(17) | EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS |
We account for our investments in entities over which we have significant influence, but not control, using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, we record our proportionate share of net earnings, declared dividends and partnership distributions based on the most recently available financial statements of the investee. We also evaluate our equity method investments for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that there is an other than temporary decline in value of the investment. Such events may include sustained operating losses by the investee or long-term negative changes in the investee’s industry.
Investment in Whipstock Natural Gas Services, LLC
In 2006, we acquired a 50% interest in Whipstock Natural Gas Services, LLC (“Whipstock”), an unconsolidated investee in the business of providing oil and gas drilling equipment, well servicing rigs and equipment, and other well services in Appalachia. On the acquisition date, we contributed cash of $11.7 million representing the fair value of 50% of the membership interest in Whipstock. In September 2013, we sold our equity method investment in Whipstock for proceeds of $7.0 million and recognized a gain of $4.4 million.
Whipstock follows a calendar year basis of financial reporting consistent with us and our equity in Whipstock’s earnings from the acquisition date is included in brokered natural gas, marketing and other revenue in the accompanying statements of operations for 2013, 2012 and 2011. In determining our proportionate share of the net earnings of Whipstock, certain adjustments are required to be made to Whipstock’s reported results to eliminate the profits recognized by Whipstock for services provided to us. For the year ended December 31, 2013, our equity in the income of Whipstock totaled $608,000 compared to income of $818,000 in 2012 and losses of $481,000 in 2011. In 2012, equity in the losses of Whipstock was reduced by $14,000 to eliminate the profit on services provided to us compared to $6,000 in 2011.
Investment in Nora Gathering, LLC
In May 2007, we completed the initial closing of a joint development arrangement with EQT Corporation (“EQT”). Pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, Range and EQT (“the parties”) agreed to, among other things, form a new pipeline and natural gas gathering operations entity, Nora Gathering, LLC (“NGLLC”). NGLLC is an unconsolidated investee created by the parties for the purpose of conducting pipeline, natural gas gathering, and transportation operations associated with the parties’ collective interests in properties in the Nora Field. In connection with the acquisition, we contributed cash of $94.7 million for a 50% membership interest in NGLLC. In 2013, 2012 or 2011, Range and EQT made no additional contributions to fund the expansion of the Nora Field gathering system infrastructure.
NGLLC follows a calendar year basis of financial reporting consistent with us and our equity in NGLLC earnings from the acquisition date is included in brokered natural gas, marketing and other revenue in the accompanying statements of operations for 2013, 2012 and 2011. In 2011, we received partnership distributions of $23.5 million, compared to $12.8 million in 2012 and $9.0 million in 2013. In determining our proportionate share of the net earnings of NGLLC, certain adjustments are required to be made to NGLLC’s reported results to eliminate the profits recognized by NGLLC included in the gathering and transportation fees charged to us on production in the Nora Field. For the year ended December 31, 2013, our equity in losses of NGLLC of $146,000 reflects a reduction of $7.7 million to eliminate the profit on the gathering and transportation fees charged to us. For the year ended December 31, 2012, our equity in the losses of NGLLC of $1.2 million reflects a reduction of $7.5 million to eliminate the profit on the gathering and transportation fees charged to us. For the year ended December 31, 2011, our equity in the losses of NGLLC of $563,000 reflects a reduction of $7.7 million to eliminate the profit on gathering and transportation fees charged to us. Our net book value in this equity investment was $129.0 million at December 31, 2013.