Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Number 333-134712
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
To Prospectus dated July 18, 2006
3,333,334 Common Units
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
Representing Limited Partner Interests
We are offering 3,333,334 common units directly to certain purchasers in a privately negotiated
transaction at a price of $30.00 per unit. We expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $102
million, including our general partners proportionate capital contribution after deducting
offering expenses, from the sale of our common units.
The common units are traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol XTEX. The last
reported sale price of the common units on April 8, 2008 was $32.71 per common unit.
Investing in our common units involves risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page S-1 of this
prospectus supplement and on page 2 of the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined whether this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is April 9, 2008.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Prospectus Supplement |
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S-1 |
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S-1 |
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S-2 |
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S-3 |
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S-4 |
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S-6 |
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S-7 |
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S-7 |
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S-8 |
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Prospectus |
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes
the specific terms of this offering and also adds to and updates information contained in the
accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more
general information about securities we may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to
this offering. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs or
varies from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the
information in this prospectus supplement. Before you invest in our common units, you should
carefully read this prospectus supplement, along with the accompanying prospectus, in addition to
the information contained in the documents we refer to under the heading Information Incorporated
by Reference in this prospectus supplement and Where You Can Find More Information in the
accompanying prospectus.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you
with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you
should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an
offer to buy our common units in any jurisdiction where such offer or any sale would be unlawful.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus, including any information incorporated by reference, is accurate as of any date other
than the respective dates on the front of such documents. If any statement in one of these
documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later datefor example, a
document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectusthe
statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
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CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
Throughout this prospectus supplement, when we use the terms we, us, 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.
We are an independent midstream energy company engaged in the gathering, transmission,
treating, processing and marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids, or NGLs. 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 NGLs, fractionate NGLs into purity products and market those products for a fee,
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. We operate processing plants that
process gas transported to the plants by major interstate pipelines or from our own gathering lines
under a variety of fee arrangements. 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 executive offices are located at 2501 Cedar Springs, Dallas, Texas 75201, and our
telephone number is (214) 953-9500.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in our 2007 Annual Report on Form
10-K, 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
supplement in evaluating an investment in our common units. If any of the described 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.
S-1
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $102 million, including our general
partners proportionate capital contribution and after deducting estimated offering expenses
payable by us.
We will use the net proceeds from this offering to fund our organic growth projects. Pending
such use, we will use the proceeds from this offering to temporarily repay a portion of the
outstanding indebtedness under our credit facility and for general partnership purposes.
As of April 1, 2008, total borrowings under our $1.185 billion credit facility were
approximately $800 million, and it had a weighted average interest rate of 5.62%. The credit
facility has a maturity date of June 29, 2011. The borrowings under our revolving credit facility
were incurred primarily for general partnership purposes.
S-2
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Our common units are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol XTEX. The
following table shows the high and low closing sales prices per common unit, as reported by the
Nasdaq Global Select Market, and cash distributions paid per common unit for the periods indicated.
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Common Unit |
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Price Range (a) |
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Cash Distribution |
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High |
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Low | |
Paid Per Unit |
2008: |
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Quarter Ended June 30 (through April 8, 2008) |
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$ |
32.71 |
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$ |
31.30 |
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N/A |
(a) |
Quarter Ended March 31 |
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32.67 |
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30.03 |
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N/A |
(a) |
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2007: |
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Quarter Ended December 31 |
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$ |
34.91 |
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$ |
31.02 |
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$ |
0.61 |
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Quarter Ended September 30 |
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38.27 |
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32.78 |
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0.59 |
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Quarter Ended June 30 |
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36.45 |
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33.56 |
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0.57 |
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Quarter Ended March 31 |
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39.56 |
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33.49 |
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0.56 |
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2006: |
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Quarter Ended December 31 |
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$ |
39.85 |
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$ |
35.17 |
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$ |
0.56 |
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Quarter Ended September 30 |
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37.94 |
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35.17 |
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0.55 |
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Quarter Ended June 30 |
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38.10 |
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33.57 |
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0.54 |
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Quarter Ended March 31 |
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37.30 |
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34.15 |
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0.53 |
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(a) |
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We expect to declare and pay a cash distribution for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 within
45 days following the end of such quarter and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 within 45 days
following the end of such quarter. |
The last reported sale price of our common units on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on April
8, 2008 was $32.71 per unit. As of February 16, 2008, there were approximately 10,288 record
holders and beneficial owners (held in street name) of our common units and nine record holders of
our 3,875,340 senior subordinated series D units. There is no established public trading market
for our senior subordinated series D units.
S-3
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The tax consequences to you of an investment in our common units will depend in part on your
own tax circumstances. Although this section updates and adds information related to certain tax
considerations, it should be read in conjunction with the risk factors included under the caption
Tax Risks to Our Unitholders beginning on page 13 of the accompanying prospectus and with
Material Tax Consequences in the accompanying prospectus, which provides a discussion of the
principal federal income tax considerations associated with our operations and the purchase,
ownership and disposition of common units.
You are encouraged to consult with your own tax advisor about the federal, state, local and
foreign tax consequences particular to your circumstances. In particular, ownership of common units
by tax-exempt entities, including employee benefit plans and IRAs, and foreign investors raises
issues unique to such persons. Such investors should read Material Tax ConsequencesTax-Exempt
Organizations and Other Investors in the accompanying prospectus.
Partnership Status
The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in our common units depends
largely on our being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If we were treated
as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our taxable
income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35%, and would likely pay
additional state income tax at varying rates. Distributions to you would generally be taxed again
as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses or deductions would flow through to you.
Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution to you
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, likely
causing a substantial reduction in the value of our common units.
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 capital assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes
qualifying income. We estimate that more than 90% of our current gross income is qualifying income;
however, this estimate could change from time to time. Based upon and subject to this estimate, the
factual representations made by us and our general partner and a review of the applicable legal
authorities, Baker Botts L.L.P. is of the opinion that at least 90% of our current gross income
constitutes qualifying income. For a discussion related to the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. and
the importance of our status as a partnership, please read Material Tax ConsequencesPartnership
Status in the accompanying prospectus.
Current law may change so as to cause us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes or otherwise subject us to entity-level taxation. For example, members of Congress are
considering substantive changes to the existing federal income tax laws that affect certain
publicly traded partnerships. Specifically, federal income tax legislation has been proposed that
would eliminate partnership tax treatment for certain publicly traded partnerships and
recharacterize certain types of income received from partnerships. We are unable to predict whether
any of these changes, or other proposals, will ultimately be enacted. Any such changes could
negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.
Ratio of Taxable Income to Distributions
We estimate that a purchaser of common units in this offering who owns those common units from
the date of closing of this offering through the record date for distributions for the period
ending December 31, 2009, 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 with respect to that
period. Thereafter, we anticipate that the ratio of allocable taxable income to cash distributions
to the unitholders will increase. These estimates are based upon the assumption that gross income
S-4
from our operations will approximate the amount required to make distributions on all our units and
other assumptions with respect to our 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 tax reporting positions that we
will adopt and with which the IRS could disagree. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that these
estimates will prove to be correct. The actual percentage of distributions that will constitute
taxable income could be higher or lower than expected, and any differences could be material and
could materially affect the value of the common units. For example, the ratio of allocable taxable
income to cash distributions to a purchaser of common units in this offering will be greater, and
perhaps substantially greater, than expected with respect to the period described above if:
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gross income from operations exceeds the amount required to make the minimum quarterly
distribution on all units, yet we only distribute the minimum quarterly distribution on all
units; or |
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we make a future offering of common units and use the proceeds of the offering in a
manner that does not produce substantial additional deductions during the period described
above, such as to repay indebtedness outstanding at the time of this offering or to acquire
property that is not eligible for depreciation or amortization for federal income tax
purposes or that is depreciable or amortizable at a rate significantly slower than the rate
applicable to our assets at the time of this offering. |
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 relative 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 relevant 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.
When we issue additional units or engage in certain other transactions, we determine the fair
market value of our assets and allocate any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our assets to
the capital accounts of our unitholders and the general partner. Our methodology may be viewed as
understating the value of our assets. In that case, there may be a shift of income, gain, loss and
deduction between certain unitholders and the general partner, which may be unfavorable to such
unitholders. Moreover, under our valuation methods, subsequent purchasers of common units may have
a greater portion of their Internal Revenue Code Section 743(b) adjustment allocated to our
tangible assets and a lesser portion allocated to our intangible assets. Because the determination
of value and allocation of value are factual matters, rather than legal matters, our counsel, Baker
Botts L.L.P., is unable to opine as to these matters. The IRS may challenge our valuation methods,
our allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to our various classes of tangible and
intangible assets, and/or the allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction between the general
partner and certain of our unitholders.
A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the amount
of taxable income or loss being allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of
gain from our unitholders sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of
the common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders tax returns without the benefit
of additional deductions.
S-5
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are selling the common units offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement directly to the
following purchasers in a privately negotiated transaction in which no party is acting as an
underwriter:
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Purchaser |
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Common Units |
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KA First Reserve, LLC |
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1,250,000 |
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Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company |
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83,334 |
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Swank MLP Convergence Fund, LP |
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250,000 |
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The Cushing MLP Opportunity Fund I, LP |
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1,430,000 |
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Bel Air MLP Energy Infrastructure Fund, LP |
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70,000 |
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The Cushing MLP Total Return Fund |
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250,000 |
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Total |
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3,333,334 |
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Subject to the terms of a purchase agreement dated April 8, 2008, the purchasers have agreed
to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to the purchasers, 3,333,334 common units at a price of
$30.00 per unit. We determined the per unit price through negotiations with the purchasers.
The purchasers have agreed not to (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant
to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the
purchased common units or (ii) enter into any swap or other transaction or arrangement that
transfers or that is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, result in the transfer
to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the purchased
common units for a period of 150 days after the closing date of this offering, without our prior
written consent; however, (i) beginning on the 90th day after the closing date of this offering,
each purchaser may transfer purchased common units in an aggregate amount of up to one-third of
such purchasers purchased common units and (ii) beginning on the 120th day after the closing date
of this offering, each purchaser may transfer purchased common units in an aggregate amount
(including the amount of common units referenced in clause (i)) of up to two-thirds of such
purchasers purchased common units.
The common units offered under this prospectus supplement will be listed on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market under the symbol XTEX.
S-6
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the common units will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P., Dallas,
Texas.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information included in this prospectus supplement and the documents we
incorporate by reference herein 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, should, plan, predict, anticipate, believe, intend,
expect, estimate, intend 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 supplement, the accompanying prospectus 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.
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 S-1 in this
prospectus supplement and on page 2 of the accompanying 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.
S-7
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
We file annual, quarterly and other reports with and furnish other information to the SEC.
You may read and copy any document we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SECs public reference
room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330
for further information on their public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available at the
SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov.
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 those documents. 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. We incorporate by
reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (excluding any information furnished
under Items 2.02 or 7.01 on any current report on Form 8-K) after the date of this prospectus
supplement and until the termination of this offering:
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our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed on
February 29, 2008; |
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our current reports on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2008, March 28, 2008, April 2,
2008 and April 9, 2008 (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 August 4, 2006. |
You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement
from the SEC through the SECs website at the address provided above. You may request a copy of
any document incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement (including exhibits to those
documents specifically incorporated by reference in this document), at no cost, by visiting our
website at http://www.crosstexenergy.com, or by writing or calling us at the following address:
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
2501 Cedar Springs
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Denise LeFevre
Telephone: (214) 721-9245
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or considered to be incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement shall be considered to be modified or superseded for
purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus
supplement or in any subsequently filed document that is or is considered to be incorporated by
reference modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement that is modified or superseded
shall not, except as so modified or superseded, constitute a part of this prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to
provide you with any information. You should not assume that the information incorporated by
reference or provided in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as
of any date other than the date on the front of each document.
The information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus
supplement.
S-8
PROSPECTUS
$500,000,000
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
COMMON UNITS
PARTNERSHIP SECURITIES
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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Partnership securities of Crosstex Energy, L.P.; and |
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Debt securities of Crosstex Energy, L.P. |
The aggregate initial offering price of the securities that we offer by this prospectus will
not exceed $500,000,000. 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 Global Select 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 2 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 18, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS |
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1 |
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WHO WE ARE |
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1 |
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THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS |
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1 |
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RISK FACTORS |
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2 |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
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16 |
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USE OF PROCEEDS |
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17 |
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES |
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18 |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES |
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19 |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS |
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29 |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP SECURITIES |
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32 |
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MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES |
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35 |
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
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48 |
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LEGAL MATTERS |
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48 |
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EXPERTS |
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48 |
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION |
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50 |
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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 $500,000,000 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 Crosstex Energy, L.P.
and its 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 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 100, Dallas, Texas 75201, and
our telephone number is (214) 953-9500.
THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., Crosstex Operating GP, LLC, Crosstex Energy Services GP, LLC,
Crosstex Pipeline, LLC, Crosstex Processing Services, LLC, Crosstex Pelican, LLC, Crosstex Pipeline
Partners, Ltd., Sabine Pass Plant Facility Joint Venture. 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 Transmission Ltd., Crosstex Acquisition Management, L.P., Crosstex Mississippi
Pipeline, L.P., Crosstex Seminole Gas, L.P., Crosstex Alabama Gathering System, L.P., Crosstex
Mississippi Industrial Gas Sales, L.P., Crosstex North Texas Pipeline, L.P., Crosstex North Texas
Gathering, L.P., Crosstex NGL Marketing, L.P. and Crosstex NGL Pipeline, 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 Energy Services, L.P., Crosstex Operating GP, LLC, Crosstex Energy
Services GP, LLC, Crosstex Pipeline, LLC, Crosstex Processing Services, LLC, Crosstex Pelican, LLC,
Crosstex Pipeline Partners, Ltd., Sabine Pass Plant Facility Joint Venture. 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 Transmission Ltd., Crosstex
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Acquisition Management,
L.P., Crosstex Mississippi Pipeline, L.P., Crosstex Seminole Gas, L.P., Crosstex Alabama Gathering
System, L.P., Crosstex Mississippi Industrial Gas Sales, L.P., Crosstex North Texas Pipeline, L.P.,
Crosstex North Texas Gathering, L.P., Crosstex NGL Marketing, L.P. and Crosstex NGL Pipeline, L.P.
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
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 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 continue to consider large acquisition candidates and transactions. The integration,
financial and other risks discussed above will be amplified if the size of our future acquisitions
increases.
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.
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.
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Our operations and revenues will be significantly impacted by conditions in South Louisiana
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 shelf
drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The deep shelf 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 shelf development is more expensive and inherently more risky than conventional shelf
drilling. A decline in the level of deep shelf drilling in the Gulf of Mexico could have a adverse
effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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 fees from our Conroe and Seminole gas plants as well as those
acquired in the El Paso Acquisition are 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 years
ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, we purchased approximately 9% and 7.5% 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 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 $7.98 per MMBtu to a low of $5.08 per MMBtu. In
2005, the same index ranged from $13.91 per MMBtu to $6.12 per MMBtu. A composite of the OPIS 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. In 2005,
the same composite ranged from approximately $1.16 per gallon to approximately $0.80 per gallon.
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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. |
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.
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 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 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 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
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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.
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 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 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 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.
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 adversely affect our results
of operations.
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, 2005, approximately 74% 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-
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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 key customer could adversely affect
financial results.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from contracts with key customers. 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. Agreements with 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. Customers may default on their obligations
to purchase the minimum volumes required under the applicable agreements.
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.
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
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could also result in a decline in energy
consumption, which could adversely affect our revenues or restrict our future growth.
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 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 $0.3 million for
the year ended December 31, 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 the 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.
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
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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.
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 commercial services businesses would materially impact our financial
condition.
We rely exclusively on the revenues generated from our gathering, transmission, treating,
processing and commercial 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 or replacement 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.
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Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
Crosstex Energy, Inc. controls our general partner and owned a 38% limited partner interest in us
as of May 1, 2006. Our general partner has conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary
responsibilities, which may permit our general partner to favor its own interests.
As of May 1, 2006, Crosstex Energy, Inc., or CEI, indirectly owned an aggregate limited
partner interest of approximately 38% 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:
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. |
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 controlled approximately 38% of all the units as of
May 1, 2006, 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 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.
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
10
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 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.
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
AgreementLimited 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 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.
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Any unsecured debt securities, including any guarantees, issued by us 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 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 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.
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
13
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
14
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
15
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 2, 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 2 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;
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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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Historical |
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Three Months |
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Year Ended December 31, |
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Ended March 31, |
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2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
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(a) |
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1.7x |
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5.5x |
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3.6x |
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2.2x |
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1.2x |
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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. |
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Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $3.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2001. |
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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.
We refer to the Crosstex Energy senior indenture and the Crosstex Energy subordinated
indenture together 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 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 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. 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 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
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restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to
those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.
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. and will execute a notation of guarantee as further evidence of their guarantee. 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. 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. 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. or the Subsidiary Guarantors. They also permit Crosstex
Energy, 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. and the Subsidiary Guarantors has
agreed, however, that it will not consolidate with or merge into any entity (other than Crosstex
Energy, 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. 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. or the Subsidiary Guarantors, the resulting entity or transferee will be substituted
for Crosstex Energy, 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 any
Subsidiary Guarantors, by such 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 any Subsidiary Guarantor, of any such
Subsidiary Guarantor; |
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if the series of debt securities is guaranteed by 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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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. |
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.
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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 any Subsidiary Guarantor or modify the guarantee of 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). |
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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. 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 of the person
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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 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, 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 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 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 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, 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 holders of
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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.
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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.
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.
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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. As of May 12, 2006, there were 19,565,155
common units outstanding. 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 Global Select Market under the symbol
XTEX.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serves as registrar and transfer agent for our common
units.
Distributions
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. 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.
In general, we will pay any cash distributions we make each 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; |
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Fourth, 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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Fifth, 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. |
We must distribute all of our cash on hand at the end of each quarter, less reserves
established by our general partner.
Subordination Period
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 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 certain tests
provided for in our partnership agreement. We met the financial tests for three consecutive
four-quarter periods ended December 31, 2005, and as a result 2,333,000 subordinated units
converted to common units upon the payment of the fourth quarter distribution on February 15, 2006.
If we meet these tests for the three consecutive four-quarter periods ending on or after December
31, 2006, an additional 2,333,000 of the subordinated units will convert to 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.
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. |
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 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.
Voting
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, our common unitholders will have only
limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. Our common unitholders will have no right
to elect our general partner or the directors of the general partner of our general partner on an
annual or other continuing basis. The general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the
holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding common units, including units owned by our general partner
and its affiliates. Each holder of common units is entitled to one vote for each common unit on
all matters submitted to a vote of the unitholders.
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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
ConsequencesDisposition of Common Units.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERSHIP SECURITIES
Limitation on Issuance of Additional Partnership 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
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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.
Issuance of Additional Partnership Securities
The following is a description of the general terms and provisions of our partnership
securities. The particular terms of any series of partnership securities will be described in the
applicable prospectus supplement and the amendment to our partnership agreement relating to that
series of partnership securities, which will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference
in this prospectus at or before the time of issuance of any such series of partnership securities.
If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any such series may differ from the terms
set forth below.
Subject to the limitations described above, our general partner is authorized to approve the
issuance of one or more series of partnership securities without further authorization of the
limited partners and to fix the number of securities, the designations, rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions of any such series.
The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the number of securities, particular
designation, relative rights and preferences and the limitations of any series of partnership
securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered. The particular terms of any such
series will include the following:
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the designation and ranking of the partnership securities; |
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the maximum number of securities of the series of partnership securities; |
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the annual distribution rate, if any, on securities of the series, whether such rate
is fixed or variable or both, the dates from which distributions will begin to accrue or
accumulate, whether distributions will be cumulative and whether such distributions will
be paid in cash, securities or otherwise; |
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any liquidation preference applicable to the series of partnership securities; |
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whether the securities of the series will be redeemable and, if so, the price at the
terms and conditions on which the securities of the series may be redeemed, including the
time during which securities of the series may be redeemed and any accumulated
distributions thereof that the holders of the securities of the series will be entitled
to receive upon the redemption thereof; |
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the terms and conditions, if any, on which the securities of the series will be
convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities of any other class or classes of
partnership securities, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion
or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same; |
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the voting rights, if any, of the securities of the series; and |
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any other rights or any qualifications, limitations or restrictions on the partnership
securities.
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The holders of partnership securities will have no preemptive rights. Partnership securities
will be fully paid and non-assessable when issued upon full payment of the purchase price therefor.
The prospectus supplement will contain, if applicable, a description of the material United States
federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase and ownership of the series of partnership
securities offered by the prospectus supplement. The transfer agent, registrar and distributions
disbursement agent for the partnership securities will be designated in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
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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.
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
OwnershipTreatment 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 UnitsAllocations
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 OwnershipSection 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 operating partnership will be
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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, |
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
OwnershipTreatment 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.
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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 UnitsRecognition 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. |
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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 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 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.
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. In any other case, a partners share of an item will be determined on
the basis of his interest in us, which will be determined by taking into account all the facts and
circumstances, including:
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his relative contributions to us; |
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the interests of all the partners in profits and losses; |
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the interest of all the partners in cash flow; and |
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the rights of all the partners to distributions of capital upon liquidation. |
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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 UnitsAllocations 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
UnitsRecognition 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 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
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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 UnitsAllocations 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 OwnershipAllocation 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
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Unit
OwnershipAllocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction above and Disposition of Common
UnitsRecognition 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 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.
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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 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
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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 than 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.
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
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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 that 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 generally 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 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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(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.
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 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
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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
OwnershipEntity-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.
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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., Dallas, Texas. 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 schedules of Crosstex Energy, L.P. as of December
31, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, and
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2005 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.
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KPMG LLPs report dated March 13, 2006, 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, 2005, contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the
Partnership acquired CFS Louisiana Midstream Company and El Paso Dauphin Island Company, L.L.C.
during 2005, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Partnerships
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 any internal control evaluation
over financial reporting associated with CFS Louisiana Midstream Company and El Paso Dauphin Island
Company, L.L.C.s total assets of $488.2 million and total revenues of $66.3 million included in
the consolidated financial statements of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and subsidiaries as of and for the
year ended December 31, 2005. The audit of internal control over financial reporting of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of CFS
Louisiana Midstream Company and El Paso Dauphin Island Company, L.L.C.
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.
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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 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.
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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed on
March 14, 2006; |
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our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, filed on May
9, 2006, and the amendment to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q/A, filed on May 23,
2006; |
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our current reports on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2006, March 28, 2006, April 27,
2006, May 4, 2006, May 17, 2006, May 22, 2006 and May 31, 2006 and Form 8-K/A filed on
November 1, 2006 and May 1, 2006 (in each case to the extent filed and not furnished); |
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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. |
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 100
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Denise LeFevre
Telephone: (214) 721-9245
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CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
3,333,334 Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
Prospectus Supplement
April 9, 2008