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ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS LP

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Feb 28, 2025

EPD$37.03+1.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-28.

0001061219-24-000006

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.

0001061219-25-000006

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 184 previous paragraphs and 185 current paragraphs.

165 unchanged; 19 reworded; 0 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 65 previous and 65 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Reworded paragraphs (19)

Previous wording

Similarly, foreign conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and related sanctions imposed on Russia and the Israel-Hamas war may significantly disrupt supply chains for crude oil, natural gas and hydrocarbon products. Although we have not experienced any material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows as a result of these conflicts as of the date of this report, we cannot predict how the continuation of these wars or other foreign conflicts will impact the level of future demand, effects on domestic pricing, and impacts on U.S. oil and gas production. Any economic slowdown or recession in major international markets, including as a result of such supply chain disruptions or sanctions, may also impact demand and depress the price for crude oil, natural gas or other products that we handle, which could have significant adverse consequences on our financial condition and the financial condition of our customers, suppliers and other counterparties, and could diminish our liquidity and negatively affect the volumes of products handled by our pipelines and other facilities.

Current wording

Similarly, foreign conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and related sanctions imposed on Russia and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East may significantly disrupt supply chains for crude oil, natural gas and hydrocarbon products. Although we have not experienced any material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows as a result of these conflicts as of the date of this report, we cannot predict how the continuation of these wars or other foreign conflicts will impact the level of future demand, effects on domestic pricing, and impacts on U.S. oil and gas production. Any economic slowdown or recession in major international markets, including as a result of such supply chain disruptions or sanctions, may also impact demand and depress the price for crude oil, natural gas or other products that we handle, which could have significant adverse consequences on our financial condition and the financial condition of our customers, suppliers and other counterparties, and could diminish our liquidity and negatively affect the volumes of products handled by our pipelines and other facilities.

Previous wording

The operation of our assets and the execution of capital projects require significant expenditures for labor, materials, property, equipment and services. As a result, such costs may increase during periods of general business inflation, including as a result of higher commodity prices, supply chain disruptions and tight labor markets. Recent inflationary pressures affecting the general economy and the energy industry have increased our expenses and capital costs, and those costs may continue to increase. While the majority of long-term contracts for our services contain index-based changes and inflation adjustments, we may not be able to pass all of these increased costs to our customers in the form of higher fees for our services. In addition, we use the FERC’s PPI-based price indexing methodology to establish tariff rates in certain markets served by our pipelines. In periods of general price deflation, the ceiling level provided by the FERC’s PPI-based price indexing methodology could decrease, requiring us to reduce our index-based rates, even if the actual costs we incur to operate our assets increase. As such, our revenues and operating margins are impacted by changes in price levels. Prior to adjustments to our applicable rates, material cost increases may affect our operating margins, even if margins in subsequent periods may be normalized following applicable rate adjustments. Accordingly, increased costs during periods of general business inflation that are not passed through to customers or offset by other factors may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

The operation of our assets and the execution of capital projects require significant expenditures for labor, materials, property, equipment and services. As a result, such costs may increase during periods of general business inflation, including as a result of higher commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, tight labor markets or tariffs imposed on imports. Recent inflationary pressures affecting the general economy and the energy industry have increased our expenses and capital costs, and those costs may continue to increase. Similarly, new tariffs imposed on imports could increase materials cost. While the majority of long-term contracts for our services contain index-based changes and inflation adjustments, we may not be able to pass all of these increased costs to our customers in the form of higher fees for our services. In addition, we use the FERC’s PPI-based price indexing methodology to establish tariff rates in certain markets served by our pipelines. In periods of general price deflation, the ceiling level provided by the FERC’s PPI-based price indexing methodology could decrease, requiring us to reduce our index-based rates, even if the actual costs we incur to operate our assets increase. As such, our revenues and operating margins are impacted by changes in price levels. Prior to adjustments to our applicable rates, material cost increases may affect our operating margins, even if margins in subsequent periods may be normalized following applicable rate adjustments. Accordingly, increased costs during periods of general business inflation that are not passed through to customers or offset by other factors may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

We operate predominantly in the midstream energy industry, which includes gathering, transporting, processing, fractionating and storing natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, petrochemical and refined products. As such, changes in the prices of hydrocarbon products and in the relative price levels among hydrocarbon products could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Changes in prices may impact demand for hydrocarbon products, which in turn may impact production, demand and the volumes of products for which we provide services. In addition, decreases in demand may be caused by other factors, including prevailing economic conditions, reduced demand by consumers for the end products made with hydrocarbon products, increased competition, adverse weather conditions, public health emergencies, foreign conflicts, and government regulations affecting prices and production levels. We may also incur credit and price risk to the extent customers do not fulfill their obligations to us in connection with our marketing of natural gas, NGLs, propylene, refined products and/or crude oil and long-term take-or-pay agreements.

Current wording

We operate predominantly in the midstream energy industry, which includes gathering, transporting, processing, fractionating and storing natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, petrochemical and refined products. As such, changes in the prices of hydrocarbon products and in the relative price levels among hydrocarbon products could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Changes in prices may impact demand for hydrocarbon products, which in turn may impact production, demand and the volumes of products for which we provide services. In addition, decreases in demand may be caused by other factors, including prevailing economic conditions, reduced demand by consumers for the end products made with hydrocarbon products, increased competition, adverse weather conditions, public health emergencies, foreign conflicts, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. hydrocarbons by importing countries and government regulations affecting prices and production levels. We may also incur credit and price risk to the extent customers do not fulfill their obligations to us in connection with our marketing of natural gas, NGLs, propylene, refined products and/or crude oil and long-term take-or-pay agreements.

Previous wording

Crude oil and natural gas prices have been volatile in recent years. For example, crude oil prices (based on WTI as measured by the NYMEX) ranged from a high of $123.70 per barrel to a low of $47.62 per barrel in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. For the period January 1, 2024 through January 31, 2024, WTI prices ranged from a high of $78.01 per barrel to a low of $70.38 per barrel. Natural gas prices (based on Henry Hub as measured by the NYMEX) ranged from a high of $9.68 per MMBtu to a low of $1.99 per MMBtu over the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. Henry Hub natural gas prices ranged from a high of $3.31 per MMBtu to a low of $2.08 per MMBtu from January 1, 2024 through January 31, 2024.

Current wording

Crude oil and natural gas prices have been volatile in recent years. For example, crude oil prices (based on WTI as measured by the NYMEX) ranged from a high of $123.70 per barrel to a low of $65.75 per barrel in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024. For the period January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025, WTI prices ranged from a high of $80.04 per barrel to a low of $72.53 per barrel. Natural gas prices (based on Henry Hub as measured by the NYMEX) ranged from a high of $9.68 per MMBtu to a low of $1.58 per MMBtu over the three-year period ended December 31, 2024. Henry Hub natural gas prices ranged from a high of $4.26 per MMBtu to a low of $3.04 per MMBtu from January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $26.3 billion in principal amount of consolidated senior long-term debt outstanding and $2.3 billion in principal amount of junior subordinated debt outstanding. The amount of our future debt could have significant effects on our operations, including, among other things:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $29.9 billion in principal amount of consolidated senior long-term debt outstanding and $2.3 billion in principal amount of junior subordinated debt outstanding. The amount of our future debt could have significant effects on our operations, including, among other things:

Previous wording

We will require substantial new capital to finance the future development and acquisition of assets and businesses. For example, our capital investments for 2023 reflected $3.3 billion of cash payments for capital projects, acquisitions and other investments. Based on information currently available, we expect our total capital investments for 2024, net of contributions from joint venture partners, to approximate $3.8 billion to $4.3 billion, which includes growth capital projects of $3.25 billion to $3.75 billion and sustaining capital expenditures of $550 million. These amounts do not include capital investments associated with our proposed deep-water offshore crude oil terminal (the Sea Port Oil Terminal or “SPOT”), which remains subject to the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s issuance of a license for SPOT. In November 2022, we received a favorable ROD from the Maritime Administration for SPOT; however, we can give no assurance as to when or whether the project will ultimately be authorized to begin construction or operation. Any limitations on our access to capital may impair our ability to execute this growth strategy. If our cost of debt or equity capital becomes too expensive, our ability to develop or acquire accretive assets will be limited. We also may not be able to raise the necessary funds on satisfactory terms, if at all.

Current wording

We will require substantial new capital to finance the future development and acquisition of assets and businesses. For example, our capital investments for 2024 reflected $5.5 billion of cash payments for capital projects, acquisitions and other investments. Based on information currently available, we expect our total capital investments for 2025, net of contributions from joint venture partners, to approximate $4.5 billion to $5.0 billion, which includes growth capital projects of $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion and sustaining capital expenditures of $525 million. These amounts do not include capital investments associated with our proposed deep-water offshore crude oil terminal (the Sea Port Oil Terminal or “SPOT”), which remains subject to a final investment decision. Any limitations on our access to capital may impair our ability to execute this growth strategy. If our cost of debt or equity capital becomes too expensive, our ability to develop or acquire accretive assets will be limited. We also may not be able to raise the necessary funds on satisfactory terms, if at all.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, we had $28.0 billion in principal amount of consolidated fixed-rate debt outstanding, including current maturities thereof. Additionally, at December 31, 2023, we had $1.0 billion of variable-rate debt, which includes our outstanding commercial paper notes. Due to the short term nature of commercial paper notes, we view the interest rates charged in connection with these instruments as variable.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, we had $31.6 billion in principal amount of consolidated fixed-rate debt outstanding, including current maturities thereof. Additionally, at December 31, 2024, we had $582 million of variable-rate debt.

Previous wording

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System lowered benchmark interest rates three times during 2019 and twice during 2020. Benchmark interest rates remained near zero during 2021 but increased seven times in 2022, four times in 2023 and are not expected to fall until 2024. Should interest rates increase significantly, the amount of cash required to service our debt (including any future refinancing of our fixed-rate debt instruments) would increase. Additionally, from time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap arrangements, which could increase our exposure to variable interest rates. As a result, significant increases in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

After increasing benchmark interest rates seven times in 2022 and four times in 2023, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System lowered benchmark interest rates three times during 2024, and such rates may fall further in 2025. However, should interest rates increase significantly, the amount of cash required to service our debt (including any future refinancing of our fixed-rate debt instruments) would increase. Additionally, from time to time, we may enter into interest rate swap arrangements, which could increase our exposure to variable interest rates. As a result, significant increases in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

In total, our pipeline integrity costs for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $104 million, $105 million and $114 million, respectively. Of these annual totals, we charged $55 million, $61 million and $62 million to operating costs and expenses during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The remaining annual pipeline integrity costs were capitalized and treated as sustaining capital projects. We expect the cost of our pipeline integrity program, regardless of whether such costs are capitalized or expensed, to approximate $101 million for 2024.

Current wording

In total, our pipeline integrity costs for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $126 million, $104 million and $105 million, respectively. Of these annual totals, we charged $70 million, $55 million and $61 million to operating costs and expenses during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The remaining annual pipeline integrity costs were capitalized and treated as sustaining capital projects. We expect the cost of our pipeline integrity program, regardless of whether such costs are capitalized or expensed, to approximate $114 million for 2025.

Previous wording

In addition to direct regulation of emissions as described above, there has been an expansion of requirements and incentives relating to reporting greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change-related matters. Examples include the SEC’s 2022 climate disclosure proposal, expanded greenhouse gas and climate change-related reporting requirements enacted by the California legislature in 2023, and periodic requests from commercial counterparties. We currently file greenhouse gas emission reports for certain facilities and equipment subject to EPA reporting regulations. However, we do not publicly report our total direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and it may not be feasible to quantify all types of emissions without relying on estimates. If we are required to determine comprehensively and report publicly our full direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, or certain other climate change-related matters, then it could entail significant costs and administrative burdens and be a source of potential liability and negative publicity. Alternatively, if we do not make such public disclosures, we may be prevented from operating or supplying products into certain markets or dealing with certain counterparties.

Current wording

In addition to direct regulation of emissions as described above, there has been an expansion of requirements and incentives relating to reporting greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change-related matters. Examples include the SEC’s pending 2024 climate disclosure rules (which are currently stayed), expanded greenhouse gas and climate change-related reporting requirements enacted by the California legislature in 2023 and amended in 2024, and periodic requests from commercial counterparties. We currently file greenhouse gas emission reports for certain facilities and equipment subject to EPA reporting regulations. However, we do not publicly report our total direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and it may not be feasible to quantify all types of emissions without relying on estimates. If we are required to determine comprehensively and report publicly our full direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, or certain other climate change-related matters, then it could entail significant costs and administrative burdens and be a source of potential liability and negative publicity. Alternatively, if we do not make such public disclosures, we may be prevented from operating or supplying products into certain markets or dealing with certain counterparties.

Previous wording

The FERC regulates our interstate liquids pipelines under the ICA. State regulatory agencies regulate many of our assets, including intrastate natural gas and NGL pipelines, intrastate storage facilities and gathering lines.

Current wording

The FERC regulates interstate transportation services provided by our liquids pipelines under the ICA. State regulatory agencies regulate many of our assets, including intrastate natural gas and NGL pipelines, intrastate storage facilities and gathering lines.

Previous wording

The FERC uses prescribed rate methodologies for approving regulated tariff rate changes for interstate liquids pipelines. The FERC’s indexing methodology currently allows a pipeline to charge rates up to a prescribed ceiling level that changes annually based upon the index adjustment promulgated by FERC for the year. The annual index adjustment that is prescribed by FERC reflects the year-to-year change in the U.S. Producer Price Index for Finished Goods (“PPI”) plus or minus a predetermined percentage (“Index Level”). The Index Level is subject to review and revision every five years. On December 17, 2020, the FERC issued a final rule setting the index for the five-year period beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2026, at PPI plus 0.78%. On January 20, 2022, the FERC granted rehearing of certain aspects of the final rule and revised the index level to PPI minus 0.21%, effective March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026. The FERC ordered pipelines with filed rates that exceed their index ceiling levels based on PPI minus 0.21% to file rate reductions effective March 1, 2022. Pending appellate review could result in a further change to the index. As an alternative to this indexing methodology, we may also choose to support changes in our rates based on a cost-of-service methodology, or by obtaining advance approval from FERC to charge “market-based rates,” or by charging “settlement rates” agreed to by all affected shippers. The requirements imposed by these methodologies may limit our ability to set rates based on our actual costs or may delay our ability to charge rates reflecting increased costs. Adverse decisions by the FERC related to our rates could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

On December 17, 2020, the FERC issued a final rule setting the index for the five-year period beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2026, at PPI plus 0.78%. On January 20, 2022, the FERC granted rehearing of certain aspects of the final rule and revised the index level to PPI minus 0.21%, effective March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026. The FERC ordered pipelines with filed rates that exceed their index ceiling levels based on PPI minus 0.21% to file rate reductions effective March 1, 2022. Enterprise, together with a number of other midstream companies, contested this index change in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. On July 26, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the FERC failed to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act when it modified the Index Level in 2022. As a result, the court vacated the rehearing order and ordered FERC to reinstate the December 2020 order that set the Index Level at PPI plus 0.78%, which the FERC complied with in September 2024. Pending appellate and regulatory review could result in a further change to the index. As an alternative to this indexing methodology, we may also choose to support changes in our rates based on a cost-of-service methodology, or by obtaining advance approval from FERC to charge “market-based rates,” or by charging “settlement rates” agreed to by all affected shippers. The requirements imposed by these methodologies may limit our ability to set rates based on our actual costs or may delay our ability to charge rates reflecting increased costs. Adverse decisions by the FERC related to our rates could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

With respect to our intrastate natural gas pipelines that provide service pursuant to Section 311 of the NGPA, FERC regulates the statement of operating conditions related to such service under the NGPA, which requires fair and equitable rates and not unduly discriminatory terms and conditions of service. FERC requires pipelines providing Section 311 service to support their filed rates on a fair and equitable basis every five years. Shippers may protest (and the FERC may investigate) the lawfulness of new or changed terms and conditions of service and Section 311 rates, which can be subject to refund if ultimately found to be unlawful. Due to the complexity of rate making, the lawfulness of any rate is never assured. A successful challenge of our rates could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

With respect to our intrastate natural gas pipelines that provide service pursuant to Section 311 of the NGPA, FERC regulates the statement of operating conditions related to such service under the NGPA, which requires fair and equitable rates and not unduly discriminatory terms and conditions of service. FERC requires pipelines providing Section 311 service to support their filed rates on a fair and equitable basis every five years. Shippers may protest a rate filing or file a complaint at any time (and the FERC may investigate at any time) the lawfulness of new or changed terms and conditions of service and Section 311 rates, which can be subject to refund if ultimately found to be unlawful. Due to the complexity of rate making, the lawfulness of any rate is never assured. A successful challenge of our rates could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, as well as our not being subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation by individual states. If the Internal Revenue Service were to treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or if we were otherwise subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation, then cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be reduced.

Current wording

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the Internal Revenue Service were to treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or if we were otherwise subject to a material amount of entity-level taxation by individual states, then cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be reduced.

Previous wording

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 and we would also likely pay additional state and local income taxes at varying rates. Distributions to our unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate dividends, and no income, gains, losses or deductions would flow through to our unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, the cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be reduced. Thus, treatment of us as a corporation could result in a reduction in the anticipated cash-flow and after-tax return to our unitholders, which would cause a reduction in the value of our common units.

Current wording

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 and we would also likely pay additional state and local income taxes at varying rates. Distributions to our unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate dividends, and no income, gains, losses or deductions would flow through to our unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, the cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be reduced. Thus, treatment of us as a corporation could result in a reduction in the anticipated cash-flow and after-tax return to our unitholders, which may cause a reduction in the value of our common units.

Previous wording

At the state level, several states have been evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise, capital, and other forms of business taxes, as well as subjecting nonresident partners to taxation through the imposition of withholding obligations and composite, combined, group, block, or similar filing obligations on nonresident partners receiving a distributive share of state “sourced” income. We currently own property or do business in a substantial number of states. Imposition on us of any of these taxes in jurisdictions in which we own assets or conduct business or an increase in the existing tax rates could result in a reduction in the anticipated cash-flow and after-tax return to our unitholders, which would cause a reduction in the value of our common units.

Current wording

At the state level, several states have been evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise, capital, and other forms of business taxes, as well as subjecting nonresident partners to taxation through the imposition of withholding obligations and composite, combined, group, block, or similar filing obligations on nonresident partners receiving a distributive share of state “sourced” income. We currently own property or do business in a substantial number of states. Imposition on us of any of these taxes in jurisdictions in which we own assets or conduct business or an increase in the existing tax rates could result in a reduction in the anticipated cash-flow and after-tax return to our unitholders, which may cause a reduction in the value of our common units.

Previous wording

From 2013 through 2017, several publicly traded partnerships merged into their corporate general partner sponsors. In 2018 and continuing into 2023, the combination of a number of additional factors, including the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) of 2017 (which lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and generally provides for the expensing of certain capital investments and acquisitions), the FERC issuing its Revised Policy Statement on the Treatment of Income Taxes in March 2018, and, generally, continued lower demand and related liquidity for midstream energy companies (including those structured as publicly traded partnerships), led to additional publicly traded partnerships to either (i) merge into their corporate general partner sponsors, (ii) merge into their general partner structured as a partnership and then elect for the combined entity to be taxed as a corporation, or (iii) voluntarily elect to be taxed as a corporation. These conversions have materially reduced the number of publicly traded partnerships and the total market capitalization and the depth of capital available for the publicly traded partnership sector.

Current wording

From 2013 through 2017, several publicly traded partnerships merged into their corporate general partner sponsors. Beginning in 2018 and continuing into 2024, the combination of a number of additional factors, including the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) of 2017 (which lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and generally provides for the expensing of certain capital investments and acquisitions), the FERC issuing its Revised Policy Statement on the Treatment of Income Taxes in March 2018, and, generally, continued lower demand and related liquidity for midstream energy companies (including those structured as publicly traded partnerships), led to additional publicly traded partnerships to either (i) merge into their corporate general partner sponsors, (ii) merge into their general partner structured as a partnership and then elect for the combined entity to be taxed as a corporation, or (iii) voluntarily elect to be taxed as a corporation. These conversions have materially reduced the number of publicly traded partnerships and the total market capitalization and the depth of capital available for the publicly traded partnership sector.

Previous wording

Any changes to federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof (including administrative guidance relating to the Tax Act) may or may not be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible for us to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any such changes or interpretations thereof could adversely impact the value of an investment in our common units.

Current wording

Any changes to federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible for us to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any such changes or interpretations thereof could adversely impact the value of an investment in our common units.

Previous wording

Investments in our common units by tax-exempt entities, such as individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) or other retirement plans, raise issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to unitholders who are organizations exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. With respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, subject to the proposed aggregation rules for certain similarly situated businesses or activities issued by the Treasury Department, a tax-exempt entity with more than one unrelated trade or business (including by attribution from investment in a partnership such as ours) is required to compute the unrelated business taxable income of such tax-exempt entity separately with respect to each such trade or business (including for purposes of determining any net operating loss deduction). As a result, for years beginning after December 31, 2017, it may not be possible for tax-exempt entities to utilize losses from an investment in our partnership to offset unrelated business taxable income from another unrelated trade or business and vice versa. Tax-exempt entities should consult a tax advisor regarding the impact of these rules on an investment in our common units.

Current wording

Investments in our common units by tax-exempt entities, such as individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) or other retirement plans, raise issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to unitholders who are organizations exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. Generally, a tax-exempt entity with more than one unrelated trade or business (including by attribution from investment in a partnership such as ours) is required to compute the unrelated business taxable income of such tax-exempt entity separately with respect to each such trade or business (including for purposes of determining any net operating loss deduction). Thus, it may not be possible for tax-exempt entities to utilize losses from an investment in our partnership to offset unrelated business taxable income from another unrelated trade or business and vice versa. Tax-exempt entities should consult a tax advisor regarding the impact of these rules on an investment in our common units.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The FERC uses prescribed rate methodologies for approving regulated tariff rate changes for interstate liquids pipelines. The FERC’s indexing methodology currently allows a pipeline to charge rates up to a prescribed ceiling level that changes annually based upon the index adjustment promulgated by FERC for the year. The annual index adjustment that is prescribed by FERC reflects the year-to-year change in the U.S. Producer Price Index for Finished Goods (“PPI”) plus or minus a predetermined percentage (“Index Level”). The Index Level is subject to review and revision every five years.