in Crosstex
Energy, L.P. that entitle the holders to participate in our cash
distributions and to exercise the rights or privileges available
to limited partners under our partnership agreement. For a
description of the relative rights and preferences of holders of
common units, holders of subordinated units and our general
partner in and to partnership distributions, together with a
description of the circumstances under which subordinated units
convert into common units, see Cash Distributions in
this prospectus. For a general discussion of the expected
federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of
common units, see Material Tax Considerations.
References in the Description of Common Units to
we, us and our mean Crosstex
Energy, L.P.
Our outstanding common units are quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol XTEX.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serves as
registrar and transfer agent for our common units.
Status as Limited Partner or Assignee
Except as described under Limited
Liability, the common units will be fully paid, and the
unitholders will not be required to make additional capital
contributions to us.
Transfer of Common Units
Each purchaser of common units offered by this prospectus must
execute a transfer application. By executing and delivering a
transfer application, the purchaser of common units:
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becomes the record holder of the common units and is an assignee
until admitted into our partnership as a substituted limited
partner; |
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automatically requests admission as a substituted limited
partner in our partnership; |
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agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of, and executes,
our partnership agreement; |
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represents that the transferee has the capacity, power and
authority to enter into the partnership agreement; |
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grants powers of attorney to officers of our general partner and
any liquidator of us as specified in the partnership agreement;
and |
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makes the consents and waivers contained in the partnership
agreement. |
An assignee will become a substituted limited partner of our
partnership for the transferred common units upon the consent of
our general partner and the recording of the name of the
assignee on our books and records. Our general partner may
withhold its consent in its sole discretion.
A transferees broker, agent or nominee may complete,
execute and deliver a transfer application. We are entitled to
treat the nominee holder of a common unit as the absolute owner.
In that case, the beneficial holders rights are limited
solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a
result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the
nominee holder.
Common units are securities and are transferable according to
the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other
rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the
transferee the right to request
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admission as a substituted limited partner in our partnership
for the transferred common units. A purchaser or transferee of
common units who does not execute and deliver a transfer
application obtains only:
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the right to assign the common unit to a purchaser or
transferee; and |
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the right to transfer the right to seek admission as a
substituted limited partner in our partnership for the
transferred common units. |
Thus, a purchaser or transferee of common units who does not
execute and deliver a transfer application:
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will not receive cash distributions or federal income tax
allocations, unless the common units are held in a nominee or
street name account and the nominee or broker has
executed and delivered a transfer application; and |
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may not receive some federal income tax information or reports
furnished to record holders of common units. |
The transferor of common units has a duty to provide the
transferee with all information that may be necessary to
transfer the common units. The transferor does not have a duty
to insure the execution of the transfer application by the
transferee and has no liability or responsibility if the
transferee neglects or chooses not to execute and forward the
transfer application to the transfer agent.
Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and
the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as
the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise
required by law or stock exchange regulations.
Limited Liability
Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the
control of our business within the meaning of the Delaware
Limited Liability Company Act, or Delaware Act, and that he
otherwise acts in conformity with the provisions of the
partnership agreement, his liability under the Delaware Act will
be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount of
capital he is obligated to contribute to us for his common units
plus his share of any undistributed profits and assets. If it
were determined, however, that the right, or exercise of the
right, by the limited partners as a group:
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to remove or replace our general partner; |
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to approve some amendments to the partnership agreement; or |
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to take other action under the partnership agreement; |
constituted participation in the control of our
business for the purposes of the Delaware Act, then the limited
partners could be held personally liable for our obligations
under the laws of Delaware, to the same extent as the general
partner. This liability would extend to persons who transact
business with us who reasonably believe that the limited partner
is a general partner. Neither the partnership agreement nor the
Delaware Act specifically provides for legal recourse against
our general partner if a limited partner were to lose limited
liability through any fault of our general partner. While this
does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal
recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in
Delaware case law.
Under the Delaware Act, a limited partnership may not make a
distribution to a partner if, after the distribution, all
liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities
to partners on account of their partnership interests and
liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to
specific property of the partnership, would exceed the fair
value of the assets of the limited partnership. For the purpose
of determining the fair value of the assets of a limited
partnership, the Delaware Act provides that the fair value of
property subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is
limited shall be included in the assets of the limited
partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that
property exceeds the nonrecourse liability. The Delaware Act
provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and
knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution was
in violation of the Delaware Act shall be liable to the limited
partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years.
Under the Delaware Act, an assignee who becomes a
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substituted limited partner of a limited partnership is liable
for the obligations of his assignor to make contributions to the
partnership, except the assignee is not obligated for
liabilities unknown to him at the time he became a limited
partner and that could not be ascertained from the partnership
agreement.
Our subsidiaries conduct business in seven states. Maintenance
of our limited liability as a limited partner of the operating
partnership may require compliance with legal requirements in
the jurisdictions in which the operating partnership conducts
business, including qualifying our subsidiaries to do business
there. Limitations on the liability of limited partners for the
obligations of a limited partner have not been clearly
established in many jurisdictions. If, by virtue of our limited
partner interest in the operating partnership or otherwise, it
were determined that we were conducting business in any state
without compliance with the applicable limited partnership or
limited liability company statute, or that the right or exercise
of the right by the limited partners as a group to remove or
replace the general partner, to approve some amendments to the
partnership agreement, or to take other action under the
partnership agreement constituted participation in the
control of our business for purposes of the statutes of
any relevant jurisdiction, then the limited partners could be
held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that
jurisdiction to the same extent as our general partner under the
circumstances. We will operate in a manner that our general
partner considers reasonable and necessary or appropriate to
preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.
Meetings; Voting
Except as described below regarding a person or group owning 20%
or more of any class of units then outstanding, unitholders or
assignees who are record holders of units on the record date
will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of our
limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may
be solicited. Common units that are owned by an assignee who is
a record holder, but who has not yet been admitted as a limited
partner, will be voted by our general partner at the written
direction of the record holder. Absent direction of this kind,
the common units will not be voted, except that, in the case of
common units held by our general partner on behalf of
non-citizen assignees, our general partner will distribute the
votes on those common units in the same ratios as the votes of
limited partners on other units are cast.
Our general partner does not anticipate that any meeting of
unitholders will be called in the foreseeable future. Any action
that is required or permitted to be taken by the unitholders may
be taken either at a meeting of the unitholders or without a
meeting if consents in writing describing the action so taken
are signed by holders of the number of units necessary to
authorize or take that action at a meeting. Meetings of the
unitholders may be called by our general partner or by
unitholders owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the
class for which a meeting is proposed. Unitholders may vote
either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a
majority of the outstanding units of the class or classes for
which a meeting has been called, represented in person or by
proxy, will constitute a quorum unless any action by the
unitholders requires approval by holders of a greater percentage
of the units, in which case the quorum will be the greater
percentage.
Each record holder of a unit has a vote according to his
percentage interest in us, although additional limited partner
interests having special voting rights could be issued. Please
read Description of Our Partnership Agreement
Issuance of Additional Securities. However, if at any time
any person or group, other than our general partner and its
affiliates, or a direct or subsequently approved transferee of
our general partner or its affiliates, acquires, in the
aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of
units then outstanding, that person or group will lose voting
rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on any
matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending
notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes,
determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar
purposes. Common units held in nominee or street name account
will be voted by the broker or other nominee in accordance with
the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement
between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise.
Except as the partnership agreement otherwise provides,
subordinated units will vote together with common units as a
single class.
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Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required
or permitted to be given or made to record holders of common
units under the partnership agreement will be delivered to the
record holder by us or by the transfer agent.
Books and Reports
Our general partner is required to keep appropriate books of our
business at our principal offices. The books will be maintained
for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual
basis. For tax and fiscal reporting purposes, our fiscal year is
the calendar year.
We will furnish or make available to record holders of common
units, within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year,
an annual report containing audited financial statements and a
report on those financial statements by our independent public
accountants. Except for our fourth quarter, we will also furnish
or make available summary financial information within
90 days after the close of each quarter.
We will furnish each record holder of a unit with information
reasonably required for tax reporting purposes within
90 days after the close of each calendar year. This
information is expected to be furnished in summary form so that
some complex calculations normally required of partners can be
avoided. Our ability to furnish this summary information to
unitholders will depend on the cooperation of unitholders in
supplying us with specific information. Every unitholder will
receive information to assist him in determining his federal and
state tax liability and filing his federal and state income tax
returns, regardless of whether he supplies us with information.
The partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can,
for a purpose reasonably related to his interest as a limited
partner, upon reasonable demand and at his own expense, have
furnished to him:
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a current list of the name and last known address of each
partner; |
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a copy of our tax returns; |
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information as to the amount of cash, and a description and
statement of the agreed value of any other property or services,
contributed or to be contributed by each partner and the date on
which each became a partner; |
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copies of the partnership agreement, the certificate of limited
partnership of the partnership, related amendments and powers of
attorney under which they have been executed; |
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information regarding the status of our business and financial
condition; and |
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any other information regarding our affairs as is just and
reasonable. |
Our general partner may, and intends to, keep confidential from
the limited partners trade secrets or other information the
disclosure of which our general partner believes in good faith
is not in our best interests or that we are required by law or
by agreements with third parties to keep confidential.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of our
partnership agreement. Our partnership agreement is included as
an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus constitutes a part.
We summarize the following provisions of the partnership
agreement elsewhere in this prospectus:
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with regard to the transfer of common units, please read
Description of the Common Units Transfer of
Common Units; |
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with regard to limited liability of limited partners, please
read Description of the Common Units Limited
Liability; |
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with regard to meetings and voting, please read
Description of the Common Units Meetings;
Voting; |
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with regards to the rights of unitholders regarding our books
and reports, please read Description of the Common
Units Books and Reports; |
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with regard to distributions of available cash, please read
Cash Distribution Policy; and |
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with regard to allocations of taxable income and taxable loss,
please read Material Tax Consequences. |
Organization and Duration
We were organized on July 12, 2002 and will have a
perpetual existence except as provided below under
Termination and Dissolution.
Purpose
Our purpose under the partnership agreement is limited to
serving as the limited partner of the operating partnership and
engaging in any business activities that may be engaged in by
the operating partnership or that are approved by our general
partner. The partnership agreement of the operating partnership
provides that the operating partnership may, directly or
indirectly, engage in:
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its operations as conducted immediately before our initial
public offering; |
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any other activity approved by the general partner but only to
the extent that the general partner reasonably determines that,
as of the date of the acquisition or commencement of the
activity, the activity generates qualifying income
as this term is defined in Section 7704 of the Internal
Revenue Code; or |
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any activity that enhances the operations of an activity that is
described in either of the two preceding clauses or any other
activity provided such activity does not affect our treatment as
a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. |
Although our general partner has the ability to cause us, the
operating partnership or its subsidiaries to engage in
activities other than gathering, transmission, treating,
processing and marketing of natural gas, our general partner has
no current plans to do so. Our general partner is authorized in
general to perform all acts deemed necessary to carry out our
purposes and to conduct our business.
Power of Attorney
Each limited partner, and each person who acquires a unit from a
unitholder and executes and delivers a transfer application,
grants to our general partner and, if appointed, a liquidator, a
power of attorney to, among other things, execute and file
documents required for our qualification, continuance or
dissolution. The power of attorney also grants our general
partner the authority to amend, and to make consents and waivers
under, the partnership agreement.
Capital Contributions
Unitholders are not obligated to make additional capital
contributions, except as described under Description of
the Common Units Limited Liability.
Voting Rights
The following matters require the unitholder vote specified
below. Certain significant decisions require approval by a
unit majority of the common units. We define
unit majority as:
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during the subordination period, at least a majority of the
outstanding common units, excluding common units owned by the
general partner and its affiliates, voting as a class and at
least a majority of the outstanding subordinated units voting as
a class; and |
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thereafter, at least a majority of the outstanding common units. |
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Matter |
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Vote Requirement |
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Issuance of additional common units or units of equal rank with
the common units during the subordination period
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Unit majority, with certain exceptions described under
Issuance of Additional Securities. |
Issuance of units senior to the common units during the
subordination period
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Unit majority. |
Issuance of units junior to the common units during the
subordination period
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No approval right. |
Issuance of additional units after the subordination period
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No approval right. |
Amendment of the partnership agreement
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Certain amendments may be made by our general partner without
the approval of the unitholders. Other amendments generally
require the approval of a unit majority. See
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement. |
Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or substantially
all of our assets
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Unit majority. See Merger, Sale or Other
Disposition of Assets. |
Amendment of the operating partnership agreement and other
action taken by us as a limited partner of the operating
partnership
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Unit majority if such amendment or other action would adversely
affect our limited partners (or any particular class of limited
partners) in any material respect. See Action
Relating to the Operating Partnership. |
Dissolution of our partnership
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Unit majority. See Termination and
Dissolution. |
Reconstitution of our partnership upon dissolution
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Unit majority. See Termination and
Dissolution. |
Withdrawal of the general partner
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The approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common
units held by the general partner and its affiliates, is
required in most circumstances for the withdrawal of the general
partner prior to December 31, 2012 in a manner which would
cause a dissolution of our partnership. See
Withdrawal or Removal of our General
Partner. |
Removal of the general partner
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Not less than
662/3%
of the outstanding units, voting as a single class, including
units held by our general partner and its affiliates. See
Withdrawal or Removal of our General
Partner. |
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Matter |
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Vote Requirement |
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Transfer of the general partner interest
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Our general partner may transfer all, but not less than all, of
its general partner interest in us without a vote of our
unitholders to an affiliate or another person in connection with
its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all our
substantially all of its assets to such person. The approval of
a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by
the general partner and its affiliates, is required in other
circumstances for a transfer of the general partner interest to
a third party prior to December 31, 2012. See
Transfer of General Partner Interests. |
Transfer of incentive distribution rights
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Except for transfers to an affiliate or another person as part
of the general partners merger or consolidation with or
into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to or
sale of all or substantially all its equity interests to such
person, the approval of a majority of the common units,
excluding common units held by our general partner and its
affiliates, voting separately as a class, is required in most
circumstances for a transfer of the incentive distribution
rights to a third party prior to December 31, 2012. See
Transfer of Incentive Distribution
Rights. |
Transfer of ownership interests in the general partner
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No approval required at any time. See Transfer
of Ownership Interests in our General Partner. |
Issuance of Additional Securities
Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited
number of additional partnership securities and rights to buy
partnership securities for the consideration and on the terms
and conditions established by our general partner in its sole
discretion without the approval of the unitholders. During the
subordination period, however, except as we discuss in the
following paragraph, we may not issue equity securities ranking
senior to the common units or an aggregate of more than
2,633,000 additional common units or units on a parity with the
common units, in each case, without the approval of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated
units, voting as separate classes.
During or after the subordination period, we may issue an
unlimited number of common units without the approval of
unitholders as follows:
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upon conversion of the subordinated units into common units; |
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upon conversion of units of equal rank with the common units
under some circumstances; |
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under employee benefit plans; |
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upon conversion of the general partner interest and incentive
distribution rights as a result of a withdrawal of our general
partner; |
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in the event of a combination or subdivision of common units; |
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in connection with an acquisition or a capital improvement that
increases cash flow from operations per unit on a pro forma
basis; or |
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if the proceeds of the issuance are used exclusively to repay
indebtedness the cost of which to service is greater than the
distribution obligations associated with the units issued in
connection with its retirement. |
It is possible that we will fund acquisitions through the
issuance of additional common units or other equity securities.
Holders of any additional common units we issue will be entitled
to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units
in our distributions of available cash. In addition, the
issuance of additional partnership interests may dilute the
value of the interests of the then-existing holders of common
units in our net assets.
In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of our
partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership
securities interests that, in the sole discretion of our general
partner, have special voting rights to which the common units
are not entitled.
Upon the issuance of additional partnership securities, our
general partner will be required to make additional capital
contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 2% general
partner interest in us. Moreover, our general partner will have
the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in
part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units,
subordinated units or other equity securities whenever, and on
the same terms that, we issue those securities to persons other
than our general partner and its affiliates, to the extent
necessary to maintain its percentage interest, including its
interest represented by common units and subordinated units,
that existed immediately prior to each issuance. The holders of
common units will not have preemptive rights to acquire
additional common units or other partnership securities.
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement
General. Amendments to the partnership agreement may be
proposed only by or with the consent of our general partner,
which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion.
In order to adopt a proposed amendment, other than the
amendments discussed below, our general partner must seek
written approval of the holders of the number of units required
to approve the amendment or call a meeting of the limited
partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment.
Except as we describe below, an amendment must be approved by a
unit majority.
Prohibited Amendments. No amendment may be made that
would:
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enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without its
consent, unless approved by at least a majority of the type or
class of limited partner interests so affected; |
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enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or
rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable,
reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to our general partner
or any of its affiliates without the consent of our general
partner, which may be given or withheld in its sole discretion; |
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change the term of our partnership; |
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provide that our partnership is not dissolved upon an election
to dissolve our partnership by our general partner that is
approved by a unit majority; or |
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give any person the right to dissolve our partnership other than
our general partners right to dissolve our partnership
with the approval of a unit majority. |
The provision of the partnership agreement preventing the
amendments having the effects described in any of the clauses
above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at
least 90% of the outstanding units voting together as a single
class.
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No Unitholder Approval. Our general partner may generally
make amendments to the partnership agreement without the
approval of any limited partner or assignee to reflect:
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a change in our name, the location of our principal place of
business, our registered agent or our registered office; |
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the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners
in accordance with the partnership agreement; |
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a change that, in the sole discretion of our general partner, is
necessary or advisable for us to qualify or to continue our
qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership in which
the limited partners have limited liability under the laws of
any state or to ensure that neither we, the operating
partnership nor any of its subsidiaries will be treated as an
association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxed as an
entity for federal income tax purposes; |
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an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of our counsel,
to prevent us or our general partner or its directors, officers,
agents or trustees, from in any manner being subjected to the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment
Advisors Act of 1940, or plan asset regulations adopted under
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, whether or
not substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently
applied or proposed; |
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subject to the limitations on the issuance of additional
partnership securities described above, an amendment that in the
discretion of our general partner is necessary or advisable for
the authorization of additional partnership securities or rights
to acquire partnership securities; |
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any amendment expressly permitted in the partnership agreement
to be made by our general partner acting alone; |
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an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a merger
agreement that has been approved under the terms of the
partnership agreement; |
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any amendment that, in the discretion of our general partner, is
necessary or advisable for the formation by us of, or our
investment in, any corporation, partnership or other entity, as
otherwise permitted by our partnership agreement; |
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a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes;
or |
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any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters
described in the preceding clauses. |
In addition, our general partner may make amendments to the
partnership agreement without the approval of any limited
partner or assignee if those amendments, in the discretion of
our general partner:
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do not adversely affect the limited partners (or any particular
class of limited partners as compared to other classes of
limited partners) in any material respect; |
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are necessary or advisable to satisfy any requirements,
conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive,
order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or
judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute; |
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are necessary or advisable to facilitate the trading of limited
partner interests or to comply with any rule, regulation,
guideline or requirement of any securities exchange on which the
limited partner interests are or will be listed for trading,
compliance with any of which our general partner deems to be in
our best interest and the best interest of our limited partners; |
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are necessary or advisable for any action taken by our general
partner relating to splits or combinations of units under the
provisions of the partnership agreement; or |
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are required to effect the intent expressed in this prospectus
or the intent of the provisions of our partnership agreement or
are otherwise contemplated by our partnership agreement. |
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Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder Approval. Our general
partner will not be required to obtain an opinion of counsel
that an amendment will not result in a loss of limited liability
to the limited partners or result in our being treated as an
entity for federal income tax purposes if one of the amendments
described above under No Unitholder
Approval should occur. No other amendments to the
partnership agreement will become effective without the approval
of holders of at least 90% of the units unless we obtain an
opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will not
affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of our
limited partners or cause us, the operating partnership or its
subsidiaries to be taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be
taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the
extent not previously taxed as such).
In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would
have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of
any type or class of outstanding units in relation to other
classes of units will require the approval of at least a
majority of the type or class of units so affected. Any
amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take
any action must be approved by the affirmative vote of limited
partners constituting not less than the voting requirement
sought to be reduced.
Action Relating to the Operating Partnership
Without the approval of holders of units representing a unit
majority, our general partner is prohibited from consenting on
our behalf, as the limited partner of the operating partnership,
to any amendment to the partnership agreement of the operating
partnership or taking any action on our behalf permitted to be
taken by a limited partner of the operating partnership, in each
case that would adversely affect our limited partners (or any
particular class of limited partners as compared to other
classes of limited partners) in any material respect.
Merger, Sale or Other Disposition of Assets
The partnership agreement generally prohibits our general
partner, without the prior approval of the holders of units
representing a unit majority, from causing us to, among other
things, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of our assets in a single transaction or a
series of related transactions, including by way of merger,
consolidation or other combination, or approving on our behalf
the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the assets of our subsidiaries as a whole. Our general
partner may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a
security interest in all or substantially all of our assets
without that approval. Our general partner may also sell all or
substantially all of our assets under a foreclosure or other
realization upon those encumbrances without that approval.
If conditions specified in the partnership agreement are
satisfied, our general partner may merge us or any of our
subsidiaries into, or convey some or all of our assets to, a
newly formed entity if the sole purpose of that merger or
conveyance is to change our legal form into another limited
liability entity. The unitholders are not entitled to
dissenters rights of appraisal under the partnership
agreement or applicable Delaware law in the event of a merger or
consolidation, a sale of substantially all of our assets or any
other transaction or event.
Termination and Dissolution
We will continue as a limited partnership until terminated under
the partnership agreement. We will dissolve upon:
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the election of our general partner to dissolve us, if approved
by the holders of units representing a unit majority; |
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the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially
all of our assets and properties and our subsidiaries; |
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the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of our
partnership; or |
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the withdrawal or removal of our general partner or any other
event that results in its ceasing to be our general partner
other than by reason of a transfer of its general partner
interest in accordance with the partnership agreement or
withdrawal or removal following approval and admission of a
successor. |
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Upon a dissolution under the last clause, the holders of a
majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units,
voting as separate classes, may also elect, within specific time
limitations, to reconstitute us and continue our business on the
same terms and conditions described in the partnership agreement
by forming a new limited partnership on terms identical to those
in the partnership agreement and having as general partner an
entity approved by the holders of units representing a unit
majority, subject to our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the
effect that:
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the action would not result in the loss of limited liability of
any limited partner; and |
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neither our partnership, the reconstituted limited partnership
nor the operating partnership would be treated as an association
taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an entity
for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of that right
to continue. |
Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds
Upon our dissolution, unless we are reconstituted and continued
as a new limited partnership, the liquidator authorized to wind
up our affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our
general partner that the liquidator deems necessary or desirable
in its judgment, liquidate our assets and apply the proceeds of
the liquidation as provided in Cash Distribution
Policy Distributions of Cash upon Liquidation.
The liquidator may defer liquidation of our assets for a
reasonable period of time or distribute assets to partners in
kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would
cause undue loss to the partners.
Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner
Except as described below, our general partner has agreed not to
withdraw voluntarily as our general partner prior to
December 31, 2012 without obtaining the approval of the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units,
excluding common units held by our general partner and its
affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding
limited liability and tax matters. On or after December 31,
2012 our general partner may withdraw as general partner without
first obtaining approval of any unitholder by giving
90 days written notice, and that withdrawal will not
constitute a violation of the partnership agreement.
Notwithstanding the information above, our general partner may
withdraw without unitholder approval upon 90 days
notice to the limited partners if at least 50% of the
outstanding common units are held or controlled by one person
and its affiliates other than our general partner and its
affiliates. In addition, the partnership agreement permits our
general partner in some instances to sell or otherwise transfer
all of its general partner interest in us without the approval
of the unitholders. Please read Transfer of
General Partner Interests below.
Upon the withdrawal of our general partner under any
circumstances, other than as a result of a transfer by our
general partner of all or a part of its general partner interest
in us, the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units
and subordinated units, voting as separate classes, may select a
successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is
not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding
limited liability and tax matters cannot be obtained, we will be
dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within 180 days
after that withdrawal, the holders of a majority of the
outstanding common units and subordinated units, voting as
separate classes, agree in writing to continue our business and
to appoint a successor general partner. Please read
Termination and Dissolution above.
Our general partner may not be removed unless that removal is
approved by the vote of the holders of not less than
662/3%
of the outstanding units, voting together as a single class,
including units held by our general partner and its affiliates,
and we receive an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability
and tax matters. Any removal of the general partner is also
subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common
units and subordinated units, voting as separate classes. The
ownership of more than
331/3%
of the outstanding units by our general partner and its
affiliates would give it the practical ability to prevent its
removal.
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The partnership agreement also provides that if Crosstex Energy
GP, L.P. is removed as our general partner under circumstances
where cause does not exist and units held by our general partner
and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal:
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the subordination period will end and each outstanding
subordinated unit will immediately convert into one common unit; |
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units will be extinguished; and |
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our general partner will have the right to convert its general
partner interest and its incentive distribution rights into
common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests
based on the fair market value of those interests at the time. |
In the event of removal of the general partner under
circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of a general
partner where that withdrawal violates the partnership
agreement, a successor general partner will have the option to
purchase the general partner interest and incentive distribution
rights of the departing general partner for a cash payment equal
to the fair market value of those interests. Under all other
circumstances where a general partner withdraws or is removed by
the limited partners, the departing general partner will have
the option to require the successor general partner to purchase
the general partner interest of the departing general partner
and its incentive distribution rights for fair market value. In
each case, this fair market value will be determined by
agreement between the departing general partner and the
successor general partner. If no agreement is reached, an
independent investment banking firm or other independent expert
selected by the departing general partner and the successor
general partner will determine the fair market value. Or, if the
departing general partner and the successor general partner
cannot agree upon an expert, then an expert chosen by agreement
of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair
market value.
If the option described above is not exercised by either the
departing general partner or the successor general partner, the
departing general partners general partner interest and
its incentive distribution rights will automatically convert
into common units equal to the fair market value of those
interests as determined by an investment banking firm or other
independent expert selected in the manner described in the
preceding paragraph.
In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing
general partner for all amounts due the departing general
partner, including, without limitation, all employee-related
liabilities, including severance liabilities, incurred for the
termination of any employees employed by the departing general
partner or its affiliates for our benefit.
Our general partner and its affiliates may at any time transfer
units to one or more persons, without unitholder approval,
except that they may not transfer subordinated units to us.
Transfer of General Partner Interests
Except for transfer by our general partner of all, but not less
than all, of its general partner interest in us and the
operating partnership to:
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an affiliate of the general partner (other than an individual);
or |
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another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of our
general partner with or into another entity or the transfer by
our general partner of all or substantially all of its assets to
another entity, |
our general partner may not transfer all or any part of its
general partner interest in us and the operating partnership to
another entity prior to December 31, 2012 without the
approval of the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding common units, excluding common units held by the
general partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this
transfer, the transferee must assume the rights and duties of
our general partner, agree to be bound by the provisions of the
partnership agreement, and furnish an opinion of counsel
regarding limited liability and tax matters.
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Transfer of Ownership Interests in our General Partner
At any time, the partners of our general partner may sell or
transfer all or part of their partnership interests in the
general partner without the approval of the unitholders.
Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights
Our general partner or its affiliates or a subsequent holder of
incentive distribution rights may transfer its incentive
distribution rights to an affiliate or to another person as part
of its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or
substantially all of its assets, or sale of substantially all of
its equity interests to, that person without the prior approval
of the unitholders; but, in each case, the transferee must agree
to be bound by the provisions of the partnership agreement.
Prior to December 31, 2012, other transfers of the
incentive distribution rights will require the affirmative vote
of holders of a majority of the outstanding common units
(excluding common units held by the general partner or its
affiliates). On or after December 31, 2012, the incentive
distribution rights will be freely transferable.
Change of Management Provisions
The partnership agreement contains specific provisions that are
intended to discourage a person or group from attempting to
remove Crosstex Energy GP, L.P. as our general partner or
otherwise change management. If any person or group other than
our general partner and its affiliates acquires beneficial
ownership of 20% or more of any class of units, that person or
group loses voting rights on all of its units. This loss of
voting rights does not apply to any person or group that
acquires the units from our general partner or its affiliates
and any transferees of that person or group approved by our
general partner or to any person or group who acquires the units
with the prior approval of the board of directors.
Limited Call Right
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates hold more
than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding partnership
securities of any class, our general partner will have the
right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its
affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of
the remaining partnership securities of the class held by
unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by our
general partner, on at least ten but not more than 60 days
notice. The purchase price in the event of this purchase is the
greater of:
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the highest cash price paid by our general partner or any of its
affiliates for any partnership securities of the class purchased
within the 90 days preceding the date on which our general
partner first mails notice of its election to purchase those
partnership securities; and |
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the current market price as of the date three days before the
date the notice is mailed. |
As a result of our general partners right to purchase
outstanding partnership securities, a holder of partnership
securities may have his partnership securities purchased at an
undesirable time or price. The tax consequences to a unitholder
of the exercise of this call right are the same as a sale by
that unitholder of his common units in the market. Please read
Material Tax Consequences Disposition of
Common Units.
Status as Limited Partner or Assignee
Except as described above under Description of the Common
Units Limited Liability the common units will
be fully paid, and unitholders will not be required to make
additional contributions.
An assignee of a common unit, after executing and delivering a
transfer application, but pending its admission as a substituted
limited partner, is entitled to an interest equivalent to that
of a limited partner for the right to share in allocations and
distributions from us, including liquidating distributions. Our
general partner will vote and exercise other powers attributable
to common units owned by an assignee that has not become a
substitute limited partner at the written direction of the
assignee. Please read Description of the Common
Units Meetings; Voting. Transferees that do
not execute and deliver a transfer application will be treated
neither as assignees nor as record holders of common units, and
will not receive cash distributions,
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federal income tax allocations or reports furnished to holders
of common units. Please read Description of the Common
UnitsTransfer of Common Units.
Non-citizen Assignees; Redemption
If we are or become subject to federal, state or local laws or
regulations that, in the reasonable determination of our general
partner, create a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture
of any property that we have an interest in because of the
nationality, citizenship or other related status of any limited
partner or assignee, we may redeem the units held by the limited
partner or assignee at their current market price. In order to
avoid any cancellation or forfeiture, our general partner may
require each limited partner or assignee to furnish information
about his nationality, citizenship or related status. If a
limited partner or assignee fails to furnish information about
his nationality, citizenship or other related status within
30 days after a request for the information or our general
partner determines after receipt of the information that the
limited partner or assignee is not an eligible citizen, the
limited partner or assignee may be treated as a non-citizen
assignee. In addition to other limitations on the rights of an
assignee that is not a substituted limited partner, a
non-citizen assignee does not have the right to direct the
voting of his units and may not receive distributions in kind
upon our liquidation.
Indemnification
Under the partnership agreement, in most circumstances, we will
indemnify the following persons, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar
events:
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our general partner; |
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any departing general partner; |
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any person who is or was an affiliate of a general partner or
any departing general partner; |
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any person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director,
employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of our general partner or
any departing general partner or any affiliate of a general
partner or any departing general partner; or |
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any person who is or was serving at the request of a general
partner or any departing general partner or any affiliate of a
general partner or any departing general partner as an officer,
director, employee, member, partner, agent, fiduciary or trustee
of another person. |
Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of
our assets. Unless it otherwise agrees in its sole discretion,
our general partner will not be personally liable for, or have
any obligation to contribute or loan funds or assets to us to
enable us to effectuate, indemnification. We may purchase
insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses
incurred by persons for our activities, regardless of whether we
would have the power to indemnify the person against liabilities
under the partnership agreement.
Registration Rights
Under the partnership agreement, we have agreed to register for
resale under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state
securities laws any common units, subordinated units or other
partnership securities proposed to be sold by our general
partner or any of its affiliates or their assignees if an
exemption from the registration requirements is not otherwise
available. These registration rights continue for two years
following any withdrawal or removal of Crosstex Energy GP, L.P.
as our general partner. We are obligated to pay all expenses
incidental to the registration, excluding underwriting discounts
and commissions.
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CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Distributions of Available Cash
References in this Cash Distribution Policy to
we, us and our mean Crosstex
Energy, L.P.
General. Within approximately 45 days after the end
of each quarter, we will distribute all of our available cash to
unitholders of record on the applicable record date.
Definition of Available Cash. Available Cash means, for
any quarter ending prior to liquidation:
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all cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries on hand at the end of that quarter; and |
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all additional cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy,
L.P. and its subsidiaries on hand on the date of determination
of available cash for that quarter resulting from working
capital borrowings made after the end of that quarter; |
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less the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or
appropriate in the reasonable discretion of the general partner
to |
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provide for the proper conduct of the business of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries (including reserves for future
capital expenditures and for future credit needs of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries) after that quarter; |
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comply with applicable law or any debt instrument or other
agreement or obligation to which Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of
its subsidiaries is a party or its assets are subject; and |
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provide funds for minimum quarterly distributions and cumulative
common unit arrearages for any one or more of the next four
quarters; |
provided, however, that the general partner may not establish
cash reserves for distributions to the subordinated units unless
the general partner has determined that, in its judgment, the
establishment of reserves will not prevent Crosstex Energy, L.P.
from distributing the minimum quarterly distribution on all
common units and any cumulative common unit arrearages thereon
for the next four quarters; and
provided, further, that disbursements made by Crosstex Energy,
L.P. or any of its subsidiaries or cash reserves established,
increased or reduced after the end of that quarter but on or
before the date of determination of available cash for that
quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established,
increased or reduced, for purposes of determining available
cash, within that quarter if the general partner so determines.
Minimum Quarterly Distribution. Common units are entitled
to receive distributions from operating surplus of $0.25 per
quarter, or $1.00 on an annualized basis, before any
distributions are paid on our subordinated units. There is no
guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on
the common units in any quarter, and we will be prohibited from
making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause a
default or an event of default under our bank credit facility or
the senior secured notes.
Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus
General. All cash distributed to unitholders will be
characterized either as operating surplus or
capital surplus. We distribute available cash from
operating surplus differently than available cash from capital
surplus.
Definition of Operating Surplus. We define operating
surplus in the glossary, and for any period it generally means:
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our cash balance of $7.2 million at the closing of our
initial public offering; plus |
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$8.9 million (as described below); plus |
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all of our cash receipts since the initial public offering,
excluding cash from borrowings that are not working capital
borrowings, sales of equity and debt securities and sales or
other dispositions of assets outside the ordinary course of
business; plus |
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working capital borrowings made after the end of a quarter but
before the date of determination of operating surplus for the
quarter; less |
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all of our operating expenditures since the initial public
offering, including the repayment of working capital borrowings,
but not the repayment of other borrowings, and including
maintenance capital expenditures, and less |
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the amount of cash reserves that the general partner deems
necessary or advisable to provide funds for future operating
expenditures. |
As reflected above, our definition of operating surplus includes
$8.9 million in addition to our cash balance of
$7.2 million at the closing of our initial public offering,
cash receipts from our operations and cash from working capital
borrowings. This amount does not reflect actual cash on hand at
closing that is available for distribution to our unitholders.
Rather, it is a provision that will enable us, if we choose, to
distribute as operating surplus up to $8.9 million of cash
we receive in the future from non-operating sources, such as
asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term borrowings,
that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus.
Definition of Capital Surplus. We also define capital
surplus in the glossary, and it will generally be generated only
by:
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borrowings other than working capital borrowings; |
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sales of debt and equity securities; and |
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sales or other disposition of assets for cash, other than
inventory, accounts receivable and other current assets sold in
the ordinary course of business or as part of normal retirements
or replacements of assets. |
Characterization of Cash Distributions. We will treat all
available cash distributed as coming from operating surplus
until the sum of all available cash distributed since we began
operations equals the operating surplus as of the most recent
date of determination of available cash. We will treat any
amount distributed in excess of operating surplus, regardless of
its source, as capital surplus. While we do not anticipate that
we will make any distributions from capital surplus in the near
term, we may determine that the sale or disposition of an asset
or business owned or acquired by us may be beneficial to our
unitholders. If we distribute to you the equity we own in a
subsidiary or the proceeds from the sale of one of our
businesses, such a distribution would be characterized as a
distribution from capital surplus.
Subordination Period
General. During the subordination period, which we define
below and in the glossary, the common units will have the right
to receive distributions of available cash from operating
surplus in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution
of $0.25 per quarter, plus any arrearages in the payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior
quarters, before any distributions of available cash from
operating surplus may be made on the subordinated units. The
purpose of the subordinated units is to increase the likelihood
that during the subordination period there will be available
cash to be distributed on the common units.
Definition of Subordination Period. We define the
subordination period in the glossary. The subordination period
will extend until the first day of any quarter beginning after
December 31, 2007 that each of the following tests are met:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equaled
or exceeded the minimum quarterly distribution for each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date; |
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the adjusted operating surplus (as described below)
generated during each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping
four quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or
exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distributions on all
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units during
those periods on a fully diluted basis and the related
distribution on the 2% general partner interest during those
periods; and |
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there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units. |
Early Conversion of Subordinated Units. Before the end of
the subordination period, a portion of the subordinated units
may convert into common units on a one-for-one basis immediately
after the distribution of available cash to partners in respect
of any quarter ending on or after:
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December 31, 2005 with respect to 25% of the subordinated
units; and |
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December 31, 2006 with respect to 25% of the subordinated
units. |
The early conversions will occur if at the end of the applicable
quarter each of the following three tests are met:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units and the subordinated units
equaled or exceeded the minimum quarterly distribution for each
of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date; |
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the adjusted operating surplus generated during each of the
three consecutive non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of
the minimum quarterly distributions on all of the outstanding
common units and subordinated units during those periods on a
fully diluted basis and the related distribution on the 2%
general partner interest during those periods; and |
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there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units. |
However, the early conversion of the second 25% of the
subordinated units may not occur until at least one year
following the early conversion of the first 25% of the
subordinated units.
Definition of Adjusted Operating Surplus. We define
adjusted operating surplus in the glossary, and for
any period it generally means:
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operating surplus generated with respect to that period; less |
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any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; less |
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any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period not relating to an operating
expenditure made with respect to that period; plus |
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any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; and plus |
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any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for
the repayment of principal, interest or premium. |
Adjusted Operating Surplus is intended to reflect the cash
generated from operations during a particular period and
therefore excludes net increases in working capital borrowings
and net drawdowns of reserves of cash generated in prior periods.
Effect of Expiration of the Subordination Period. Upon
expiration of the subordination period, each outstanding
subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will
then participate, pro rata, with the other common units in
distributions of available cash. In addition, if the unitholders
remove our general partner other than for cause and units held
by our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor
of such removal:
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the subordination period will end and each subordinated unit
will immediately convert into one common unit on a one-for-one
basis; |
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units will be extinguished; and |
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our general partner will have the right to convert its general
partner interest and its incentive distribution rights into
common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests. |
Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus During
the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating
surplus for any quarter during the subordination period in the
following manner:
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First, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to
our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding
common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding
common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior
quarters during the subordination period; |
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Third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and
2% to our general partner, until we distribute for each
subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; and |
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Thereafter, in the manner described in
Incentive Distribution Rights below. |
Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus After
the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating
surplus for any quarter after the subordination period in the
following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our
general partner until we distribute for each outstanding unit an
amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that
quarter; and |
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Thereafter, in the manner described in
Incentive Distribution Rights below. |
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an
increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available
cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels have been
achieved. Our general partner holds the incentive distribution
rights, but may transfer these rights separately from its
general partner interest, subject to restrictions in the
partnership agreement.
If for any quarter:
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the
common and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the
minimum quarterly distribution; and |
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on
outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any
cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution; |
then, we will distribute any additional available cash from
operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and our
general partner in the following manner:
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First, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, 13% to the
holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.3125 per unit for that quarter (the first target
distribution); |
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Second, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, 23% to the
holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total
of $0.375 per unit for that quarter (the second target
distribution); and |
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Thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, 48% to the
holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner. |
In each case, the amount of the target distribution set forth
above is exclusive of any distributions to common unitholders to
eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum
quarterly distribution.
Target Amount of Quarterly Distribution
The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of
the additional available cash from operating surplus among the
unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the
incentive distribution rights up to the various target
distribution levels. The amounts set forth under Marginal
Percentage Interest in Distributions are the percentage
interests of our unitholders, our general partner and the
holders of the incentive distribution rights in any available
cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including
the corresponding amount in the column Total Quarterly
Distribution Target Amount, until available cash from
operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target
distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for
the unitholders and our general partner for the minimum
quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly
distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly
distribution.
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Marginal Percentage Interest in | |
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Distribution | |
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Total Quarterly Distribution |
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General | |
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Target Amount |
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Unitholders | |
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Partner | |
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distribution Rights | |
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Minimum Quarterly Distribution
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$0.25 |
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98% |
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2% |
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First Target Distribution
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above $0.25 up to $0.3125 |
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85% |
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2% |
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13% |
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Second Target Distribution
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above $0.3125 up to $0.375 |
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75% |
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2% |
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23% |
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Thereafter
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above $0.375 |
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50% |
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2% |
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48% |
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Distributions from Capital Surplus
How Distributions from Capital Surplus will be Made. We
will make distributions of available cash from capital surplus
in the following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our
general partner, until we distribute for each common unit that
was issued in the initial public offering, an amount of
available cash from capital surplus equal to the initial public
offering price; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner, until we distribute for each common
unit, an amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to
any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units; and |
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Thereafter, we will make all distributions of available
cash from capital surplus as if they were from operating surplus. |
Effect of a Distribution from Capital Surplus. The
partnership agreement treats a distribution of capital surplus
as the repayment of the initial unit price from the initial
public offering, which is a return of capital. The initial
public offering price less any distributions of capital surplus
per unit is referred to as the unrecovered initial unit
price. Each time a distribution of capital surplus is
made, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as
the corresponding reduction in the unrecovered initial unit
price. Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the
minimum quarterly distribution, after any of these distributions
are made, it may be easier for our general partner to receive
incentive distributions and for the subordinated units to
convert into common units. However, any distribution of capital
surplus before the unrecovered initial unit price is reduced to
zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution or any arrearages.
Once we distribute capital surplus on a unit issued in this
offering in an amount equal to the initial unit price, we will
reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels to zero. We will
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then make all future distributions from operating surplus, with
50% being paid to the holders of units, 48% to the holders of
incentive distribution rights and 2% to our general partner.
Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target
Distribution Levels
In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and
target distribution levels to reflect a distribution of capital
surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide
our units into a greater number of units we will proportionately
adjust:
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the minimum quarterly distribution; |
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target distribution levels; |
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unrecovered initial unit price; |
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the number of common units issuable during the subordination
period without a unitholder vote; and |
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the number of common units into which a subordinated unit is
convertible. |
For example, if a two-for-one split of the common units should
occur, the minimum quarterly distribution, the target
distribution levels and the unrecovered initial unit price would
each be reduced to 50% of its initial level. We will not make
any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional units for
cash or property.
In addition, if legislation is enacted or if existing law is
modified or interpreted in a manner that causes us to become
taxable as a corporation or otherwise subject to taxation as an
entity for federal, state or local income tax purposes, we will
reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels by multiplying the same by one minus the sum
of the highest marginal federal corporate income tax rate that
could apply and any increase in the effective overall state and
local income tax rates. For example, if we became subject to a
maximum marginal federal, and effective state and local income
tax rate of 38%, then the minimum quarterly distribution and the
target distributions levels would each be reduced to 62% of
their previous levels.
Distributions of Cash upon Liquidation
General. If we dissolve in accordance with the
partnership agreement, we will sell or otherwise dispose of our
assets in a process called a liquidation. We will first apply
the proceeds of liquidation to the payment of our creditors. We
will distribute any remaining proceeds to the unitholders and
our general partner, in accordance with their capital account
balances, as adjusted to reflect any gain or loss upon the sale
or other disposition of our assets in liquidation.
The allocations of gain and loss upon liquidation are intended,
to the extent possible, to entitle the holders of outstanding
common units to a preference over the holders of outstanding
subordinated units upon our liquidation, to the extent required
to permit common unitholders to receive their unrecovered
initial unit price plus the minimum quarterly distribution for
the quarter during which liquidation occurs plus any unpaid
arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on
the common units. However, there may not be sufficient gain upon
our liquidation to enable the holders of common units to fully
recover all of these amounts, even though there may be cash
available for distribution to the holders of subordinated units.
Any further net gain recognized upon liquidation will be
allocated in a manner that takes into account the incentive
distribution rights of our general partner.
Manner of Adjustments for Gain. The manner of the
adjustment for gain is set forth in the partnership agreement.
If our liquidation occurs before the end of the subordination
period, we will allocate any gain to the partners in the
following manner:
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First, to our general partner and the holders of units
who have negative balances in their capital accounts to the
extent of and in proportion to those negative balances; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner, until the capital account for each
common unit is equal to the sum of: |
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(1) |
the unrecovered initial unit price; |
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(2) |
the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter
during which our liquidation occurs; and |
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(3) |
any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on that common unit; |
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Third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and
2% to our general partner, until the capital account for each
subordinated unit is equal to the sum of: |
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(1) |
the unrecovered initial unit price; and |
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(2) |
the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter
during which our liquidation occurs; |
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Fourth, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, 13% to the
holders of incentive distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to
our general partner until we allocate under this paragraph an
amount per unit equal to: |
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(1) |
the sum of the excess of the first target distribution per unit
over the minimum quarterly distribution per unit for each
quarter of our existence; less |
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(2) |
the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in excess of the minimum quarterly
distribution per unit that we distributed 85% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to our general partner for each
quarter of our existence; |
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Fifth, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, 23% to the
holders of incentive distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to
our general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an
amount per unit equal to: |
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(1) |
the sum of the excess of the second target distribution per unit
over the first target distribution per unit for each quarter of
our existence; less |
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(2) |
the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in excess of the first target
distribution per unit that we distributed 75% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to our general partner for each
quarter of our existence; |
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Thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, 48% to the
holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata, and 2%
to our general partner. |
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination
period, the distinction between common units and subordinated
units will disappear, so that clause (3) of the second
bullet point above and all of the third bullet point above will
no longer be applicable.
Manner of Adjustments for Losses. Upon our liquidation,
we will generally allocate any loss to our general partner and
the unitholders in the following manner:
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First, 98% to holders of subordinated units in proportion
to the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to our
general partner until the capital accounts of the subordinated
unitholders have been reduced to zero; |
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Second, 98% to the holders of common units in proportion
to the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to our
general partner until the capital accounts of the common
unitholders have been reduced to zero; and |
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Thereafter, 100% to our general partner. |
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination
period, the distinction between common units and subordinated
units will disappear, so that all of the first bullet point
above will no longer be applicable.
Adjustments to Capital Accounts. We will make adjustments
to capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units. In
doing so, we will allocate any unrealized and, for tax purposes,
unrecognized gain or loss
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resulting from the adjustments to the unitholders and our
general partner in the same manner as we allocate gain or loss
upon liquidation. In the event that we make positive adjustments
to the capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units,
we will allocate any later negative adjustments to the capital
accounts resulting from the issuance of additional units or upon
our liquidation in a manner which results, to the extent
possible, in our general partners capital account balances
equaling the amount which they would have been if no earlier
positive adjustments to the capital accounts had been made.
MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
This section discusses the material tax consequences that may be
relevant to prospective unitholders who are individual citizens
or residents of the United States. It is based upon current
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, existing regulations,
proposed regulations to the extent noted, and current
administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are
subject to change. Later changes in these authorities may cause
the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences
described below. Unless the context otherwise requires,
references in this section to us or we
are references to Crosstex Energy, L.P. and Crosstex Energy
Services, L.P.
No attempt has been made in the following discussion to comment
on all federal income tax matters affecting us or the
unitholders. Moreover, the discussion focuses on unitholders who
are individual citizens or residents of the United States and
has only limited application to corporations, estates, trusts,
nonresident aliens or other unitholders subject to specialized
tax treatment, such as tax-exempt institutions, foreign persons,
individual retirement accounts (IRAs), real estate investment
trusts (REITs), or mutual funds. Accordingly, we recommend that
each prospective unitholder consult, and depend on, his own tax
advisor in analyzing the federal, state, local and foreign tax
consequences particular to him of the ownership or disposition
of common units.
All statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions, but
not as to factual matters, contained in this section, unless
otherwise noted, are the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P., counsel
to the general partner and to us, and are, to the extent noted
herein, based on the accuracy of certain factual matters.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding
any matter affecting us or prospective unitholders. An opinion
of counsel represents only that counsels best legal
judgment and does not bind the IRS or the courts. Accordingly,
the opinions and statements made here may not be sustained by a
court if contested by the IRS. Any contest of this sort with the
IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for the
common units and the prices at which the common units trade. In
addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne
directly or indirectly by the unitholders and our general
partner. Furthermore, the tax treatment of us, or of an
investment in us, may be significantly modified by future
legislative or administrative changes or court decisions. Any
modifications may or may not be retroactively applied.
For the reasons described below, Baker Botts L.L.P. has not
rendered an opinion with respect to the following specific
federal income tax issues:
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the treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a
short seller to cover a short sale of common units (please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Treatment of Short Sales below); |
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whether our monthly convention for allocating taxable income and
losses is permitted by existing Treasury Regulations (please
read Disposition of Common Units
Allocations between Transferors and Transferees
below); and |
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whether our method for depreciating Section 743 adjustments
is sustainable (please read Tax Consequences
of Unit Ownership Section 754 Election
below). |
Partnership Status
A partnership is not a taxable entity and incurs no federal
income tax liability. Instead, each partner of a partnership is
required to take into account his share of items of income,
gain, loss and deduction of the
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partnership in computing his federal income tax liability, even
if no cash distributions are made to him by the partnership.
Distributions by a partnership to a partner are generally not
taxable unless the amount of cash distributed is in excess of
the partners adjusted basis in his partnership interest.
No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS and the IRS
has made no determination as to our status for federal income
tax purposes or whether our operations generate qualifying
income under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue
Code. Instead, we will rely on the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P.
that, based upon the Internal Revenue Code, its regulations,
published revenue rulings and court decisions, that the
operating partnership will be disregarded as an entity separate
from us for federal income tax purposes so long as the operating
partnership and its general partner (which is a limited
liability company) do not elect to be treated as a corporation
and we will be classified as a partnership so long as:
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we do not elect to be treated as a corporation; |
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we are operated in accordance with applicable partnership
statutes, the applicable partnership agreement, and the manner
specified in this prospectus; and |
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for each taxable year, more than 90% of our gross income is
qualifying income within the meaning of
Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that
publicly traded partnerships will, as a general rule, be taxed
as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the
Qualifying Income Exception, exists with respect to
publicly traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the gross
income for every taxable year consists of qualifying
income. Qualifying income includes certain income and
gains derived from the transportation and processing of crude
oil, natural gas and products thereof. Other types of qualifying
income include interest other than from a financial business,
dividends, gains from the sale of real property and gains from
the sale or other disposition of assets held for the production
of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying income. We
estimate that more than 90% of our current income is within one
or more categories of income that are qualifying income in the
opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. The portion of our income that is
qualifying income can change from time to time.
Although we expect to conduct our business so as to meet the
Qualifying Income Exception, if we fail to meet the Qualifying
Income Exception, other than a failure that is determined by the
IRS to be inadvertent and that is cured within a reasonable time
after discovery, we will be treated as if we had transferred all
of our assets, subject to liabilities, to a newly formed
corporation, on the first day of the year in which we fail to
meet the Qualifying Income Exception, in return for stock in
that corporation, and as if we had then distributed that stock
to the unitholders in liquidation of their interests in us. This
contribution and liquidation should be tax-free to unitholders
and us so long as we, at that time, do not have liabilities in
excess of the tax basis of our assets. Thereafter, we would be
treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
If we were treated as a corporation in any taxable year, either
as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception
or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction
would be reflected only on our tax return rather than being
passed through to the unitholders, and our net income would be
taxed to us at corporate rates. In addition, any distribution
made to a unitholder would be treated as either taxable dividend
income, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits, or, in the absence of earnings and profits, a
nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the
unitholders tax basis in his common units, or taxable
capital gain, after the unitholders tax basis in his
common units is reduced to zero. Accordingly, treatment of us as
a corporation would result in a material reduction in a
unitholders cash flow and after-tax return and thus would
likely result in a substantial reduction of the value of the
common units.
The discussion below assumes that we will be treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes. See the discussion
above of the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. that we will be
treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
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Limited Partner Status
Unitholders who have become limited partners of Crosstex Energy,
L.P. will be treated as our partners for federal income tax
purposes. Also:
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assignees who have executed and delivered transfer applications,
and are awaiting admission as limited partners; and |
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unitholders whose common units are held in street name or by a
nominee and who have the right to direct the nominee in the
exercise of all substantive rights attendant to the ownership of
their common units, |
will be treated as our partners for federal income tax purposes.
Assignees of common units who are entitled to execute and
deliver transfer applications and become entitled to direct the
exercise of attendant rights, but who fail to execute and
deliver transfer applications, may not be treated as one of our
partners for federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, a
purchaser or other transferee of common units who does not
execute and deliver a transfer application may not receive some
federal income tax information or reports furnished to record
holders of common units unless the common units are held in a
nominee or street name account and the nominee or broker has
executed and delivered a transfer application for those common
units.
A beneficial owner of common units whose common units have been
transferred to a short seller to complete a short sale would
appear to lose his status as one of our partners with respect to
those common units for federal income tax purposes. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Treatment of Short Sales below.
No portion of our income, gain, deductions or losses is
reportable by a unitholder who is not one of our partners for
federal income tax purposes, and any cash distributions received
by a unitholder who is not one of our partners for federal
income tax purposes would therefore appear to be fully taxable
as ordinary income. These holders are urged to consult their own
tax advisors with respect to the consequences of holding common
units for federal income tax purposes.
The following assumes that a unitholder is treated as one of our
partners.
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Flow-through of Taxable Income. Each unitholder will be
required to report on his income tax return his share of our
income, gains, losses and deductions even if no cash
distributions are received by him. Consequently, we may allocate
income to a unitholder even if he has not received a cash
distribution from us. Each unitholder will be required to
include in income his allocable share of our income, gains,
losses and deductions for our taxable year ending with or within
his taxable year. Our taxable year ends on December 31.
Treatment of Distributions. Our distributions to a
unitholder generally will not be taxable to him for federal
income tax purposes to the extent of his tax basis in his common
units immediately before the distribution. Our cash
distributions in excess of a unitholders tax basis
generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or
exchange of the common units, taxable in accordance with the
rules described under Disposition of Common
Units below. Any reduction in a unitholders share of
our liabilities for which no partner, including the general
partner, bears the economic risk of loss, which are known as
nonrecourse liabilities, will be treated as a
distribution of cash to that unitholder. To the extent our
distributions cause a unitholders at risk
amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year, he
must recapture any losses deducted in previous years. Please
read Limitations on Deductibility of
Losses below.
A decrease in a unitholders percentage interest in us
because of our issuance of additional common units will decrease
his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and result in a
corresponding deemed distribution of cash. A non-pro rata
distribution of money or property may result in ordinary income
to a unitholder, regardless of his tax basis in his common
units, if the distribution reduces the unitholders share
of our unrealized receivables, including
depreciation recapture and substantially appreciated
inventory items, both as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code, and collectively, Section 751
Assets. To that extent, he will be treated as having been
distributed his proportionate share of our Section 751
Assets and having exchanged those assets
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with us in return for the non-pro rata portion of the actual
distribution made to him. This latter deemed exchange will
generally result in the unitholders realization of
ordinary income, which will equal the excess of (1) the
non-pro rata portion of that distribution over (2) the
unitholders tax basis for the share of Section 751
Assets deemed relinquished in the exchange.
Basis of Common Units. A unitholders initial tax
basis for his common units will be the amount he paid for the
common units plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That
basis will be increased by his share of our income and by any
increases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That
basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by distributions he
receives from us, by his share of our losses, by any decreases
in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by his share of
our expenditures that are not deductible in computing taxable
income and are not required to be capitalized. A unitholder
generally will have no share of our debt that is recourse to the
general partner, but will have a share, generally based on his
share of profits, of our nonrecourse liabilities. Please read
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss below.
Limitations on Deductibility of Losses. The deduction by
a unitholder of his share of our losses will be limited to the
tax basis in his common units and, in the case of an individual
unitholder or a corporate unitholder, if more than 50% of the
value of the corporate unitholders stock is owned directly
or indirectly by five or fewer individuals or some tax-exempt
organizations, to the amount for which the unitholder is
considered to be at risk with respect to our
activities, if that is less than his tax basis. A unitholder
must recapture losses deducted in previous years to the extent
that distributions cause his at risk amount to be less than zero
at the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a
unitholder or recaptured as a result of these limitations will
carry forward and will be allowable to the extent that his tax
basis or at risk amount, whichever is the limiting factor, is
subsequently increased. Upon the taxable disposition of a unit,
any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by losses that
were previously suspended by the at risk limitation but may not
be offset by losses suspended by the basis limitation. Any
excess loss above that gain previously suspended by the at risk
or basis limitations is no longer utilizable.
In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the
tax basis of his common units, excluding any portion of that
basis attributable to his share of our nonrecourse liabilities,
reduced by any amount of money he borrows to acquire or hold his
common units, if the lender of those borrowed funds owns an
interest in us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to
the common units for repayment. A unitholders at risk
amount will increase or decrease as the tax basis of the
unitholders common units increases or decreases, other
than tax basis increases or decreases attributable to increases
or decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities.
The passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals,
estates, trusts and some closely-held corporations and personal
service corporations can deduct losses from passive activities,
which are generally corporate or partnership activities in which
the taxpayer does not materially participate, only to the extent
of the taxpayers income from those passive activities. The
passive loss limitations are applied separately with respect to
each publicly traded partnership. Consequently, any passive
losses we generate will only be available to offset our passive
income generated in the future and will not be available to
offset income from other passive activities or investments,
including our investments or the unitholders investments
in other publicly traded partnerships, or salary or active
business income. Passive losses that are not deductible because
they exceed a unitholders share of our income may be
deducted in full when he disposes of his entire investment in us
in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party. The
passive activity loss rules are applied after other applicable
limitations on deductions, including the at risk rules and the
basis limitation described above.
A unitholders share of our net income may be offset by any
of our suspended passive losses, but it may not be offset by any
other current or carryover losses from other passive activities,
including those attributable to other publicly traded
partnerships.
Limitations on Interest Deductions. The deductibility of
a non-corporate taxpayers investment interest
expense is generally limited to the amount of that
taxpayers net investment income. Investment
interest expense includes:
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interest on indebtedness properly allocable to property held for
investment; |
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our interest expense attributed to portfolio income; and |
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the portion of interest expense incurred to purchase or carry an
interest in a passive activity to the extent attributable to
portfolio income. |
The computation of a unitholders investment interest
expense will take into account interest on any margin account
borrowing or other loan incurred to purchase or carry a unit.
Net investment income includes gross income from property held
for investment and amounts treated as portfolio income under the
passive loss rules, less deductible expenses, other than
interest, directly connected with the production of investment
income, but generally does not include gains attributable to the
disposition of property held for investment. The IRS has
indicated that the net passive income earned by a publicly
traded partnership will be treated as investment income to its
unitholders. In addition, a unitholders share of our
portfolio income will be treated as investment income.
Entity-Level Collections. If we are required or
elect under applicable law to pay any federal, state, local or
foreign income tax on behalf of any unitholder or the general
partner or any former unitholder, we are authorized to pay those
taxes from our funds. That payment, if made, will be treated as
a distribution of cash to the unitholder on whose behalf the
payment was made. If the payment is made on behalf of a
unitholder whose identity cannot be determined, we are
authorized to treat the payment as a distribution to all current
unitholders. We are authorized to amend the partnership
agreement in the manner necessary to maintain uniformity of
intrinsic tax characteristics of common units and to adjust
later distributions, so that after giving effect to these
distributions, the priority and characterization of
distributions otherwise applicable under the partnership
agreement is maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by
us as described above could give rise to an overpayment of tax
on behalf of a unitholder in which event the unitholder would be
required to file a claim in order to obtain a credit or refund.
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. In
general, if we have a net profit, our items of income, gain,
loss and deduction will be allocated among the general partner
and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage
interests in us. At any time that distributions are made to the
common units in excess of distributions to the subordinated
units, or incentive distributions are made to the general
partner, gross income will be allocated to the recipients to the
extent of these distributions. If we have a net loss for the
entire year, that loss will be allocated first to the general
partner and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage
interests in us to the extent of their positive capital accounts
and, second, to the general partner.
Certain items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be
allocated to account for the difference between the tax basis
and fair market value of our property at the time of an
offering. We will use the remedial method with respect to such
differences with respect to some, but not all, of our assets,
and we may use other methods with respect to some assets. The
effect to a unitholder purchasing common units in an offering
will, as to those assets in respect of which we use the remedial
method, be essentially the same as if the tax basis of such
assets was equal to their fair market value at the time of the
offering, and the effect of allocations that are made under the
traditional method will be essentially the same as if those
assets had a tax basis that is less than fair market value. In
addition, recapture income will be allocated to the extent
possible to the unitholder who was allocated the deduction
giving rise to the treatment of that gain as recapture income in
order to minimize the recognition of ordinary income by other
unitholders. Finally, although we do not expect that our
operations will result in the creation of negative capital
accounts, if negative capital accounts nevertheless result,
items of our income and gain will be allocated in an amount and
manner to eliminate the negative balance as quickly as possible.
Baker Botts L.L.P. is of the opinion that, with the exception of
the issues described in Section 754
Election below and Disposition of Common
Units Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees below, the allocations in our partnership
agreement will be given effect for federal income tax purposes
in determining a unitholders share of our income, gain,
loss or deduction.
Treatment of Short Sales. A unitholder whose common units
are loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale
of common units may be considered as having disposed of those
common units. If so, he would no
55
longer be a partner for tax purposes with respect to those
common units during the period of the loan and may recognize
gain or loss from the disposition. As a result, during this
period:
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any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those
common units would not be reportable by him; |
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any cash distributions received by him on those common units
would be fully taxable; and |
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all of these distributions would appear to be ordinary income to
him. |
Baker Botts L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion regarding the
treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a
short seller; therefore, unitholders desiring to assure their
status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a
loan to a short seller are urged to modify any applicable
brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from
borrowing or loaning their common units. The IRS has announced
that it is studying issues relating to the tax treatment of
short sales of partnership interests. Please read
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss below.
Alternative Minimum Tax. Each unitholder will be required
to take into account his share of any items of our income, gain,
loss or deduction for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
We do not expect to generate significant tax preference items or
adjustments. Prospective unitholders are urged to consult with
their tax advisors as to the impact of an investment in common
units on their liability for the alternative minimum tax.
Tax Rates. In general, the highest effective United
States federal income tax rate for individuals for 2004 is 35%
and the maximum United States federal income tax rate for net
capital gains of an individual for 2004 is 15% if the asset
disposed of was held for more than 12 months at the time of
disposition.
Section 754 Election. We made the election permitted
by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code. That election
is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. The election
generally permits us to adjust a common unit purchasers
tax basis in our assets under Section 743(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code to reflect his purchase price when he buys
common units from a holder thereof. This election does not apply
to a person who purchases common units directly from us.
In order to preserve uniformity of the economic and tax
characteristics of common units and/or determine the tax
attributes of a common unit based on its date of purchase and
the amount that is paid therefor, we may adopt certain positions
with respect to the depreciation or amortization of
Section 743(b) adjustments that may be inconsistent with
the Treasury Regulations. In particular, we intend to depreciate
the portion of a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to
any unamortized difference between the book and tax
basis of an asset in respect of which we use the remedial method
in a manner that is consistent with the regulations under
Section 743 of the Internal Revenue Code as to recovery
property in respect of which the remedial allocation method is
adopted. Such method is arguably inconsistent with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6), which may apply
to certain of our assets (although we would not expect these to
constitute a material portion of our assets). If we determine
that this position cannot reasonably be taken, we may take a
depreciation or amortization position which may result in lower
annual depreciation or amortization deductions than would
otherwise be allowable to some unitholders. In addition, if
particular groups of unitholders are entitled to different
treatment in respect of property as to which we are using the
traditional method of eliminating differences in
book and tax basis, we may also take a position that
results in lower annual deductions to some or all of our
unitholders than might otherwise be available. Baker
Botts L.L.P. is unable to opine as to the validity of any
position that is described in this paragraph because there is no
clear applicable authority.
A Section 754 election is advantageous if the
transferees tax basis in his common units is higher than
the common units share of the aggregate tax basis of our
assets immediately prior to the transfer. In that case, as a
result of the election, the transferee would have, among other
items, a greater amount of depreciation deductions and his share
of any gain on a sale of our assets would be less. Conversely, a
Section 754 election is disadvantageous if the
transferees tax basis in his common units is lower than
those common units share of
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the aggregate tax basis of our assets immediately prior to the
transfer. Thus, the fair market value of the common units may be
affected either favorably or unfavorably by the election.
The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are
complex and will be made on the basis of assumptions as to the
value of our assets and other matters. For example, the
allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment among our
assets must be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue
Code. The IRS could seek to reallocate some or all of any
Section 743(b) adjustment allocated by us to our tangible
assets to goodwill instead. Goodwill, as an intangible asset, is
generally amortizable over a longer period of time or under a
less accelerated method than our tangible assets. The
determinations we make may be successfully challenged by the IRS
and the deductions resulting from them may be reduced or
disallowed altogether. Should the IRS require a different basis
adjustment to be made, and should we determine that the expense
of compliance exceeds the benefit of the election, we may seek
permission from the IRS to revoke our Section 754 election.
If permission is granted, a subsequent purchaser of common units
may be allocated more income than he would have been allocated
had the election not been revoked.
Tax Treatment of Operations
Accounting Method and Taxable Year. We use the year
ending December 31 as our taxable year and the accrual
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Each
unitholder will be required to include in income his share of
our income, gain, loss and deduction for our taxable year ending
within or with his taxable year. In addition, a unitholder who
has a taxable year ending on a date other than December 31
and who disposes of all of his common units following the close
of our taxable year but before the close of his taxable year
will be required to include in income for his taxable year his
share of more than one year of our income, gain, loss and
deduction. Please read Disposition of Common
Units Allocations Between Transferors and
Transferees below.
Tax Basis, Depreciation and Amortization. The tax basis
of our assets is used for purposes of computing depreciation and
cost recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain or loss on the
disposition of these assets. The federal income tax burden
associated with the difference between the fair market value of
our assets and their tax basis immediately prior to an offering
will be borne by the general partner, its affiliates and our
other unitholders as of that time. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction above.
To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation
and cost recovery methods that will result in the largest
deductions being taken in the early years after assets are
placed in service. Property we acquire or construct in the
future may be depreciated using accelerated methods permitted by
the Internal Revenue Code.
If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure, or
otherwise, all or a portion of any gain, determined by reference
to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature
of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed
as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Similarly, a
unitholder who has taken cost recovery or depreciation
deductions with respect to property we own will likely be
required to recapture some or all of those deductions as
ordinary income upon a sale of his units. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction above and
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss below.
The costs that we incur in selling our common units
(syndication expenses) must be capitalized and
cannot be deducted by us currently, ratably or upon our
termination. There are uncertainties regarding the
classification of costs as organization expenses, which will be
amortized by us over a period of 60 months, and as
syndication expenses, which may not be amortized by us. Any
underwriting discounts and commissions we incur will be treated
as syndication expenses.
Valuation and Tax Basis of Our Properties. The federal
income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of
common units will depend in part on our estimates of the fair
market values, and determinations of the initial tax bases, of
our assets. Although we may from time to time consult with
professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we will
make many of the fair market value estimates ourselves. These
estimates
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of value and determinations of basis are subject to challenge
and will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. If the
estimates and determinations of fair market value or basis are
later found to be incorrect, the character and amount of items
of income, gain, loss or deductions previously reported by
unitholders might change, and unitholders might be required to
adjust their tax liability for prior years and incur interest
and penalties with respect to those adjustments.
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss. Gain or loss will be
recognized on a sale of common units equal to the difference
between the amount realized and the unitholders tax basis
for the common units sold. A unitholders amount realized
will be measured by the sum of the cash or the fair market value
of other property received by him plus his share of our
nonrecourse liabilities. Because the amount realized includes a
unitholders share of our nonrecourse liabilities, the gain
recognized on the sale of common units could result in a tax
liability in excess of any cash received from the sale.
Prior distributions from us in excess of cumulative net taxable
income for a common unit that decreased a unitholders tax
basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income
if the common unit is sold at a price greater than his tax basis
in that common unit, even if the price received is less than his
original cost.
Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder,
other than a dealer in common units, on the sale or
exchange of a unit held for more than one year will generally be
taxable as long-term capital gain or loss. However, a portion of
this gain or loss, which will likely be substantial, will be
separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under
Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent
attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture,
other potential recapture items, or other unrealized
receivables or to inventory items we own.
Ordinary income attributable to unrealized receivables,
inventory items and depreciation recapture may exceed net
taxable gain realized upon the sale of a unit and may be
recognized even if there is a net taxable loss realized on the
sale of a unit. Thus, a unitholder may recognize both ordinary
income and a capital loss upon a sale of common units. Capital
losses may offset capital gains and no more than $3,000 of
ordinary income, in the case of individuals, and may only be
used to offset capital gains in the case of corporations.
The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a
partnership in separate transactions must combine those
interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those
interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of
those interests, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated
to the interests sold using an equitable
apportionment method. Treasury Regulations under
Section 1223 of the Internal Revenue Code allow a selling
unitholder who can identify common units transferred with an
ascertainable holding period to elect to use the actual holding
period of the common units transferred. Thus, according to the
ruling, a common unitholder will be unable to select high or low
basis common units to sell, but, under the regulations, may
designate specific common units sold for purposes of determining
the holding period of the common units sold. A unitholder
electing to use the actual holding period of common units
transferred must consistently use that identification method for
all subsequent sales or exchanges of our common units. A
unitholder considering the purchase of additional common units
or a sale of common units purchased in separate transactions is
urged to consult his tax advisor as to the possible consequences
of this ruling and application of the regulations.
The Internal Revenue Code treats a taxpayer as having sold a
partnership interest, such as our units, in which gain would be
recognized if it were actually sold at its fair market value, if
the taxpayer or related persons enters into:
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a short sale; |
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an offsetting notional principal contract; or |
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a futures or forward contract with respect to the partnership
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Moreover, if a taxpayer has previously entered into a short
sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or
forward contract with respect to the partnership interest, the
taxpayer will be treated as having
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sold that position if the taxpayer or a related person then
acquires the partnership interest or substantially identical
property.
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees. In
general, our taxable income and losses will be determined
annually, will be prorated on a monthly basis and will be
subsequently apportioned among the unitholders in proportion to
the number of common units owned by each of them as of the
opening of the applicable exchange on the first business day of
the month. However, gain or loss realized on a sale or other
disposition of our assets other than in the ordinary course of
business will be allocated among the unitholders on the first
business day of the month in which that gain or loss is
recognized. As a result, a unitholder transferring common units
may be allocated income, gain, loss and deduction realized after
the date of transfer.
The use of this method may not be permitted under existing
Treasury Regulations. Accordingly, Baker Botts L.L.P. has not
opined on the validity of this method of allocating income and
loses among unitholders. If this method is not allowed under the
Treasury Regulations, or only applies to transfers of less than
all of the unitholders interest, our taxable income or
losses might be reallocated among the unitholders. We are
authorized to revise our method of allocation between
transferors and transferees as well as among unitholders whose
interests vary during a taxable year to conform to a method
permitted under future Treasury Regulations.
A unitholder who owns common units at any time during a quarter
and who disposes of them prior to the record date set for a cash
distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our
income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to that quarter
but will not be entitled to receive that cash distribution.
Notification Requirements. A purchaser of common units
other than an individual who is a citizen of the United States
and who purchases through a broker is required to notify us in
writing of that purchase within 30 days after the purchase.
We are required to notify the IRS of that transaction and to
furnish specified information to the transferor and transferee.
Failure to notify us of a purchase may lead to the imposition of
substantial penalties. In addition, the transferor and
transferee may be required in certain cases to file certain
statements with their federal income tax returns with respect to
such transaction.
Constructive Termination. We will be considered to have
been terminated for tax purposes if there are sales
or exchanges which, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of
the total interests in our capital and profits within a 12-month
period. A termination of us will result in the
closing of our taxable year for all unitholders. In the case of
a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal
year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year
may result in more than 12 months of our taxable income or
loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of
termination. We would be required to make new tax elections
after a termination, including a new election under
Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a termination
would result in a deferral of our deductions for depreciation. A
termination could also result in penalties if we were unable to
determine that the termination had occurred. Moreover, a
termination might either accelerate the application of, or
subject us to, any tax legislation enacted before the
termination.
Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors
Ownership of common units by employee benefit plans, other
tax-exempt organizations, non-resident aliens, foreign
corporations, other foreign persons and regulated investment
companies or mutual funds raises issues unique to those
investors and, as described below, may have substantially
adverse tax consequences to them.
Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from
federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and
other retirement plans, are subject to federal income tax on
unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income
allocated to a unitholder that is a tax-exempt organization will
be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to it.
A regulated investment company, or mutual fund, is
required to derive 90% or more of its gross income from
interest, dividends and gains from the sale of stocks or
securities or foreign currency or specified related sources. It
is not anticipated that any significant amount of our gross
income will include that type of income.
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Non-resident aliens and foreign corporations, trusts or estates
that own common units will be considered to be engaged in
business in the United States because of the ownership of common
units. As a consequence, they will be required to file federal
tax returns to report their share of our income, gain, loss or
deduction and pay federal income tax at regular rates on their
share of our net income or gain. Moreover, under rules
applicable to publicly traded partnerships, we will withhold at
the highest effective tax rate applicable to individuals from
cash distributions made quarterly to foreign unitholders. Each
foreign unitholder must obtain a taxpayer identification number
from the IRS and submit that number to our transfer agent on a
Form W-8 BEN or applicable substitute form in order to
obtain credit for the taxes withheld. A change in applicable law
may require us to change these procedures.
In addition, because a foreign corporation that owns common
units will be treated as engaged in a United States trade or
business, that corporation may be subject to the United States
branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, in addition to regular
federal income tax, on its share of our income and gain, as
adjusted for changes in the foreign corporations
U.S. net equity, which are effectively
connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business.
That tax may be reduced or eliminated by an income tax treaty
between the United States and the country in which the foreign
corporate unitholder is a qualified resident. In
addition, this type of unitholder is subject to special
information reporting requirements under Section 6038C of
the Internal Revenue Code.
Under a ruling of the IRS, a foreign unitholder who sells or
otherwise disposes of a unit will be subject to federal income
tax on gain realized on the sale or disposition of that unit to
the extent that this gain is effectively connected with a United
States trade or business of the foreign unitholder. Apart from
the ruling, a foreign unitholder will not be taxed or subject to
withholding upon the sale or disposition of a unit if he has
owned less than 5% in value of the common units during the
five-year period ending on the date of the disposition and if
the common units are regularly traded on an established
securities market at the time of the sale or disposition.
Administrative Matters
Information Returns and Audit Procedures. We intend to
furnish to each unitholder, within 90 days after the close
of each calendar year, specific tax information, including a
Schedule K-1, which describes his share of our income,
gain, loss and deduction for our preceding taxable year. In
preparing this information, which generally will not be reviewed
by counsel, we will take various accounting and reporting
positions, some of which have been mentioned earlier, to
determine each unitholders share of income, gain, loss and
deduction. We cannot assure you that any of those positions will
yield a result that conforms to the requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations or administrative
interpretations of the IRS. Any challenge by the IRS could
negatively affect the value of the common units.
The IRS may audit our federal income tax information returns.
Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit may require each
unitholder to adjust a prior years tax liability, and
possibly may result in an audit of his return. Any audit of a
unitholders return could result in adjustments not related
to our returns as well as those related to our returns.
Partnerships generally are treated as separate entities for
purposes of federal tax audits, judicial review of
administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement
proceedings. The tax treatment of partnership items of income,
gain, loss and deduction are determined in a partnership
proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the
partners. The Internal Revenue Code requires that one partner be
designated as the Tax Matters Partner for these
purposes. The partnership agreement names our general partner as
our Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner has made and will make some elections on
our behalf and on behalf of unitholders. In addition, the Tax
Matters Partner can extend the statute of limitations for
assessment of tax deficiencies against unitholders for items in
our returns. The Tax Matters Partner may bind a unitholder with
less than a 1% profits interest in us to a settlement with the
IRS unless that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with
the IRS, not to give that authority to the Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner may seek judicial review, by which all
the unitholders are bound, of a final partnership administrative
adjustment
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and, if the Tax Matters Partner fails to seek judicial review,
judicial review may be sought by any unitholder having at least
a 1% interest in profits or by any group of unitholders having
in the aggregate at least a 5% interest in profits. However,
only one action for judicial review will go forward, and each
unitholder with an interest in the outcome may participate.
A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the
treatment of any item on his federal income tax return that is
not consistent with the treatment of the item on our return.
Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency
requirement may subject a unitholder to substantial penalties.
Nominee Reporting. Persons who hold an interest in us as
a nominee for another person are required to furnish us with the
following information:
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the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the
beneficial owner and the nominee; |
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whether the beneficial owner is: |
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(1) |
a person that is not a United States person; |
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(2) |
a foreign government, an international organization or any
wholly owned agency or instrumentality of either of the
foregoing; or |
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(3) |
a tax-exempt entity; |
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the amount and description of common units held, acquired or
transferred for the beneficial owner; and |
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specific information including the dates of acquisitions and
transfers, means of acquisitions and transfers, and acquisition
cost for purchases, as well as the amount of net proceeds from
sales. |
Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish
additional information, including whether they are United States
persons and specific information on common units they acquire,
hold or transfer for their own account. A penalty of
$50 per failure, up to a maximum of $100,000 per
calendar year, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for
failure to report that information to us. The nominee is
required to supply the beneficial owner of the common units with
the information furnished to us.
Registration as a Tax Shelter. The Internal Revenue Code
requires that tax shelters be registered with the
Secretary of the Treasury. Although we may not be a tax
shelter for such purposes, we have registered as a
tax shelter with the Secretary of the Treasury in
light of the substantial penalties that might be imposed if
registration is required and not undertaken. Our tax shelter
registration number is 02337000008.
Issuance of this tax shelter registration number does not
indicate that investment in us or the claimed tax benefits have
been reviewed, examined or approved by the IRS.
A unitholder who sells or otherwise transfers a common unit in a
later transaction must furnish the registration number to the
transferee. The penalty for failure of the transferor of a unit
to furnish the registration number to the transferee is $100 for
each failure. A unitholder must disclose our tax shelter
registration number on his tax return on which any deduction,
loss or other benefit we generate is claimed or on which any of
our income is included. A unitholder who fails to disclose the
tax shelter registration number on Form 8271 to be attached
to his return, without reasonable cause for that failure, will
be subject to a $250 penalty for each failure. Any penalties
discussed are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Accuracy-related Penalties. An additional tax equal to
20% of the amount of any portion of an underpayment of tax that
is attributable to one or more specified causes, including
negligence or disregard of rules or regulations, substantial
understatements of income tax and substantial valuation
misstatements, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. No
penalty will be imposed, however, for any portion of an
underpayment if it is shown that there was a reasonable cause
for that portion and that the taxpayer acted in good faith
regarding that portion.
A substantial understatement of income tax in any taxable year
exists if the amount of the understatement exceeds the greater
of 10% of the tax required to be shown on the return for the
taxable year or $5,000
61
($10,000 for most corporations). The amount of any
understatement subject to penalty generally is reduced if any
portion is attributable to a position adopted on the return:
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for which there is, or was, substantial
authority; or |
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as to which there is a reasonable basis and the pertinent facts
of that position are disclosed on the return. |
More stringent rules apply to tax shelters, a term
that in this context does not appear to include us. If any item
of income, gain, loss or deduction included in the distributive
shares of unitholders might result in that kind of an
understatement of income for which no
substantial authority exists, we must disclose the
pertinent facts on our return. In addition, we will make a
reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for
unitholders to make adequate disclosure on their returns to
avoid liability for this penalty.
A substantial valuation misstatement exists if the value of any
property, or the adjusted basis of any property, claimed on a
tax return is 200% or more of the amount determined to be the
correct amount of the valuation or adjusted basis. No penalty is
imposed unless the portion of the underpayment attributable to a
substantial valuation misstatement exceeds $5,000 ($10,000 for
most corporations). If the valuation claimed on a return is 400%
or more than the correct valuation, the penalty imposed
increases to 40%.
State, Local, Foreign and Other Tax Consequences
In addition to federal income taxes, you will be subject to
other taxes, including state, local and foreign income taxes,
unincorporated business taxes, and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that may be imposed by the various
jurisdictions in which we do business or own property or in
which you are a resident. Although an analysis of those various
taxes is not presented here, each prospective unitholder should
consider their potential impact on his investment in us. We own
property or do business in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New
Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. We may also own
property or do business in other jurisdictions in the future.
Although you may not be required to file a return and pay taxes
in some jurisdictions because your income from that jurisdiction
falls below the filing and payment requirement, you will be
required to file income tax returns and to pay income taxes in
many of these jurisdictions in which we do business or own
property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply
with those requirements. In some jurisdictions, tax losses may
not produce a tax benefit in the year incurred and may not be
available to offset income in subsequent taxable years. Some of
the jurisdictions may require us, or we may elect, to withhold a
percentage of income from amounts to be distributed to a
unitholder who is not a resident of the jurisdiction.
Withholding, the amount of which may be greater or less than a
particular unitholders income tax liability to the
jurisdiction, generally does not relieve a nonresident
unitholder from the obligation to file an income tax return.
Amounts withheld will be treated as if distributed to
unitholders for purposes of determining the amounts distributed
by us. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership Entity-Level Collections above.
Based on current law and our estimate of our future operations,
we anticipate that any amounts required to be withheld will not
be material.
It is the responsibility of each unitholder to investigate the
legal and tax consequences, under the laws of pertinent
jurisdictions, of his investment in us. Accordingly, each
prospective unitholder is urged to consult his tax counsel or
other advisor with regard to those matters. Further, it is the
responsibility of each unitholder to file all state, local and
foreign, as well as United States federal tax returns, that may
be required of him. Baker Botts L.L.P. has not rendered an
opinion on the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an
investment in us.
Tax Consequences of Ownership of Debt Securities
A description of the material federal income tax consequences of
the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities
will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the
offering of the debt securities.
62
INVESTMENT IN US BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
An equity investment in us by an employee benefit plan is
subject to additional considerations because the investments of
such plans are subject to the fiduciary responsibility and
prohibited transaction provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and
restrictions imposed by Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code. For these purposes, the term employee
benefit plan includes, but is not limited to, qualified
pension, profit-sharing and stock bonus plans established or
maintained by an employer or employee organization and IRAs.
Among other things, consideration should be given to:
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whether the investment is prudent under
Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA; |
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whether in making the investment, the employee benefit plan will
satisfy the diversification requirements of
Section 404(a)(l)(C) of ERISA; and |
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whether the investment will result in recognition of unrelated
business taxable income by the employee benefit plan and, if so,
the potential after-tax investment return. |
The person with investment discretion with respect to the assets
of an employee benefit plan, often called a fiduciary, should
determine whether an investment in us is authorized by the
appropriate governing instruments and is a proper investment for
the employee benefit plan.
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code prohibit employee benefit plans from engaging in
specified transactions involving plan assets with
parties that are parties in interest under ERISA or
disqualified persons under the Internal Revenue Code
with respect to the employee benefit plan.
In addition to considering whether the purchase of common units
is a prohibited transaction, a fiduciary of an employee benefit
plan should consider whether the plan will, by investing in us,
be deemed to own an undivided interest in our assets, with the
result that our general partner also would be a fiduciary of the
plan and our operations would be subject to the regulatory
restrictions of ERISA, including its prohibited transaction
rules, as well as the prohibited transaction rules of the
Internal Revenue Code.
The Department of Labor has issued a regulation (the Plan
Assets Regulation) that provides guidance with respect to
whether the assets of an entity in which employee benefit plans
acquire equity interests would be deemed plan assets
under some circumstances. Under the Plan Assets Regulation, an
entitys assets would not be considered to be plan
assets if, among other things:
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the equity interests acquired by employee benefit plans are
publicly offered securities; i.e., the equity interests are held
by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and of each
other, freely transferable and registered under certain
provisions of the Federal securities laws; |
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the entity is an operating company; i.e., it is primarily
engaged in the production or sale of a product or service other
than the investment of capital either directly or through a
majority owned subsidiary or subsidiaries; or |
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equity investment in the entity by benefit plan investors is not
significant, which means that less than 25% of the value of each
class of equity interest, disregarding interests held by the
issuer, its affiliates, and some other persons, is held by
employee benefit plans and certain other plans not subject to
ERISA, including governmental plans. |
Our assets should not be considered plan assets
under the Plan Assets Regulation because it is expected that the
common units will constitute publicly-offered securities, within
the meaning of the first bullet point above.
Plan fiduciaries contemplating a purchase of common units should
consult with their own counsel regarding the consequences under
ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code in light of the serious
penalties imposed on persons who engage in prohibited
transactions or other violations.
63
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities being offered hereby directly to
purchasers, through agents, through underwriters or through
dealers.
We, or agents designated by us, may directly solicit, from time
to time, offers to purchase the securities. Any such agent may
be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the
Securities Act of 1933. We will name the agents involved in the
offer or sale of the securities and describe any commissions
payable by us to these agents in the prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, these
agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of
their appointment. The agents may be entitled under agreements
which may be entered into with us to indemnification by us
against specific civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933. The agents may also be our customers
or may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in
the ordinary course of business.
If we utilize any underwriters in the sale of the securities in
respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter
into an underwriting agreement with those underwriters at the
time of sale to them. We will set forth the names of these
underwriters and the terms of the transaction in the prospectus
supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make
resales of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is
delivered to the public. We may indemnify the underwriters under
the relevant underwriting agreement to indemnification by us
against specific liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. The underwriters may also be our customers or
may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in
the ordinary course of business.
If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the securities in respect
of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell those
securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then
resell those securities to the public at varying prices to be
determined by the dealer at the time of resale. We may indemnify
the dealers against specific liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. The dealers may also be our customers
or may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us
in the ordinary course of business.
Common units and debt securities may also be sold directly by
us. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
We may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell
offered securities directly.
Because the NASD views our common units as interests in a direct
participation program, any offering of common units pursuant to
this registration statement will be made in compliance with
Rule 2810 of the NASD Conduct Rules. Investor suitability
with respect to the common units will be judged similarly to the
suitability with respect to other securities that are listed for
trading on a national securities exchange.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or
supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of
distribution. The place and time of delivery for the securities
in respect of which this prospectus is delivered are set forth
in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered in this prospectus will
be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P. Baker Botts L.L.P.
will also render an opinion on the material federal income tax
considerations regarding the securities. If certain legal
matters in connection with an offering of the securities made by
this prospectus and a related prospectus supplement are passed
on by counsel for the underwriters of such offering, that
counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement
related to that offering.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2003, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance
upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The audit report covering the December 31, 2001 financial
statements refers to a change in the method of
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accounting for derivatives. The audit report covering the
December 31, 2002 financial statements refers to a change
in the method of amortizing goodwill.
The consolidated financial statements of LIG Pipeline Company
and subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31,
2003 and 2002 incorporated in this prospectus by reference from
the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of Crosstex Energy, L.P.
filed on May 21, 2004 have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is
incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933 that registers the securities offered by
this prospectus. The registration statement, including the
attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information
about us. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit
some information included in the registration statement from
this prospectus.
In addition, we file annual, quarterly and other reports and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any
document we file at the SECs public reference room at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please
call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for further information on the
operation of the SECs public reference room. Our SEC
filings are available on the SECs web site at
http://www.sec.gov. We also make available free of charge on our
website, at http://www.crosstexenergy.com, all materials that we
file electronically with the SEC, including our annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current
reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 reports and amendments
to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such
materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the
SEC. Information contained on our website or any other website
is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does
not constitute a part of this prospectus.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we have filed with the SEC. This means that we can
disclose important information to you without actually including
the specific information in this prospectus by referring you to
other documents filed separately with the SEC. These other
documents contain important information about us, our financial
condition and results of operations. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this
prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will
automatically update and may replace information in this
prospectus and information previously filed with the SEC.
We incorporate by reference in this prospectus the documents
listed below:
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our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2003; |
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our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2004; |
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our current reports on Form 8-K filed February 18,
2004 and April 14, 2004; |
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our current reports on Form 8-K/ A filed May 21, 2004
and June 11, 2004; |
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the description of our common units in our registration
statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-50067) filed
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on
November 4, 2002; and |
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all documents filed by us under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between the date
of this prospectus and the termination of the registration
statement. |
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You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in
this prospectus from the SEC through the SECs web site at
the address provided above. You also may request a copy of any
document incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including
exhibits to those documents specifically incorporated by
reference in this document), at no cost, by visiting our
internet website at www.crosstexenergy.com, or by writing or
calling us at the following address:
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 600
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Kathie Keller
Telephone: (214) 953-9500
66
APPENDIX A
Glossary of Terms
adjusted operating surplus: For any period,
operating surplus generated during that period is adjusted to:
(a) decrease operating surplus by:
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any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; and |
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(2) |
any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period not relating to an operating
expenditure made during that period; and |
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(b) |
increase operating surplus by: |
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(1) |
any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; and |
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any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for
the repayment of principal, interest or premium. |
Adjusted operating surplus does not include that portion of
operating surplus included in clause (a)(1) or the
definition of operating surplus.
available cash: For any quarter ending prior to
liquidation:
(a) the sum of
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all cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries on hand at the end of that quarter; and |
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all additional cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy,
L.P. and its subsidiaries on hand on the date of determination
of available cash for that quarter resulting from working
capital borrowings made after the end of that quarter; |
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(b) |
less the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or
appropriate in the reasonable discretion of the general partner
to |
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provide for the proper conduct of the business of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries (including reserves for future
capital expenditures and for future credit needs Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries) after that quarter; |
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comply with applicable law or any debt instrument or other
agreement or obligation to which Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of
its subsidiaries is a party or its assets are subject; and |
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provide funds for minimum quarterly distributions and cumulative
common unit arrearages for any one or more of the next four
quarters; |
provided, however, that the general partner may not establish
cash reserves for distributions to the subordinated units unless
the general partner has determined that, in its judgment, the
establishment of reserves will not prevent Crosstex Energy, L.P.
from distributing the minimum quarterly distribution on all
common units and any cumulative common unit arrearages thereon
for the next four quarters; and
provided, further, that disbursements made by Crosstex Energy,
L.P. or any of its subsidiaries or cash reserves established,
increased or reduced after the end of that quarter but on or
before the date of determination of available cash for that
quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established,
increased or reduced, for purposes of determining available
cash, within that quarter if the general partner so determines.
A-1
btu: British Thermal Units.
capital account: The capital account maintained
for a partner under the partnership agreement. The capital
account of a partner for a common unit, a subordinated unit, or
any other partnership interest will be the amount which that
capital account would be if that common unit, subordinated unit,
incentive distribution right or other partnership interest were
the only interest in Crosstex Energy, L.P. held by a partner.
capital surplus: All available cash distributed by
us from any source will be treated as distributed from operating
surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since
the closing of the initial public offering equals the operating
surplus as of the end of the quarter before that distribution.
Any excess available cash will be deemed to be capital surplus.
closing price: The last sale price on a day,
regular way, or in case no sale takes place on that day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices on that day, regular
way. In either case, as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system for securities listed or admitted
to trading on the principal national securities exchange on
which the units of that class are listed or admitted to trading.
If the units of that class are not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price on
that day. If no quoted price exists, the average of the high bid
and low asked prices on that day in the over-the-counter market,
as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market or any other system then
in use. If on any day the units of that class are not quoted by
any organization of that type, the average of the closing bid
and asked prices on that day as furnished by a professional
market maker making a market in the units of the class selected
by the general partner. If on that day no market maker is making
a market in the units of that class, the fair value of the units
on that day as determined reasonably and in good faith by the
general partner.
common unit arrearage: The amount by which the
minimum quarterly distribution for a quarter during the
subordination period exceeds the distribution of available cash
from operating surplus actually made for that quarter on a
common unit, cumulative for that quarter and all prior quarters
during the subordination period.
current market price: For any class of units
listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange as of any date, the average of the daily closing prices
for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately prior to that
date.
incentive distribution right: A non-voting limited
partner partnership interest issued to the general partner in
connection with the formation of the partnership. The
partnership interest will confer upon its holder only the rights
and obligations specifically provided in the partnership
agreement for incentive distribution rights.
incentive distributions: The distributions of
available cash from operating surplus initially made to the
general partner that are in excess of the general partners
aggregate 2% general partner interest.
interim capital transactions: The following
transactions if they occur prior to liquidation:
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(a) |
borrowings, refinancings or refundings of indebtedness and sales
of debt securities (other than for working capital borrowings
and other than for items purchased on open account in the
ordinary course of business) by Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of
its subsidiaries; |
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(b) |
sales of equity interests by Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its
subsidiaries; |
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(c) |
sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of any
assets of Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its subsidiaries
(other than sales or other dispositions of inventory, accounts
receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of business,
and sales or other dispositions of assets as a part of normal
retirements or replacements). |
MMBtu: One million British Thermal Units.
A-2
NGLs: Natural gas liquids which consist primarily
of ethane, propane, isobutane, normal butane and natural gas.
operating expenditures: All expenditures of
Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries, including, but not
limited to, taxes, reimbursements of the general partner,
repayment of working capital borrowings, debt service payments
and capital expenditures, subject to the following:
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(a) |
Payments (including prepayments) of principal of and premium on
indebtedness, other than working capital borrowings will not
constitute operating expenditures. |
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(b) |
Operating expenditures will not include: |
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(1) |
capital expenditures made for acquisitions or for capital
improvements; |
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(2) |
payment of transaction expenses relating to interim capital
transactions; or |
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(3) |
distributions to partners. |
operating surplus: For any period prior to
liquidation, on a cumulative basis and without duplication:
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(1) |
$8.9 million plus all the cash of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and
its subsidiaries on hand as of the closing date of our initial
public offering; |
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(2) |
all cash receipts of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries
for the period beginning on the closing date of our initial
public offering and ending with the last day of that period,
other than cash receipts from interim capital
transactions; and |
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(3) |
all cash receipts of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries
after the end of that period but on or before the date of
determination of operating surplus for the period resulting from
working capital borrowings; less |
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(1) |
operating expenditures for the period beginning on the closing
date of our initial public offering and ending with the last day
of that period; and |
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(2) |
the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or advisable in
the reasonable discretion of the general partner to provide
funds for future operating expenditures; provided however, that
disbursements made (including contributions to a member of
Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries or disbursements on
behalf of a member of Crosstex Energy, L.P., and our
subsidiaries ) or cash reserves established, increased or
reduced after the end of that period but on or before the date
of determination of available cash for that period shall be
deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced for
purposes of determining operating surplus, within that period if
the general partner so determines. |
subordination period: The subordination period
will generally extend from the closing of the initial public
offering until the first to occur of:
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the first day of any quarter on or after December 31, 2007
for which: |
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(1) |
distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equaled
or exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distribution on |
A-3
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all of the outstanding common units and subordinated units for
each of the three consecutive non-overlapping four-quarter
periods immediately preceding that date; |
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(2) |
the adjusted operating surplus generated during each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of
the minimum quarterly distribution on all of the common units
and subordinated units that were outstanding during those
periods on a fully-diluted basis, and the related distribution
on the general partner interests in Crosstex Energy,
L.P.; and |
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(3) |
there are no outstanding cumulative common units arrearages. |
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(b) |
the date on which the general partner is removed as general
partner of Crosstex Energy, L.P. upon the requisite vote by the
limited partners under circumstances where cause does not exist
and units held by the general partner and its affiliates are not
voted in favor of the removal. |
throughput: The volume of gas transported or
passing through a pipeline or other facility.
units: refers to both common units and
subordinated units, but not the general partner interest.
working capital borrowings: Borrowings exclusively
for working capital purposes made pursuant to a credit facility
or other arrangement requiring all borrowings thereunder to be
reduced to a relatively small amount each year for an
economically meaningful period of time.
A-4
LOGO
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
3,500,000 Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
November , 2005
Sole Book-Running Manager
Lehman
Brothers
A.G. Edwards
Goldman,
Sachs & Co.
Wachovia
Securities
Raymond James
RBC Capital
Markets
KeyBanc Capital
Markets
Harris
Nesbitt