UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
  
(Mark One)
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 20172018
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period _______________ to _______________
Commission File Number: 001-37362
Black Stone Minerals, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 47-1846692
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2020
Houston, Texas
 77002
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(713) 445-3200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
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 ý  No ☐  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ý 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. (Check one): 
Large accelerated filerý Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company
   Emerging growth company
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 accounting 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 Act). Yes ☐  No ý
As of November 1, 2017,October 31, 2018, there were 103,417,081108,465,215 common limited partner units, 95,388,42496,328,836 subordinated limited partner units, and 26,42614,711,219 Series B cumulative convertible preferred units of the registrant outstanding.
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 





ii


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION



Item 1. Financial Statements 


BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
(In thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
ASSETS  
  
  
  
CURRENT ASSETS  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $8,911
 $9,772
 $4,441
 $5,642
Accounts receivable 68,895
 68,181
 111,482
 80,695
Commodity derivative assets 4,724
 
 
 94
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,269
 1,036
 1,205
 1,212
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 83,799
 78,989
 117,128
 87,643
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT  
  
  
  
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, using the successful efforts method of accounting, includes unproved properties of $731,978 and $605,736 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 2,892,447
 2,697,073
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, using the successful efforts method of accounting, includes unproved properties of $1,097,373 and $988,720 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 3,461,109
 3,247,613
Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment (1,736,695) (1,652,930) (1,830,906) (1,766,842)
Oil and natural gas properties, net 1,155,752
 1,044,143
 1,630,203
 1,480,771
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $14,384 and $14,327 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 519
 528
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $14,565 and $14,433 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 431
 559
NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 1,156,271
 1,044,671
 1,630,634
 1,481,330
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS 6,000
 5,167
 6,497
 7,478
TOTAL ASSETS $1,246,070
 $1,128,827
 $1,754,259
 $1,576,451
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY  
  
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY, AND EQUITY  
  
CURRENT LIABILITIES  
  
  
  
Accounts payable $3,659
 $4,142
 $14,595
 $2,464
Accrued liabilities 38,336
 50,952
 58,868
 52,631
Commodity derivative liabilities 
 16,237
 40,801
 4,222
Other current liabilities 302
 
 459
 417
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 42,297
 71,331
 114,723
 59,734
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES  
  
LONG–TERM LIABILITIES  
  
Credit facility 362,000
 316,000
 402,000
 388,000
Accrued incentive compensation 2,883
 1,485
 1,496
 3,648
Commodity derivative liabilities 
 482
 11,966
 1,263
Deferred revenue 
 518
Asset retirement obligations 13,909
 13,350
 14,669
 14,092
Other long-term liability 6,592
 
Other long-term liabilities 92,096
 19,171
TOTAL LIABILITIES 427,681
 403,166
 636,950
 485,908
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8) 

 

 

 

MEZZANINE EQUITY  
  
  
  
Partners' equity - convertible redeemable preferred units, 26 and 53 units outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 27,092
 54,015
Partners' equity – Series A redeemable convertible preferred units, zero and 26 units outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 
 27,028
Partners' equity – Series B cumulative convertible preferred units, 14,711 and 14,711 units outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 298,361
 295,394
EQUITY  
  
  
  
Partners' equity - general partner interest 
 
Partners' equity - common units, 103,324 and 95,721 units outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 608,998
 489,023
Partners' equity - subordinated units, 95,388 and 95,164 units outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 181,395
 181,602
Partners' equity – general partner interest 
 
Partners' equity – common units, 108,330 and 103,456 units outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 657,603
 603,116
Partners' equity – subordinated units, 96,329 and 95,388 units outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 160,638
 164,138
Noncontrolling interests 904
 1,021
 707
 867
TOTAL EQUITY 791,297
 671,646
 818,948
 768,121
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND EQUITY $1,246,070
 $1,128,827
TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY, AND EQUITY $1,754,259
 $1,576,451

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.


BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)


 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
REVENUE  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
Oil and condensate sales $41,361
 $42,780
 $119,097
 $104,581

$82,712

$41,361
 $232,920
 $119,097
Natural gas and natural gas liquids sales 45,047
 38,986
 142,651
 85,706

63,080

45,047
 170,179
 142,651
Lease bonus and other income
12,440

12,044
 28,616
 37,082
Revenue from contracts with customers
158,232

98,452
 431,715
 298,830
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments (9,341) 7,813
 35,387
 (12,295)
(18,514)
(9,341) (68,194) 35,387
Lease bonus and other income 12,044
 9,592
 37,082
 26,129
TOTAL REVENUE 89,111
 99,171
 334,217
 204,121

139,718

89,111
 363,521
 334,217
OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
Lease operating expense 4,569
 5,007
 12,906
 14,179

4,229

4,569
 12,767
 12,906
Production costs and ad valorem taxes 11,549
 9,228
 35,314
 23,301

17,641

11,549
 46,939
 35,314
Exploration expense 8
 6
 616
 643

34

8
 6,782
 616
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 29,204
 28,731
 84,483
 79,654

29,273

29,204
 88,135
 84,483
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties 
 
 
 6,775
General and administrative 17,305
 16,677
 51,998
 52,213

22,083

17,305
 60,416
 51,998
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 260
 206
 760
 680

278

260
 820
 760
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net 
 
 (931) (4,772)



 (2) (931)
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE 62,895
 59,855
 185,146
 172,673

73,538

62,895
 215,857
 185,146
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS 26,216
 39,316
 149,071
 31,448

66,180

26,216
 147,664
 149,071
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
Interest and investment income (9) 460
 30
 651

53

(9) 123
 30
Interest expense (4,172) (2,282) (11,660) (4,773)
(5,518)
(4,172) (15,319) (11,660)
Other income (expense) (1) 41
 352
 148

60

(1) (1,046) 352
TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE (4,182) (1,781) (11,278) (3,974)
(5,405)
(4,182) (16,242) (11,278)
NET INCOME (LOSS) 22,034
 37,535
 137,793
 27,474

60,775

22,034
 131,422
 137,793
NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 20
 8
 27
 15
DISTRIBUTIONS ON REDEEMABLE PREFERRED UNITS (666) (1,324) (2,452) (4,439)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(22)
20
 (1) 27
Distributions on Series A redeemable preferred units


(666) (25) (2,452)
Distributions on Series B cumulative convertible preferred units
(5,250)

 (15,750) 
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GENERAL PARTNER AND COMMON AND SUBORDINATED UNITS $21,388
 $36,219
 $135,368
 $23,050

$55,503

$21,388
 $115,646
 $135,368
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
General partner interest $
 $
 $
 $

$

$
 $
 $
Common units 16,371
 23,114
 83,989
 24,343

29,188

16,371
 71,037
 83,989
Subordinated units 5,017
 13,105
 51,379
 (1,293)
26,315

5,017
 44,609
 51,379
 $21,388
 $36,219
 $135,368
 $23,050

$55,503

$21,388
 $115,646
 $135,368
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO LIMITED PARTNERS PER COMMON AND SUBORDINATED UNIT:  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
Per common unit (basic) $0.16
 $0.24
 $0.86
 $0.26

$0.27

$0.16
 $0.67
 $0.86
Weighted average common units outstanding (basic) 101,623
 95,740
 97,777
 95,086

106,706

101,623
 105,254
 97,777
Per subordinated unit (basic) $0.05
 $0.14
 $0.54
 $(0.01)
$0.27

$0.05
 $0.46
 $0.54
Weighted average subordinated units outstanding (basic) 95,388
 95,189
 95,269
 95,125

96,329

95,388
 96,021
 95,269
Per common unit (diluted) $0.16
 $0.24
 $0.86
 $0.26

$0.27

$0.16
 $0.67
 $0.86
Weighted average common units outstanding (diluted) 101,623
 96,011
 97,777
 95,619

106,706

101,623
 105,254
 97,777
Per subordinated unit (diluted) $0.05
 $0.14
 $0.54
 $(0.01)
$0.27

$0.05
 $0.46
 $0.54
Weighted average subordinated units outstanding (diluted) 95,388
 95,189
 95,269
 95,467

96,329

95,388
 96,021
 95,269
DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED AND PAID:  
  
  
  

 

 
    
Per common unit $0.3125
 $0.2875
 $0.8875
 $0.8125

$0.3375

$0.3125
 $0.9625
 $0.8875
Per subordinated unit $0.2088
 $0.1838
 $0.5763
 $0.5513

$0.3375

$0.2088
 $0.7550
 $0.5763


 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.


BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)



 Common
units
 Subordinated
units
 Partners'
equity—
common
units
 Partners'
equity—
subordinated
units
 Noncontrolling
interests
 Total
equity
 Common units Subordinated units Partners' equity — common units Partners' equity — subordinated units Noncontrolling interests Total equity
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 95,721
 95,164
 $489,023
 $181,602
 $1,021
 $671,646
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 103,456
 95,388
 $603,116
 $164,138
 $867
 $768,121
Conversion of Series A redeemable preferred units 736
 964
 10,498
 13,750
 
 24,248
Repurchases of common and subordinated units (486) (23) (8,729) (342) 
 (9,071)
Issuance of common units, net of offering costs 2,121
 
 38,369
 
 
 38,369
Issuance of common units for property acquisitions 1,227
 
 22,530
 
 
 22,530
Restricted units granted, net of forfeitures 1,576
 
 
 
 
 
 1,276
 
 
 
 
 
Equity-based compensation 
 
 26,430
 (114) 
 26,316
Conversion of redeemable preferred units 201
 263
 2,868
 3,756
 
 6,624
Repurchases of common and subordinated units (427) (39) (7,553) (292) 
 (7,845)
Issuance of units for property acquisitions 4,341
 
 71,592
 
 
 71,592
Equity–based compensation 
 
 24,791
 11,015
 
 35,806
Distributions 
 
 (87,651) (54,924) (90) (142,665) 
 
 (101,644) (72,532) (161) (174,337)
Charges to partners' equity for accrued distribution equivalent rights 
 
 (979) 
 
 (979) 
 
 (2,365) 
 
 (2,365)
Distributions on Series A redeemable preferred units 
 
 (13) (12) 
 (25)
Distributions on Series B cumulative convertible preferred units 
 
 (15,750) 
 
 (15,750)
Net income (loss) 
 
 85,243
 52,577
 (27) 137,793
 
 
 86,800
 44,621
 1
 131,422
Issuance of common units, net of offering costs 1,912
 
 31,267
 
 
 31,267
Distributions on redeemable preferred units 
 
 (1,242) (1,210) 
 (2,452)
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 103,324
 95,388
 $608,998
 $181,395
 $904
 $791,297
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 108,330
 96,329
 $657,603
 $160,638
 $707
 $818,948
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.


BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)


 Nine Months Ended
 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
Net income (loss) $137,793
 $27,474
 $131,422
 $137,793
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 84,483
 79,654
 88,135
 84,483
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties 
 6,775
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 760
 680
 820
 760
Amortization of deferred charges 661
 594
 653
 661
(Gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments (35,387) 12,295
 68,194
 (35,387)
Net cash received on settlement of commodity derivative instruments 12,339
 39,220
Net cash (paid) received on settlement of commodity derivative instruments (20,461) 12,339
Equity-based compensation 18,614
 33,120
 24,947
 18,614
Exploratory dry hole expense 6,784
 
Deferred rent 802
 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net (931) (4,772) (2) (931)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
  
    
Accounts receivable (709) (23,144) (29,989) (709)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (234) (862) 7
 (234)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (3,940) (29,063)
Deferred revenue (1,670) (175)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other 18,515
 (5,610)
Settlement of asset retirement obligations (113) (237) (108) (113)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 211,666
 141,559
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 289,719
 211,666
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties (89,030) (140,893) (106,390) (89,030)
Additions to oil and natural gas properties (40,680) (63,039) (119,676) (38,346)
Additions to oil and natural gas properties leasehold costs (4,639) (2,334)
Purchases of other property and equipment (118) (5) (15) (118)
Proceeds from farmout of oil and gas properties 6,592
 
Proceeds from the sale of oil and natural gas properties 6,754
 177
 8,390
 6,754
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (116,482) (203,760)
Proceeds from farmouts of oil and natural gas properties 78,605
 6,592
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (143,725) (116,482)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
Borrowings under senior line of credit 208,500
 304,500
Repayments of borrowings under senior line of credit (162,500) (71,500)
Distributions to Black Stone Minerals, L.P. common and subordinated unitholders (142,575) (130,883)
Distributions to redeemable preferred unitholders (3,111) (5,061)
Distributions to non-controlling interests (90) (83)
Proceeds from issuance of common units 31,267
 
Redemptions of redeemable preferred units (19,641) (18,461)
Loan origination fees (50) 
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of offering costs 38,369
 31,267
Distributions to common and subordinated unitholders (174,348) (142,575)
Distributions to Series A redeemable preferred unitholders (690) (3,111)
Distributions to Series B cumulative convertible preferred unitholders (12,425) 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (161) (90)
Redemptions of Series A redeemable preferred units (2,115) (19,641)
Repurchases of common and subordinated units (7,845) (24,696) (9,071) (7,845)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (96,045) 53,816
Borrowings under credit facility 264,500
 208,500
Repayments under credit facility (250,500) (162,500)
Debt issuance costs and other (754) (50)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (147,195) (96,045)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (861) (8,385) (1,201) (861)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - beginning of the period 9,772
 13,233
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - end of the period $8,911
 $4,848
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – beginning of the period 5,642
 9,772
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – end of the period $4,441
 $8,911
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE        
Interest paid $11,041
 $4,060
 $14,607
 $11,041
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     
NOTE 1—1 — BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Description of the Business
Black Stone Minerals, L.P. (“BSM” or the “Partnership”) is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed on September 16, 2014. On May 6, 2015, BSM completed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 22,500,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price to the public of $19.00 per common unit. BSM received proceeds of $391.5 million from the sale of its common units, net of underwriting discount, structuring fee, and offering expenses (including costs previously incurred and capitalized). BSM used the net proceeds from the IPO to repay substantially all indebtedness outstanding under its credit facility.Credit Facility, as defined in Note 7 – Credit Facility. On May 1, 2015, BSM’s common units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BSM.”
Black Stone Minerals Company, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “BSMC” or the “Predecessor”) own oil and natural gas mineral interests in the United States.States ("U.S."). In connection with the IPO, BSMC was merged into a wholly owned subsidiary of BSM, with BSMC as the surviving entity. Pursuant to the merger, the Class A and Class B common units representing limited partner interests of the Predecessor were converted into an aggregate of 72,574,715 common units and 95,057,312 subordinated units of BSM at a conversion ratio of 12.9465:1 for 0.4329 common units and 0.5671 subordinated units, and the preferred units of BSMC were converted into an aggregate of 117,963 Series A redeemable preferred units of BSM at a conversion ratio of one to one. The merger was accounted for as a combination of entities under common control with assets and liabilities transferred at their carrying amounts in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise indicates, all references to the “Partnership” or similar expressions for time periods prior to the IPO refer to Black Stone Minerals Company, L.P. and its subsidiaries, the Predecessor, for accounting purposes. For time periods subsequent to the IPO, these terms refer to Black Stone Minerals, L.P. and its subsidiaries.
In addition to mineral interests, which make up the vast majority of the asset base, the Partnership’s assets also include nonparticipating and overriding royalty interests. These interests, which are non-cost-bearing, are collectively referred to as “mineral and royalty interests.” As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership’s mineral and royalty interests were located in 41 states and 64 onshore oil and natural gas producing basins of the continental United States,U.S., including all of the major onshore producing basins. The Partnership also owns non-operated working interests in certain oil and natural gas properties.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all disclosures required for financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The financial statements include the consolidated results of the Partnership. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial results for all periods presented have been reflected. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods presented to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Partnership.
In the opinion of management, all material adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial results for all periods presented have been reflected. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Partnership evaluates the significant terms of its investments to determine the method of accounting to be applied to each respective investment. Investments in which the Partnership has less than a 20% ownership interest and does not have control or exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. The Partnership’s cost method investment is included in deferred charges and other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Investments in which the Partnership exercises control are consolidated, and the noncontrolling interests of such investments, which are not attributable directly or indirectly to the Partnership, are presented as a separate component of net income and equity in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include undivided interests in oil and natural gas property rights. The Partnership accounts for its share of oil and natural gas property rights by reporting its proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs, and cash flows within the relevant lines on the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, and statements of cash flows.
Segment Reporting
The Partnership operates in a single operating and reportable segment. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Partnership’s chief executive officer has been determined to be the chief operating decision maker and allocates resources and assesses performance based upon financial information at the consolidated level.

NOTE 2—2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies
Significant accounting policies are disclosed in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. There have been no changes in such policies or the application of such policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018, with the exception of ASC 606, as defined below.
Accounts Receivable

The following table presents information about the Partnership's accounts receivable:
  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
     
  (in thousands)
Accounts receivable:    
Revenues from contracts with customers $106,634
 $77,544
Other 4,848
 3,151
Total accounts receivable $111,482
 $80,695
New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU"(“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers(Topic 606) that will supersedesupersedes Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. Under the new standard, entities will beare required to use judgment and make estimates, including identifying performance obligationsrecognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in a contract, estimatingan amount that reflects the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, and determining whenwhich an entity satisfies its performance obligations. The new standard also requiresexpects to be entitled for those goods or services, which may require more detailed disclosuresjudgment than under previous U.S. GAAP. See Note 3 – Impact of ASC 606 Adoption for further details related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standard allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning that the standard is applied to all of the periods presented with a cumulative catch-up adjustment as of the earliest period presented, or “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with a cumulative catch-up as of the current period. 
The Partnership intends to use the modified retrospective adoption approach and does not plan to early adopt. The Partnership has completed its review of a representative sample of revenue contracts covering its material revenue streams that was designed to evaluate any potential changes in revenue recognition uponPartnership’s adoption of the new standard, and based on evaluations to-date, the implementation of the new standard is not anticipated to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership is concurrently evaluating the information technology and internal control changes that will be required to implement the new standard based on the results of its contract review process. The Partnership continues to evaluate the disclosure requirements of this new guidance, and expects to fully complete its evaluation of the impacts of ASU 2014-09 to the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures by 2017 year endstandard..

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,Leases(Topic 842), which requireswill supersede the lease requirements in Topic 840, Leases by requiring lessees to recognize the lease assets and lease liabilities classified as operating leases on the balance sheet. The new lease standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted.
The FASB recently issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements, which would allow entities to apply the transition provisions of the new standard at the adoption date instead of at the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements, and will also allow entities to continue to apply the legacy guidance in Topic 840, including disclosure requirements, in the comparative period presented in the year the new leases standard is adopted. Entities that elect this option would still adopt the new leases standard using a modified retrospective transition method, but would recognize a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. The Partnership willplans to use thea modified retrospective transition method to apply the new standard to leases that exist as of the adoption approach anddate of January 1, 2019. The Partnership does not plan to early adopt.
Based on current evaluations to-date, the Partnership does not anticipate this new guidance will not have a material impact on itsthe Partnership's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as this guidance does not apply to leases to explore for or use minerals, oil, natural gas, and similar resources.
In August 2016,2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15,2018-13, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), to address diversity in practice of howwhich will remove, modify, and add certain cash receipts and cash payments are currently presented and classified inrequired disclosures on fair value measurements. As amended, Topic 820 will no longer require the statement of cash flows. The ASU addresses the topic of separately identifiable cash flows and applicationdisclosure of the predominance principle. Classificationamount of cash receipts and payments that have aspectsreasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of more than one classthe fair value hierarchy, the policy of cash flows should be determined first by applying specific guidance, and then by the naturetiming of each separately identifiable cash flow. In situations where there is an absence of specific guidancetransfers between levels, and the cash flow has aspectsvaluation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. In addition, certain modifications to current disclosure requirements will be made, including clarifying that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date. Certain disclosure requirements will also be added, including the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information in place of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more than one typereasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of classification, the predominance principle should be applied whereby the cash flow classification should depend on
BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

the activity that is likelyunobservable inputs used to be the predominant source or use of cash flows.develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The new guidance isstandard will be effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017,2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The Partnership intends to use the retrospective transition method, does not plan to early adopt, and is evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), which clarifies the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The FASB issued this ASU in response to stakeholder feedback that the current definition of a business in ASC 805 is being applied too broadly and the application of the guidance was not resulting in consistent application in a cost-effective manner. This ASU provides a screen whereby a transaction will be accounted for as an asset purchase (or disposal) if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (disposed) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If the screen is not met, the entity will evaluate whether it is a business acquisition under revised criteria. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted under certain circumstances. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Partnership does not plan to early adopt and is evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting (Topic 718). The update provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The amendments require an entity to account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following conditions are met:

The fair value (or intrinsic or calculated value if elected) of the modified award is the same as the value of the original award immediately before the original award was modified.
The vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified.
The classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified.
This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The Partnership does not plan to early adopt and is evaluating the impact that the new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 3—ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS3 — IMPACT OF ASC 606 ADOPTION
ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requires the Partnership to identify the distinct promised goods and services within a contract which represent separate performance obligations and determine the transaction price to allocate to the performance obligations identified. The asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) liability reflectsPartnership adopted ASC 606 using the present valuemodified retrospective method, which was applied to all existing contracts for which all (or substantially all) of estimated coststhe revenue had not been recognized under legacy revenue guidance as of dismantlement, removal, site reclamation,the date of adoption, January 1, 2018.
Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Oil and similar activities associated with the Partnership’s working-interestnatural gas sales
Sales of oil and natural gas properties. The Partnership utilizes current retirement costs to estimateare recognized at the expected cash outflows for retirement obligations. The Partnership estimates the ultimate productive life of its properties, a credit-adjusted risk-free rate, and an inflation factor in order to determine the current present value of these obligations. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the present valuepoint control of the existing ARO liability,product is transferred to the customer and collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured. Oil is priced on the delivery date based upon prevailing prices published by purchasers with certain adjustments related to oil quality and physical location. The price the Partnership receives for natural gas is tied to a corresponding adjustmentmarket index, with certain adjustments based on, among other factors, whether a well delivers to a gathering or transmission line, quality and heat content of natural gas, and prevailing supply and demand conditions, so that the price of natural gas fluctuates to remain competitive with other available natural gas supplies. As each unit of product represents a separate performance obligation and the consideration is madevariable as it relates to the oil and natural gas property balance. The following table describes changes toprices, we recognize revenue from oil and natural gas sales using the Partnership’s ARO liability during the period:practical expedient for variable consideration in ASC 606.
Lease bonus and other income

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Partnership also earns revenue from lease bonuses and delay rentals. The Partnership generates lease bonus revenue by leasing its mineral interests to exploration and production companies. A lease agreement represents the Partnership's contract with a customer and generally transfers the rights to any oil or natural gas discovered, grants the Partnership a right to a specified royalty interest, and requires that drilling and completion operations commence within a specified time period. Control is transferred to the lessee and the Partnership has satisfied its performance obligation when the lease agreement is executed, such that revenue is recognized when the lease bonus payment is received. At the time the Partnership executes the lease agreement, the Partnership expects to receive the lease bonus payment within a reasonable time, though in no case more than one year, such that the Partnership has not adjusted the expected amount of consideration for the effects of any significant financing component per the practical expedient in ASC 606. The Partnership also recognizes revenue from delay rentals to the extent drilling has not started within the specified period, payment has been received, and the Partnership has no further obligation to refund the payment.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 For the nine months ended
 September 30, 2017
 (In thousands)
Beginning asset retirement obligations$13,350
  Liabilities incurred290
  Liabilities settled(113)
  Accretion expense760
  Dispositions(5)
  Revisions(71)
Ending asset retirement obligations$14,211
  Current asset retirement obligations$302
  Non-current asset retirement obligations$13,909

Production imbalances
The Partnership previously elected to utilize the entitlements method to account for natural gas production imbalances, which is no longer permitted under ASC 606. As of January 1, 2018, these amounts were de minimis. As such, upon adoption of ASC 606, there was no material impact to the financial statements due to this change in accounting for the Partnership's production imbalances.
Allocation of transaction price to remaining performance obligations
Oil and natural gas sales
The Partnership has utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606 which states the Partnership is not required to disclose the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation. As the Partnership has determined that each unit of product generally represents a separate performance obligation, future volumes are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not required.
Lease bonus and other income
Given that the Partnership does not recognize lease bonus or other income until a lease agreement has been executed, at which point its performance obligation has been satisfied, and payment is received, the Partnership does not record revenue for unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations as of the end of the reporting period. Overall, there were no material changes in the timing of the satisfaction of the Partnership's performance obligations or the allocation of the transaction price to its performance obligations in applying the guidance in ASC 606 as compared to legacy U.S. GAAP.

Prior-period performance obligations
The Partnership records revenue in the month production is delivered to the purchaser. As a non-operator, the Partnership has limited visibility into the timing of when new wells start producing and production statements may not be received for 30 to 90 days or more after the date production is delivered. As a result, the Partnership is required to estimate the amount of production delivered to the purchaser and the price that will be received for the sale of the product. The expected sales volumes and prices for these properties are estimated and recorded within the Accounts receivable line item in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the Partnership's estimates and the actual amounts received for oil and natural gas sales is recorded in the month that payment is received from the third party. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue recognized in the reporting periods related to performance obligations satisfied in prior reporting periods was immaterial.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 4—ACQUISITIONS4 — OIL AND DISPOSITIONS
NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES ACQUISITIONS    
Acquisitions of proved oil and natural gas properties and working interests are considered business combinations and are recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. Acquisitions of unproved oil and natural gas properties are considered asset acquisitions and are recorded at cost.
20172018 Acquisitions
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership closed on multiple acquisitions of mineral and royalty interests for total consideration of $132.1 million.
Acquisitions that included proved oil and natural gas properties were considered business combinations and were primarily located in the Delaware BasinPermian Basin. The cash portion of the consideration paid for these acquisitions was funded with borrowings under the Partnership's Credit Facility and East Texas, which also included producing properties.
The following table summarizes the asset acquisitions which included producing properties:

ProvedUnprovedNet Working CapitalTotal Fair Value
Acquisition-Related Costs1

CashFair Value of Common Units Issued

(in thousands)
January$5,135
$34,008
$263
$39,406 $1,162

$27,380
$12,026
June5,006
45,477

50,483 1,468

4,802
45,681
August3,277
9,984

13,261 89

4,289
8,972
September3,120


3,120 

3,120

   Total fair value$16,538
$89,469
$263
$106,270 $2,719

$39,591
$66,679
1 Acquisition-relatedfunds from operating activities. Acquisition related costs of $0.1 million were expensed and included in the generalGeneral and administrative expense line item of the 2017 consolidated statement of operations.operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The following table summarizes these acquisitions which were considered business combinations:
 Assets Acquired Consideration Paid
 Proved Unproved Net Working Capital Total Fair Value Cash Fair Value of Common Units Issued
            
 (in thousands)  
March$984
 $21,452
 $133
 $22,569
 $22,569
 $
June883
 13,688
 8
 14,579
 14,579
 
July4,349
 7,944
 215
 12,508
 3,764
 8,744
August5,000
 34,673
 74
 39,747
 26,461
 13,286
September1,176
 
 
 1,176
 1,176
 
Total fair value$12,392
 $77,757
 $430
 $90,579
 $68,549
 $22,030
In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Partnership acquired mineral and royalty interests in unproved oil and natural gas properties from various sellers for an aggregate of $41.5 million. These acquisitions were considered asset acquisitions and were primarily located in East Texas as follows:and the Permian Basin. The cash portion of the consideration paid for these acquisitions of $41.0 million was funded with borrowings under the Partnership's Credit Facility and funds from operating activities, and $0.5 million was funded through the issuance of common units of the Partnership based on the fair values of the common units issued on the acquisition dates.

UnprovedCashFair Value of Common Units Issued

(in thousands)
Q1 2017$21,189
$21,017
$172
Q2 201713,329
13,329

Q3 201719,946
15,205
4,741

$54,464
$49,551
$4,913
Noble Acquisition

On November 28, 2017 (the "Close Date"), BSMC closed on the acquisition of (i) certain mineral interests and other non-cost bearing royalty interests from Noble Energy Inc., Noble Energy Wyco, LLC, and Rosetta Resources Operating LP and (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding securities of Samedan Royalty, LLC ("Samedan") from Noble Energy US Holdings, LLC, collectively, the "Noble Acquisition."

The mineral interests and other non-cost bearing royalty interests acquired in the Noble Acquisition, including interests owned by Samedan (the "Noble Assets") include approximately 1.1 million gross (140,000 net) mineral acres, 380,000 gross acres of non-participating royalty interests, and 600,000 gross acres of overriding royalty interests collectively spread over 20 states with significant concentrations in Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.

The Partnership funded the $335.0 million purchase price (before customary post-closing adjustments) using (i) approximately $300.0 million in proceeds from its issuance of 14,711,219 Series B cumulative convertible preferred units to Mineral Royalties One, L.L.C., an affiliate of The Carlyle Group (the "Purchaser"), in a private placement which also closed on November 28, 2017, and (ii) approximately $35.0 million from borrowings under its Credit Facility. See additional discussion of the Series B cumulative convertible preferred units in Note 10 – Preferred Units.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The transaction was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The final determination of fair value remains preliminary and will be completed after post-closing purchase price adjustments are finalized, but in no case later than one year from the acquisition date. Since December 31, 2017, the Partnership has recorded an adjustment to the purchase price to reduce the amount allocated to unproved properties by $3.2 million, which reduces the Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties line item of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

The following table summarizes the adjusted allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired and the acquisition-related costs as of September 30, 2018:
 Assets Acquired 
Cash Consideration Paid1
 
Acquisition-Related Costs2
 Proved Unproved Net Working Capital Total Fair Value  
            
 (in thousands)
Noble Assets$68,877
 $256,542
 $5,917
 $331,336
 $331,336
 $247
1
Represents cash consideration paid on the Close Date, as adjusted for the $3.2 million purchase price adjustment recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
2
Acquisition-related costs were expensed and included in the General and administrative expense line item of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The fair value of the Noble Assets was 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 include estimates of: (i) oil and natural gas reserves; (ii) future commodity prices; (iii) estimated future cash flows; and (iv) market-based weighted average cost of capital. 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.

Actual and Pro Forma Impact of Noble Acquisition (Unaudited)
Revenue attributable to the Noble Acquisition included in the Partnership's consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $15.7 million and $41.3 million, respectively. The following table presents unaudited pro forma information for the Partnership as if the Noble Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
    
 (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Revenue and other income$98,962
 $363,051
Net income27,449
 154,175
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests20
 27
Distributions on Series A redeemable preferred units(666) (2,452)
Distributions on Series B cumulative convertible preferred units(5,250) (15,750)
Net income attributable to the general partner and common and subordinated units$21,553
 $136,000
Allocation of net income:   
General partner interest$
 $
Common units16,168
 84,321
Subordinated units5,385
 51,679
 $21,553
 $136,000
Net income attributable to limited partners per common and subordinated unit:   
Per common unit (basic)$0.16
 $0.86
Per subordinated unit (basic)$0.06
 $0.54
Per common unit (diluted)$0.16
 $0.86
Per subordinated unit (diluted)$0.06
 $0.54

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The cash portionhistorical financial information was adjusted to give effect to the pro forma events that were directly attributable to the Noble Acquisition and are factually supportable. The unaudited pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of all acquisitions duringwhat the Partnership's consolidated results of operations would have been had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2017. In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project the future results of operations for the combined company.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated results reflect the following pro forma adjustments for the periods presented:
Adjustments to recognize incremental revenue, production costs and ad valorem taxes, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense attributable to the Noble Assets.
Adjustment to recognize additional interest expense associated with the incremental borrowings under the Partnership's Credit Facility.
Adjustment to recognize the quarterly distribution associated with the issuance of 14,711,219 Series B cumulative convertible preferred units.
The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units were not included in the calculation of pro forma diluted earnings per common unit for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as they were anti-dilutive under the if-converted method.
The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units were included in the calculation of pro forma diluted earnings per common unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to their dilutive effect under the if-converted method.
The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units do not have any impact to earnings per subordinated unit.
2017 Acquisitions
In addition to the Noble Acquisition, the Partnership closed on multiple acquisitions of mineral and royalty interests during the year ended December 31, 2017 for total consideration of $163.0 million.
Acquisitions that included proved oil and natural gas properties were considered business combinations and were primarily located in the Delaware Basin and East Texas. The cash portion of the consideration paid for these acquisitions was funded viawith borrowings under the Partnership's credit facility.Credit Facility and funds from operating activities. The following table summarizes these acquisitions which were considered business combinations:
 Assets Acquired Consideration Paid  
 Proved Unproved Net Working Capital Total Fair Value Cash Fair Value of Common Units Issued 
Acquisition-Related Costs1
              
 (in thousands)
January$5,135
 $34,008
 $263
 $39,406
 $27,380
 $12,026
 $1,162
June5,006
 45,477
 
 50,483
 4,802
 45,681
 1,481
August3,277
 9,984
 
 13,261
 4,289
 8,972
 107
September3,120
 
 
 3,120
 3,120
 
 
Total fair value$16,538
 $89,469
 $263
 $106,270
 $39,591
 $66,679
 $2,750
1
Acquisition-related costs were expensed and included in the General and administrative expense line item of the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership acquired mineral and royalty interests in unproved oil and natural gas properties from various sellers for $56.7 million. These acquisitions were considered asset acquisitions and were primarily located in East Texas. The cash portion of the consideration paid for these acquisitions of $51.7 million was funded with borrowings under the Partnership's Credit Facility and funds from operating activities, and $5.0 million was funded through the issuance of common units of the Partnership based on the fair values of the common units issued on the acquisition dates.    

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Farmout Agreements
Canaan Farmout
On February 21, 2017, the Partnership announced that it had entered into a farmout agreement with Canaan Resource Partners ("Canaan") which covers certain Haynesville and Haynesville/Bossier shale acreage in San Augustine County, Texas operated by XTO Energy Inc. The Partnership has an approximate 50% working interest in the acreage and is the largest mineral owner. A total of 18 wells are anticipated to be drilled over an initial phase, beginning with wells spud after January 1, 2017. At its option, Canaan may participate in two additional phases with each phase continuing for the lesser of two years or until an additional 20 wells have been drilled. Duringduring the first three phases of the agreement, Canaan willcan commit on a phase-by-phase basis andto fund 80%a portion of the Partnership's drilling and completion costs and will be assigned 80%to earn a percentage of the Partnership's working interestsinterest in such wells (40% working interest on an 8/8ths basis).drilled and completed during each phase. After the third phase, Canaan can earn 40%a percentage of the Partnership’sPartnership's working interest (20% working interest on an 8/8ths basis) in additional wells drilled in the area by continuingcommitting on a well-by-well basis to fund 40%a portion of the Partnership's costs for those wells on a well-by-well basis.each well. The Partnership will receive an overriding royalty interest (“ORRI”) before payout and an increased ORRI after payout on all wells drilled under the agreement. The execution
Since the inception of thisthe agreement, is anticipatedthe Partnership has received $62.2 million from Canaan under the agreement. All amounts received are included in the Other long-term liabilities line item of the September 30, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, as no working interest had been assigned to offsetCanaan as of that date. Subsequent to September 30, 2018, the Partnership assigned to Canaan working interests in wells drilled and completed during the initial phase, reducing the Other long-term liabilities balance associated with the Canaan farmout agreement.
Pivotal Farmout
On November 21, 2017, the Partnership entered into a farmout agreement with a portfolio company of Tailwater Capital, LLC, Pivotal Petroleum Partners (“Pivotal”), that covers substantially all of the Partnership's future capital expendituresremaining working interests under active development in the Shelby Trough area of East Texas targeting its Haynesville/Bossier acreage after giving effect to the Canaan Farmout (discussed above) over the next eight years. In wells operated by approximately $30XTO Energy Inc. in San Augustine County, Texas, Pivotal will earn the Partnership's remaining working interest not covered by the Canaan Farmout, as well as the Partnership's working interests in wells operated by its other major operator in the area. After the funding of a designated group of wells by Pivotal and once Pivotal achieves a specified payout for such well group, the Partnership will obtain a majority of the original working interest in the designated group of wells.
Since the inception of the agreement, the Partnership has received $35.5 million from Pivotal under the agreement. As of September 30, 2018, the Partnership had assigned to $35 millionPivotal working interests in 2017wells drilled and by an average of $40 to $50 million annuallycompleted during the terminitial phase, and as such, only $27.5 million is included in the Other long-term liabilities line item of the agreement.consolidated balance sheet.
2016 Acquisitions
DuringAs of December 31, 2017, all amounts received from Canaan and Pivotal under the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Partnership acquired producing oil and natural gas properties and unproved acreage across a diverse oil and natural gas mineral asset package, including an acquisition in June 2016agreements were included in the DJ Basin. The following table summarizesOther long-term liabilities line item of the fair valuesconsolidated balance sheet, as no working interest had been assigned to the properties acquired:

ProvedUnprovedNet Working CapitalAROTotal Fair Value
Cash

(in thousands)
June$39,735
$79,827
$2,064
$(50)$121,576

$121,576
The Partnership also acquired unproved mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin and Midland Basin for $10 million and $8.3 million in cash, respectively. Additionally, throughout 2016, the Partnership funded certain other oil and natural gas asset acquisitions for an aggregate amountCanaan or Pivotal as of $1.0 million in cash. All 2016 acquisition transactions were funded via borrowings under the Partnership's credit facility.that date.
NOTE 5—DERIVATIVES AND5 — COMMODITY DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Partnership’s ongoing operations expose it to changes in the market price for oil and natural gas. To mitigate the inherent commodity price risk associated with its operations, the Partnership uses oil and natural gas derivative instruments. From time to time, such instruments may include fixed-price-swap contracts,variable-to-fixed-price swaps, costless collars, fixed-price contracts and other contractual arrangements. The Partnership enters into oil and natural gas derivative contracts that contain netting arrangements with each counterparty. The Partnership does not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership’s open derivative contracts consisted of only fixed-price-swapfixed-price swap contracts and costless collar contracts. A fixed-price-swapfixed-price swap contract between the Partnership and the counterparty specifies a fixed commodity price and a future settlement date. A costless collar contract between the Partnership and the counterparty specifies a floor and a ceiling commodity price and a future settlement date. The Partnership has not designated any of its contracts as fair value or cash flow hedges. Accordingly, any changes in the fair value of the contracts are included in the consolidated statement of operations in the period of the change. All derivative gains and losses from the Partnership’s derivative contracts have been recognized in “Revenue”revenue in the Partnership's accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Derivative instruments that have not yet been settled in cash are reflected as either derivative assets or liabilities in the Partnership’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017. See Note 6 – Fair Value MeasurementMeasurements for further discussion.
    
The Partnership's derivative contracts expose it to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. While the Partnership does not require its derivative contract counterparties to post collateral, the Partnership does evaluate the credit standing of such counterparties as deemed appropriate. This evaluation includes reviewing a counterparty’s credit rating and latest financial information. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership had nineten counterparties, all of which are rated Baa1 or better by Moody’s. SevenNine of the Partnership's counterparties are lenders under the Partnership's credit facility.Credit Facility. The Partnership would have been at risk of losing a fair value amount of $7.2$6.2 million had the Partnership's counterparties as a group been unable to fulfill their obligations as of September 30, 2017.2018. 
The tables below summarize the fair values and classifications of the Partnership’s derivative instruments as of each date:
    September 30, 2018
Classification Balance Sheet Location Gross
Fair Value
 Effect of Counterparty Netting Net Carrying Value on Balance Sheet
         
    (in thousands)
Assets:    
  
  
Current asset Commodity derivative assets $1,923
 $(1,923) $
Long-term asset Deferred charges and other long-term assets 4,253
 (4,247) 6
Total assets   $6,176
 $(6,170) $6
Liabilities:    
  
  
Current liability Commodity derivative liabilities $42,724
 $(1,923) $40,801
Long-term liability Commodity derivative liabilities 16,213
 (4,247) 11,966
Total liabilities   $58,937
 $(6,170) $52,767
    As of December 31, 2017
Classification Balance Sheet Location Gross
Fair Value
 Effect of Counterparty Netting Net Carrying Value on Balance Sheet
         
    (in thousands)
Assets:    
  
  
Current asset Commodity derivative assets $10,713
 $(10,619) $94
Long-term asset Deferred charges and other long-term assets 1,392
 (1,029) 363
Total assets   $12,105
 $(11,648) $457
Liabilities:    
  
  
Current liability Commodity derivative liabilities $14,841
 $(10,619) $4,222
Long-term liability Commodity derivative liabilities 2,292
 (1,029) 1,263
Total liabilities   $17,133
 $(11,648) $5,485

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The table below summarizes the fair value and classification of the Partnership’s derivative instruments:

As of September 30, 2017
Classification Balance Sheet Location Gross Fair
Value
 Effect of
Counterparty
Netting
 Net Carrying
Value on
Balance Sheet
     
 (In thousands)  
Assets:    
  
  
Current asset Commodity derivative assets $5,338
 $(614) $4,724
Long-term asset 
Deferred charges and other
long-term assets
 1,822
 (217) 1,605
Total assets   $7,160
 $(831) $6,329
Liabilities:    
  
  
Current liability Commodity derivative liabilities $614
 $(614) $
Long-term liability Commodity derivative liabilities 217
 (217) 
Total liabilities   $831
 $(831) $
As of December 31, 2016
Classification Balance Sheet Location Gross Fair
Value
 Effect of
Counterparty
Netting
 Net Carrying
Value on
Balance Sheet
     
 (In thousands)  
Assets:    
  
  
Current asset Commodity derivative assets $3,879
 $(3,879) $
Long-term asset 
Deferred charges and other
long-term assets
 
 
 
Total assets   $3,879
 $(3,879) $
Liabilities:    
  
  
Current liability Commodity derivative liabilities $20,116
 $(3,879) $16,237
Long-term liability Commodity derivative liabilities 482
 
 482
Total liabilities   $20,598
 $(3,879) $16,719
Changes in the fair values of the Partnership’s derivative instruments (both assets and liabilities) are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of the Partnership’s commodity derivative instruments (both assetsoperations and liabilities) are as follows:follows (in thousands):
  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2017 2016
  (In thousands)
Beginning fair value of commodity derivative instruments $(16,719) $64,534
Gain (loss) on oil derivative instruments 18,306
 (8,906)
Gain (loss) on natural gas derivative instruments 17,081
 (3,389)
Net cash received on settlements of oil derivative
   instruments
 (10,682) (23,034)
Net cash received on settlements of natural gas
   derivative instruments
 (1,657) (16,186)
Net change in fair value of commodity derivative
   instruments
 23,048
 (51,515)
Ending fair value of commodity derivative instruments $6,329
 $13,019
BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2018 2017 2018 2017
         
Beginning fair value of commodity derivative instruments $(44,043) $20,650
 $(5,028) $(16,719)
Gain (loss) on oil derivative instruments (18,830) (9,493) (63,325) 18,306
Gain (loss) on natural gas derivative instruments 316
 152
 (4,869) 17,081
Net cash paid (received) on settlements of oil derivative instruments 11,280
 (4,026) 25,809
 (10,682)
Net cash paid (received) on settlements of natural gas derivative instruments (1,484) (954) (5,348) (1,657)
Net change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments (8,718) (14,321) (47,733) 23,048
Ending fair value of commodity derivative instruments $(52,761) $6,329
 $(52,761) $6,329
The Partnership had the following open derivative contracts for oil as of September 30, 2017:2018:
  
 Weighted Average Price (Per Bbl) Range (Per Bbl)
Period and Type of Contract Volume (Bbl)  Low High
Oil Swap Contracts:  
  
  
  
2018  
  
  
  
Third Quarter 283,000
 $55.31
 $51.85
 $61.88
Fourth Quarter 854,000
 55.18
 51.85
 61.88
2019 

 

 

 

First Quarter 645,000
 $58.66
 $52.82
 $65.58
Second Quarter 645,000
 58.66
 52.82
 65.58
Third Quarter 645,000
 58.20
 52.82
 63.75
Fourth Quarter 645,000
 58.20
 52.82
 63.75
    
Weighted Average
Floor Price (Per Bbl)
 
Weighted Average
Ceiling Price (Per Bbl)
Period and Type of Contract Volume (Bbl)  
Oil Collar Contracts:      
2019      
First Quarter 60,000
 $65.00  $74.00 
Second Quarter 60,000
 65.00  74.00 
Third Quarter 60,000
 65.00  74.00 
Fourth Quarter 60,000
 65.00  74.00 
2020      
First Quarter 210,000
 $55.00  $70.85 
Second Quarter 210,000
 55.00  70.85 
Third Quarter 210,000
 55.00  70.85 
Fourth Quarter 210,000
 55.00  70.85 
  
 
 Range (Per Bbl)
Period and Type of Contract Volume
(Bbl)
 Weighted Average Price
(Per Bbl)
 Low High
Oil Swap Contracts:  
  
  
  
2017  
  
  
  
Third Quarter 172,000
 $53.31
 $52.40
 $55.23
Fourth Quarter 687,000
 53.21
 52.02
 55.23
2018 

 

 

 

First Quarter 611,000
 $54.18
 $52.09
 $55.05
Second Quarter 573,000
 54.16
 52.09
 54.90
Third Quarter 541,000
 54.16
 51.85
 54.90
Fourth Quarter 502,000
 54.22
 51.85
 54.90

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Partnership had the following open derivative contracts for natural gas as of September 30, 2017:2018:
 
 
 Range (Per MMBtu) 
 Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu) Range (Per MMBtu)
Period and Type of Contract Volume
(MMBtu)
 Weighted Average Price
(Per MMBtu)
 Low High Volume (MMBtu) Low High
Natural Gas Swap Contracts:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2017  
  
  
  
2018  
  
  
  
Fourth Quarter 13,130,000
 $3.13
 $2.92
 $3.57
 13,630,000
 $3.01
 $2.90
 $3.23
2018 

 

 

 

2019 

 

 

 

First Quarter 12,570,000
 $3.06
 $2.96
 $3.45
 7,200,000
 $2.86
 $2.81
 $2.93
Second Quarter 11,340,000
 3.03
 2.86
 3.23
 7,240,000
 2.86
 2.81
 2.93
Third Quarter 9,630,000
 3.02
 2.90
 3.23
 7,280,000
 2.86
 2.81
 2.93
Fourth Quarter 8,210,000
 3.01
 2.90
 3.23
 7,280,000
 2.86
 2.81
 2.93
Subsequent to September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership entered into the following oil derivative contracts:






Range (Per Bbl)
Period and Type of Contract
Volume
(Bbl)

Weighted Average Price
(Per Bbl)

Low
High
Oil Swap Contracts:







2017







Fourth Quarter
30,000

$56.51

$55.87

$57.15
2018







First Quarter
130,000

$55.02

$53.99

$57.15
Second Quarter
175,000

54.73

53.99

56.75
Third Quarter
215,000

54.71

53.99

55.87
Fourth Quarter
255,000

54.22

52.82

55.87
2019







First Quarter
165,000

$53.58

$52.82

$54.02
Second Quarter
165,000

53.58

52.82

54.02
Third Quarter
165,000

53.58

52.82

54.02
Fourth Quarter
165,000

53.58

52.82

54.02



BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Additionally, subsequent to September 30, 2017, the Partnership entered into the following natural gas derivative contracts:






Range (Per MMBtu)
Period and Type of Contract
Volume
(MMBtu)

Weighted Average Price
(per MMBtu)

Low
High
Natural Gas Swap Contracts:
 

 

 

 
2018











First Quarter
1,020,000

$3.11

$3.01

$3.21
Second Quarter
2,320,000

3.00

2.93

3.04
Third Quarter
3,970,000

3.00

2.93

3.04
Fourth Quarter
5,420,000

3.00

2.92

3.04
2019







First Quarter
3,600,000

$2.91

$2.90

$2.93
Second Quarter
3,600,000

2.91

2.90

2.93
Third Quarter
3,600,000

2.91

2.90

2.93
Fourth Quarter
3,600,000

2.91

2.90

2.93
contracts for an average of 608,333 MMBtu per month in 2019 at a weighted average price of $2.85 per MMBtu.



NOTE 6—6 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTMEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Further, ASC 820,Fair Value Measurement, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value, and includes certain disclosure requirements. Fair value estimates are based on either (i) actual market data or (ii) assumptions that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including estimates of risk.
ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement (including the Partnership’s own assumptions in determining fair value).
A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. There were no transfers into, or out of, the three levels of the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 or the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.
The carrying value of the Partnership's cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and payables approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The estimated carrying value of all debt as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 approximated the fair value due to variable market rates of interest. These debt fair values, which are Level 3 measurements, were estimated based on the Partnership’s incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, when quoted market prices were not available. The estimated fair values of the Partnership’s financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a current market exchange.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The Partnership estimated the fair value of derivative instruments using the market approach via a model that uses inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived from, or corroborated by, observable data. See Note 5 – Derivatives andCommodity Derivative Financial Instruments for further discussion.
BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents information about the Partnership’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: 
 Fair Value Measurements Using Effect of
Counterparty
Netting
   Fair Value Measurements Using Effect of Counterparty Netting Total
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
 (In thousands)          
As of September 30, 2017  
  
  
  
  
 (in thousands)
As of September 30, 2018  
  
  
  
  
Financial Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commodity derivative instruments $
 $7,160
 $
 $(831) $6,329
 $
 $6,176
 $
 $(6,170) $6
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commodity derivative instruments $
 $831
 $
 $(831) $
 $
 $58,937
 $
 $(6,170) $52,767
As of December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
As of December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
Financial Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commodity derivative instruments $
 $3,879
 $
 $(3,879) $
 $
 $12,105
 $
 $(11,648) $457
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commodity derivative instruments $
 $20,598
 $
 $(3,879) $16,719
 $
 $17,133
 $
 $(11,648) $5,485
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities, as may be acquired in a business combination, and measurements of oil and natural gas property values for assessment of impairment.
The determination of the fair values of proved and unproved properties acquired in business combinations are estimated by discounting projected future cash flows. The factors used to determine fair value include estimates of economic reserves, future operating and development costs, future commodity prices, and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The Partnership has designated these measurements as Level 3. The Partnership’s fair value assessments for recent acquisitions are included in Note 4 – AcquisitionsOil and Dispositions.Natural Gas Properties Acquisitions.
Oil and natural gas properties are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using the income approach when assessing for impairment. Proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of those properties. When assessing producing properties for impairment, the Partnership compares the expected undiscounted projected future cash flows of the producing properties to the carrying amount of the producing properties to determine recoverability. When the carrying amount exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount is written down to its fair value, which is measured as the present value of the projected future cash flows of such properties. The factors used to determine fair value include estimates of economicproved reserves, future operating and development costs,commodity prices, timing of future commodity prices,production, future capital expenditures, and a risk-adjusted discount rate.
The Partnership’s estimates of fair value have been determined at discrete points in time based on relevant market data. These estimates involve uncertainty and cannot be determined with precision. There were no significant changes in valuation techniques or related inputs as of September 30, 20172018 or December 31, 2016.2017.
The following table presents information about the Partnership’sThere were no assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:basis, after initial recognition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.


BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


  
Fair Value Measurements Using1
 
Net Book
Value
1
  
  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Impairment
  (In thousands)
Three months ended September 30, 2017  
  
  
  
  
Impaired oil and natural gas properties $

$
 $
 $
 $
Three months ended September 30, 2016          
Impaired oil and natural gas properties $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Nine months ended September 30, 2017          
Impaired oil and natural gas properties $

$
 $
 $
 $
Nine months ended September 30, 2016          
Impaired oil and natural gas properties $

$
 $3,042
 $9,817
 $6,775
1 Amounts represent value on the dates of assessment.
NOTE 7—7 — CREDIT FACILITY
The Partnership maintains a senior secured revolving credit agreement, as amended (the “Senior Line of Credit”“Credit Facility”). The Senior Line of Credit Facility has a maximum credit amount of $1.0 billion. The amount of the borrowing base is derived from the value of the Partnership’s oil and natural gas properties as determined by the lender syndicate using pricing assumptions that often differ from the current market for future prices. Drawings on the Senior Line of Credit are used for the acquisition of oil and natural gas properties and for other general business purposes.
Effective April 15, 2016, theThe borrowing base was $450.0 million. The Partnership's fall 2016 borrowing base redetermination process resultedis redetermined semi-annually, usually in an increase in the borrowing base to $500.0 million, which became effective October 31, 2016. and April.
Effective April 25, 2017, the borrowing base redetermination resulted in an increaseincreased the borrowing base from $500.0 million to $550.0 million.
On November 1, 2017, the Partnership amended and restated the credit agreement to extend the maturity thereof for a term of five years, create a swingline facility andthat permits short-term borrowings on same-day notice, make other changes to the hedging and restrictive covenants. There was no change tocovenants, and extend the borrowing base. The Senior Linematurity for a term of Credit nowfive years, which terminates on November 1, 2022.
Prior to October 31, 2016, borrowings under the Senior Line of Credit bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin between 1.50% and 2.50%, or the Prime Rate plus a margin between 0.50% and 1.50%, with the margin depending on Effective May 4, 2018, the borrowing base utilization percentage. The Prime Rate was determinedincreased to be the higher of the financial institution’s prime rate or the federal funds$600.0 million and, effective rate plus 0.50% per annum.
Effective October 31, 2016, borrowings2018, the borrowing base was further increased to $675.0 million.
Borrowings under the Senior Line of Credit boreFacility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin between 2.00% and 3.00%, or the Prime rateRate plus a margin between 1.00% and 2.00%, with the margin depending on the borrowing base utilization. Effective October 31, 2018, the LIBOR margin was reduced to between 1.75% and 2.75% and the Prime Rate margin was reduced to between 0.75% and 1.75%.
The weighted-average interest rate of the Senior Line of Credit Facility was 3.74%4.75% and 3.26%4.06% as of September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively. Accrued interest is payable at the end of each calendar quarter or at the end of each interest period, unless the interest period is longer than 90 days, in which case interest is payable at the end of every 90-day period. In addition, a commitment fee is payable at the end of each calendar quarter based on either a rate of 0.375% if the borrowing base utilization percentage is less than 50%, or 0.500% per annum if the borrowing base utilization percentage is equal to or greater than 50%. The Senior Line of Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Partnership’s producing oil and natural gas assets.properties.
The Senior Line of Credit Facility contains various limitations on future borrowings, leases, hedging, and sales of assets. Additionally, the Senior Line of Credit Facility requires the Partnership to maintain a current ratio of not less than 1.0:1.0 and a ratio of total debt to EBITDAX (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Exploration) of not more than 3.5:1.0. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership was in compliance with all financial covenants forin the Senior Line of Credit.Credit Facility.
The aggregate principal balance outstanding was $362.0$402.0 million and $316.0$388.0 million at September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively. The unused portion of the available borrowings under the Senior Line of Credit Facility was $188.0$198.0 million and $184.0$162.0 million at September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.
BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 8—8 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental Matters
The Partnership’s business includes activities that are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local environmental regulations with regard to air, land, and water quality and other environmental matters.
The Partnership does not consider the potential remediation costs that could result from issues identified in any environmental site assessments to be significant to the consolidated financial statements, and no provision for potential remediation costs has been made.recorded.
Put Option Related to Noble Acquisition
By acquiring 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of Samedan, now NAMP Holdings, LLC, on November 28, 2017 as part of the Noble Acquisition, the Partnership acquired a 100% interest in Comin-Temin, LLC, now NAMP GP, LLC ("Holdings"), Comin 1989 Partnership LLLP, now NAMP 1, LP ("Comin"), and Temin 1987 Partnership LLLP, now NAMP 2, LP ("Temin"). Pursuant to certain co-ownership agreements, various co-owners hold undivided beneficial ownership interests in 47.34% and 44.39% of the minerals interests held of record by Holdings and Temin, respectively. Based on the terms of the co-ownership agreements, the co-owners each have an unconditional option to require Comin or Temin, as applicable, to purchase their beneficial ownership interest in the mineral interests held of record by Holdings or Temin, as applicable, at any time within 30 days of receiving such repurchase notice. The purchase price of the beneficial ownership interest shall be based on an

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


evaluation performed by Comin or Temin, as applicable, in good faith. As of September 30, 2018, the Partnership had not received notice from any co-owner to exercise their repurchase option, and as such, no liability was recorded.
Litigation
From time to time, the Partnership is involved in legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. The Partnership believes existing claims as of September 30, 20172018 will be resolved without material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition or operations.
 
NOTE 9—9 — INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
On January 7, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Partnership’s general partner (the “Board”) approved a special grant of 312,825 restricted common units to Thomas L. Carter, Jr., the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership’s general partner. Such restricted common units are subject to limitations on transferability, customary forfeiture provisions, and service-based graded vesting requirements through January 7, 2020.
On January 11, 2017, each non-employee director on the Board, other than Robert E. W. Sinclair, was granted 9,095 fully vested common units for service during 2016. Mr. Sinclair was granted 3,653 fully vested common units for services during 2016 prior to his resignation from the Board. On July 28, 2017, Mr. William Randall, the newly elected member of the Board, was issued 6,426 fully vested common units.
On February 15, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved a grant of awards to each of the Partnership’s executive officers and certain other employees. These awards consisted of 438,067 restricted common units and 438,067 restricted performance units (in the form of phantom units) with distribution equivalent rights. The restricted common units are subject to limitations on transferability, customary forfeiture provisions, and service-based graded vesting requirements through January 7, 2020.
The table below summarizes incentive compensation expense recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016, respectively:
2017:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
         
  (in thousands)
Cash—short and long-term incentive plans $4,366
 $1,017
 $7,568
 $2,995
Equity-based compensation—restricted common and subordinated units 3,404
 3,364
 10,180
 10,246
Equity-based compensation—restricted performance units 5,611
 3,767
 13,026
 6,710
Board of Directors incentive plan 581
 544
 1,741
 1,658
Total incentive compensation expense $13,962
 $8,692
 $32,515
 $21,609
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Incentive compensation expense 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (In thousands) (In thousands)
Cash—long-term incentive plan $359
 $580
 $995
 $2,990
Equity-based compensation—restricted common and subordinated units 3,364
 4,487
 10,246
 10,420
Equity-based compensation—restricted performance units 3,767
 3,066
 6,710
 11,105
Board of Directors incentive plan 544
 428
 1,658
 1,385
Total incentive compensation expense $8,034
 $8,561
 $19,609
 $25,900


 
NOTE 10—REDEEMABLE10 — PREFERRED UNITS
The Partnership had 26,426 and 52,691Series A Redeemable Preferred Units
As of September 30, 2018, there were no Series A redeemable preferred units outstanding, while as of December 31, 2017 there were 26,363 Series A redeemable preferred units outstanding with a carrying value of $27.1 million and $54.0 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The aforementioned amounts$27.0 million. This carrying value included accrued distributions of $0.7 million as of September 30, 2017 and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2016.million. The Series A redeemable preferred units are classified as mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets since redemption iswas outside the control of
BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

the Partnership. The Series A redeemable preferred units arewere entitled to an annual distribution of 10% of the outstanding funded capital of the Series A redeemable preferred units, payable on a quarterly basis in arrears.
The Series A redeemable preferred units arewere convertible into common and subordinated units at any time at the option of the Series A redeemable preferred unitholders. The Series A redeemable preferred units havehad an adjusted conversion price of $14.2683 and an adjusted conversion rate of 30.3431 common units and 39.7427 subordinated units per redeemable preferred unit, which reflects the reverse split described in Note 1 – Business and Basis of Presentation and the capital restructuring related to the IPO.
The redeemable preferred unitholders can elect to haveFor the Partnership redeem, at face value, all remaining redeemable preferred units as ofyear ended December 31, 2017, plus any accrued and unpaid distributions.  All redeemable preferred units not redeemed as of 2017 year end shall automatically convert to common and subordinated units during the first quarter of 2018.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, 19,64119,704 Series A redeemable preferred units were redeemed for $20.1$20.2 million, including accrued unpaid yield, andyield. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 6,624 Series A redeemable preferred units totaling $6.6 million were converted into 200,996 common units and 263,247 subordinated units as a result of the mandatory conversion subsequent to December 31, 2016.
The Series A redeemable preferred unitholders had the option to elect to have the Partnership redeem, at face value, all remaining Series A redeemable preferred units, effective as of December 31, 2017, plus any accrued and unpaid distributions.  All Series A redeemable preferred units not redeemed by March 31, 2018 automatically converted to common and subordinated units effective as of January 1, 2018 or as soon as practicable thereafter.
For the yearnine months ended December 31, 2016, 6,064September 30, 2018, 2,115 Series A redeemable preferred units were redeemed for $2.1 million, including accrued unpaid yield, and 24,248 Series A redeemable preferred units totaling $6.1$24.2 million were converted into the equivalent of 184,006735,758 common units and 240,986963,681 subordinated units on an adjusted basis.as a result of the mandatory conversion subsequent to December 31, 2017.

BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units
On November 28, 2017, the Partnership issued and sold in a private placement 14,711,219 Series B cumulative convertible preferred units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership to the Purchaser for a cash purchase price of $20.3926 per Series B cumulative convertible preferred unit, resulting in total proceeds of approximately $300 million.
The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units are entitled to an annual distribution of 7%, payable on a quarterly basis in arrears. For the eight quarters consisting of the quarter in respect of which the initial distribution is paid and the seven full quarters thereafter, the quarterly distribution may be paid, at the sole option of the Partnership, (i) in-kind in the form of additional Series B cumulative convertible preferred units (the "Series B PIK Units"), (ii) in cash, or (iii) in a combination of Series B PIK Units and cash. Beginning with the ninth quarter, all Series B cumulative convertible preferred unit distributions shall be paid in cash. The number of Series B PIK Units to be issued, if any, shall equal the quotient of the Series B cumulative convertible preferred unit distribution amount (or portion thereof) divided by the Series B cumulative convertible preferred unit purchase price of $20.3926.
The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units are convertible into common units of the Partnership on November 29, 2019 and once per quarter thereafter. At such time, the Series B cumulative convertible preferred units may be converted by each holder at its option, in whole or in part, into common units on a one-for-one basis, adjusted to give effect to any accrued but unpaid accumulated distributions on the applicable Series B cumulative convertible preferred units through the most recent declaration date. However, the Partnership shall not be obligated to honor any request for such conversion if such request does not involve an underlying value of common units of at least $10.0 million based on the closing trading price of common units on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion notice date, or such lesser amount to the extent such exercise covers all of a holder's Series B cumulative convertible preferred units.
The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units had a carrying value of $298.4 million and $295.4 million, including accrued distributions of $5.3 million and $1.9 million, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Series B cumulative convertible preferred units are classified as mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets since certain provisions of redemption are outside the control of the Partnership.


BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 11—11 — EARNINGS PER UNIT
    
The Partnership applies the two-class method for purposes of calculating earnings per unit (“EPU”). The holders of the Partnership’s restricted common and subordinated units have all the rights of a unitholder, including non-forfeitable distribution rights. As participating securities, the restricted common and subordinated units are included in the calculation of basic earnings per unit. For the periods presented, the amount of earnings allocated to these participating units was not material.
Net income (loss) attributable to the Partnership is allocated to the Partnership’s general partner and the common and subordinated unitholders in proportion to their pro rata ownership after giving effect to distributions, if any, declared during the period. The redeemableSeries B cumulative convertible preferred units could be converted into 0.8approximately 15.0 million common units and 1.0 million subordinated units as of September 30, 2017. 2018.
At September 30, 2017,2018, if the outstanding redeemableSeries B cumulative convertible preferred units were converted to common and subordinated units, the effect would be anti-dilutive. anti-dilutive; therefore, they are not included in the calculation of diluted EPU for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
The Partnership’s restricted performance unit awards are contingently issuable units that are considered in the calculation of diluted EPU. The Partnership assesses the number of units that would be issuable, if any, under the terms of the arrangement if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period. At September 30, 2017,2018, there were no units related to the Partnership’s restricted performance unit awards included in the calculation of diluted EPU.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common and subordinated unit:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 2017 2016 2017 2016        
 (In thousands, except per unit  amounts) (In thousands, except per unit  amounts) (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
NET INCOME (LOSS) $22,034
 $37,535
 $137,793
 $27,474
 $60,775
 $22,034
 $131,422
 $137,793
NET (INCOME) LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 20
 8
 27
 15
DISTRIBUTIONS ON REDEEMABLE PREFERRED UNITS (666) (1,324) (2,452) (4,439)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (22) 20
 (1) 27
Distributions on Series A redeemable preferred units 
 (666) (25) (2,452)
Distributions on Series B cumulative convertible preferred units (5,250) 
 (15,750) 
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GENERAL PARTNER AND COMMON AND SUBORDINATED UNITS $21,388
 $36,219
 $135,368
 $23,050
 $55,503
 $21,388
 $115,646
 $135,368
ALLOCATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS):  
  
  
  
    
    
General partner interest $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Common units 16,371
 23,114
 83,989
 24,343
 29,188
 16,371
 71,037
 83,989
Subordinated units 5,017
 13,105
 51,379
 (1,293) 26,315
 5,017
 44,609
 51,379
 $21,388
 $36,219
 $135,368
 $23,050
 $55,503
 $21,388
 $115,646
 $135,368
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO LIMITED PARTNERS PER COMMON AND SUBORDINATED UNIT:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Per common unit (basic) $0.16
 $0.24
 $0.86
 $0.26
 $0.27
 $0.16
 $0.67
 $0.86
Weighted average common units outstanding (basic) 101,623
 95,740
 97,777
 95,086
 106,706
 101,623
 105,254
 97,777
Per subordinated unit (basic) $0.05
 $0.14
 $0.54
 $(0.01) $0.27
 $0.05
 $0.46
 $0.54
Weighted average subordinated units outstanding (basic) 95,388
 95,189
 95,269
 95,125
 96,329
 95,388
 96,021
 95,269
Per common unit (diluted) $0.16
 $0.24
 $0.86
 $0.26
 $0.27
 $0.16
 $0.67
 $0.86
Weighted average common units outstanding (diluted) 101,623
 96,011
 97,777
 95,619
 106,706
 101,623
 105,254
 97,777
Per subordinated unit (diluted) $0.05
 $0.14
 $0.54
 $(0.01) $0.27
 $0.05
 $0.46
 $0.54
Weighted average subordinated units outstanding (diluted) 95,388
 95,189
 95,269
 95,467
 96,329
 95,388
 96,021
 95,269




BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 12—12 — AT-THE-MARKET OFFERING PROGRAM

On May 26, 2017, the Partnership commenced an at-the-market offering program (the “ATM Program”) and in connection therewith entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and UBS Securities LLC, as Sales Agents (each a “Sales Agent” and collectively the “Sales Agents”). Pursuant to the terms of the ATM Program, the Partnership may sell, from time to time through the Sales Agents, the Partnership’s common units representing limited partner interests having an aggregate offering priceamount of up to $100,000,000. Sales of common units, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.
Under the terms of the ATM Program, the Partnership may also sell common units to one or more of the Sales Agents as principal for its own account at a price to be agreed upon at the time of sale. Any sale of common units to a Sales Agent as principal would be pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement between the Partnership and such Sales Agent.
The Partnership intends to use the net proceeds from any sales pursuant to the ATM Program, after deducting the Sales Agents’ commissions and the Partnership’s offering expenses, for general partnership purposes, which may include, among other things, repayment of indebtedness outstanding under the Partnership’s credit facility.Credit Facility.
Common units sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement are offered and sold pursuant to the Partnership’s existing effective shelf-registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-215857), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC on February 8, 2017.
The Equity Distribution Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements, indemnification obligations, including for liabilities under the Securities Act, other obligations of the parties and termination provisions.
ThroughFor the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Partnership sold 1.9 million2,121,643 common units under the ATM Program for net proceeds of $31.3$38.4 million.

As of September 30, 2018, the Partnership has raised net proceeds of $70.9 million under the ATM Program.
NOTE 13—13 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS    

On November 1, 2017,Effective October 31, 2018, the Partnership amendedborrowing base of the Credit Facility was increased to $675.0 million from $600.0 million and restated its credit agreement,the applicable margin rates were reduced, as discussed further in Note 7 - Credit Facility.

On November 6, 2017,October 26, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Partnership's general partner approved a distribution for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 of $0.3125$0.37 per common unit and $0.20875$0.37 per subordinated unit. Distributions will be payable on November 24, 201721, 2018 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2017.14, 2018.
On November 5, 2018, the Board authorized a $75.0 million unit repurchase program. The unit repurchase program authorizes the Partnership to make repurchases on a discretionary basis as determined by management, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, available liquidity, and other appropriate factors. The repurchase program does not obligate the Partnership to acquire any particular amount of common units and may be modified or suspended at any time and could be terminated prior to completion. The program will be funded from the Partnership's cash on hand or through borrowings under the credit facility. Any repurchased units will be canceled.

Additionally, on November 6, 2017, the Partnership entered into oil and natural gas commodity derivative contracts, as summarized in Note 5Derivatives and Financial Instruments.

Item 2.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as our audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “BSM,” the “Partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar terms for time periods prior to the IPO refer to Black Stone Minerals Company, L.P. and its subsidiaries, the predecessor for accounting purposes. For time periods subsequent to the IPO, these terms refer to Black Stone Minerals, L.P. and its subsidiaries.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements and information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute “forward-looking statements.”  The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could,” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature.  These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us.  While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate.  All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions.  Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:

our ability to execute our business strategies;

the volatility of realized oil and natural gas prices;

the level of production on our properties;

regional supply and demand factors, delays, or interruptions of production;

our ability to replace our oil and natural gas reserves;

our ability to identify, complete, and integrate acquisitions;

general economic, business, or industry conditions;

competition in the oil and natural gas industry;

the ability of our operators to obtain capital or financing needed for development and exploration operations;

title defects in the properties in which we invest;

the availability or cost of rigs, equipment, raw materials, supplies, oilfield services, or personnel;

restrictions on the use of water;

the availability of transportation facilities;


the ability of our operators to comply with applicable governmental laws and regulations and to obtain permits and governmental approvals;



federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing;

future operating results;

future cash flows and liquidity, including our ability to generate sufficient cash to pay quarterly distributions;

exploration and development drilling prospects, inventories, projects, and programs;

operating hazards faced by our operators;

the ability of our operators to keep pace with technological advancements; and 

certain factors discussed elsewhere in this filing.
For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Overview
We are one of the largest owners of oil and natural gas mineral interests in the United States. Our principal business is maximizing the value of our existing portfolio of mineral and royalty assets through active management and expanding our asset base through acquisitions of additional mineral and royalty interests. We maximize value through the marketing of our mineral assets for lease, creative structuring of terms on those leases to encourage and accelerate drilling activity, and selectively participating alongside our lessees on a working-interest basis in low-risk development-drillinglow–risk development–drilling opportunities on our interests. Our primary business objective is to grow our reserves, production, and cash generated from operations over the long term, while paying, to the extent practicable, a growing quarterly distribution to our unitholders.
As of September 30, 2017,2018, our mineral and royalty interests were located in 41 states and 64 onshore basins in the continental United States. These non-cost-bearing interests include ownership in approximately 53,000over 55,000 producing wells. We also own non-operated working interests, largelya significant portion of which are on our positions where we also have a mineral and royalty interests.interest. We recognize oil and natural gas revenue from our mineral and royalty and non-operated working interests in producing wells when control of the oil and natural gas production fromproduced is transferred to the associated acreagecustomer and collectability of the sales price is sold.reasonably assured. Our other sources of revenue include mineral lease bonus and delay rentals, which are recognized as revenue according to the terms of the lease agreements.
Recent Developments

Acquisitions
DuringIn the first nine months of 2017, we closed numerous acquisitions consisting of various mineral and royalty interests in several Texas counties. In the first quarter of 2017,2018, we acquired mineral and royalty interests primarily in the Permian Basin and in East Texas prospective for the Haynesville and Bossier shales for a totalaggregate consideration of $17.6$109.6 million in cash and $0.2$22.5 million in our common units, as well as mineral and royalty interests in the Delaware Basin for $30.8 million in cash and $12.0 million in common units. In the second quarter of 2017, we acquired additional mineral and royalty interests in East Texas for $18.1 million in cash and $45.7 million in our common units, primarily through the acquisition of the Angelina County Lumber Company. In the third quarter of 2017, we acquired additional mineral and royalty interests in East Texas for $22.2 million in cash and $13.7 million in our common units, as well as mineral and royalty interests in the Anadarko Basin for $0.4 million in cash. Additional information regarding acquisitions is contained in Note 4 -– Oil and Natural Gas Properties Acquisitions and Dispositions to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion.



At-the-Market Offering Program

In the second quarter of 2017, we commenced an at-the-market offering program (the “ATM Program”) and in connection therewith entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement. The ATM Program permits us from time to time through our Sales Agents to sell our common units having an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000. We intend to use the net proceeds from any sales pursuant to the ATM Program, after deducting commissions and offering expenses, for general partnership purposes, which may include, among other things, repayment of indebtedness outstanding under our credit facility. Common units to be sold pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement will be offered and sold pursuant to our existing effective shelf-registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-215857), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2017. Proceeds, net of commissions and expenses, of these sales through September 30, 2017 amounted to $31.3 million. See Note 12 - At-the-Market Offering Program to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion.

Farmout AgreementPepperJack Prospect

We have cumulatively spent approximately $13.1 million to drill two wells within our PepperJack prospect in Hardin and Liberty counties, Texas. The PepperJack A#1 well targeting the Lower Wilcox formation was drilled during the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. The PepperJack B#1 well, also targeting the Lower Wilcox formation, was drilled during the second quarter of 2018 to further delineate the prospect.
Based on the log results, we believe the PepperJack A#1 well is highly prospective and will be completed as a commercially productive well. The PepperJack B#1 well, which was a significant step-out from the PepperJack A#1 well, is not likely to be completed in the near term. Accordingly, we have recorded $6.8 million of capitalized costs for the PepperJack B#1 well to the Exploration expense line item of the consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
On FebruarySeptember 21, 2017, we announced that2018, we entered into a farmoutan exploration agreement with Canaan Resource Partners ("Canaan",a consortium of private exploration and such farmout,production companies (the “Development Partners”) to further delineate and develop the "Canaan Farmout"), which covers certain Haynesville and Bossier shale acreage in San Augustine County, Texas operated by XTO Energy Inc. We have an approximate 50%PepperJack prospect. As part of the agreement, we assigned 75% of our working interest in the acreage. A totalPepperJack A#1 well and acreage in the associated unit to the Development Partners and transferred our status as the operator of 18 wells are anticipated to be drilled over an initial phase, beginning with wells spud after January 1, 2017. At its option, Canaan may participate in two additional phases with each phase continuingrecord. We received proceeds of $6.4 million for the lesser of two years or until 20 wells have been drilled. During the first three phasesassignment, which represented a reimbursement for 100% of the agreement, Canaan will commit on a phase-by-phase basis and fund 80% of our drilling and completion costs and will be assigned 80%associated acreage, proceeds of $1.0 million for an option covering our working interests in such wells (40% working interest on an 8/8ths basis). After the third phase, Canaan can earn 40% of our working interest (20% working interest on an 8/8ths basis) in additional wells drilledminerals and leases in the PepperJack prospect area, by continuing to fund 40% of our costs for those wells on a well-by-well basis. We will receive a baseand an overriding royalty interest (“ORRI”) before payoutin the PepperJack prospect area. The Development Partners will begin completion operations on the PepperJack A#1 well in the fourth quarter of 2018 and an additional ORRI after payout on all wells drilled under the agreement. The execution of this agreement is anticipated to offset our future capital expenditures by approximately $40 to $50 million annually during the term of the agreement.

we will participate as a 25% non-operated working interest owner.
Business Environment
The information presented below is designed to give a broad overview of the oil and natural gas business environment as it affects us.

Commodity Prices
Oil and natural gas prices have been historically volatile based upon the dynamics of supply and demand. The U.S. crude oil and petroleum product markets were significantly disrupted by Hurricane Harvey's landfall in Texas and Louisiana at the end of August. At the peak of disruption, the Energy Information AgencyAdministration ("EIA") estimates that 3.9 million barrels per day of U.S. Gulf Coast refining capacity was taken offline. Oil transportation capacity in the region was also restricted after the hurricane. According to the EIA, producers also curtailed production in the Eagle Ford region of South Texas; however production declines in that area were offset by growth in other areas of the lower 48 states onshore region. In early to mid-September, the petroleum supply system on the Gulf Coast began to return to service. The EIA reported that lower refinery demand for crude oil in the Gulf Coast region more than offset reductions in crude oil production as a result of the storm, which contributed to lower West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") prices and simultaneously contributed to higher product prices.
Higher crude oil prices in September reflected declining global inventories, thus increasing expectations for global economic and oil demand growth; falling production from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries contributed to global oil inventory withdrawals in 2017. The EIA believes the appearance of strengthening economic conditions could contribute to oil demand growth in 2018. The EIA forecasts that the WTI spot oil price will average $50.50$68.00 per barrelBbl in 2018.
As rising2018 and $69.00 per Bbl in 2019 and that the Henry Hub spot natural gas production is keeping pace with increasing consumption and demand for exports, particularly for liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), the EIA projects a balanced market from the last quarter of 2017 through 2018. The EIA expects LNG export capacity to increase, with LNG exports projected to exceed 3 Bcf per day in 2018. In addition, increased takeaway capacity out of the Marcellus/Utica shale plays, as a result of several new pipeline projects, is anticipated to increase overall production. The EIA estimates that Henry Hub natural gas spot prices will rise from an annual average of $3.03$2.99 per MMbtuMMBtu in 2017 to $3.192018 and $3.12 per MMbtuMMBtu in 2018.2019.
To manage the variability in cash flows associated with the projected sale of our oil and natural gas production, we use various derivative instruments which have recently consisted exclusivelyconsisting of fixed-price swap contracts and costless collar contracts.

The following table reflects commodity prices at the end of each quarter presented:

 2017 2016 2018 2017
Benchmark Prices Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 First Quarter Third
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 First Quarter
Benchmark Prices1
 Third QuarterSecond Quarter First Quarter Third QuarterSecond Quarter First Quarter
WTI spot oil price ($/Bbl) $48.18
 $46.02
 $50.54
 $47.72
 $48.27
 $36.94
 $73.16
$74.13
 $64.87
 $48.18
$46.02
 $50.54
Henry Hub spot natural gas ($/MMBtu) $2.95
 $2.98
 $3.13
 $2.84
 $2.94
 $1.98
 $3.01
$2.96
 $2.81
 $2.95
$2.98
 $3.13
1    Source: EIA

Rig Count
As we are not the operator of record on only threeany producing properties, drilling on our acreage is dependent upon the exploration and production companies that lease our acreage. In addition to drilling plans that we seek from our operators, we also monitor rig counts in an effort to identify existing and future leasing and drilling activity on our acreage.
The following table shows the rig count at the close of each quarter presented:
 2017 2016 2018 2017
U.S. Rotary Rig Count 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 First Quarter 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 First Quarter
U.S. Rotary Rig Count1
 Third QuarterSecond Quarter First Quarter Third QuarterSecond Quarter First Quarter
Oil 750
 756
 662
 425
 330
 372
 863
858
 797
 750
756
 662
Natural gas 189
 184
 160
 96
 90
 92
 189
187
 194
 189
184
 160
Other 1
 
 2
 1
 1
 
 2
2
 2
 1

 2
Total 940
 940
 824
 522
 421
 464
 1,054
1,047
 993
 940
940
 824
1
Source: Baker Hughes Incorporated

Natural Gas Storage
A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from sales of oil production attributable to our interests; however, the majority of our production is natural gas. Natural gas prices are significantly influenced by storage levels throughout the year. Accordingly, we monitor the natural gas storage reports regularly in the evaluation of our business and its outlook.
Historically, natural gas supply and demand fluctuates on a seasonal basis. From April to October, when the weather is warmer and natural gas demand is lower, natural gas storage levels generally increase. From November to March, storage levels typically decline as utility companies draw natural gas from storage to meet increased heating demand due to colder weather. In order to maintain sufficient storage levels for increased seasonal demand, a portion of natural gas production during the summer months must be used for storage injection. The portion of production used for storage varies from year to year depending on the demand from the previous winter and the demand for electricity used for cooling during the summer months. According to the EIA, injections ofgrowing U.S. natural gas into underground storage exceeded market expectationsproduction is expected to support both increasing domestic consumption and historical averages forhigher natural gas exports. The EIA forecasts that natural gas inventories will reach almost 1.4 trillion cubic feet on March 31, 2019, which would be 17% lower than the first three weeks of September 2017.

previous five-year average.
The following table shows natural gas storage volumes by region at the close of each quarter presented:
 
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Region 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 First Quarter 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 First Quarter
Region1
 Third QuarterSecond Quarter First Quarter Third QuarterSecond Quarter First Quarter
        
 (Bcf) (Bcf)
East 861
 564
 268
 899
 632
 439
 763
460
 229
 861
564
 268
Midwest 989
 699
 479
 1,045
 742
 555
 836
455
 266
 989
699
 479
Mountain 220
 187
 142
 237
 198
 147
 177
139
 87
 220
187
 142
Pacific 311
 287
 216
 318
 315
 262
 262
257
 166
 311
287
 216
South Central 1,127
 1,151
 946
 1,181
 1,253
 1,065
 829
841
 606
 1,127
1,151
 946
Total 3,508
 2,888
 2,051
 3,680
 3,140
 2,468
 2,867
2,152
 1,354
 3,508
2,888
 2,051
1
Source: EIA
Source: EIA
How We Evaluate Our Operations
We use a variety of operational and financial measures to assess our performance. Among the measures considered by management are the following:

volumes of oil and natural gas produced;

commodity prices including the effect of derivative instruments; and

Adjusted EBITDA distributable cash flow, and distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures.flow.
Volumes of Oil and Natural Gas Produced
In order to track and assess the performance of our assets, we monitor and analyze our production volumes from the various basins and plays that comprise our extensive asset base. We also regularly compare projected volumes to actual reported volumes and investigate unexpected variances.

Commodity Prices
Factors Affecting the Sales Price of Oil and Natural Gas
The prices we receive for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) vary by geographical area. The relative prices of these products are determined by the factors affecting global and regional supply and demand dynamics, such as economic conditions, production levels, availability of transportation, weather cycles, and other factors. In addition, realized prices are influenced by product quality and proximity to consuming and refining markets. Any differences between realized prices and NYMEX prices are referred to as differentials. All of our production is derived from properties located in the United States.

Oil. The substantial majority of our oil production is sold at prevailing market prices, which fluctuate in response to many factors that are outside of our control. NYMEX light sweet crude oil, commonly referred to as WTI, is the prevailing domestic oil pricing index. The majority of our oil production is priced at the prevailing market price with the final realized price affected by both quality and location differentials.
The chemical composition of crude oil plays an important role in its refining and subsequent sale as petroleum products.  As a result, variations in chemical composition relative to the benchmark crude oil, usually WTI, will result in price adjustments, which are often referred to as quality differentials. The characteristics that most significantly affect quality differentials include the density of the oil, as characterized by its American Petroleum Institute (“API”) gravity, and the presence and concentration of impurities, such as sulfur.
Location differentials generally result from transportation costs based on the produced oil’s proximity to consuming and refining markets and major trading points.

Natural Gas. The NYMEX price quoted at Henry Hub is a widely used benchmark for the pricing of natural gas in the United States. The actual volumetric prices realized from the sale of natural gas differ from the quoted NYMEX price as a result of quality and location differentials. 
Quality differentials result from the heating value of natural gas measured in Btus and the presence of impurities, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Natural gas containing ethane and heavier hydrocarbons has a higher Btu value and will realize a higher volumetric price than natural gas which is predominantly methane, which has a lower Btu value. Natural gas with a higher concentration of impurities will realize a lower volumetric price due to the presence of the impurities in the natural gas when sold or the cost of treating the natural gas to meet pipeline quality specifications.
Natural gas, which currently has a limited global transportation system, is subject to price variances based on local supply and demand conditions and the cost to transport natural gas to end user markets.
Hedging
We useenter into derivative instruments to partially mitigate the impact of commodity price volatility on our cash generated from operations. From time to time, such instruments may include variable-to-fixed-price swaps, fixed-price swaps,contracts, costless collars, and other contractual arrangements. The impact of these derivative instruments could affect the amount of revenue we ultimately realize. Since 2015, we have only entered into
Our open derivative contracts consist of fixed-price swap contracts and costless collar contracts. Under fixed-price swap contracts, a counterparty is required to make a payment to us if the settlement price is less than the swap strike price. Conversely, we are required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price is greater than the swap strike price. Our costless collar contracts contain a fixed floor price and a fixed ceiling price. If the market price exceeds the fixed ceiling price, we receive the fixed ceiling price from the counterparty and we pay the market price. If the market price is below the fixed floor price, we receive the fixed floor price and we pay the market price. If the market price is between the fixed floor and fixed ceiling price, no payments are due from either party.

We may employ contractual arrangements other than fixed-price swap contracts and costless collar contracts in the future to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations. If commodity prices decline in the future, our hedging contracts will partially mitigate the effect of lower prices on our future revenue.
Our open oil and natural gas derivative contracts as of September 30, 2017, and as of the date of this filing,2018 are detailed in Note 5 – Derivatives andCommodity Derivative Financial Instruments to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our
Prior to amending and restating our credit agreement limits the extent to which we can hedge our future production.
As of September 30,on November 1, 2017, per the terms of our credit agreement, we were allowed to hedge all of our estimated production from our proved developed producing reserves based on the most recent reserve information provided to our lenders. Under these terms, we hedged approximately 92.5% and 98.7% of our available oil and condensate hedge volumes, respectively, and almost 92.4% and 99% of our available natural gas hedge volumes for the remainder of 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Pursuant to the closing of our Fourth Amended and Restated credit agreement on November 1, 2017,Credit Agreement, we are allowed to hedge expected production volumes in excess of estimated production from our proved developed reserves. The revised provisions in our credit agreement allow us to hedge certain percentages of expected future monthly production volumes equal to the lesser of (i) internally forecasted production orand (ii) the average of reported production for the most recent three months.
We are allowed to hedge up to 90% of productionsuch volumes for the first 24 months, 70% for months 25 through 36, and 50% for months 37 through 48. Pursuant to our updated hedge provisions, we have hedged approximately 95%79%, 99%70%, and 23% of our available oil and condensate hedge volumes for the remainder of 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2019,2020, respectively.  Also, we have hedged 99%, 99%,83% and 28%56% of our available natural gas hedge volumes for the remainder of 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The Company intendsWe intend to continuously monitor the production from our assets and the commodity price environment, and will, from time to time, add additional hedges within the percentages described above related to remain significantly hedgedsuch production for the following 12 to 2430 months. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA distributable cash flow, and distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures used by our management and external users of our financial statements such as investors, research analysts, and others, to assess the financial performance of our assets and our ability to sustain distributions over the long term without regard to financing methods, capital structure, or historical cost basis.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization adjusted for impairment of oil and natural gas properties, accretion of asset retirement obligations, unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivative instruments, and non-cash equity-based compensation. We define distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA plus or minus amounts for certain non-cash operating activities, estimated replacement capital expenditures, cash interest expense, and distributions to noncontrolling interests and preferred unitholders. We define distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures as distributable cash flow less net working interest capital

expenditures. Net working interest capital expenditures consist of all capital expenditures related to working interest wells less the recoupment of working interest expenditures under our farmout agreement.
Adjusted EBITDA distributable cash flow, and distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) as measures of our financial performance.
Adjusted EBITDA distributable cash flow, and distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures have important limitations as analytical tools because they exclude some but not all items that affect net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. Our computation of Adjusted EBITDA distributable cash flow, and distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures may differ from computations of similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, distributable cash flow and distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures to net income, (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow for the periods indicated:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016

 
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Net income (loss) $22,034
 $37,535
 $137,793
 $27,474
Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:  
  
  
  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 29,204
 28,731
 84,483
 79,654
Interest expense 4,172
 2,282
 11,660
 4,773
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties 
 
 
 6,775
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 260
 206
 760
 680
Equity-based compensation1
 7,675
 7,981
 18,614
 33,120
Unrealized (gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments 14,320

(2,511)
(23,048)
51,515
Adjusted EBITDA 77,665
 74,224
 230,262
 203,991
Adjustments to reconcile to distributable cash flow:  
  
  
  
Change in deferred revenue (701) (396) (1,670) (175)
Cash interest expense (3,946) (2,083) (10,999) (4,179)
(Gain) loss on sales of assets, net 
 
 (931) (4,772)
 Estimated replacement capital expenditures2
 (3,250) (3,750) (10,250) (7,500)
Cash paid to noncontrolling interests
(24)
(29)
(90)
(83)
Redeemable preferred unit distributions (666)
(1,324)
(2,452)
(4,439)
Distributable Cash Flow 69,078

66,642

203,870

182,843
Net working interest capital expenditures (1,793)
(26,329)
(34,088)
(63,039)
Distributable cash flow after net working interest capital expenditures $67,285

$40,313

$169,782

$119,804
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
         
  (in thousands)
Net income $60,775
 $22,034
 $131,422

$137,793
Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:        
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 29,273
 29,204
 88,135

84,483
Interest expense 5,518
 4,172
 15,319

11,660
Income tax expense (2) 
 1,059
 
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 278
 260
 820

760
Equity–based compensation 9,596
 7,675
 24,947

18,614
Unrealized (gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments 8,718
 14,320
 47,733

(23,048)
Adjusted EBITDA 114,156
 77,665
 309,435

230,262
Adjustments to reconcile to distributable cash flow:      

 
Deferred revenue (1) (701) 1,300
 (1,670)
Cash interest expense (5,287) (3,946) (14,571)
(10,999)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net 
 
 (2)
(931)
Estimated replacement capital expenditures1
 (2,750) (3,250) (8,750)
(10,250)
Cash paid to noncontrolling interests
(47) (24) (161)
(90)
Preferred unit distributions (5,250) (666) (15,775)
(2,452)
Distributable cash flow $100,821
 $69,078
 $271,476

$203,870
1
On June 8, 2017, the Board approved a replacement capital expenditure estimate of $13.0 million for the period of April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. On April 27, 2018, the Board approved a replacement capital expenditure estimate of $11.0 million for the period of April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

1 On April 25, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved a resolution to change the settlement feature of certain employee long-term incentive
compensation plans from cash to equity. As a result of the modification, $10.1 million of cash-settled liabilities were reclassified to equity-settled liabilities
during the second quarter of 2016.

2On August 3, 2016, the Board of Directors of our general partner (the “Board”)established a replacement capital expenditure estimate of $15.0 million for the period of April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. There was no established estimate of replacement capital expenditures prior to this period. On June 8, 2017, the Board established a replacement capital expenditure estimate of $13.0 million for the period of April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.




Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 20172018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017
The following table shows our production, revenues, pricing, and expenses for the periods presented:
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 Variance
  
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except for realized prices)
Production:  
  
  
  
Oil and condensate (MBbls) 911
 1,015
 (104) (10.2)%
Natural gas (MMcf)1
 14,974
 13,207
 1,767
 13.4 %
Equivalents (MBoe) 3,407
 3,216
 191
 5.9 %
Revenue:  
  
    
Oil and condensate sales $41,361
 $42,780
 $(1,419) (3.3)%
Natural gas and natural gas liquids sales1
 45,047
 38,986
 6,061
 15.5 %
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments (9,341) 7,813
 (17,154) (219.6)%
Lease bonus and other income 12,044
 9,592
 2,452
 25.6 %
Total revenue $89,111
 $99,171
 $(10,060) (10.1)%
Realized prices:  
  
    
Oil and condensate ($/Bbl) $45.39
 $42.15
 $3.24
 7.7 %
Natural gas ($/Mcf)1
 3.01
 2.95
 0.06
 2.0 %
Equivalents ($/Boe) $25.36
 $25.42
 $(0.06) (0.2)%
Operating expenses:  
  
    
Lease operating expense $4,569
 $5,007
 $(438) (8.7)%
Production costs and ad valorem taxes 11,549
 9,228
 2,321
 25.2 %
Exploration expense 8
 6
 2
 33.3 %
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 29,204
 28,731
 473
 1.6 %
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties 
 
 
 
General and administrative
17,305

16,677

628

3.8 %
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017 Variance
         
  (Dollars in thousands, except for realized prices)
Production:  
  
  
  
Oil and condensate (MBbls) 1,251

911
 340
 37.3 %
Natural gas (MMcf)1
 19,153

14,974
 4,179
 27.9 %
Equivalents (MBoe) 4,443

3,407
 1,036
 30.4 %
Equivalents/day (MBoe) 48.3
 37.0
 11.3
 30.5 %
Revenue:        
Oil and condensate sales $82,712
 $41,361
 $41,351
 100.0 %
Natural gas and natural gas liquids sales1
 63,080
 45,047
 18,033
 40.0 %
Lease bonus and other income 12,440
 12,044
 396
 3.3 %
Revenue from contracts with customers 158,232
 98,452
 59,780
 60.7 %
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments (18,514) (9,341) (9,173) 98.2 %
Total revenue $139,718

$89,111
 $50,607
 56.8 %
Realized prices:  

 
    
Oil and condensate ($/Bbl) $66.12

$45.39
 $20.73
 45.7 %
Natural gas ($/Mcf)1
 3.29

3.01
 0.28
 9.3 %
Equivalents ($/Boe) $32.81

$25.36
 $7.45
 29.4 %
Operating expenses:  

 
    
Lease operating expense $4,229

$4,569
 $(340) (7.4)%
Production costs and ad valorem taxes 17,641

11,549
 6,092
 52.7 %
Exploration expense 34

8
 26
 
NM2

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 29,273

29,204
 69
 0.2 %
General and administrative
22,083

17,305

4,778

27.6 %
1  
As a mineral-and-royalty-interestmineral and royalty interest owner, we are often provided insufficient and inconsistent data on NGL volumes by our operators. As a result, we are unable to reliably determine the total volumes of NGLs associated with the production of natural gas on our acreage. Accordingly, no NGL volumes are included in our reported production; however, revenue attributable to NGLs is included in our natural gas revenue and our calculation of realized prices for natural gas.

2
Not meaningful
Revenue
Total revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 decreased2018 increased compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2016. Production for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 averaged 37.0 MBoe per day, an2017. The increase of 2.0 MBoe per day compared toin total revenue from the corresponding prior period in 2016. The decrease in total revenue is primarily due to losses on commodity derivative instruments, partially offset by higherincreased oil and condensate sales and natural gas and NGL sales as a result of increased production volumes and lease bonushigher realized commodity prices. The overall increase in total revenue as compared towas partially offset by the corresponding period in 2016.increased loss on commodity derivative instruments.
Oil and condensate sales. Oil and condensate sales during the periodcurrent quarter were modestly lowerhigher than the third quarter of 20162017 primarily due to lowerincreased production volumes from our Bakken assets.and higher realized commodity prices. Our mineral-and-royalty-interestmineral and royalty interest oil and condensate volumes decreased5.3%increased 58% in the third quarter of 20172018 relative to the corresponding period in 20162017, primarily driven by production increases primarilyas a result ofin the Bakken decrease.Midland and Delaware Basins (the "Midland/Delaware"), the Bakken/Three Forks play and the Eagle Ford Shale play. Our mineral-and-royalty-interestmineral and royalty interest oil and condensate volumes accounted for 78.0%90% and 74.0%78% of total oil and condensate volumes for the quarters ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.The decrease in production volumes was partially offset by an increase in commodity prices between the comparative periods.

Natural gas and natural gas liquids sales. Natural gas and NGL sales increased forduring the current quarter ended September 30,were higher than the third quarter of 2017 as comparedprimarily due to the same period for 2016. Higher commodity prices and higherincreased production volumes, largely driven by new wells in the HaynesvilleHaynesville/Bossier play, were primarily responsible foras well as the increase in our natural gasMidland/Delaware and NGL revenues. Mineral-and-royalty-interestthe Bakken/Three Forks play. Mineral and royalty interest production accounted for 50.6%60% and 58.4%51% of our natural gas volumes for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively. There was also an increase in commodity prices between the comparative periods.
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments. During the third quarter of 2017,2018, we recognized $9.5 million of lossesan increased loss from oilour commodity contracts, which included cash received of $4.0 million,derivative instruments compared to recognized gains of $3.7 million in the same period of 2016. Duringin 2017. Cash settlements we receive represent realized gains, while cash settlements we pay represent realized losses related to our commodity derivative instruments. In addition to cash settlements, we also recognize fair value changes on our commodity derivative instruments in each reporting period. The changes in fair value result from new positions and settlements that may occur during each reporting period, as well as the third quarter of 2017, we recognized $0.2 million of gains from natural gas commodity contracts, which included cash received of $1.0 million, compared to recognized gains of $4.1 million inrelationships between contract prices and the same period of 2016.associated forward curves.
Lease bonus and other income. When we lease our mineral interests, we generally receive an upfront cash payment, or a lease bonus. Lease bonus income can vary substantively between periods because it is derived from individual transactions with operators, some of which may be significant. Lease bonus and other income for the third quarter of 2018 was slightly higher than the same period of 2017. Leasing activity in the AnadarkoAustin Chalk, Bakken/Three Forks, Marmaton and Delaware BasinsWilcox/Yegua trends made up the majority of lease bonus revenue in the third quarter of 2017, while a substantial portion of third quarter 2016 activity came from the Wolfcamp and Marcellus trends.2018.
Operating and Other Expenses
Lease operating expense. Lease operating expense includes normally recurring expenses associated with our non-operated working interests necessary to produce hydrocarbons from our oil and natural gas wells, as well as certain nonrecurring expenses, such as well repairs. Lease operating expense decreased for the quarter ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same period in 2016,2017, primarily due to decreased operating costslower workover and other service-related expenses on wells in fields reaching economic limits and fewer remedial projects initiated by our operators. These cost decreases were partially offset by increased operating costs in the Haynesville play.which we own a non-operating working interest.
Production costs and ad valorem taxes. Production taxes include statutory amounts deducted from our production revenues by various state taxing entities. Depending on the regulations of the states where the production originates, these taxes may be based on a percentage of the realized value or a fixed amount per production unit. This category also includes the costs to process and transport our production to applicable sales points. Ad valorem taxes are jurisdictional taxes levied on the value of oil and natural gas minerals and reserves. Rates, methods of calculating property values, and timing of payments vary between taxing authorities. For the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, production costs and ad valorem taxes increased fromas compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2016,2017, generally as a result of higherincreased oil and condensate and natural gas pricesproduction volumes, as well as higher oil and natural gas production volumes. In addition, the 2016 amount includes $2.7 million of lawsuit settlement proceeds related to improper cost deductions.condensate prices.
Exploration expense. Exploration expense typically consists of dry-hole expenses, delay rentals, and geological and geophysical costs, including seismic costs, and is expensed as incurred under the successful efforts method of accounting. Exploration expense increased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2018 related to additional costs for the PepperJack B#1 well. Exploration expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. The 2017 and 2016 expense represents delay rentalrepresented costs incurred to extend working interest leases beyond the original lease term.acquire 3-D seismic information related to our mineral and royalty interests from a third-party service provider.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization. Depletion is an estimate of the amount of cost basis of oil and natural gas properties attributable to the volume of hydrocarbons extracted during a period, calculated on a units-of-production basis. Estimates of proved developed producing reserves are a major component of the calculation of depletion. We adjust our depletion rates semi-annually based upon mid-year and year-end reserve reports, except when circumstances indicate that there has been a significant change in reserves or costs. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased slightlywas relatively flat for the quarter ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same period in 2016,2017, primarily due to the impact of higher production partially offset by lower depletion rates.
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties. Individual categories of oil and natural gas properties are assessed periodically to determine if the net book value for these properties has been impaired. Management periodically conducts an in-depth evaluation of the carrying amounts of property acquisitions, successful exploratory wells, development activity, undeveloped leasehold, and mineral interests to identify impairments. There were no impairments for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses are costs not directly associated with the production of oil and natural gas and includesinclude expenses such as the cost of employee salaries and related benefits, office expenses, and fees for professional services. For the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, general and administrative expenses increased as

compared to the same period in 2016,2017, primarily drivendue to higher costs associated with our incentive compensation plans period over period, partially offset by lower brokerage and legal fees associated with higherour acquisition activity as compared to the correspondingperiodin 2016.activity.
Interest expense. Interest expense was higher in the third quarter of 20172018 due to increased borrowings under our credit facility.facility and higher interest rates. Average outstanding borrowings during the third quarter of 20172018 were higher than the third quarter of 20162017 primarily due to funding of acquisitions in 2017 and 2016, common unit repurchases in 2016, and redemptions associated with our preferred units.2018 compared to 2017.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017
The following table shows our production, revenues, pricing, and expenses for the periods presented:
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Variance
 2017 2016 Variance        
 
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except for realized prices)
 (Dollars in thousands, except for realized prices)
Production:  
  
  
  
  
  
 

 

Oil and condensate (MBbls) 2,597
 2,848
 (251) (8.8)% 3,623
 2,597
 1,026
 39.5 %
Natural gas (MMcf)1
 44,459
 36,014
 8,445
 23.4 % 52,205
 44,459
 7,746
 17.4 %
Equivalents (MBoe) 10,007
 8,850
 1,157
 13.1 % 12,324
 10,007
 2,317
 23.2 %
Equivalents/day (MBoe) 45.1
 36.7
 8.4
 22.9 %
Revenue:  
  
        
    
Oil and condensate sales $119,097
 $104,581
 $14,516
 13.9 % $232,920
 $119,097
 $113,823
 95.6 %
Natural gas and natural gas liquids sales1
 142,651
 85,706
 56,945
 66.4 % 170,179
 142,651
 27,528
 19.3 %
Lease bonus and other income 28,616
 37,082
 (8,466) (22.8)%
Revenue from contracts with customers 431,715
 298,830
 132,885
 44.5 %
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments 35,387
 (12,295) 47,682
 (387.8)% (68,194) 35,387
 (103,581) (292.7)%
Lease bonus and other income 37,082
 26,129
 10,953
 41.9 %
Total revenue $334,217
 $204,121
 $130,096
 63.7 % $363,521
 $334,217
 $29,304
 8.8 %
Realized prices:  
  
            
Oil and condensate ($/Bbl) $45.87
 $36.72
 $9.15
 24.9 % $64.29
 $45.87
 $18.42
 40.2 %
Natural gas ($/Mcf)1
 3.21
 2.38
 0.83
 34.9 % 3.26
 3.21
 0.05
 1.6 %
Equivalents ($/Boe) $26.16
 $21.50
 $4.66
 21.7 % $32.71
 $26.16
 $6.55
 25.0 %
Operating expenses:  
  
            
Lease operating expense $12,906
 $14,179
 $(1,273) (9.0)% $12,767
 $12,906
 $(139) (1.1)%
Production costs and ad valorem taxes 35,314
 23,301
 12,013
 51.6 % 46,939
 35,314
 11,625
 32.9 %
Exploration expense 616
 643
 (27) (4.2)% 6,782
 616
 6,166
 
NM2

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 84,483
 79,654
 4,829
 6.1 % 88,135
 84,483
 3,652
 4.3 %
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties 
 6,775
 (6,775) (100.0)%
General and administrative 51,998
 52,213
 (215) (0.4)% 60,416
 51,998
 8,418
 16.2 %
 
1 
As a mineral-and-royalty-interestmineral and royalty interest owner, we are often provided insufficient and inconsistent data on NGL volumes by our operators. As a result, we are unable to reliably determine the total volumes of NGLs associated with the production of natural gas on our acreage. Accordingly, no NGL volumes are included in our reported production; however, revenue attributable to NGLs is included in our natural gas revenue and our calculation of realized prices for natural gas.
2
Not meaningful
Revenue
Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 increased compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Production for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 averaged 36.7 MBoe per day, an increase of 4.4 MBoe per day, compared to the corresponding period in 2016.2017. The increase in total revenue from the corresponding prior period is primarily due to increased oil and condensate sales and natural gas and NGL sales as a result of increased production volumes and higher realized commodity prices and production volumes, anprices. The overall increase in total revenue from ourwas partially offset by a loss on commodity derivative instruments and higher lease bonus and other income.for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to a gain in the same period of 2017.
Oil and condensate sales. Oil and condensate sales during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 were higher than the corresponding period in 20162017 primarily due to increased production volumes and higher realized prices, partially offsetcommodity prices. Our mineral and royalty interest oil and condensate volumes increased 54% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 relative to the corresponding period in 2017, primarily driven by a slight decreaseproduction increases in production volumes between comparative periods.the Midland/Delaware, the Bakken/Three Forks play and the Eagle Ford Shale play. Our mineral-and-royalty-interestmineral and royalty interest oil and condensate volumes accounted for 81.3%90% and 77.2%81% of total oil and condensate volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively. Our mineral-

and-royalty-interest oil and condensate volumes decreased 3.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 relative to the corresponding period in 2016, primarily driven by production decreases in the Eagle Ford Shale play due to outages caused by Hurricane Harvey. Our working-interest oil and condensate volumes decreased by 25.5% to 1.8 MBbls per day during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to decreased activity in the Bakken play.
Natural gas and natural gas liquids sales. Natural gas and NGL sales increased forduring the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were higher than the corresponding period in 2017 as comparedprimarily due to the same period for 2016 driven by an increase inincreased production volumes, primarily from new wellslargely in the Haynesville/Bossier play, as well as the Midland/Delaware and Wilcox plays combined with an increase in realized natural gasthe Bakken/Three Forks play. Mineral and NGL prices. Mineral-and-royalty-interestroyalty interest production accounted for 49.7%59% and 60.7%50% of our natural gas volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, we recognized an $18.3 million gain ona loss from our oil commodity contracts, which included $10.7 million in cash received,derivative instruments compared to a recognized loss of $8.9 milliongain in the same period of 2016. During2017. Cash settlements we receive represent realized gains, while cash settlements we pay represent realized losses related to our commodity derivative instruments. In addition to cash settlements, we also recognize fair value changes on our commodity derivative instruments in each reporting period. The changes in fair value result from new positions and settlements that may occur during each reporting period, as well as the first nine months of 2017, we recognized $17.1 million of gains from natural gas commodity contracts, which included $1.7 million of cash received, compared to a recognized loss of $3.4 million inrelationships between contract prices and the same period of 2016.associated forward curves.
Lease bonus and other income. Lease bonus and other income increasedwas lower for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same period in 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, though we successfully closed several significant lease transactions in the Austin Chalk, Bakken/Three Forks, Haynesville/Bossier and Canyon Lime, plays, as well as the AnadarkoDouglas, Eagle Ford, Frio, Haynesville/Bossier, Wolfcamp and Permian Basins, compared to the majority of 2016 activity which came from the Wolfcamp, Austin Chalk, and Marcellus plays.Woodford trends.

Operating and Other Expenses
Lease operating expense. Lease operating expense decreasedwas relatively flat for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same period in 2016,2017, primarily due to decreased operating costs in fields reaching economic limits and fewerthe absence of any significant remedial projects initiatedbeing performed by our operators. These cost decreases were partially offset by increased operating costsoperators on wells in the Haynesville play.which we own a non-operating working interest.
Production costs and ad valorem taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, production costs and ad valorem taxes increased from the nine months ended September 30, 2016,comparative period in 2017, generally as a result of higher oil and condensate commodity prices, as well as increased oil and condensate and natural gas production volumes. In addition, the 2016 amount includes $2.7 million of lawsuit settlement proceeds related to improper cost deductions.
Exploration expense. Exploration expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared2018 related to the same period in 2016.PepperJack B#1 well. Exploration expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 representsconsisted of costs incurred to acquire 3-D seismic information related to our mineral and royalty interests from a third-party service provider.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization.  Depreciation, depletion, and amortization increased for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same period in 2016,2017 primarily due to higher production partially offset by lower depletion rates.
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties. Impairments totaled$6.8million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to changes in reserve values resulting from declines in future expected realized net cash flows.
General and administrative. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, general and administrative expenses decreasedincreased as compared to the same period in 20162017 due to lowerincreased costs attributable to our long-term incentive plans.compensation plans, partially offset by lower brokerage and legal fees associated with our acquisition activity.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased due to higher average outstanding borrowings under our credit facility.facility and higher interest rates. Average outstanding borrowings during the first nine months of 2017ended September 30, 2018 were higher than the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, primarily due to funding of acquisitions common unit repurchases in 2016, and redemptions associated with our preferred units in 2017.during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, borrowings under our credit facility, and proceeds from the issuance of equity.equity and debt. Our primary uses of cash are for distributions to our unitholders and for investing in our business, specifically the acquisition of mineral and royalty interests and our selective participation on a non-operated working-interest basis in the development of our oil and natural gas properties.

The Board has adopted a policy pursuant to which distributions equal in amount to no less than the applicable minimum quarterly distribution will be paid on each common and subordinated unit for each quarter to the extent we have sufficient cash generated from our operations after establishment of cash reserves, if any, and after we have made the required distributions to the holders of our outstanding preferred units. However, we do not have a legal or contractual obligation to pay distributions on our common and subordinated units quarterly or on any other basis, at the applicable minimum quarterly distribution rate or at any other rate, and there is no guarantee that we will pay distributions to our common and subordinated unitholders in any quarter. Our minimum quarterly distribution provides the common unitholders a specified priority right to distributions over the subordinated unitholders. The Board may change the foregoing distribution policy at any time and from time to time.
We intend to finance our future acquisitions with cash generated from operations, borrowings from our credit facility, and proceeds from any future issuances of equity and debt. Over the long-term, we intend to finance our working-interest capital needs with our executed farmout agreements and internally-generated cash flows, although at times we may fund a portion of these expenditures through externalother financing sources such as borrowings under our credit facility. Replacement capital expenditures are expenditures necessary to replace our existing oil and natural gas reserves or otherwise maintain our asset base over the long-term. Like a number of other master limited partnerships, we are required by our partnership agreement to retain cash from our operations in an amount equal to our estimated replacement capital requirements. TheOn April 27, 2018, the Board of Directors of our general partner (the “Board”) establishedapproved a replacement capital expenditure estimate of $15.0$11.0 million for the period of April 1, 20162018 to March 31, 2017. On June 8, 2017, the Board established a replacement capital expenditure estimate of $13.0 million for the period of April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

2019.
Cash Flows
The following table shows our cash flows for the periods presented: 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2017 2016
  
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Cash flows provided by operating activities $211,666
 $141,559
Cash flows used in investing activities (116,482) (203,760)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities (96,045) 53,816
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2018 2017Change
      
  (in thousands) 
Cash flows provided by operating activities $289,719
 $211,666
$78,053
Cash flows used in investing activities (143,725) (116,482)(27,243)
Cash flows used in financing activities (147,195) (96,045)(51,150)
Operating Activities. Our operating cash flows are dependent, in large part, on our production, realized commodity prices, derivative settlements, lease bonus revenue, and operating expenses. OurThe increase in cash flows from operations was primarily due to higher commodity revenue driven by increased from $141.6 millionoil and natural gas production and higher realized commodity prices period over period, partially offset by the net cash paid on settlement of commodity derivative instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 20162018 compared to $211.7 millioncash received for the nine months ended September 30,same period of 2017. The increase was primarily due to increased commodity revenue driven by higher oil and natural gas sales, an increase in lease bonus and other income, as well as changes in working capital.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $87.3 millionincreased in the first nine months of 20172018 as compared to the corresponding period in 20162017. The increase was primarily due to themore cash portion of 2017 mineralspent on acquisitions and property acquisitions being lower than the cash portion of 2016 mineraladditions to oil and property acquisitions during the first nine months of 2016. Lower capital expenditures fornatural gas properties, partially offset by higher proceeds received from our working interest properties also contributed to the overall decrease in investing activities.farmout agreements.
Financing Activities. Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were2018 increased primarily driven by $142.6 million ofdue to increased distributions to common and subordinated unitholders, distributions to redeemable preferred unitholdersholders of $3.1 million, redemptions of redeemableSeries B cumulative convertible preferred units, and increased repayments of $19.6 million, and repurchases of common and subordinated units of $7.8 million,borrowings under our credit facility, which werewas partially offset by net borrowings on our credit facility of $46.0 million andincreased proceeds from the issuance of our common units pursuant to the ATM Programand decreased redemptions of $31.3 million.Series A redeemable preferred units.
Development Capital Expenditures

Our 2017 drilling expenditures, net of farmout reimbursements, are expected to be between $502018 total development capital expenditure budget is estimated at $45.0 million to $60$50.0 million, with almost our entire drilling capital budget allocated to the Haynesville/Bossier play. Due to the timing of cash calls and invoices received from the operators of our Haynesville/Bossier properties, cash payments for our share of drilling and completion activities may vary materially from quarter to quarter. Accordingly, a portion of our 2017 capital budget may ultimately be paid during the first half of 2018.
On February 16, 2017, we entered into a farmout agreement covering our working interests within an approximate 34,000-acre blockwhich $45.7 million has been invested in San Augustine County, Texas, which will reduce our future capital requirements and will generate additional royalty income.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018. The largest component of this budget relates to our

working-interest participation program in certain Haynesville/Bossier wells in the Shelby Trough area of East Texas. In the first nine months of 2018, we incurred $41.4spent $29.2 million in this program, net of farmout reimbursements, related to completions in wells which were spud prior to the farmouts. We do not expect to incur any additional capital expenditures in this program for the remainder of 2018, net of farmout reimbursements. In the PepperJack prospect area, we spent approximately $11.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to drill and log two wells targeting the Lower Wilcox formation. We expect to incur an additional $0.5 million to $0.7 million related to drilling andthe completion costs primarilyfor the PepperJack A#1 well in the Haynesville/Bossier play,fourth quarter of 2018.
As a result of our legacy working-interest participation program, we regularly have minor miscellaneous capital expenditures related to workovers/recompletions, leases, and completedminor infrastructure projects. Given their nature, the amount and timing of capital to be invested in these types of projects is difficult to forecast; as such, we expect that we will invest approximately $1.0 million to $2.0 million on similar projects for the fourth quarter of 2018.
Acquisitions
We spent approximately $106.4 million and issued common units valued at $22.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to acquisitions of mineral and royalty interests, acquisitions for $160.7 million in cashwhich also included proved oil and equity.natural gas properties. See Note 4 – AcquisitionsOil and DispositionsNatural Gas Properties Acquisitions to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.
Credit Facility
On January 23, 2015, we amended and restatedPursuant to our $1.0 billion senior secured revolving credit agreement. Under this credit facility,agreement, the commitment of the lenders equals the lesser of the aggregate maximum credit amounts of the lenders and the borrowing base, which is determined based on the lenders’ estimated value of our oil and natural gas properties. On October 28, 2015, the third amended and restated credit facility was further amended to extend the term of the agreement from February 3, 2017 to February 4, 2019. Borrowings under the third amended and restated credit facility may be used for the acquisition of properties, cash distributions, and other general corporate purposes. Our regular, semi-annual borrowing base redetermination process resulted in a decrease of the borrowing base from $550.0 million to $450.0 million, effective April 15, 2016. Our fall 2016 borrowing base redetermination process resulted in an increase in the borrowing base to $500.0 million, which became effective October 31, 2016. Effective April 25, 2017, the borrowing base redetermination resulted in an increase to $550.0 million. On November 1, 2017, we amendedentered into the Fourth Amended and restated the credit agreement againRestated Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date thereof for a term of five years, create a swingline facility that permits short-term borrowings on same-day notice, and make other changes to the hedging and restrictive covenants. ThereThe borrowing base was no changereconfirmed at $550.0 million with our fall 2017 redetermination, was increased to the borrowing base.$600.0 million effective May 4, 2018 with our spring 2018 redetermination, and was further increased to $675.0 million effective October 31, 2018 with our fall 2018 redetermination. Our credit facility now terminates on November 1, 2022. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had outstanding borrowings of $362.0$402.0 million at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.74%4.75%.
The borrowing base under both the third amended and restated credit agreement and the fourth amended and restated credit agreement is redetermined semi-annually, typically in April and October of each year, by the administrative agent, taking into consideration the estimated loan value of our oil and natural gas properties consistent with the administrative agent’s normal lending criteria. The administrative agent’s proposed redetermined borrowing base must be approved by all lenders to increase our existing borrowing base, and by two-thirds of the lenders to maintain or decrease our existing borrowing base. In addition, we and the lenders (at the election of two-thirds of the lenders) each have discretion to have the borrowing base redetermined once between scheduled redeterminations. Under the fourth amendedFourth Amended and restated credit agreement,Restated Credit Agreement, we additionally have the right to request a redetermination following acquisition of oil and natural gas properties in excess of 10% of the value of the borrowing base immediately prior to such acquisition.
Outstanding borrowings under the third amended and restated credit agreement and the fourth amended and restated credit agreement bear interest at a floating rate elected by us equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the Prime rate,Rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or 1-month LIBOR plus 1.00%) or LIBOR, in each case, plus the applicable margin. Through October 2016, the applicable margin ranged from 0.50% to 1.50% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 1.50% to 2.50% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of borrowings outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Subsequent to the closing of our fall redetermination on October 31, 2016, theThe applicable margin ranges from 1.00% to 2.00% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 2.00% to 3.00% in the case of LIBOR, depending on the borrowings outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Effective October 31, 2018, the applicable margin for LIBOR was reduced to between 1.75% and 2.75% and the applicable margin for the alternative base rate was reduced to between 0.75% and 1.75%.
We are obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from a 0.375% to 0.500% annualized rate on the unused portion of the borrowing base, depending on the amount of the borrowings outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Principal may be optionally repaid from time to time without premium or penalty, other than customary LIBOR breakage, and is required to be paid (a) if the amount outstanding exceeds the borrowing base, whether due to a borrowing base redetermination or otherwise, in some cases subject to a cure period, or (b) at the maturity date. Under both the third amended and restated credit agreement and the fourth amended and restated credit agreement, ourOur credit facility is secured by liens on substantially all of our producing properties.
Before and after the amendment and restatement that took place on November 1, 2017, our
Our credit agreement contains various affirmative, negative, and financial maintenance covenants. These covenants, among other things, limit additional indebtedness, additional liens, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations, dividends and distributions, transactions with affiliates, and entering into certain swapderivative agreements, as well as require the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The credit agreement contains two financial covenants: total debt to EBITDAX of 3.5:1.0 or less and a modified current ratio of 1.0:1.0 or greater as defined in the credit agreement. Distributions are not permitted if there is a default under the credit agreement (including due to a failure to satisfy one of the financial covenants) or during any time that our borrowing base is lower than the loans outstanding under the credit agreement. The lenders have the right to accelerate all of the indebtedness under the credit agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any event of default, and the credit agreement contains

customary events of default, including non-payment, breach of covenants, materially incorrect representations, cross-default, bankruptcy, and change of control. There are no cure periods for events of default due to non-payment of principal and breaches of negative and financial covenants, but non-payment of interest and breaches of certain affirmative covenants are subject to customary cure periods. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.
Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2017,2018, there have been no material changes to our contractual obligations previously disclosed in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2017,2018, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Related Estimates
As of September 30, 2017,2018, there have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and related estimates previously disclosed in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
New and Revised Financial Accounting Standards
The effects of new accounting pronouncements are discussed in the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Item 3.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

Commodity Price Risk
Our major market risk exposure is the pricing of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquidsNGLs produced by our operators. Realized prices are primarily driven by the prevailing global prices for oil and prices for natural gas and NGLs in the United States. Prices for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquidsNGLs have been volatile for several years, and we expect this unpredictability to continue in the future. The prices that our operators receive for production depend on many factors outside of our or their control. To reduce the impact of fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices on our revenues, we use commodity derivative instruments to reduce our exposure to price volatility of oil and natural gas. The counterparties to the contracts are unrelated third parties. The contracts settle monthly in cash based on a designated floating price. The designated floating price is based on the NYMEX benchmark for oil and natural gas. We have not designated any of our contracts as fair value or cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the changes in fair value of the contracts are included in net income in the period of the change. See Note 5 – Derivatives andCommodity Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 6 – Fair Value MeasurementMeasurements to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.
Commodity prices have declined in recent years. To estimate the effect lower prices would have on our reserves, we applied a 10% discount toreduced the SEC commodity pricing for the twelvenine months ended September 30, 2017. Applying this discount2018 by 10%. This results in an approximate 1.6%2% reduction of proved reserve volumes as compared to the undiscountedunadjusted September 30, 20172018 SEC pricing scenario.
Counterparty and Customer Credit Risk
Our derivative contracts expose us to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. While we do not require our counterparties to our derivative contracts to post collateral, we do evaluate the credit standing of such counterparties as we deem appropriate. This evaluation includes reviewing a counterparty’s credit rating and latest financial information. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had nineten counterparties, all of which arewere rated Baa1 or better by Moody’s. SevenAs of September 30, 2018, nine of our counterparties are lenders under our credit facility.
Our principal exposure to credit risk results from receivables generated by the production activities of our operators. The inability or failure of our significant operators to meet their obligations to us or their insolvency or liquidation may adversely affect our financial results. However, we believe the credit risk associated with our operators and customers is acceptable.
Interest Rate Risk
We have exposure to changes in interest rates on our indebtedness. As of September 30, 2017,2018, we had $362.0$402.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our credit facility, bearing interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.74%4.75%. The impact of a 1% increase in the interest rate on this amount of debt would have resulted in an increase in interest expense, and a corresponding decrease in our results of operations, of $2.7$3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, assuming that our indebtedness remained constant throughout the period. We may use certain derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to variable interest rates in the future, but we do not currently have any interest rate hedges in place.
 
Item 4.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of management of our general partner, including our general partner’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our general partner’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our general partner’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017.2018.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 20172018 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Due to the nature of our business, we are, from time to time, involved in routine litigation or subject to disputes or claims related to our business activities. In the opinion of our management, none of the pending litigation, disputes or claims against us, if decided adversely, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Item 1A.Risk Factors
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, readers should carefully consider the risks under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There has been no material change in our risk factors from those described in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On August 15, 2017, August 16, 2017, August 17, 2017,During the three months ended September 1, 2017, September 13, 2017, and September 28, 2017,30, 2018, we closed on acquisitionspurchases of certain mineral and royalty interests using in thean aggregate 816,428of 1,226,612 common units valued at approximately $13.7$22.5 million to partially fund a portion of the total consideration.purchases.
The issuancesissuance of the common units werewas made in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation DSection 4(a)(2) thereunder. The investors are "accredited investors" (as defined in Regulation D), the investors acquired the common units for investment purposes only and not for resale, and the Partnership took appropriate measures to restrict the transfer of the common units issued and verify the accredited investor status of the investors.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.



Item 5.
Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6.Exhibits
Item 6. Exhibits
   
Exhibit Number Description
2.1**
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2017, by and among Noble Energy Inc., Noble Energy Wyco, LLC, Noble Energy US Holdings, LLC, Rosetta Resources Operating LP, and Black Stone Minerals Company, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Black Stone Minerals, L.P.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2017 (SEC File No. 001-37362)).
   
 Certificate of Limited Partnership of Black Stone Minerals, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on March 19, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-202875)).
   
 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership of Black Stone Minerals, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on March 19, 2015 (SEC File No. 333-202875)).
   
 First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Black Stone Minerals, L.P., dated May 6, 2015, by and among Black Stone Minerals GP, L.L.C. and Black Stone Minerals Company, L.P., as amended(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2015 (SEC File No. 001-37362)).
Amendment No. 1 to First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Black Stone Minerals, L.P., dated as of April 15, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.23.1 of Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2016 (SEC File No. 001-37362)).
   
 
FourthAmendment No. 2 to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Black Stone Minerals Company,
L.P., as Borrower,of Limited Partnership of Black Stone Minerals, L.P., as Parent MLP, Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and Compass Bank, as Co-
Syndication Agents, ZB Bank, N.A. DBA and Amegy Bank National Association, as
Documentation Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto, dated as of November 1,28, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13.1 of Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 6,29, 2017 (SEC File No. 001-37362)).
Amendment No. 3 to First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Black Stone Minerals, L.P., dated as of December 11, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2017 (SEC File No. 001-37362)).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2017, by and between Black Stone Minerals, L.P. and Mineral Royalties One, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Black Stone Minerals, L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2017 (SEC File No. 001-37362)).
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Black Stone Minerals, L.P. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Black Stone Minerals, L.P. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Black Stone Minerals, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
*101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
*101.SCH XBRL Schema Document
   
*101.CAL XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
   
*101.LAB XBRL Label Linkbase Document
   
*101.PRE XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
   
*101.DEF XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
 
*      
*Filed or furnished herewith.
**Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Partnership agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of the omitted schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon request.


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 BLACK STONE MINERALS, L.P.
  
 By: 
Black Stone Minerals GP, L.L.C.,
its general partner
    
Date: November 7, 20176, 2018By: /s/ Thomas L. Carter, Jr.
   Thomas L. Carter, Jr.
   President and Chief Executive Officer
   (Principal Executive Officer)
    
Date: November 7, 20176, 2018By: /s/ Jeffrey P. Wood
   Jeffrey P. Wood
   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   (Principal Financial Officer)


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