Sunoco LP Announces First Quarter 2021 Financial and Operating Results and Development of Refined Products Terminal in Brownsville, Texas

Rhea-AI Summary

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) reported a net income of $154 million for Q1 2021, a significant improvement from a net loss of $128 million in Q1 2020. However, Adjusted EBITDA fell to $157 million from $209 million year-over-year due to lower fuel volume and margins. Fuel sales dropped by 7.5% to 1.76 billion gallons, with margins at 10.3 cents per gallon. The company is advancing a $55 million refined products terminal at Brownsville, Texas, expected to enhance fuel distribution capabilities. The quarterly distribution is set at $0.8255 per unit, with coverage ratios remaining solid.

Positive

• Net income increased to $154 million from a net loss of $128 million in Q1 2020.
• The development of a $55 million refined products terminal is expected to enhance growth and market positioning.

Negative

• Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $157 million from $209 million year-over-year.
• Fuel sales volume declined by 7.5% to 1.76 billion gallons, impacting overall performance.

DALLAS, May 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) ("SUN" or the "Partnership") today reported financial and operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021.

The Partnership's solid first quarter results demonstrate the durability of its business and management's capacity to navigate difficult operating conditions as SUN faced the combined challenges in the quarter from persistently rising commodity prices, ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and the effects of Winter Storm Uri.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, net income was $154 million versus a net loss of $128 million in the first quarter of 2020.  

Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ for the quarter was $157 million compared with $209 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decline in Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ reflects lower reported fuel volume and margins partially offset by a decline in total operating expenses⁽³⁾.

Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted⁽¹⁾, for the quarter was $108 million, compared to $159 million a year ago.

Volumes and Margins

The Partnership sold 1.76 billion gallons of fuel in the first quarter of 2021 versus 1.90 billion in the first quarter of 2020, a 7.5% decline.  Fuel margin for all gallons sold was 10.3 cents per gallon for the quarter compared to 13.1 cents per gallon a year ago.  Fuel margin for the first quarter of 2021 included an $18.5 million annual make-up payment under the fuel supply agreement with 7-Eleven, Inc. versus a $12.8 million annual make-up payment in first quarter of 2020.  SUN expects volumes to continue to improve through the remainder of the year with increased economic activity.

Brownsville, Texas Refined Products Terminal

During the quarter, the Partnership advanced its midstream diversification strategy with the development of a refined products terminal at the Port of Brownsville.  The greenfield terminal, with 560,000 barrels of storage, will provide supply flexibility to SUN's existing fuel distribution business in South Texas, and position SUN to sell into the growing fuels export market to Mexico. SUN expects the terminal to be in service by the second quarter of 2022 with a total investment of approximately $55 million of which approximately $40 million will be invested in 2021.

Distribution and Coverage

On April 22, 2021, the Board of Directors of SUN's general partner declared a distribution for the first quarter of 2021 of $0.8255 per unit, or $3.3020 per unit on an annualized basis.  The distribution will be paid on May 19, 2021 to common unitholders of record on May 11, 2021.  SUN's current quarter cash coverage was 1.25 times and trailing twelve months coverage was 1.35 times. 

Liquidity and Leverage

At March 31, 2021, SUN had $381 million of borrowings against its revolving credit facility and other long-term debt of $2.7 billion.  The Partnership maintained ample liquidity of approximately $1.1 billion at the end of the quarter under its $1.5 billion revolving credit facility that matures in July 2023.  SUN's leverage ratio of net debt to Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾, calculated in accordance with its credit facility, was 4.42 times at the end of the first quarter compared to 4.39 times at the end of the first quarter of 2020.

Capital Spending

SUN's total capital expenditures for the first quarter were $18 million, which included $13 million for growth capital and $5 million for maintenance capital.  For the full-year 2021, SUN continues to expect maintenance capital expenditures of approximately $45 million.  With the addition of $40 million for the Brownsville terminal, SUN now expects 2021 growth capital expenditures of $150 million, compared to prior guidance of at least $120 million.

2021 Business Outlook Reaffirmed

The Partnership continues to expect full-year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ of $725 to $765 million. SUN expects 2021 fuel volumes of 7.25 to 7.75 billion gallons, fuel margins of 11.0 to 12.0 cents per gallon, and operating expenses⁽³⁾ of $440 to $450 million. 

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

(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)	A reconciliation of non-GAAP forward looking information to corresponding GAAP measures cannot be provided without unreasonable efforts due to the inherent difficulty in quantifying certain amounts due to a variety of factors, including the unpredictability of commodity price movements and future charges or reversals outside the normal course of business which may be significant.
(3)	Operating expenses include general and administrative, other operating and lease expenses.

Earnings Conference Call

Sunoco LP management will hold a conference call on Thursday, May 6, at 9:00 a.m. CT (10:00 a.m. ET) to discuss results and recent developments.  To participate, dial 877-407-6184 (toll free) or 201-389-0877 approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start time 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 Webcasts and Presentations.

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership with core operations that include the distribution of motor fuel to approximately 10,000 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers and distributors located in more than 30 states as well as refined product transportation and terminalling assets. SUN's general partner is owned by Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET).

Forward-Looking Statements

This news 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.  In addition to the risks and uncertainties previously disclosed, the Partnership has also been, or may in the future be, impacted by new or heightened risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent decline in commodity prices, and we cannot predict the length and ultimate impact of those risks.  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, Vice President – Investor Relations and Treasury
(214) 840-5660, scott.grischow@sunoco.com

Derek Rabe, CFA, Manager – Investor Relations, Strategy and Growth
(214) 840-5553, derek.rabe@sunoco.com

Media:
Alexis Daniel, Manager – Communications
(214) 981-0739, alexis.daniel@sunoco.com

– Financial Schedules Follow –

 

SUNOCO LP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in millions) (unaudited)
	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	95			$	97
Accounts receivable, net	410				295
Receivables from affiliates	11				11
Inventories, net	430				382
Other current assets	54				62
Total current assets	1,000				847
Property and equipment	2,235				2,231
Accumulated depreciation	(838)				(806)
Property and equipment, net	1,397				1,425
Other assets:
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net	13				3
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	526				536
Goodwill	1,564				1,564
Intangible assets	894				894
Accumulated amortization	(320)				(306)
Intangible assets, net	574				588
Other noncurrent assets	172				168
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	134				136
Total assets	$	5,380			$	5,267
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	427			$	267
Accounts payable to affiliates	62				79
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	239				282
Operating lease current liabilities	19				19
Current maturities of long-term debt	7				6
Total current liabilities	754				653
Operating lease noncurrent liabilities	528				538
Revolving line of credit	381				—
Long-term debt, net	2,680				3,106
Advances from affiliates	130				125
Deferred tax liability	103				104
Other noncurrent liabilities	106				109
Total liabilities	4,682				4,635
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Limited partners:
Common unitholders (83,349,233 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and 83,333,631 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020)	698				632
Class C unitholders - held by subsidiaries (16,410,780 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)	—				—
Total equity	698				632
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,380			$	5,267

 

SUNOCO LP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Dollars in millions, except per unit data) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021				2020
Revenues:
Motor fuel sales	$	3,363			$	3,166
Non motor fuel sales	73				71
Lease income	35				35
Total revenues	3,471				3,272
Cost of sales and operating expenses:
Cost of sales	3,120				3,164
General and administrative	24				34
Other operating	61				95
Lease expense	15				14
Loss on disposal of assets	—				2
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	47				45
Total cost of sales and operating expenses	3,267				3,354
Operating income (loss)	204				(82)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(41)				(44)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	1				1
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7)				—
Income (loss) before income taxes	157				(125)
Income tax expense	3				3
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	$	154			$	(128)
Net income (loss) per common unit:
Basic	$	1.61			$	(1.78)
Diluted	$	1.60			$	(1.78)
Weighted average common units outstanding:
Basic	83,342,828				83,013,768
Diluted	84,141,261				83,013,768
Cash distributions per unit	$	0.8255			$	0.8255

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.

The key operating metrics by segment and accompanying footnotes set forth below are presented for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and have been derived from our historical consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021													2020
	Fuel Distribution and Marketing				All Other				Total					Fuel Distribution and Marketing				All Other				Total
	(dollars and gallons in millions, except gross profit per gallon)
Revenues:
Motor fuel sales	$	3,252			$	111			$	3,363				$	3,039			$	127			$	3,166
Non motor fuel sales	14				59				73					11				60				71
Lease income	33				2				35					30				5				35
Total revenues	$	3,299			$	172			$	3,471				$	3,080			$	192			$	3,272
Gross profit (1):
Motor fuel sales	$	273			$	8			$	281				$	(6)			$	27			$	21
Non motor fuel sales	11				24				35					11				41				52
Lease	33				2				35					30				5				35
Total gross profit	$	317			$	34			$	351				$	35			$	73			$	108
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	$	162			$	(8)			$	154				$	(157)			$	29			$	(128)
Adjusted EBITDA (2)	$	153			$	4			$	157				$	160			$	49			$	209
Operating Data:
Total motor fuel gallons sold									1,756													1,898
Motor fuel gross profit cents per gallon (3)									10.3		¢											13.1		¢

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income and Adjusted EBITDA to Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021				2020
	(in millions)
Adjusted EBITDA
Fuel distribution and marketing	$	153			$	160
All other	4				49
Total Adjusted EBITDA	157				209
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	(47)				(45)
Interest expense, net	(41)				(44)
Non-cash unit-based compensation expense	(4)				(4)
Loss on disposal of assets	—				(2)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7)				—
Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives	5				(6)
Inventory adjustments	100				(227)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	1				1
Adjusted EBITDA related to unconsolidated affiliate	(2)				(2)
Other non-cash adjustments	(5)				(5)
Income tax expense	(3)				(3)
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	$	154			$	(128)
Adjusted EBITDA (2)	$	157			$	209
Adjusted EBITDA related to unconsolidated affiliate	(2)				(2)
Distributable cash flow from unconsolidated affiliate	2				2
Cash interest expense	40				43
Current income tax expense	4				2
Maintenance capital expenditures	5				5
Distributable Cash Flow	108				159
Transaction-related expenses	—				—
Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted (2)	$	108			$	159
Distributions to Partners:
Limited Partners	$	69			$	69
General Partners	18				18
Total distributions to be paid to partners	$	87			$	87
Common Units outstanding - end of period	83.3				83.0
Distribution coverage ratio (4)	1.25x				1.84x

___________________________
(1)	Excludes depreciation, amortization and accretion.
(2)	Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion expense, allocated non-cash compensation expense, unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives and inventory adjustments, and certain other operating expenses reflected in net income that we do not believe are indicative of ongoing core operations, such as gain or loss on disposal of assets and non-cash impairment charges. We define Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, as Adjusted EBITDA less cash interest expense, including the accrual of interest expense related to our long-term debt which is paid on a semi-annual basis, current income tax expense, maintenance capital expenditures and other non-cash adjustments.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance because:

• Adjusted EBITDA is used as a performance measure under our revolving credit facility;
• securities analysts and other interested parties use such metrics as measures of financial performance, ability to make distributions to our unitholders and debt service capabilities;
• our management uses them for internal planning purposes, including aspects of our consolidated operating budget, and capital expenditures; and
• Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, provides useful information to investors as it is a widely accepted financial indicator used by investors to compare partnership performance, and as it provides investors an enhanced perspective of the operating performance of our assets and the cash our business is generating.

Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, are not recognized terms under GAAP and do not purport to be alternatives to net income (loss) as measures of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, have limitations as analytical tools, and one should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations include:

• they do not reflect our total cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
• they do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital;
• they do not reflect interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our revolving credit facility or senior notes;
• although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements; and
• as not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA reflects amounts for the unconsolidated affiliate based on the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate. Adjusted EBITDA related to unconsolidated affiliate excludes the same items with respect to the unconsolidated affiliate as those excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, such as interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and other non-cash items. Although these amounts are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA related to unconsolidated affiliate, such exclusion should not be understood to imply that we have control over the operations and resulting revenues and expenses of such affiliate. We do not control our unconsolidated affiliate; therefore, we do not control the earnings or cash flows of such affiliate. The use of Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA related to unconsolidated affiliate as an analytical tool should be limited accordingly. Inventory adjustments that are excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA represent changes in lower of cost or market reserves on the Partnership's inventory. These amounts are unrealized valuation adjustments applied to fuel volumes remaining in inventory at the end of the period.

(3)	Excludes the impact of inventory adjustments consistent with the definition of Adjusted EBITDA.
(4)	The distribution coverage ratio for a period is calculated as Distributable Cash Flow attributable to partners, as adjusted, divided by distributions expected to be paid to partners of Sunoco LP in respect of such a period.

 

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SOURCE Sunoco LP

FAQ

What were Sunoco's financial results for Q1 2021?

Sunoco reported a net income of $154 million for Q1 2021, compared to a net loss of $128 million in Q1 2020.

How did Sunoco's Adjusted EBITDA perform in Q1 2021?

Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2021 was $157 million, down from $209 million in the same quarter last year.

What is the distribution declared by Sunoco for Q1 2021?

The Board declared a distribution of $0.8255 per unit for Q1 2021, payable on May 19, 2021.

What challenges did Sunoco face in Q1 2021?

Sunoco faced challenges from rising commodity prices, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and Winter Storm Uri.

What is the expected capital expenditure for Sunoco's Brownsville terminal?

The Brownsville terminal is expected to involve a total investment of approximately $55 million.

How did Sunoco's fuel margin change in Q1 2021?

The fuel margin decreased to 10.3 cents per gallon in Q1 2021, down from 13.1 cents per gallon a year ago.