NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

 

Enable Midstream Partners, LP (Partnership), a Delaware limited partnership, is a large-scale, growth-oriented limited partnership formed to own, operate and develop strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. The Partnership’s assets and operations are organized into two reportable segments: (i) Gathering and Processing, which primarily provides natural gas gathering, processing and fractionation services and crude oil gathering for our producer customers, and (ii) Transportation and Storage, which provides interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline transportation and storage services primarily to natural gas producers, utilities and industrial customers. The natural gas gathering and processing assets are located in five states and serve natural gas production in the Anadarko, Arkoma and Ark-La-Tex basins. This segment also includes a crude oil gathering business in the Bakken Shale formation, principally located in the Williston basin. The natural gas transportation and storage assets extend from western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle to Alabama and from Louisiana to Illinois.

 

The Partnership is controlled equally by CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy, who each have 50% of the management rights of Enable GP. Enable GP was established by CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy to govern the Partnership and has no other operating activities. Enable GP is governed by a board made up of an equal number of representatives designated by each of CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy, along with the independent board members CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy mutually agreed to appoint. Based on the 50 / 50 management ownership, with neither company having control, CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy do not consolidate their interests in the Partnership. CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy also own a 40% and 60% interest, respectively, in the incentive distribution rights held by Enable GP. As of March 31, 2016 , CenterPoint Energy held approximately 55.4% of the common and subordinated units in the Partnership, or 94,151,707 common units and 139,704,916 subordinated units, and OGE Energy held approximately 26.3% of the common and subordinated units in the Partnership, or 42,832,291 common units and 68,150,514 subordinated units. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy holds 14,520,000 Series A Preferred Units. See Note 4 for further information related to the Series A Preferred Units.

 

For the period from December 31, 2014 through June 29, 2015, the financial statements reflect a 49.90% interest in SESH. On June 12, 2015, CenterPoint Energy exercised its put right with respect to a 0.1% interest in SESH. Pursuant to the put right, on June 30, 2015, CenterPoint Energy contributed its remaining 0.1% interest in SESH to the Partnership in exchange for 25,341 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership. As of March 31, 2016 , the Partnership owned a 50% interest in SESH. See Note 6 for further discussion of SESH.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Partnership have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and GAAP. Pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the combined and consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report.  

 These condensed consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the respective periods. Amounts reported in the Partnership’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy and energy services, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests.

 

For a description of the Partnership’s reportable segments, see Note 14.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. It is the policy of management to review the outstanding accounts receivable at least quarterly, as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past. Based on this review, a $3 million allowance for doubtful accounts was recognized as of March 31, 2016 . There was no allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2015 .

Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Enable Midstream Partners, LP

On February 18, 2016, in connection with the closing of the private placement of 14,520,000 Series A Preferred Units and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the General partner adopted the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (the Partnership Agreement) which, among other things, authorized and established the terms of the Series A Preferred Units and the other series of preferred units that are issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Units. For further information related to the issuance of the Series A Preferred Units, see Note 4.

(2) New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605),” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)—Deferral of the Effective Date,” which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also proposed permitting early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. The Partnership is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)-Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”. ASU No. 2016-08 requires an entity to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service itself (i.e., the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (i.e., the entity is an agent) when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer. Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require an entity that is a principal to recognize revenue in the gross amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for the specified good or service transferred to the customer, and require an entity that is an agent to recognize revenue in the amount of any fee or commission to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for arranging for the specified good or service to be provided by the other party. ASU 2016-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. The Partnership is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)-Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”. The amendments in ASU No. 2016-10 impact entities with transactions that include contracts with customers to transfer goods or services (that are an output of the entity’s ordinary activities) in exchange for consideration, and they require entities to recognize revenue by following certain steps, including (1) identifying the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in a contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizing revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Notably, ASU No. 2016-10 does not impact the core revenue recognition principles set forth in Topic 606, but rather clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. ASU 2016-10 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. The Partnership is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Consolidation

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation,” to improve consolidation guidance for certain types of legal entities. The guidance modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for certain money market funds. The Partnership adopted the amendment in the first quarter of 2016, which resulted in no impact to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This standard amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge. The Partnership adopted the amendment in the first quarter of 2016 on a retrospective basis in order to conform the presentation of debt issuance costs on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At each of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Partnership had unamortized debt expense of $12 million classified as a reduction of Long-Term Debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unamortized debt expense related to the Revolving Credit Facility of $5 million and $6 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, is classified as Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes—Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This ASU eliminates the requirement to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and non-current in a classified balance sheet. Instead, all deferred tax assets and liabilities will be classified as non-current. ASU 2015-17 is effective for all interim and annual periods beginning after December 16, 2016 and early application is permitted. The amendments in this update may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Partnership adopted the amendment in the first quarter of 2016, which resulted in no impact to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”. The amendments in this update require, among other things, that lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Partnership expects to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of 2019 and is currently evaluating the impacts of the amendments to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accounting practices for leases.

Share-Based Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718).” This standard makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The Partnership is currently assessing how the adoption of this standard will impact our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

(3) Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit

The following table illustrates the Partnership’s calculation of earnings per unit for common and subordinated units:

There was no dilutive effect of equity based compensation during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 .

(4) Partners’ Equity

The Partnership Agreement requires that, within 45 days subsequent to the end of each quarter, the Partnership distribute all of its available cash (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) to unitholders of record on the applicable record date.

The Partnership paid or has authorized payment of the following cash distributions to common and subordinated unitholders during 2015 and 2016 (in millions, except for per unit amounts):

The board of directors of Enable GP declared a $0.2917 per Series A Preferred Unit prorated cash distribution on April 26, 2016 , to be paid on May 13, 2016 , to Series A Preferred unitholders of record at the close of business on May 6, 2016 . The prorated quarterly distribution for the Series A Preferred Units is for a partial period beginning on February 18, 2016, and ending on March 31, 2016, which equates to $0.625 per unit on a full-quarter basis or $2.50 per unit on an annualized basis.

General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights

Enable GP owns a non-economic general partner interest in the Partnership and thus will not be entitled to distributions that the Partnership makes prior to the liquidation of the Partnership in respect of such general partner interest. Enable GP currently holds incentive distribution rights that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 50.0% , of the cash the Partnership distributes from operating surplus (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) in excess of $0.330625 per unit per quarter. The maximum distribution of 50.0% does not include any distributions that Enable GP or its affiliates may receive on common units or subordinated units that they own.

Subordinated Units

Subordinated Unit Ownership

All subordinated units are held by CenterPoint Energy and OGE Energy. These units are considered subordinated because during the subordination period (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), the common units will have the right to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus each quarter in an amount equal to $0.2875 per common unit, which amount is defined in the Partnership Agreement as the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters, before any distributions of available cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated units. These units are deemed “subordinated” because for a period of time, referred to as the subordination period, the subordinated units will not be entitled to receive any distributions until the common units have received the minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages from prior quarters. Furthermore, no arrearages will be paid on the subordinated units.

Subordination Period

The subordination period began on the closing date of the Offering and will extend until the first business day following which (1) distributions of available cash from operating surplus (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equal or exceed $1.15 per unit (the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding June 30, 2017 and (2) the adjusted operating surplus for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding such date equaled or exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distribution on all common units and subordinated units that were outstanding during such periods on a fully diluted weighted average basis. Also, if the Partnership has paid distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equal to or exceeding $1.725 per unit ( 150% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) and the related distribution on the incentive distribution rights, for any four-consecutive-quarter period ending on or after June 30, 2015, the subordination period will terminate.

Series A Preferred Units

On February 18, 2016, the Partnership completed the private placement of 14,520,000 Series A Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership for a cash purchase price of $25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit, resulting in proceeds of $362 million , net of issuance costs. The Partnership incurred approximately $1 million of expenses related to the offering, which is shown as an offset to the proceeds. In connection with the closing of the private placement, the Partnership redeemed approximately $363 million of notes scheduled to mature in 2017 payable to a wholly-owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy.

Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement , the Series A Preferred Units:

Holders of the Series A Preferred Units receive, on a non-cumulative basis and if and when declared by the General Partner, a quarterly cash distribution, subject to certain adjustments, equal to an annual rate of 10% on the stated liquidation preference from the date of original issue to, but not including, the five year anniversary of the original issue date and an annual rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 8.5% on the stated liquidation preference thereafter.

At any time on or after five years after the original issue date, the Partnership may redeem the Series A Preferred Units, in whole or in part, from any source of funds legally available for such purpose, by paying $25.50 per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of redemption, whether or not declared. In addition, the Partnership (or a third-party with its prior written consent) may redeem the Series A Preferred Units following certain changes in the methodology employed by ratings agencies, changes of control or fundamental transactions as set forth in the Partnership Agreement . If, upon a change of control or certain fundamental transactions, the Partnership (or a third-party with its prior written consent) does not exercise this option, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Units have the option to convert the Series A Preferred Units into a number of common units per Series A Preferred Unit as set forth in the Partnership Agreement . The Series A Preferred Units are also required to be redeemed in certain circumstances if they are not eligible for trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Holders of Series A Preferred Units have no voting rights except for limited voting rights with respect to potential amendments to the Partnership Agreement that have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units, the issuance by the Partnership of certain securities, approval of certain fundamental transactions and as required by law.

Upon the transfer of any Series A Preferred Unit to a non-affiliate of CenterPoint Energy, the Series A Preferred Units will automatically convert into a new series of preferred units (the “Series B Preferred Units”) on the later of the date of transfer and the second anniversary of the date of issue. The Series B Preferred Units will have the same terms as the Series A Preferred Units except that unpaid distributions on the Series B Preferred Units will accrue on a cumulative basis until paid.

On February 18, 2016, the Partnership entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with CenterPoint Energy, pursuant to which, among other things, the Partnership gave CenterPoint Energy certain rights to require the Partnership to file and maintain a registration statement with respect to the resale of the Series A Preferred Units and any other series of preferred units or common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership that are issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Units.

(5) Assessing Impairment of Long-lived Assets (including Intangible Assets)

The Partnership periodically evaluates long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and specifically identifiable intangibles other than goodwill, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. The determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared to the carrying value of the assets. The Partnership recorded no material impairments to long-lived assets in the three months ended March 31, 2016 or 2015 . Based upon review of forecasted undiscounted cash flows, none of the asset groups were at risk of failing step one of the impairment test. Further price declines, throughput declines, cost increases, regulatory or political environment changes, and other changes in market conditions could reduce forecast undiscounted cash flows.

(6) Investments in Equity Method Affiliates

 

The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities in which it has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence.

 

For the period from December 31, 2014 through June 29, 2015, the Partnership held a 49.90% interest in SESH. On June 12, 2015, CenterPoint Energy exercised its put right with respect to its remaining 0.1% interest in SESH. Pursuant to the put right, on June 30, 2015, CenterPoint Energy contributed a 0.1% interest in SESH to the Partnership in exchange for 25,341 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership, which had a fair value of $1 million based upon the closing market price of the Partnership’s common units. Spectra Energy Partners, LP owns the remaining 50% interest in SESH. Pursuant to the terms of the SESH LLC Agreement, if, at any time, CenterPoint Energy has a right to receive less than 50% of our distributions through its interest in the Partnership and its economic interest in Enable GP, or does not have the ability to exercise certain control rights, Spectra Energy Partners, LP may, under certain circumstances, have the right to purchase our interest in SESH at fair market value. As of March 31, 2016 , the Partnership owned a 50% interest in SESH.

The Partnership shares operations of SESH with Spectra Energy Partners, LP under service agreements. The Partnership is responsible for the field operations of SESH. SESH reimburses each party for actual costs incurred, which are billed based upon a combination of direct charges and allocations. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership billed SESH $4 million and $2 million , respectively, associated with these service agreements.

  

Investment in Equity Method Affiliates:

 

(7) Debt

 

The following table presents the Partnership’s outstanding debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 .

Revolving Credit Facility

On June 18, 2015, the Partnership amended and restated its Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, increase the borrowing capacity thereunder to $1.75 billion and extend its maturity date to June 18, 2020. As of March 31, 2016 , there was $715 million of principal advances and $3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. However, as discussed below, commercial paper borrowings effectively reduce our borrowing capacity under this Revolving Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate of the Revolving Credit Facility was 1.97% as of March 31, 2016 .

The Revolving Credit Facility provides that outstanding borrowings bear interest at the LIBOR and/or an alternate base rate, at the Partnership’s election, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on the Partnership’s applicable credit ratings. As of March 31, 2016 , the applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility was 1.50% based on the Partnership’s credit ratings. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility requires the Partnership to pay a fee on unused commitments. The commitment fee is based on the Partnership’s applicable credit rating from the rating agencies. As of March 31, 2016 , the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility was 0.20%  per annum based on the Partnership’s credit ratings. The commitment fee is recorded as interest expense in the Partnership’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Commercial Paper

The Partnership has a commercial paper program, pursuant to which the Partnership is authorized to issue up to $1.4 billion of commercial paper. The commercial paper program is supported by our Revolving Credit Facility, and outstanding commercial paper effectively reduces our borrowing capacity thereunder. There was $236 million outstanding under our commercial paper program as of December 31, 2015 . On February 2, 2016, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its credit rating on the Partnership from an investment grade rating to a non-investment grade rating. The short-term rating on the Partnership was also reduced from an investment grade rating to a non-investment grade rating. As a result of the downgrade, the Partnership repaid its outstanding borrowings under the commercial program upon maturity and did not issue any additional commercial paper. There was no outstanding commercial paper as of March 31, 2016 .

Term Loan Agreement

On July 31, 2015, the Partnership entered into a Term Loan Agreement dated as of July 31, 2015, providing for an unsecured three -year $450 million term loan agreement (2015 Term Loan Agreement). The entire $450 million principal amount of the 2015 Term Loan Agreement was borrowed by Enable on July 31, 2015. The 2015 Term Loan Agreement contains an option, which may be exercised up to two times, to extend the term of the 2015 Term Loan Agreement, in each case, for an additional one -year term. The 2015 Term Loan Agreement provides an option to prepay, without penalty or premium, the amount outstanding, or any portion thereof, in a minimum amount of $1 million , or any multiple of $0.5 million in excess thereof. As of March 31, 2016 , there was $450 million outstanding under the 2015 Term Loan Agreement. As of March 31, 2016 , the weighted average interest rate of the 2015 Term Loan Agreement was 1.80% .

The 2015 Term Loan Agreement provides that outstanding borrowings bear interest at the LIBOR and/or an alternate base rate, at the Partnership’s election, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on our applicable credit ratings. As of March 31, 2016 , the applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings under the term loan agreement was 1.375% based on our credit ratings.

Senior Notes

In connection with the issuance of the 2019 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2044 Notes, the Partnership, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., as guarantor of the 2019 Notes and the 2024 Notes, and RBS Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers, entered into a registration rights agreement whereby the Partnership and the guarantor agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement relating to a registered offer to exchange the 2019 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2044 Notes for new series of the Partnership’s notes in the same aggregate principal amount as, and with terms substantially identical in all respects to, the 2019 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2044 Notes. On December 29, 2015, the Partnership completed the exchange offer.

A wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy guaranteed collection of the Partnership’s obligations under the 2019 Notes and the 2024 Notes, which expired on May 1, 2016.

As of March 31, 2016 , the Partnership’s debt included EOIT’s $250 million 6.25% senior notes due March 2020 (the EOIT Senior Notes). The EOIT Senior Notes have a $22 million unamortized premium at March 31, 2016 , resulting in an effective interest rate of 5.7% , during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . These senior notes do not contain any financial covenants other than a limitation on liens. This limitation on liens is subject to certain exceptions and qualifications.

Financing Costs

Unamortized debt expense of $17 million and $18 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, is classified as either a reduction to Long-Term Debt or Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the life of the respective debt. Unamortized premium on long-term debt of $21 million and $23 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, is classified as either Long-Term Debt or Short-Term Debt, consistent with the underlying debt instrument, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the life of the respective debt.

 As of March 31, 2016 , the Partnership and EOIT were in compliance with all of their debt agreements, including financial covenants.

 

(8) Fair Value Measurements

 

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined below and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Instruments classified as Level 1 include natural gas futures, swaps and options transactions for contracts traded on the NYMEX and settled through a NYMEX clearing broker.

 

Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets. Instruments classified as Level 2 include over-the-counter NYMEX natural gas swaps, natural gas basis swaps and natural gas purchase and sales transactions in markets such that the pricing is closely related to the NYMEX pricing, and over-the-counter WTI crude swaps for condensate sales.

 

Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs reflect the Partnership’s judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Partnership develops these inputs based on the best information available, including the Partnership’s own data.

 

The Partnership utilizes the market approach in determining the fair value of its derivative positions by using either NYMEX or WTI published market prices, independent broker pricing data or broker/dealer valuations. The valuations of derivatives with pricing based on NYMEX published market prices may be considered Level 1 if they are settled through a NYMEX clearing broker account with daily margining. Over-the-counter derivatives with NYMEX or WTI based prices are considered Level 2 due to the impact of counterparty credit risk. Valuations based on independent broker pricing or broker/dealer valuations may be classified as Level 2 only to the extent they may be validated by an additional source of independent market data for an identical or closely related active market. In certain less liquid markets or for longer-term contracts, forward prices are not as readily available. In these circumstances, contracts are valued using internally developed methodologies that consider historical relationships among various quoted prices in active markets that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. These contracts are classified as Level 3.

 

The Partnership determines the appropriate level for each financial asset and liability on a quarterly basis and recognizes transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. For the period ended March 31, 2016 , there were no transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 investments.

 

The impact to the fair value of derivatives due to credit risk is calculated using the probability of default based on Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and/or internally generated ratings. The fair value of derivative assets is adjusted for credit risk. The fair value of derivative liabilities is adjusted for credit risk only if the impact is deemed material.

Contracts with Master Netting Arrangements

 

Fair value amounts recognized for forward, interest rate swap, option and other conditional or exchange contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement may be offset. The reporting entity’s choice to offset or not must be applied consistently. A master netting arrangement exists if the reporting entity has multiple contracts, whether for the same type of conditional or exchange contract or for different types of contracts, with a single counterparty that are subject to a contractual agreement that provides for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. Offsetting the fair values recognized for forward, interest rate swap, option and other conditional or exchange contracts outstanding with a single counterparty results in the net fair value of the transactions being reported as an asset or a liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Partnership has presented the fair values of its derivative contracts under master netting agreements using a net fair value presentation.

 

The following tables summarize the Partnership’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 :