Sunoco LP Announces Third Quarter Financial and Operating Results


Conference Call Scheduled for 9:30 a.m. CT (10:30 a.m. ET) on Wednesday, November 8

DALLAS, Nov. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 

  • Maintained quarterly distribution of 82.55 cents and reported current quarter cash coverage of 1.28 times
  • Generated Net Income of $138 million, Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $199 million and Distributable Cash Flow(1), as adjusted, of $132 million
  • Decreased leverage ratio to 5.59 times at the end of the third quarter, with available liquidity of $847 million

Sunoco LP logo

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) ("SUN" or the "Partnership") today announced financial and operating results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017.

Revenue totaled $2.6 billion, an increase of 17.9 percent, compared to $2.2 billion in the third quarter of 2016. The increase was the result of the average wholesale selling price of fuel being 25 cents per gallon higher than last year and additional wholesale gallons sold.

Total gross profit increased to $251 million, compared to $192 million in the third quarter of 2016, primarily as a result of higher rental and other gross profits.

Income from continuing operations was $132 million, versus $33 million in the third quarter of 2016. General and administrative expenses decreased $15 million from the third quarter of 2016 to $30 million due to decreases in costs associated with relocation, employee termination, and lower contract labor and professional fees since the company substantially completed its transition to its Dallas office during 2016.  Other operating expenses decreased $1 million from the third quarter of 2016 to $49 million

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, was $6 million including a $44 million impairment charge, versus income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, of $12 million in the third quarter of 2016.

Net income was $138 million, or $1.08 per diluted unit, versus $45 million, or $0.24 per diluted unit, in the third quarter of 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter totaled $199 million, compared with $189 million in the third quarter of 2016. The year-over-year increase reflects increased rental and other gross profits and increased gallons sold in wholesale operations.

Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, was $132 million, compared to $124 million a year ago. This year-over-year increase reflects higher Adjusted EBITDA and decreased maintenance capital spend partly offset by increased cash interest expense, an income tax expense compared to a tax benefit last year and a preferred distribution in this year's third quarter.

On a weighted-average basis, fuel margin for all gallons sold was 14.9 cents per gallon, compared to 15.6 cents per gallon in the third quarter of 2016.  The 0.7 cents per gallon decrease was primarily attributable to lower margins in the retail segment.

Net income for the wholesale segment was $92 million compared to $40 million a year ago primarily due to the impact of inventory valuation adjustments.  Adjusted EBITDA was $87 million, versus $81 million in the third quarter of last year.  Total wholesale gallons sold were 1,388 million, compared to 1,371 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase of 1.2 percent as a result of strength in the Southwest geography.  The Partnership earned 10.0 cents per gallon on these volumes, compared to 10.0 cents per gallon a year earlier.

Net income for the retail segment was $46 million compared to a net income of $5 million a year ago.  Adjusted EBITDA was $112 million, versus $108 million in the third quarter of last year.  Total retail gallons sold increased by 0.8 percent to 656 million gallons primarily due to increased gallons sold across SUN's Southwest geography.  The Partnership earned 25.3 cents per gallon on these volumes, compared to 27.5 cents per gallon a year earlier.

Total merchandise sales increased by 2.1 percent from a year ago to $618 million(2), reflecting an increase in merchandise and restaurant sales across the Texas oil producing regions. Merchandise sales contributed $198 million of gross profit(3) with a retail merchandise margin of 32.1 percent, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from the third quarter of 2016.

Same-store merchandise sales decreased by 0.1 percent and same store gallons decreased by 2.0 percent during the third quarter, reflecting weakness across the East Coast. In the Texas oil producing regions, same-store merchandise sales increased by 10.7 percent, and same-store gallons increased 8.3 percent.

As of September 30, 2017, SUN operated 1,346 convenience stores and retail fuel outlets along the East Coast, in the Southwest and in Hawaii. Third party wholesale customers and sites totaled 7,898.

SUN's segment results and other supplementary data are provided after the financial tables below.

Distribution

On October 26, 2017 the Board of Directors of SUN's general partner declared a distribution for the third quarter of 2017 of $0.8255 per unit, which corresponds to $3.3020 per unit on an annualized basis.  The distribution will be paid on November 14 to unitholders of record on November 7.

SUN's distribution coverage ratio for the third quarter was 1.28 times. The distribution coverage ratio on a trailing 12-month basis was 1.04 times.

Liquidity

At September 30, SUN had borrowings against its revolving line of credit of $644 million and other long-term debt of $3.6 billion.  Availability on the revolving credit facility after borrowings and letters of credit commitments was $847 million.  In the third quarter of 2017, SUN did not issue any common units through its at-the-market equity program.  The leverage ratio of debt to Adjusted EBITDA, calculated in accordance with SUN's credit agreements, including the revolving credit facility and Term Loan, was 5.59 times at the end of the third quarter.  

  1. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, are non-GAAP financial measures of performance that have limitations and should not be considered as a substitute for net income. Please refer to the discussion and tables under "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures" later in this news release for a discussion of our use of Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, and a reconciliation to net income.
  2. Includes $599 million in merchandise sales from discontinued operations.
  3. Includes $193 million in merchandise gross profit from discontinued operations.

Earnings Conference Call

Sunoco LP management will hold a conference call on Wednesday, November 8, at 9:30 a.m. CT (10:30 a.m. ET) to discuss third quarter results and recent developments.  To participate, dial 201-389-0877 approximately 10 minutes early and ask for the Sunoco LP conference call. The call will also be accessible live and for later replay via webcast in the Investor Relations section of Sunoco's website at www.SunocoLP.com under Events and Presentations.

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership that operates 1,346 convenience stores and retail fuel sites and distributes motor fuel to 7,898 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers and distributors located in 30 states. Our parent -- Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE: ETE) -- owns SUN's general partner and incentive distribution rights.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include certain statements concerning expectations for the future that are forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond management's control. An extensive list of factors that can affect future results are discussed in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new information or events.

The information contained in this press release is available on our website at www.SunocoLP.com

Qualified Notice

This release is intended to be a qualified notice under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b). Brokers and nominees should treat 100 percent of Sunoco LP's distributions to non-U.S. investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, Sunoco LP's distributions to non-U.S. investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest applicable effective tax rate.

Contacts

Investors:
Scott Grischow, Senior Director – Investor Relations and Treasury
(214) 840-5660, scott.grischow@sunoco.com

Derek Rabe, CFA, Senior Analyst – Investor Relations and Finance
(214) 840-5553, derek.rabe@sunoco.com

Media:
Alyson Gomez, Director – Communications
(469) 646-1758, alyson.gomez@sunoco.com

Jeamy Molina, Senior Manager – PR & Communications
(469) 646-1776, jeamy.molina@sunoco.com

– Financial Schedules Follow –

Balance Sheets

SUNOCO LP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)




September 30,
2017


December 31,
2016



(in millions, except units)

Assets





Current assets:





  Cash and cash equivalents


$

86



$

99


  Accounts receivable, net


451



539


  Receivables from affiliates


140



3


  Inventories, net


359



385


  Other current assets


79



72


  Assets held for sale


4,147



291


Total current assets


5,262



1,389


Property and equipment, net


1,191



1,188


Other assets:





  Goodwill


1,031



1,050


  Intangible assets, net


777



752


  Other noncurrent assets


46



64


  Assets held for sale




4,258


Total assets


$

8,307



$

8,701


Liabilities and equity





Current liabilities:





  Accounts payable


$

583



$

616


  Accounts payable to affiliates


195



109


  Advances from affiliates


85



87


  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities


359



372


  Current maturities of long-term debt


6



5


  Liabilities associated with assets held for sale


81




Total current liabilities


1,309



1,189


Revolving line of credit


644



1,000


Long-term debt, net


3,538



3,509


Deferred tax liability


582



643


Other noncurrent liabilities


99



96


Liabilities associated with assets held for sale




68


Total liabilities


6,172



6,505


Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)





Equity:





  Limited partners:





     Series A Preferred unitholder - affiliated (12,000,000 units issued and outstanding as of
     September 30, 2017 and no units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016)


300




     Common unitholders - public (53,724,405 units issued and outstanding as of September 30,
     2017 and 52,430,220 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016)


1,323



1,467


     Common unitholders - affiliated (45,750,826 units issued and outstanding as of September
     30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)


512



729


     Class C unitholders - held by subsidiary (16,410,780 units issued and outstanding as of
     September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)





Total equity


2,135



2,196


Total liabilities and equity


$

8,307



$

8,701


 

Operations and Income

SUNOCO LP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)



For the Three Months Ended
September 30,


For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,


2017


2016


2017


2016


(in millions, except unit and per unit amounts)

Revenues:








  Retail motor fuel

$

40



$

36



$

117



$

102


  Wholesale motor fuel sales to third parties

2,419



2,027



6,944



5,545


  Wholesale motor fuel sales to affiliates

16



28



44



45


  Merchandise

19



17



53



50


  Rental income

22



23



66



66


  Other

39



36



106



110


Total revenues

2,555



2,167



7,330



5,918


Cost of sales:








  Retail motor fuel cost of sales

35



30



101



88


  Wholesale motor fuel cost of sales

2,254



1,924



6,582



5,154


  Merchandise cost of sales

14



13



38



36


  Other

1



8



9



12


Total cost of sales

2,304



1,975



6,730



5,290


Gross profit

251



192



600



628


Operating expenses:








  General and administrative

30



45



102



128


  Other operating

49



50



144



135


  Rent

13



12



38



36


  Gain on disposal of assets

(4)







(1)


  Depreciation, amortization and accretion

24



31



87



85


Total operating expenses

112



138



371



383


Operating income

139



54



229



245


Interest expense, net

51



47



162



111


Income from continuing operations before income taxes

88



7



67



134


Income tax benefit

(44)



(26)



(114)



(21)


Income from continuing operations

132



33



181



155


Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of
income taxes

6



12



(264)



24


Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

$

138



$

45



$

(83)



$

179


Net income (loss) per limited partner unit - basic:








  Continuing operations - common units

$

1.03



$

0.11



$

0.98



$

0.98


  Discontinued operations - common units

0.06



0.13



(2.66)



0.26


  Net income (loss) - common units

$

1.09



$

0.24



$

(1.68)



$

1.24


Net income (loss) per limited partner unit - diluted:








  Continuing operations - common units

$

1.02



$

0.11



$

0.98



$

0.98


  Discontinued operations - common units

0.06



0.13



(2.66)



0.26


  Net income (loss) - common units

$

1.08



$

0.24



$

(1.68)



$

1.24


Weighted average limited partner units outstanding:








  Common units - public (basic)

53,718,817



49,588,960



53,434,216



49,588,960


  Common units - public (diluted)

54,366,190



49,663,618



53,830,800



49,663,618


  Common units - affiliated (basic and diluted)

45,750,826



45,750,826



45,750,826



43,131,603










Cash distribution per unit

$

0.8255



$

0.8255



$

2.4765



$

2.4683


Key Operating Metrics

The following information is intended to provide investors with a reasonable basis for assessing our historical operations but should not serve as the only criteria for predicting our future performance. We operate our business in two primary operating divisions, wholesale and retail, both of which are included as reportable segments.

Key operating metrics set forth below are presented as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and have been derived from our historical consolidated financial statements.

The operating results for the discontinued operations are shown in the retail operations segment for the purposes of presenting the key operating metrics.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning key measures we rely on to gauge our operating performance:

Operation Performance Measures

For the Three Months Ended September 30,


2017



2016


Wholesale


Retail


Total



Wholesale


Retail


Total


(dollars and gallons in millions, except motor fuel gross profit per gallon)

Revenues:













  Retail motor fuel

$



$

40



$

40




$



$

36



$

36


  Wholesale motor
  fuel sales to third
  parties

2,419





2,419




2,027





2,027


  Wholesale motor
  fuel sale to
  affiliates

16





16




28





28


  Merchandise



19



19






17



17


  Rental income

19



3



22




19



4



23


  Other

13



26



39




13



23



36


Total revenues

$

2,467



$

88



$

2,555




$

2,087



$

80



$

2,167


Gross profit:













  Retail motor fuel

$



$

5



$

5




$



$

6



$

6


  Wholesale motor fuel

181





181




131





131


  Merchandise



5



5






4



4


  Rental and other

32



28



60




27



24



51


Total gross profit

$

213



$

38



$

251




$

158



$

34



$

192


Net income (loss)
and comprehensive
income (loss) from
continuing
operations

92



40



132




40



(7)



33


Net income (loss)
and comprehensive income
(loss) from discontinued
operations



6



6






12



12


Net income and
comprehensive
income

$

92



$

46



$

138




$

40



$

5



$

45


Adjusted EBITDA
(2)

$

87



$

112



$

199




$

81



$

108



$

189


Distributable cash
flow, as adjusted
(2)





$

132








$

124


Operating Data:













Total motor fuel gallons sold:













  Retail (3)



656



656






651



651


  Wholesale

1,388





1,388




1,371





1,371


Motor fuel gross profit cents per gallon (1):













  Retail (3)



25.3¢



25.3¢






27.5¢



27.5¢


  Wholesale

10.0¢





10.0¢




10.0¢





10.0¢


Volume-weighted average for all gallons (3)





14.9¢








15.6¢


Retail merchandise margin (3)



32.1%








31.8%




The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

Reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow

For the Three Months Ended September 30,


2017



2016


Wholesale


Retail


Total



Wholesale


Retail


Total


(in millions)

Net income and comprehensive
income

$

92



$

46



$

138




$

40



$

5



$

45


  Depreciation, amortization and
  accretion (3)

23



6



29




22



56



78


  Interest expense, net (3)

34



30



64




13



41



54


  Income tax expense (benefit) (3)

(1)



(13)



(14)




1



4



5


EBITDA

$

148



$

69



$

217




$

76



$

106



$

182


  Non-cash compensation expense (3)



9



9




2



1



3


  Loss (gain) on disposal of assets and
impairment charges (3)

(4)



38



34




(1)



1




  Unrealized loss (gain) on commodity
derivatives (3)

(6)





(6)




6





6


  Inventory adjustments (3)

(51)



(4)



(55)




(2)





(2)


Adjusted EBITDA

$

87



$

112



$

199




$

81



$

108



$

189


  Cash interest expense (3)





59








51


  Current income tax expense (benefit)
  (3)





5








(15)


  Maintenance capital expenditures (3)





10








30


Distributable cash flow





$

125








$

123


  Transaction-related expenses (3)





14








1


  Series A Preferred distribution





(7)









Distributable cash flow, as adjusted





$

132








$

124


Capital Spending

SUN's gross capital expenditures for the third quarter were $41 million, which included $31 million for growth capital and $10 million for maintenance capital. 

Excluding acquisitions, SUN expects to spend approximately $150 million on growth capital and approximately $70 million on maintenance capital for the full year 2017.

Growth capital spending includes the rebuilding of locations SUN is operating on the Indiana Toll Road.

 

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