10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2004

ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS L.P. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2004

Filed November 9, 2004For Securities:EPDEPDU

Summary

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) reported a significant increase in revenues and assets for the third quarter of 2004, largely driven by the completion of the substantial GulfTerra merger and related acquisitions. This strategic move dramatically expanded EPD's midstream infrastructure, particularly in offshore and onshore natural gas pipelines and NGL services. Financially, the company navigated considerable debt and transaction costs associated with the merger, managing to improve its gross operating margin compared to the prior year's quarter, despite some negative impacts from hurricane activity. The balance sheet reflects a substantial increase in property, plant, and equipment, as well as intangible assets and goodwill, directly attributable to the acquisitions. EPD's proactive management of its capital structure, including new credit facilities and debt offerings, alongside equity issuances, demonstrates a focus on funding growth and maintaining financial flexibility.

Key Highlights

  • 1The completion of the GulfTerra Merger on September 30, 2004, significantly expanded Enterprise Products Partners' asset base and operational reach, integrating substantial natural gas and NGL infrastructure.
  • 2Total revenues for the third quarter of 2004 surged to $2.04 billion, a substantial increase from $1.23 billion in the same period of 2003, driven by higher volumes, prices, and newly acquired assets.
  • 3Gross operating margin showed strong growth, reaching $138 million for the third quarter of 2004, up from $68.5 million in the prior year's quarter, indicating improved core profitability.
  • 4The company's balance sheet saw a dramatic increase in Property, Plant, and Equipment, growing from $2.96 billion at the end of 2003 to $7.72 billion by September 30, 2004, reflecting the impact of acquisitions.
  • 5Long-term debt increased significantly to $4.97 billion as of September 30, 2004, up from $1.90 billion at the end of 2003, primarily due to financings related to the GulfTerra Merger.
  • 6Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2004 totaled $3.61 billion, heavily weighted towards business combinations, primarily the GulfTerra Merger, highlighting a period of substantial investment and strategic expansion.
  • 7Despite hurricane impacts in Mississippi and eastern Louisiana reducing estimated gross operating margin by approximately $7 million in Q3 2004, the company provided guidance for an estimated $18 million reduction in Q4 2004.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the completion of the GulfTerra Merger and related acquisitions on September 30, 2004. This significantly expanded EPD's infrastructure, leading to a substantial increase in property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, goodwill, and associated long-term debt.

Due to the merger closing on September 30, 2004, GulfTerra's results had a minimal impact on EPD's financial statements for the third quarter. However, the acquisition of the South Texas midstream assets (effective September 1, 2004) contributed one month of results, and the overall transaction reshaped EPD's asset base and financial structure, positioning it for future growth.

The company's long-term debt increased substantially due to financing the GulfTerra Merger. While this provides capital for growth, it also increases financial risk. Credit rating agencies downgraded EPD's ratings in May 2004 due to this increased debt, though outlooks were later stabilized. These ratings can impact future borrowing costs and access to capital.

EPD actively managed its capital structure through significant equity offerings in May and August 2004, raising substantial capital that was used for debt repayment and merger-related expenditures. Additionally, the company utilized new revolving credit facilities and issued substantial amounts of senior notes post-merger to manage its liquidity and refinance existing obligations.