SNMP Evolve Transition Infrastructure LP

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

OR

☐    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                      .

Commission File Number 001-33147

Evolve Transition Infrastructure LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(713) 783-8000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ⌧    No  ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ⌧    No  ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No   ⌧

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Common units outstanding as of November 9, 2021: approximately 114,165,219 common units.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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COMMONLY USED DEFINED TERMS

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”), unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the following terms have the following meanings:

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, all statements in this Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. The absence of such words or expressions does not necessarily mean the statements are not forward-looking.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are largely based on our current expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by the management of our general partner. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, statements made regarding future results are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous assumptions, uncertainties and risks that are beyond our control. Actual outcomes and results may be materially different from the results stated or implied in such forward-looking statements included in this report. You should not put any undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking information in this Form 10-Q and subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements include, among others:

Management cautions all readers that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

EVOLVE TRANSITION INFRASTRUCTURE LP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Other accounting standards that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. 

Use of Estimates

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. The estimates that are particularly significant to our financial statements include estimates of our reserves of natural gas, NGLs and oil; future cash flows from oil and natural gas properties; depreciation, depletion and amortization; asset retirement obligations; certain revenues and operating expenses; fair values of derivatives; and fair values of assets and liabilities. As fair value is a market-based measurement, it is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best judgment using the data available. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such estimates and assumptions are adjusted when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from the estimates. Any changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. 

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Palmetto Divestiture

On April 30, 2021, but effective March 1, 2021 (the “Palmetto Effective Time”), SEP Holdings IV, LLC (“SEP IV”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership entered into a purchase agreement (the “Palmetto PSA”) with Westhoff Palmetto LP (“Palmetto Buyer”), pursuant to which SEP IV sold to Palmetto Buyer specified wellbores and other associated assets located in Gonzales and Dewitt Counties, Texas (the “Palmetto Assets”) for a base purchase price of approximately $11.5 million, including the impact of final post-closing adjustments (the “Palmetto Divestiture”). Pursuant to the Palmetto PSA, other than a limited amount of retained obligations, Palmetto Buyer has agreed to assume all obligations relating to the Palmetto Assets that arose on or after the Palmetto Effective Time. The Palmetto PSA contains customary representations and warranties by SEP IV and Palmetto Buyer, and SEP IV and Palmetto Buyer have agreed to customary indemnities relating to breaches of representations, warranties and covenants and the payment of assumed and excluded obligations.  The Palmetto Divestiture closed simultaneously with the execution of the Palmetto PSA and we recorded a gain of approximately $0.3 million on the sale.

Maverick Divestitures

On April 30, 2021, but effective March 1, 2021 (the “Maverick Effective Time”), SEP IV entered into a purchase agreement (the “Maverick PSA”) with Bayshore Energy TX LLC (“Maverick Buyer”), pursuant to which SEP IV sold to Maverick Buyer specified wellbores and other associated assets located in Zavala County, Texas (the “Maverick 1 Assets”) for a base purchase price of approximately $2.8 million, which remains subject to final post-closing adjustments expected in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the “Maverick 1 Divestiture”). Pursuant to the Maverick PSA, other than a limited amount of retained obligations, Maverick Buyer has agreed to assume all obligations relating to the Maverick 1 Assets that arose on or after the Maverick Effective Time. The Maverick PSA contains customary representations and warranties by SEP IV and Maverick Buyer, and SEP IV and Maverick Buyer agreed to customary indemnities relating to breaches of representations, warranties and covenants and the payment of assumed and excluded obligations.  The Maverick 1 Divestiture closed simultaneously with the execution of the Maverick PSA.

Also on April 30, 2021, SEP IV entered into a letter agreement with Maverick Buyer (the “Maverick Letter Agreement”) pursuant to which SEP IV agreed to sell additional other specified wellbores and other associated assets located in Zavala and Dimmit Counties, Texas (the “Maverick 2 Assets”) for a base purchase price of approximately $1.4 million, which remains subject to final post-closing adjustments expected in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the “Maverick 2 Divestiture”). The closing of the Maverick 2 Divestiture was conditioned upon SEP IV obtaining certain consents and complying with other preferential rights related to the Maverick 2 Assets. Following the entrance into the Maverick Letter Agreement, SEP IV complied with the preferential rights and obtained multiple consents related to the Maverick 2 Assets. SEP IV did not obtain one of the required consents and, as a result, the Maverick 2 Assets subject to such consent were removed from the Maverick 2 Assets included in the Maverick 2 Divestiture (the “Updated Maverick 2 Assets”) and the base purchase price was adjusted downward by approximately $31,000.

On May 14, 2021, but effective as of the Maverick Effective Time, SEP IV and Maverick Buyer entered into a purchase agreement (the “Maverick 2 PSA”) pursuant to which SEP IV sold to Maverick Buyer the Updated Maverick 2 Assets. Pursuant to the Maverick 2 PSA, other than a limited amount of retained obligations, Maverick Buyer agreed to assume all obligations and liabilities related to the Updated Maverick 2 Assets that arose on or after the Maverick Effective Time. The Maverick 2 PSA contains customary representations

and warranties by SEP IV and Maverick Buyer, and SEP IV and Maverick Buyer agreed to customary indemnities relating to breaches of representations, warranties and covenants and the payment of assumed and excluded obligations. The Maverick 2 Divestiture closed simultaneously with the execution of the Maverick 2 PSA.

On August 13, 2021, but effect as of the Maverick Effective Time, SEP IV and Maverick Buyer entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Maverick 3 PSA”) pursuant to which SEP IV sold to Maverick Buyer specified wellbores and other associated assets located in Zavala County, Texas, including the remaining Maverick 2 Assets excluded from the original closing of the Maverick 2 Divestiture (the “Maverick 3 Assets”) for a base purchase price of approximately $31,000, which remains subject to final post-closing adjustments expected in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the “Maverick 3 Divestiture” and together with the Maverick 1 Divestiture and the Maverick 2 Divestiture, the “Maverick Divestitures”). Pursuant to the Maverick 3 PSA, other than a limited amount of retained obligations, Maverick Buyer agreed to assume all obligations and liabilities related to the Maverick 3 Assets that arose on or after the Maverick Effective Time. The Maverick 3 PSA contains customary representations and warranties by SEP IV and Maverick Buyer, and SEP IV and Maverick Buyer agreed to customary indemnities relating to breaches of representations, warranties and covenants and the payment of assumed and excluded obligations. The Maverick 3 Divestiture closed simultaneously with the execution of the Maverick 3 PSA.

We recorded a net gain of approximately $0.2 million related to the Maverick Divestitures.

Information related to the upstream oil and natural gas assets sold have been reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. The following table presents the results of operations and the gain on disposal which has been included in discontinued operations (in thousands):

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4. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

We account for revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The unit of account in ASC 606 is a performance obligation, which is a promise in a contract to transfer to a customer either a distinct good or service (or bundle of goods or services) or a series of distinct goods or services provided over a period of time. ASC 606 requires that a contract’s transaction price, which is the amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, is to be allocated to each performance obligation in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices and recognized as revenue when (point in time) or as (over time) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Disaggregation of Revenue

We recognized revenue of approximately $16.9 million and $35.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. We disaggregate revenue based on revenue and product type. In selecting the disaggregation categories, we considered a number of factors, including disclosures presented outside the financial statements, such as in our earnings release and investor

presentations, information reviewed internally for evaluating performance, and other factors used by the Partnership or the users of its financial statements to evaluate performance or allocate resources. We have concluded that disaggregating revenue by revenue and product type appropriately depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

The Firm Transportation Service Agreement, dated September 1, 2017, by and between Seco Pipeline, LLC and SN Catarina, LLC (the “Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement”) is the only contract that we historically accounted for under ASC 606. The Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement was terminated by Mesquite effective February 12, 2020. The Gathering Agreement is classified as an operating lease and is accounted for under ASC 842, “Leases” and is reported as gathering and transportation lease revenues in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

We account for income from our unconsolidated equity method investments as earnings from equity investments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Earnings from these equity method investments are further discussed in Note 11 “Investments.”

Performance Obligations

Pursuant to the Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement, we agreed to provide transportation services of certain quantities of natural gas from the receipt point to the delivery point. Each MMBtu of natural gas transported is distinct and the transportation services performed on each distinct molecule of product is substantially the same in nature. We applied the series guidance and treated these services as a single performance obligation satisfied over time using volumes delivered as the measure of progress. The Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement required payment within 30 days following the calendar month of delivery.

The Seco Pipeline Transportation Agreement contained variable consideration in the form of volume variability. As the distinct goods or services (rather than the series) are considered for the purpose of allocating variable consideration, we have taken the optional exception under ASC 606 which is available only for wholly unsatisfied performance obligations for which the criteria in ASC 606 have been met. Under this exception, neither estimation of variable consideration nor disclosure of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations is required. Revenue is alternatively recognized in the period that control is transferred to the customer and the respective variable component of the total transaction price is resolved.

For forms of variable consideration that are not associated with a specific volume (such as late payment fees) and thus do not meet allocation exception, estimation is required. These fees, however, are immaterial to our condensed consolidated financial statements and have a low probability of occurrence. As significant reversals of revenue due to this variability are not probable, no estimation is required.

Contract Balances

Under our sales contracts, we invoice customers after our performance obligations have been satisfied, at which point payment is unconditional. Accordingly, our contracts do not give rise to contract assets or liabilities under ASC 606. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our accounts receivables from contracts with customers were zero and approximately $1.9 million, respectively.

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Measurements of fair value of derivative instruments are classified according to the fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1: Measured based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Active markets are considered those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2: Measured based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data, or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.

Level 3: Measured based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable from objective sources (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Management's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

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As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets and current liabilities approximated their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Partnership follows the provisions of Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurement,” for nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore represent Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. We periodically review oil and natural gas properties and related equipment for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Partnership’s asset retirement obligations is presented in Note 9 “Asset Retirement Obligation.”

The following table summarizes the non-recurring fair value measurements of our production assets as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

The fair values of oil and natural gas properties and related equipment were measured using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs to the valuation of oil and natural gas properties and related equipment include estimates of: (i) reserves; (ii) future operating and development costs; (iii) future commodity prices; (iv) estimated future cash flows; (v) estimated throughput; and (vi) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate of 15%. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by the Partnership’s management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change.

Seco Pipeline – We own and operate a 30-mile natural gas pipeline with 400 MMcf/d capacity that is designed to transport dry gas to multiple markets in South Texas (the “Seco Pipeline”). As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.9 million to impair the Seco Pipeline. The carrying value of the Seco Pipeline was reduced to a fair value of zero, estimated based on inputs characteristic of a Level 3 fair value measurement.

The fair value of the Seco Pipeline was measured using probabilistic valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs to the valuation of the Seco Pipeline include estimates of: (i) future operating and development costs; (ii) estimated future cash flows; and (iii) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by the Partnership’s management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies described below. We prioritize the use of the highest level inputs available in determining fair value such that fair value measurements are determined using the highest and best use as determined by market participants and the assumptions that they would use in determining fair value.

Credit Agreement – We believe that the carrying value of our Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 7 “Debt”) approximates its fair value because the interest rates on the debt approximate market interest rates for debt with similar terms. The debt is classified as a Level 2 input in the fair value hierarchy and represents the amount at which the instrument could be valued in an exchange during a current transaction between willing parties. The Credit Agreement is discussed further in Note 7 “Debt.”

Nuvve Holding Warrants – The Nuvve Holding Warrants (as defined in Note 6. “Derivative and Financial Instruments”) are valued using the value of Nuvve’s common stock and the Nuvve Holding Warrants exercise price. We have therefore classified the fair value measurement of the Nuvve Holding Warrants as Level 2 and is presented within fair value of warrants on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Stonepeak Warrant – As part of the Exchange (as defined in Note 15. “Partners’ Capital”), the Partnership issued to Stonepeak Catarina the Stonepeak Warrant which entitles the holder to receive junior securities of the Partnership representing ten percent of junior securities deemed outstanding when exercised. The Stonepeak Warrant is valued using ten percent of the Partnership’s junior securities deemed outstanding and the common unit price as of the balance sheet date. We have therefore classified the fair value measurement of the Stonepeak Warrant as Level 2 and is presented within other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Earnout Derivative – As part of the Carnero Gathering Transaction (as defined in Note 11 “Investments”), we are required to pay Mesquite an earnout based on natural gas received above a threshold volume and tariff at designated delivery points from Mesquite and other producers. The earnout derivative was valued through the use of a Monte Carlo simulation model which utilized observable inputs such as the earnout price and volume commitment, as well as unobservable inputs related to the weighted probabilities of various throughput scenarios. We have therefore classified the fair value measurements of the earnout derivative as Level 3 inputs. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of the earnout was determined to be zero.

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6. DERIVATIVE AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

On May 17, 2021, the Partnership entered into a letter agreement (the “Levo Letter Agreement”) with Nuvve Holding Corp. (“Nuvve Holding”) and Stonepeak Rocket Holdings LP (“Stonepeak Rocket”), relating to the proposed formation of a joint venture, Levo Mobility LLC (“Levo” and such proposed joint venture, the “Levo JV”). In connection with the Levo Letter Agreement, on May 17, 2021, Nuvve Holding issued ten-year warrants to the Partnership as follows: (i) Series B Warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of Nuvve Holding’s common stock, at an exercise price of $10.00 per share, which are fully vested upon issuance, (ii) Series C warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Nuvve Holding’s common stock, at an exercise price of $15.00 per share, which are vested as to 50% of the shares upon issuance and vest as to the remaining 50% when Levo has entered into contracts with third parties for $125 million in aggregate capital expenditures; (iii) Series D warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Nuvve Holding’s common stock, at an exercise price of $20.00 per share, which are vested as to 50% of the shares upon issuance and vest as to the remaining 50% when Levo has entered into contracts with third parties for $250 million in aggregate capital expenditures; (iv) Series E warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Nuvve Holding’s common stock, at an exercise price of $30.00 per share, which are vested as to 50% of the shares upon issuance and vest as to the remaining 50% when Levo has entered into contracts with third parties for $375 million in aggregate capital expenditures; and (v) Series F warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Nuvve Holding’s common stock, at an exercise price of $40.00 per share, which are vested as to 50% of the shares upon issuance and vest as to the remaining 50% when Levo has entered into contracts with third parties for $500 million in aggregate capital expenditures (collectively the “Nuvve Holding Warrants”).The Nuvve Holding Warrants are accounted for in accordance with Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the Nuvve Holding Warrants fair value are recognized in earnings and included in other income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of the Partnership’s Nuvve Holding Warrants for the periods indicated (in thousands):

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To reduce the impact of fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices on our revenues, we historically entered into derivative contracts with respect to a portion of our projected oil and natural gas production through various transactions that fix or modify the future prices to be realized. We did not hedge any of our expected production volumes for 2021. Our historical hedging activities were intended to support oil and natural gas prices at targeted levels and to manage exposure to oil and natural gas price fluctuations. It was never our intention to enter into derivative contracts for speculative trading purposes.

Under Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” all derivative instruments are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value as either short-term or long-term assets or liabilities based on their anticipated settlement date. We will net derivative assets and liabilities for counterparties where we have a legal right of offset. Changes in the derivatives’ fair values are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. We have not elected to designate any of our current derivative contracts as hedges; however, changes in the fair value of all of our derivative instruments are recognized in earnings and included in natural gas sales and oil sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We do not have derivative contracts related to production in 2021 and beyond.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in fair value of the Partnership’s commodity derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

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The effect of derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was as follows (in thousands). As disclosed above, we did not hedge any of our expected production volumes for 2021.

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Earnout Derivative

Refer to Note 5 “Fair Value Measurements.”

7. DEBT

Credit Agreement

We have entered into a credit facility with Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto, as amended through the date of the Twelfth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”).  The Credit Agreement provides a quarterly amortizing term loan of $65.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and a maximum revolving credit amount of $5.0 million (the “Revolving Loan”). The Credit Agreement matures on September 30, 2023. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by various mortgages of midstream properties that we own as well as various security and pledge agreements among us, certain of our subsidiaries and the administrative agent.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are available for limited direct investment in midstream properties, acquisitions, and working capital and general business purposes. The Credit Agreement has a sub-limit of up to $2.5 million which may be used for the issuance of letters of credit. As of September 30, 2021, we had approximately $54.7 million of debt outstanding, consisting of approximately $52.2 million under the Term Loan and approximately $2.5 million under the Revolving Loan. We are required to make mandatory amortizing payments of outstanding principal on the Term Loan of (i) $3.0 million per fiscal quarter commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2021, and (ii) $2.0 million per fiscal quarter commencing with the quarter ending March 31, 2023. The maximum revolving credit amount is $5.0 million leaving us with approximately $2.5 million in unused borrowing capacity. There were no letters of credit outstanding under our Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2021.

At our election, interest for borrowings under the Credit Agreement are determined by reference to (i) the LIBOR plus an applicable margin between 2.75% and 3.50% per annum based on net debt to EBITDA or (ii) a domestic bank rate (“ABR”) plus an applicable margin between 1.75% and 2.50% per annum based on net debt to EBITDA plus (iii) a commitment fee of 0.500% per annum based on the unutilized portion of the Revolving Loan. Interest on the borrowings for ABR loans and the commitment fee are generally payable quarterly. Interest on the borrowings for LIBOR loans are generally payable at the applicable maturity date.

The Credit Agreement contains various covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, merge or consolidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures and investments, and pay distributions to unitholders.

In addition, we are required to maintain the following financial covenants: 

The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to non-payment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations and warranties when made or when deemed made, violation of covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments, loan documents not being valid and a change in control. A change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of one of the following events: (i) our existing general partner ceases to be our sole general partner or (ii) certain specified persons shall cease to own more than 50% of the equity interests of our general partner or shall cease to control our general partner. If an event of default occurs, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the Credit Agreement and exercise other rights and remedies.

At September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement. We monitor compliance on an ongoing basis. If we are unable to remain in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our Credit Agreement or maintain the required ratios discussed above, the lenders could call an event of default and accelerate the outstanding debt under the terms of the Credit Agreement, such that our outstanding debt could become then due and payable. We may request waivers of compliance from the violated financial covenants from the lenders, but there is no assurance that such waivers would be granted.

We are required to make mandatory amortizing payments of the outstanding principal on the Term Loan, we expect these quarterly amortizing payments will be made from our operating cash flows and other capital resources.  However, there can be no assurance that operations and other capital resources will provide cash in sufficient amounts to make these mandatory amortizing payments.

Debt Issuance Costs

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our unamortized debt issuance costs were approximately $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These costs are amortized to interest expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations over the life of our Credit Agreement. Amortization of debt issuance costs recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Depreciation and Amortization. Gathering and transportation assets, are stated at historical acquisition cost, net of any impairments, and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from three to 15 years for furniture and equipment, up to 36 years for gathering facilities, and up to 40 years for transportation assets.

Depreciation and amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):

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Impairment of Gathering and Transportation Assets. The recoverability of gathering and transportation assets is evaluated when facts or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Asset recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group with its expected future pre-tax undiscounted cash flows. These cash flow estimates require us to make projections and assumptions for many years into the future for pricing, demand, competition, operating cost and other factors. If the carrying amount exceeds the expected future undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment equal to the excess of net book value over fair value. The determination of the fair value using present value techniques requires us to make projections and assumptions regarding the probability of a range of outcomes and the rates of interest used in the present value calculations. Any changes we make to these projections and assumptions could result in significant revisions to our evaluation of recoverability of our gathering and transportation assets and the recognition of additional impairments. Upon disposition or retirement of gathering and transportation assets, any gain or loss is recorded to operations.

9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

We recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Each period, we accrete the ARO to its then present value. The associated asset retirement cost (“ARC”) is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of our oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities or gathering and transportation assets. Subsequently, the ARC is depreciated using the units-of-production method for production assets and the straight-line method for midstream assets. The AROs recorded by us relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and natural gas wells and decommissioning of oil and natural gas gathering and other facilities.

Inherent in the fair value calculation of AROs are numerous assumptions and judgments including the ultimate settlement amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions result in adjustments to the recorded fair value of the existing ARO, a corresponding adjustment is made to the ARC capitalized as part of the oil and natural gas properties, equipment and facilities or gathering and transportation assets.

The following table is a reconciliation of changes in ARO for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

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Additional AROs increase the liability associated with new oil and natural gas wells and other facilities as these obligations are incurred. Abandonments of oil and natural gas wells and other facilities reduce the liability for AROs. During the nine months ended

September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no significant expenditures for abandonments and there were no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling existing AROs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, obligations were relieved as part of the Palmetto Divestiture and the Maverick Divestitures.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets are comprised of customer and marketing contracts. The intangible assets balance as of September 30, 2021 is related to the Gathering Agreement with Mesquite that was entered into as part of the acquisition of the Western Catarina gathering system. The Western Catarina gathering system (“Western Catarina Midstream”) is located on the western portion of Mesquite’s acreage position in Dimmit, La Salle and Webb counties, Texas (the western portion of such acreage, “Western Catarina”). Pursuant to the 15-year agreement, Mesquite tenders all of its crude oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbon-based product volumes produced in the Western Catarina of the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas for processing and transportation through Western Catarina Midstream, with a right to tender additional volumes outside of the dedicated acreage. These intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over the 15-year life of the agreement.

Amortization expense for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $10.1 million. These costs are amortized to depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following table is a reconciliation of changes in intangible assets (in thousands):

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