Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-32593
Global Partners LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
74-3140887
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
P.O. Box 9161800 South StreetWaltham, Massachusetts 02454-9161(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(781) 894-8800(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Units representing limited partner interests
GLP
New York Stock Exchange
9.50% Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Redeemable
GLP pr B
Perpetual Preferred Units representing limited partner interests
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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.
Large accelerated filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
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 Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The issuer had 33,995,563 common units outstanding as of May 6, 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
6
Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
32
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
54
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
56
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
57
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURES
59
Item 1.Financial Statements
GLOBAL PARTNERS LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except unit data)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
72,822
19,642
Accounts receivable, net
561,934
551,764
Accounts receivable-affiliates
5,642
8,142
Inventories
403,955
397,314
Brokerage margin deposits
13,444
12,779
Derivative assets
9,108
17,656
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
88,012
90,531
Total current assets
1,154,917
1,097,828
Property and equipment, net
1,490,217
1,513,545
Right of use assets, net
247,465
252,849
Intangible assets, net
18,849
20,718
Goodwill
426,768
429,215
Equity method investments
88,128
94,354
Other assets
39,288
37,502
Total assets
3,465,632
3,446,011
Liabilities and partners’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
475,452
648,717
Working capital revolving credit facility-current portion
226,000
16,800
Lease liability-current portion
55,546
59,944
Environmental liabilities-current portion
5,493
5,057
Trustee taxes payable
67,919
67,398
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
148,029
179,887
Derivative liabilities
7,592
4,987
Total current liabilities
986,031
982,790
Working capital revolving credit facility-less current portion
—
Revolving credit facility
380,000
Senior notes
1,184,628
742,720
Lease liability-less current portion
198,848
200,195
Environmental liabilities-less current portion
68,800
71,092
Financing obligations
137,554
138,485
Deferred tax liabilities
68,300
68,909
Other long-term liabilities
57,467
61,160
Total liabilities
2,701,628
2,645,351
Partners’ equity
Series A preferred limited partners (2,760,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023)
67,476
Series B preferred limited partners (3,000,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023)
72,305
Common limited partners (33,995,563 units issued and 33,977,582 outstanding at March 31, 2024 and 33,995,563 units issued and 33,882,357 outstanding at December 31, 2023)
622,499
658,670
General partner interest (0.67% interest with 230,303 equivalent units outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023)
1,927
1,828
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(203)
381
Total partners’ equity
764,004
800,660
Total liabilities and partners’ equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per unit data)
Three Months Ended
Sales
4,145,392
4,030,327
Cost of sales
3,930,257
3,808,263
Gross profit
215,135
222,064
Costs and operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses
69,781
62,256
Operating expenses
120,150
108,353
Amortization expense
1,869
2,084
Net gain on sale and disposition of assets
(2,501)
(2,128)
Total costs and operating expenses
189,299
170,565
Operating income
25,836
51,499
Other (loss) (expense):
Loss from equity method investments
(1,379)
Interest expense
(29,696)
(22,068)
(Loss) income before income tax expense
(5,239)
29,431
Income tax expense
(363)
(400)
Net (loss) income
(5,602)
29,031
Less: General partner’s interest in net (loss) income, including incentive distribution rights
3,136
1,782
Less: Preferred limited partner interest in net income
3,916
3,463
Net (loss) income attributable to common limited partners
(12,654)
23,786
Basic net (loss) income per common limited partner unit
(0.37)
0.70
Diluted net (loss) income per common limited partner unit
Basic weighted average common limited partner units outstanding
33,963
33,986
Diluted weighted average common limited partner units outstanding
34,001
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(In thousands)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in pension liability
(584)
452
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive (loss) income
(6,186)
29,483
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
32,486
26,648
Amortization of deferred financing fees
1,831
1,347
Bad debt expense
(172)
38
Unit-based compensation expense
2,596
1,094
Write-off of financing fees
1,440
1,379
Dividends received on equity method investments
204
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(9,998)
40,579
Accounts receivable-affiliate
2,500
(1,655)
(7,257)
180,867
Broker margin deposits
(665)
4,381
Prepaid expenses, all other current assets and other assets
1,555
(3,580)
(173,265)
(245,723)
521
5,255
Change in derivatives
11,153
(8,002)
Accrued expenses, all other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities
(38,907)
(47,477)
Net cash used in operating activities
(182,702)
(19,325)
Cash flows from investing activities
(9,659)
Capital expenditures
(16,614)
(15,180)
Seller note issuances
(3,471)
(3,880)
Dividends received of equity method investments
14,304
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment, net
13,933
6,991
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,507)
(12,069)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net borrowings from working capital revolving credit facility
209,200
93,900
Net payments on revolving credit facility
(380,000)
Proceeds from senior notes, net
441,301
LTIP units withheld for tax obligations
(1,818)
(469)
Distribution equivalent rights
(565)
(149)
Distributions to limited partners and general partner
(30,729)
(58,858)
Net cash provided by financing activities
237,389
34,424
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
53,180
3,030
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
4,040
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
7,070
Supplemental information
Cash paid during the period for interest
29,578
29,259
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY
Series A
Series B
Accumulated
Preferred
Common
General
Other
Total
Limited
Partner
Comprehensive
Partners’
Three months ended March 31, 2024
Partners
Interest
Income (Loss)
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2023
Net income (loss)
2,135
1,781
(2,135)
(1,781)
(23,797)
(3,037)
(30,750)
Unit-based compensation
Other comprehensive income
(519)
Dividends on repurchased units
21
Balance at March 31, 2024
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Balance at December 31, 2022
67,226
648,956
406
(449)
788,444
Net income
1,682
(1,682)
(53,458)
(1,952)
(58,873)
(406)
15
Balance at March 31, 2023
619,518
236
759,288
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization
Global Partners LP (the “Partnership”) is a master limited partnership formed in March 2005. The Partnership owns, controls or has access to a large terminal network of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels—with connectivity to strategic rail, pipeline and marine assets—spanning from Maine to Florida and into the U.S. Gulf States. The Partnership is one of the largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gasoline stations and convenience stores, primarily in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (collectively, the “Northeast”) and Maryland and Virginia. As of March 31, 2024, the Partnership had a portfolio of 1,601 owned, leased and/or supplied gasoline stations, including 333 directly operated convenience stores, primarily in the Northeast, as well as 64 gasoline stations located in Texas that are operated by the Partnership’s unconsolidated affiliate, Spring Partners Retail LLC (“SPR”). The Partnership is also one of the largest distributors of gasoline, distillates, residual oil and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers in the New England states and New York. The Partnership engages in the purchasing, selling, gathering, blending, storing and logistics of transporting petroleum and related products, including gasoline and gasoline blendstocks (such as ethanol), distillates (such as home heating oil, diesel and kerosene), residual oil, renewable fuels, crude oil and propane and in the transportation of petroleum products and renewable fuels by rail from the mid-continent region of the United States and Canada.
Global GP LLC, the Partnership’s general partner (the “General Partner”), manages the Partnership’s operations and activities and employs its officers and substantially all of its personnel, except for most of its gasoline station and convenience store employees who are employed by Global Montello Group Corp. (“GMG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership and for substantially all of the employees who primarily or exclusively provide services to SPR, who are employed by SPR Operator LLC (“SPR Operator”), also a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership.
The General Partner, which holds a 0.67% general partner interest in the Partnership, is owned by affiliates of the Slifka family. As of March 31, 2024, affiliates of the General Partner, including its directors and executive officers and their affiliates, owned 6,433,977 common units, representing a 18.9% limited partner interest.
2024 Events
Redemption of Series A Preferred Units—On April 15, 2024, the Partnership redeemed all of its outstanding Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units (the “Series A Preferred Units”) at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus a $0.514275 per unit cash distribution for the period from February 15, 2024 through April 14, 2024. Effective April 15, 2024, the Series A Preferred Units are no longer outstanding. See Note 12 for additional information.
Acquisition of Terminals from Gulf Oil—On April 9, 2024, the Partnership completed its acquisition of four refined-product terminals from Gulf Oil Limited Partnership which are located in Chelsea, MA, New Haven, CT, Linden, NJ and Woodbury, NJ, pursuant to a purchase agreement initially entered into on December 15, 2022 and subsequently amended and restated on February 23, 2024. The purchase price was approximately $212.3 million, excluding inventory acquired in the transaction. The Partnership financed the transaction with borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
Credit Agreement Facility Reallocation and Accordion Reduction—On February 5, 2024, the Partnership and the lenders under the Partnership’s credit agreement agreed, pursuant to the terms of our credit agreement, to (i) a reallocation of $300.0 million of the revolving credit facility to the working capital revolving credit facility and (ii) reduce the accordion feature from $200.0 million to $0. After giving effect to the reallocation and the accordion reduction, the working capital revolving credit facility is $950.0 million and the revolving credit facility is
$600.0 million, for a total commitment of $1.55 billion, effective February 8, 2024. This reallocation and accordion reduction return the credit facilities to the terms in place prior to the reallocation and accordion exercise previously agreed to by the Partnership and the lenders on December 7, 2023. See Note 6 for additional information on the credit agreement.
2032 Notes Offering—On January 18, 2024, the Partnership and GLP Finance Corp. issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes”) that are guaranteed by certain of the Partnership’s subsidiaries in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under its credit agreement and for general corporate purposes. See Note 6 for additional information on the credit agreement.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 reflect the accounts of the Partnership. Upon consolidation, all intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and operating results for the interim periods. The interim financial information, which has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 and notes thereto contained in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The significant accounting policies described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” of such Annual Report on Form 10-K are the same used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that will be realized for the entire year ending December 31, 2024. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Concentration of Risk
Due to the nature of the Partnership’s businesses and its reliance, in part, on consumer travel and spending patterns, the Partnership may experience more demand for gasoline during the late spring and summer months than during the fall and winter months. Travel and recreational activities are typically higher in these months in the geographic areas in which the Partnership operates, increasing the demand for gasoline. Therefore, the Partnership’s volumes in gasoline are typically higher in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. As demand for some of the Partnership’s refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally greater during the winter months, heating oil and residual oil volumes are generally higher during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. These factors may result in fluctuations in the Partnership’s quarterly operating results.
9
The following table presents the Partnership’s product sales and other revenues as a percentage of the consolidated sales for the periods presented:
Gasoline sales: gasoline and gasoline blendstocks (such as ethanol)
60
%
Distillates (home heating oil, diesel and kerosene), residual oil and crude oil sales
37
Convenience store and prepared food sales, rental income and sundries
100
The following table presents the Partnership’s product margin by segment as a percentage of the consolidated product margin for the periods presented:
Wholesale segment
20
22
Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations segment
77
75
Commercial segment
See Note 13, “Segment Reporting,” for additional information on the Partnership’s operating segments.
None of the Partnership’s customers accounted for greater than 10% of total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Note 2. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table provides the disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers and other sales by segment for the periods presented (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Wholesale
GDSO
Commercial
Petroleum and related product sales
813,419
1,097,277
182,120
2,092,816
Station operations
109,832
Total revenue from contracts with customers
1,207,109
2,202,648
Other sales:
Revenue originating as physical forward contracts and exchanges
1,825,184
96,479
1,921,663
Revenue from leases
745
20,336
21,081
Total other sales
1,825,929
1,942,744
Total sales
2,639,348
1,227,445
278,599
10
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
857,757
1,185,866
171,807
2,215,430
107,279
1,293,145
2,322,709
1,601,151
86,065
1,687,216
515
19,887
20,402
1,601,666
1,707,618
2,459,423
1,313,032
257,872
Contract Balances
A receivable, which is included in accounts receivable, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is recognized in the period the Partnership provides services when its right to consideration is unconditional. In contrast, a contract asset will be recognized when the Partnership has fulfilled a contract obligation but must perform other obligations before being entitled to payment.
The nature of the receivables related to revenue from contracts with customers and other revenue, as well as contract assets, are the same, given they are related to the same customers and have the same risk profile and securitization. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are typically 2 to 30 days.
A contract liability is recognized when the Partnership has an obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Partnership has received consideration (or the amount is due) from the customer. The Partnership had no significant contract liabilities at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Note 3. Inventories
The Partnership hedges substantially all of its petroleum and ethanol inventory using a variety of instruments, primarily exchange-traded futures contracts. These futures contracts are entered into when inventory is purchased and are either designated as fair value hedges against the inventory on a specific barrel basis for inventories qualifying for fair value hedge accounting or not designated and maintained as economic hedges against certain inventory of the Partnership on a specific barrel basis. Changes in fair value of these futures contracts, as well as the offsetting change in fair value on the hedged inventory, are recognized in earnings as an increase or decrease in cost of sales. All hedged inventory designated in a fair value hedge relationship is valued using the lower of cost, as determined by specific identification, or net realizable value, as determined at the product level. All petroleum and ethanol inventory not designated in a fair value hedging relationship is carried at the lower of historical cost, on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) inventory is carried at the lower of historical cost, on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Convenience store inventory is carried at the lower of historical cost, based on a weighted average cost method, or net realizable value.
11
Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
Distillates: home heating oil, diesel and kerosene
121,723
154,890
Gasoline
150,662
134,749
Gasoline blendstocks
64,582
31,146
Residual oil
35,158
45,774
Renewable identification numbers (RINs)
3,170
1,684
Convenience store inventory
28,660
29,071
In addition to its own inventory, the Partnership has exchange agreements for petroleum products and ethanol with unrelated third-party suppliers, whereby it may draw inventory from these other suppliers and suppliers may draw inventory from the Partnership. Positive exchange balances are accounted for as accounts receivable and amounted to $4.0 million and $0.5 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Negative exchange balances are accounted for as accounts payable and amounted to $17.5 million and $29.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Exchange transactions are valued using current carrying costs.
Note 4. Goodwill
The following table presents changes in goodwill, all of which has been allocated to the Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations (“GDSO”) segment (in thousands):
Dispositions (1)
(2,447)
Note 5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
Buildings and improvements
1,742,692
1,738,122
Land
611,306
614,548
Fixtures and equipment
48,671
47,589
Idle plant assets
30,500
Construction in process
52,309
54,281
Capitalized internal use software
33,808
Total property and equipment
2,519,286
2,518,848
Less accumulated depreciation
1,029,069
1,005,303
Property and equipment includes retail gasoline station assets held for sale of $15.2 million and $20.3 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
12
At March 31, 2024, the Partnership had a $38.8 million remaining net book value of long-lived assets at its West Coast facility, including $30.5 million related to the Partnership’s ethanol plant acquired in 2013. The Partnership would need to take certain measures to prepare the facility for ethanol production in order to place the plant into service and commence depreciation. Therefore, the $30.5 million related to the ethanol plant was included in property and equipment and classified as idle plant assets at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
If the Partnership is unable to generate cash flows to support the recoverability of the plant and facility assets, this may become an indicator of potential impairment of the West Coast facility. The Partnership believes these assets are recoverable but continues to monitor the market for ethanol, the continued business development of this facility for ethanol or other product transloading, and the related impact this may have on the facility’s operating cash flows and whether this would constitute an impairment indicator.
Note 6. Debt and Financing Obligations
Credit Agreement
Certain subsidiaries of the Partnership, as borrowers, and the Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, have a $1.55 billion senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement matures on May 2, 2026.
On February 5, 2024, the Partnership and the lenders under the Credit Agreement agreed, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, to (i) a reallocation of $300.0 million of the revolving credit facility to the working capital revolving credit facility and (ii) reduce the accordion feature from $200.0 million to $0, effective February 8, 2024. This reallocation and accordion reduction return the credit facilities to the terms in place prior to the reallocation and accordion exercise previously agreed to by the Partnership and the lenders on December 7, 2023.
As of March 31, 2024, there were are two facilities under the Credit Agreement:
Availability under the working capital revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base which is redetermined from time to time and based on specific advance rates on eligible current assets. Availability under the borrowing base may be affected by events beyond the Partnership’s control, such as changes in petroleum product prices, collection cycles, counterparty performance, advance rates and limits and general economic conditions.
The average interest rates for the Credit Agreement were 7.4% and 6.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Partnership classifies a portion of its working capital revolving credit facility as a current liability and a portion as a long-term liability. The portion classified as a long-term liability represents the amounts expected to be outstanding throughout the next twelve months based on an analysis of historical daily borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility, the seasonality of borrowings, forecasted future working capital requirements and forward product curves, and because the Partnership has a multi-year, long-term commitment from its bank group. Accordingly, at March 31, 2024, the Partnership estimated working capital revolving credit facility borrowings will equal or exceed $0 over the next twelve months.
13
The table below presents the total borrowings and availability under the Credit Agreement (in thousands):
Total available commitments
1,550,000
1,750,000
Total borrowings outstanding
396,800
Less outstanding letters of credit
121,900
220,200
Total remaining availability for borrowings and letters of credit (1)
1,202,100
1,133,000
The Credit Agreement imposes financial covenants that require the Partnership to maintain certain minimum working capital amounts, a minimum combined interest coverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a maximum total leverage ratio. The Partnership was in compliance with the foregoing covenants at March 31, 2024.
Please read Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information on the Credit Agreement.
Supplemental cash flow information
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to the Credit Agreement for the periods presented (in thousands):
Borrowings from working capital revolving credit facility
653,700
751,400
Payments on working capital revolving credit facility
(444,500)
(657,500)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility
Payments on revolving credit facility
Senior Notes
The Partnership had 7.00% senior notes due 2027 and 6.875% senior notes due 2029 outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Partnership also had 8.250% senior notes due 2032 outstanding at March 31, 2024.
On January 18, 2024, the Partnership and GLP Finance Corp. (the “Issuers”) issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior notes due 2032 to several initial purchasers in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement and for general corporate purposes.
14
In connection with the private placement of the 2032 Notes, the Issuers and the subsidiary guarantors and Regions Bank, as trustee, entered into an indenture as may be supplemented from time to time (the “2032 Notes Indenture”).
The 2032 Notes mature on January 15, 2032 with interest accruing at a rate of 8.250% per annum. Interest will be payable beginning July 15, 2024 and thereafter semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The 2032 Notes are guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by each of the Issuers and the subsidiary guarantors to the extent set forth in the 2032 Notes Indenture. Upon a continuing event of default, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the 2032 Notes may declare the 2032 Notes immediately due and payable, except that an event of default resulting from entry into a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Issuers, any restricted subsidiary of the Partnership that is a significant subsidiary or any group of its restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary of the Partnership, will automatically cause the 2032 Notes to become due and payable.
The Issuers will have the option to redeem up to 35% of the 2032 Notes prior to January 15, 2027 at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) of 108.250% plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Issuers will have the option to redeem the 2032 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after January 15, 2027, at the redemption prices of 104.125% for the twelve-month period beginning January 15, 2027, 102.063% for the twelve-month period beginning January 15, 2028, and 100% beginning on January 15, 2029 and at any time thereafter, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. In addition, before January 15, 2027, the Issuers may redeem all or any part of the 2032 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of the principal amount thereof, plus a make whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. The holders of the 2032 Notes may require the Issuers to repurchase the 2032 Notes following certain asset sales or a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the 2032 Notes Indenture) at the prices and on the terms specified in the 2032 Notes Indenture.
The 2032 Notes Indenture contains covenants that limit the Partnership’s ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred securities, make certain dividends and distributions, make certain investments and other restricted payments, restrict distributions by its subsidiaries, create liens, sell assets or merge with other entities. Events of default under the 2032 Notes Indenture include (i) a default in payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, the 2032 Notes, (ii) breach of the Partnership’s covenants under the 2032 Notes Indenture, (iii) certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, (iv) any payment default or acceleration of indebtedness of the Partnership or certain subsidiaries if the total amount of such indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $50.0 million and (v) failure to pay within 60 days uninsured final judgments exceeding $50.0 million.
Please read Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information on these senior notes.
Financing Obligations
The Partnership had financing obligations outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 associated with historical sale-leaseback transactions that did not meet the criteria for sale accounting. Please read Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information on these financial obligations.
Deferred Financing Fees
The Partnership incurs bank fees related to its Credit Agreement and other financing arrangements. These deferred financing fees are capitalized and amortized over the life of the Credit Agreement or other financing arrangements. In 2024 and primarily in connection with the accordion exercise and reallocation in February, the Partnership incurred expenses of approximately $1.4 million associated with the write-off of a portion of the related deferred financing fees. These expenses are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of
operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Partnership had unamortized deferred financing fees of $25.5 million and $20.0 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Unamortized fees related to the Credit Agreement are included in other current assets and other long-term assets and amounted to $9.6 million and $12.2 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Unamortized fees related to the senior notes are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability and amounted to $15.4 million and $7.3 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Unamortized fees related to the Partnership’s sale-lease transactions are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the financing obligation and amounted to $0.5 million at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Amortization expense of approximately $1.8 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Note 7. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Partnership principally uses derivative instruments, which include regulated exchange-traded futures and options contracts (collectively, “exchange-traded derivatives”) and physical and financial forwards and over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps (collectively, “OTC derivatives”), to reduce its exposure to unfavorable changes in commodity market prices. The Partnership uses these exchange-traded and OTC derivatives to hedge commodity price risk associated with its inventory and undelivered forward commodity purchases and sales (“physical forward contracts”). The Partnership accounts for derivative transactions in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and recognizes derivatives instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. The changes in fair value of the derivative transactions are presented in earnings, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
The following table summarizes the notional values related to the Partnership’s derivative instruments outstanding at March 31, 2024:
Units (1)
Unit of Measure
Exchange-Traded Derivatives
Long
65,343
Thousands of barrels
Short
(65,937)
OTC Derivatives (Petroleum/Ethanol)
5,519
(4,653)
Derivatives Accounted for as Hedges
Fair Value Hedges
The Partnership’s fair value hedges include exchange-traded futures contracts and OTC derivative contracts that are hedges against inventory with specific futures contracts matched to specific barrels. The change in fair value of these futures contracts and the change in fair value of the underlying inventory generally provide an offset to each other in the consolidated statements of operations.
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The following table presents the gains and losses from the Partnership’s derivative instruments involved in fair value hedging relationships recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
Statement of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationship
Exchange-traded futures contracts and OTC derivative contracts for petroleum commodity products
172
(514)
Hedged items in fair value hedge relationship
Physical inventory
(3,531)
(4,819)
Derivatives Not Accounted for as Hedges
The Partnership utilizes petroleum and ethanol commodity contracts to hedge price and currency risk in certain commodity inventories and physical forward contracts.
The following table presents the gains and losses from the Partnership’s derivative instruments not involved in a hedging relationship recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
Derivatives not designated as
Recognized in
hedging instruments
Income on Derivatives
Commodity contracts
593
(2,241)
Commodity Contracts and Other Derivative Activity
The Partnership’s commodity contracts and other derivative activity include: (i) exchange-traded derivative contracts that are hedges against inventory and either do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated in a hedge accounting relationship, (ii) exchange-traded derivative contracts used to economically hedge physical forward contracts, (iii) financial forward and OTC swap agreements used to economically hedge physical forward contracts and (iv) the derivative instruments under the Partnership’s controlled trading program. The Partnership does not take the normal purchase and sale exemption available under ASC 815 for any of its physical forward contracts.
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The following table presents the fair value of each classification of the Partnership’s derivative instruments and its location in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
March 31, 2024
Derivatives Not
Designated as
Hedging
Balance Sheet Location
Instruments
Asset Derivatives:
Exchange-traded derivative contracts
460
31,940
32,400
Forward derivative contracts (1)
Total asset derivatives
41,048
41,508
Liability Derivatives:
(50,674)
(7,592)
Total liability derivatives
(58,266)
December 31, 2023
67,430
85,086
10,678
(44,687)
(34,009)
(4,987)
(49,674)
(38,996)
Credit Risk
The Partnership’s derivative financial instruments do not contain credit risk related to other contingent features that could cause accelerated payments when these financial instruments are in net liability positions.
The Partnership is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the Partnership’s exchange-traded and OTC derivative contracts, but the Partnership has no current reason to expect any material nonperformance by any of these counterparties. Exchange-traded derivative contracts, the primary derivative instrument utilized by the Partnership, are traded on regulated exchanges, greatly reducing potential credit risks. The Partnership utilizes major financial institutions as its clearing brokers for all New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) and Intercontinental Exchange (“ICE”) derivative transactions and the right of offset exists with these financial institutions under master netting agreements. Accordingly, the fair value of the Partnership’s exchange-traded derivative instruments is presented on a net basis in the consolidated balance sheets. Exposure on OTC derivatives is limited to the amount of the recorded fair value as of the balance sheet dates.
Please read Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information on derivative financial instruments.
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Note 8. Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Fair Value at March 31, 2024
Cash Collateral
Level 1
Level 2
Netting
Assets:
Exchange-traded/cleared derivative instruments (2)
(18,274)
31,718
Pension plans
18,039
(235)
40,591
Liabilities:
Fair Value at December 31, 2023
33,421
(20,642)
19,113
52,534
49,548
This table excludes cash on hand and assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value. The carrying amounts of certain of the Partnership’s financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of the credit facility approximates fair value due to the variable rate nature of these financial instruments.
The carrying value of the inventory qualifying for fair value hedge accounting approximates fair value due to adjustments for changes in fair value of the hedged item. The fair values of the derivatives used by the Partnership are disclosed in Note 7.
The determination of the fair values above incorporates factors including not only the credit standing of the counterparties involved, but also the impact of the Partnership’s nonperformance risks on its liabilities.
The Partnership estimates the fair values of its senior notes using a combination of quoted market prices for similar financing arrangements and expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates, which are considered
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Level 2 inputs. The fair values of the senior notes, estimated by observing market trading prices of the respective senior notes, were as follows (in thousands):
Face
Fair
Value
7.00% senior notes due 2027
400,000
399,500
390,516
6.875% senior notes due 2029
350,000
345,187
340,130
8.250% senior notes due 2032
450,000
465,750
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measures
Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as acquired assets and liabilities, losses related to firm non-cancellable purchase commitments or long-lived assets subject to impairment. For assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the period, accounting guidance requires quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements separately for each major category.
Note 9. Environmental Liabilities
The following table presents a summary roll forward of the Partnership’s environmental liabilities at March 31, 2024 (in thousands):
Balance at
Payments
Dispositions
Adjustments
Environmental Liability Related to:
Retail gasoline stations
63,539
(991)
(721)
(82)
61,745
Terminals
12,610
(62)
12,548
Total environmental liabilities
76,149
(1,053)
74,293
Current portion
Long-term portion
In addition to environmental liabilities related to the Partnership’s retail gasoline stations, the Partnership retains some of the environmental obligations associated with certain gasoline stations that the Partnership has sold.
The Partnership’s estimates used in these environmental liabilities are based on all known facts at the time and its assessment of the ultimate remedial action outcomes. Among the many uncertainties that impact the Partnership’s estimates are the necessary regulatory approvals for, and potential modification of, its remediation plans, the amount of data available upon initial assessment of the impact of soil or water contamination, changes in costs associated with environmental remediation services and equipment, relief of obligations through divestitures of sites and the possibility of existing legal claims giving rise to additional claims. Dispositions generally represent relief of legal obligations through the sale of the related property with no retained obligation. Other adjustments generally represent changes in estimates for existing obligations or obligations associated with new sites. Therefore, although the Partnership believes that these environmental liabilities are adequate, no assurances can be made that any costs incurred in excess of these environmental liabilities or outside of indemnifications or not otherwise covered by insurance would not have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 10. Equity Method Investments
Everett Landco GP, LLC
On October 23, 2023, the Partnership, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Global Everett Landco, LLC, entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Everett LLC Agreement”) of Everett Landco GP, LLC (“Everett”), a Delaware limited liability company formed as a joint venture with Everett Investor LLC (the “Everett Investor”), an entity controlled by an affiliate of The Davis Companies, a company primarily involved in the acquisition, development, management and sale of commercial real estate. In accordance with the Everett LLC Agreement, the Partnership agreed to invest up to $30.0 million for an initial 30% ownership interest in the joint venture.
The joint venture was formed to invest, directly or indirectly, in Everett Landco, LLC, (“Landco”), an entity formed to acquire from ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”) specified real estate (formerly operated as a refined products terminal), consisting of, in part, multiple facilities used to store and transport petroleum products including oil storage tanks and related facilities located in Everett, Massachusetts (the “Project Site”) and thereafter proceed with certain decommissioning, demolition, environmental remediation, entitlement, horizontal development, and other development activities with respect to the Project Site in one or more phases.
Everett is a variable interest entity for which the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary and, therefore, is not consolidated in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements. The Partnership accounts for its investment in Everett as an equity method investment as the Partnership has significant influence, but not a controlling interest in the investee.
The Partnership recognized income of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which is included in loss from equity method investments in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2024, the Partnership’s investment balance in the joint venture was $14.1 million, which is included in equity method investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
On December 5, 2023, Landco completed the purchase of the Project Site. In addition, the Partnership provided certain financial guarantees of Everett’s performance pursuant to a Terminal Demolition and Remediation Responsibilities Agreement (“TDRRA”) between Landco and ExxonMobil (the “Remediation Guaranty”). The Remediation Guaranty was executed at the closing of the Project Site purchase, concurrently with Landco’s execution of the TDRRA. The Remediation Guaranty was provided to ExxonMobil to provide security for Landco’s obligations to perform and complete the demolition and remediation responsibilities set forth in the TDRRA. The maximum amount of financial assurances liability of the Partnership under the Remediation Guaranty is $75.0 million (the “Guaranty Threshold”). The Guaranty Threshold will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis as Landco undertakes demolition and remediation activities under the TDRRA. The Partnership received financial assurances from the Everett Investor and certain of its affiliates that allow the Partnership to recover 70% of any amounts paid under the Remediation Guaranty, up to $52.5 million. The Partnership’s loss exposure for the Everett investment is limited to the Partnership’s investment in the joint venture and any amounts due under the Remediation Guaranty. The Partnership recognized its performance obligation under the Remediation Guaranty at fair value, which was immaterial at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Spring Partners Retail LLC
On March 1, 2023, the Partnership entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended (the “SPR LLC Agreement”) of SPR, a Delaware limited liability company formed as a joint venture with ExxonMobil for the purpose of engaging in the business of operating retail locations in the state of Texas and such other states as may be approved by SPR’s board of directors. In accordance with the SPR LLC Agreement, the Partnership invested approximately $69.5 million in cash for a 49.99% ownership interest. ExxonMobil has the remaining 50.01% ownership
interest in SPR. SPR is managed by a two-person board of directors, one of whom is designated by the Partnership. The day-to-day activities of SPR are operated by SPR Operator, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership. SPR Operator provides administrative and support functions, such as operations and management support, accounting, legal and human resources and information technology services and systems to SPR for an annual fixed fee.
The Partnership accounts for its investment in SPR as an equity method investment as the Partnership has significant influence, but not a controlling interest in the investee. The Partnership accounts for its investment in SPR as an equity method investment as the Partnership has significant influence, but not a controlling interest in the investee. Under this method with regard to SPR, the investment is carried originally at cost, increased by any allocated share of the investee’s net income and contributions made, and decreased by any allocated share of the investee’s net losses and distributions received. The investee’s allocated share of income and losses is based on the rights and priorities outlined in the joint venture agreement.
On June 1, 2023, SPR acquired a portfolio of 64 Houston-area convenience and fueling facilities from Landmark Industries, LLC and its related entities. There have been no changes to the portfolio as of March 31, 2024.
The Partnership recognized a loss of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which is included in loss from equity method investments in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2024, the Partnership’s investment balance in the joint venture was $74.0 million, which is included in equity method investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Note 11. Related Party Transactions
Services Agreement—The Partnership is a party to a services agreement with various entities which own limited partner interests in the Partnership and interests in the General Partner and which are 100% owned by members of the Slifka family (the “Slifka Entities Services Agreement”), pursuant to which the Partnership provides certain tax, accounting, treasury, and legal support services and such Slifka entities pay the Partnership an annual services fee of $20,000, and which Slifka Entities Services Agreement has been approved by the Conflicts Committee of the board of directors of the General Partner. The Slifka Entities Services Agreement is for an indefinite term and any party may terminate some or all of the services upon ninety (90) days’ advance written notice. As of March 31, 2024, no such notice of termination had been given by any party to the Slifka Entities Services Agreement.
General Partner—Affiliates of the Slifka family own 100% of the ownership interests in the General Partner. The General Partner employs substantially all of the Partnership’s employees, except for most of its gasoline station and convenience store employees, who are employed by GMG, and for substantially all of the employees who primarily or exclusively provide services to SPR, who are employed by SPR Operator. The Partnership reimburses the General Partner for expenses incurred in connection with these employees. These expenses, including bonus, payroll and payroll taxes, were $59.5 million and $36.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Partnership also reimburses the General Partner for its contributions under the General Partner’s 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plans and the General Partner’s qualified and non-qualified pension plans.
Spring Partners Retail LLC—The Partnership, through its subsidiary, SPR Operator, is party to an operations and maintenance agreement with the Partnership’s joint venture, SPR (see Note 10). Pursuant to this agreement, certain employees of the Partnership provide SPR with services including administrative and support functions, such as operations and management support, accounting, legal and human resources and information technology services and systems to SPR for which SPR pays SPR Operator, and therefore the Partnership, an annual fixed fee. The Partnership received approximately $1.0 million from SPR associated with the operations and management agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2024. In addition, SPR Operator employs substantially all of the employees who primarily or exclusively provide services to the Partnership’s joint venture. SPR reimburses the Partnership for direct expenses incurred in connection with these employees.
Accounts receivable–affiliates consisted of the following (in thousands):
Receivables from the General Partner (1)
4,375
8,031
Receivables from Spring Partners Retail LLC (2)
1,267
111
Everett Landco GP, LLC—On October 23, 2023, the Partnership, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Global Everett Landco, LLC, entered into the Everett LLC Agreement of Everett, a Delaware limited liability company formed as a joint venture with the Everett Investor, an entity controlled by an affiliate of The Davis Companies, a company primarily involved in the acquisition, development, management and sale of commercial real estate. See Note 10.
Sale of the Revere Terminal—On June 28, 2022, the Partnership completed the sale of its terminal located on Boston Harbor in Revere, Massachusetts (the “Revere Terminal”) to Revere MA Owner LLC (the “Revere Buyer”) for a purchase price of $150.0 million in cash. In connection with closing under the purchase agreement between the Partnership and the Revere Buyer, the Partnership entered into a leaseback agreement, which meets the criteria for sale accounting, with the Revere Buyer pursuant to which the Partnership leases back key infrastructure at the Revere Terminal, including certain tanks, dock access rights, and loading rack infrastructure, to allow the Partnership to continue business operations at the Revere Terminal. The term of the leaseback agreement, including all renewal options exercisable at the Partnership’s election, could extend through September 30, 2039.
Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement the Partnership entered into with affiliates of the Slifka family (the “Initial Sellers”), related parties, in 2015 to acquire the Revere Terminal, the Initial Sellers are entitled to an amount equal to fifty percent of the net proceeds (as defined in the 2015 purchase agreement) (the “Initial Sellers Share”) from the sale of the Revere Terminal. At the time of the 2022 closing, the preliminary calculation of the Initial Sellers Share was approximately $44.3 million, which amount is subject to future revisions. To date, there have been no payments of additional net proceeds from the 2022 sale of the Revere Terminal relating to the final calculation of the Initial Sellers Share, as adjusted for such shared expenses and potential operating losses or profits.
The final calculation of the Initial Sellers Share, including a sharing of any additional expenses in order to satisfy outstanding obligations under the Partnership’s current government storage contract at the Revere Terminal and potential operating losses or profits relating to the operation of the Revere Terminal during the initial leaseback term, will occur upon the expiration of such storage contract. The Partnership recorded a total of approximately $20.1 million and $17.6 million of such additional expenses due to the Initial Sellers which are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Approximately $2.5 million and $2.7 million of the total amount was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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Note 12. Partners’ Equity and Cash Distributions
Partners’ Equity
Common Units and General Partner Interest
At March 31, 2024, there were 33,995,563 common units issued, including 6,433,977 common units held by affiliates of the General Partner, including directors and executive officers, collectively representing a 99.33% limited partner interest in the Partnership, and 230,303 general partner units representing a 0.67% general partner interest in the Partnership. There were no changes to common units or the general partner interest during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Series A Preferred Units
At March 31, 2024, there were 2,760,000 Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units issued representing limited partner interests (the “Series A Preferred Units”) for $25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit outstanding. There were no changes to the Series A Preferred Units during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
On April 15, 2024 the Partnership redeemed all outstanding Series A Preferred Units at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus a $0.514275 per unit cash distribution for the period from February 15, 2024 through April 14, 2024. Effective April 15, 2024, the Series A Preferred Units are no longer outstanding.
Series B Preferred Units
At March 31, 2024, there were 3,000,000 9.50% Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units issued representing limited partners interests (the “Series B Preferred Units”) for $25.00 per Series B Preferred Unit outstanding. There were no changes to the Series B Preferred Units during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Cash Distributions
Common Units
The Partnership intends to make cash distributions to common unitholders on a quarterly basis, although there is no assurance as to the future cash distributions since they are dependent upon future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors. The Credit Agreement prohibits the Partnership from making cash distributions if any potential default or Event of Default, as defined in the Credit Agreement, occurs or would result from the cash distribution. The indentures governing the Partnership’s outstanding senior notes also limit the Partnership’s ability to make distributions to its common unitholders in certain circumstances.
Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, the Partnership will distribute all of its Available Cash (as defined in its partnership agreement) to common unitholders of record on the applicable record date.
The Partnership will make distributions of Available Cash from distributable cash flow for any quarter in the following manner: 99.33% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 0.67% to the General Partner, until the Partnership distributes for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and thereafter, cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution is distributed to the common unitholders and the General Partner based on the percentages as provided below.
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As holder of the IDRs, the General Partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount that the Partnership distributes with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:
Marginal Percentage
Total Quarterly Distribution
Interest in Distributions
Target Amount
Unitholders
General Partner
First Target Distribution
up to $0.4625
99.33
0.67
Second Target Distribution
above $0.4625 up to $0.5375
86.33
13.67
Third Target Distribution
above $0.5375 up to $0.6625
76.33
23.67
Thereafter
above $0.6625
51.33
48.67
The Partnership paid the following cash distribution to common unitholders during 2024 (in thousands, except per unit data):
For the
Per Unit
Cash Distribution
Quarter
Cash
Incentive
Total Cash
Payment Date
Ended
Distribution
Units
2/14/2024 (1)
12/31/23
0.7000
23,797
180
2,857
26,834
In addition, on April 25, 2024, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.7100 per unit ($2.84 per unit on an annualized basis) on its common units for the period from January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024. On May 15, 2024, the Partnership will pay this cash distribution to its common unitholders of record as of the close of business on May 9, 2024.
Prior to the April 15, 2024 redemption of the Series A Preferred Units discussed above, distributions on the Series A Preferred Units were cumulative from August 7, 2018, the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units, and were payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year (each, a “Series A Distribution Payment Date”), commencing on November 15, 2018, to holders of record as of the opening of business on the February 1, May 1, August 1 or November 1 next preceding the Series A Distribution Payment Date, in each case, when, as, and if declared by the General Partner out of legally available funds for such purpose. Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units were paid out of Available Cash with respect to the quarter immediately preceding the applicable Series A Distribution Payment Date.
The Partnership paid the following cash distribution on the Series A Preferred Units during 2024 (in thousands, except per unit data):
Quarterly Period
Covering
Rate
2/15/2024
11/15/23 - 2/14/24
0.77596
2,142
10.42%
On April 15, 2024, the Partnership paid the full redemption price of $25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit, plus a cash distribution $0.514275 per unit for the period from February 15, 2024 through April 14, 2024.
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Distributions on the Series B Preferred Units are cumulative from March 24, 2021, the original issue date of the Series B Preferred Units, and payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year (each, a “Series B Distribution Payment Date”), commencing on May 15, 2021, to holders of record as of the opening of business on the February 1, May 1, August 1 or November 1 next preceding the Series B Distribution Payment Date, in each case, when, as, and if declared by the General Partner out of legally available funds for such purpose. Distributions on the Series B Preferred Units will be paid out of Available Cash with respect to the quarter immediately preceding the applicable Series B Distribution Payment Date.
The distribution rate for the Series B Preferred Units is 9.50% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per Series B Preferred Unit (equal to $2.375 per Series B Preferred Unit per annum).
At any time on or after May 15, 2026, the Partnership may redeem, in whole or in part, the Series B Preferred Units at a redemption price in cash of $25.00 per Series B Preferred Unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, whether or not declared. The Partnership must provide not less than 30 days’ and not more than 60 days’ advance written notice of any such redemption.
The Partnership paid the following cash distribution on the Series B Preferred Units during 2024 (in thousands, except per unit data):
0.59375
On April 15, 2024, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.59375 per unit ($2.375 per unit on an annualized basis) on the Series B Preferred Units for the period from February 15, 2024 through May 14, 2024. This distribution will be payable on May 15, 2024 to holders of record as of the opening of business on May 1, 2024.
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Note 13. Segment Reporting
Summarized financial information for the Partnership’s reportable segments is presented in the table below (in thousands):
Wholesale Segment:
Gasoline and gasoline blendstocks
1,373,592
1,175,623
Distillates and other oils (1)
1,265,756
1,283,800
Product margin
29,761
20,386
19,659
32,747
49,420
53,133
Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations Segment:
Station operations (2)
130,168
127,166
121,630
120,816
66,087
62,730
187,717
183,546
Commercial Segment:
6,968
8,127
Combined sales and Product margin:
Product margin (3)
244,105
244,806
Depreciation allocated to cost of sales
(28,970)
(22,742)
Combined gross profit
Approximately 99 million gallons and 96 million gallons of the GDSO segment’s sales for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were supplied from petroleum products and renewable fuels sourced by the Wholesale segment. The Commercial segment’s sales were predominantly sourced by the Wholesale segment. These intra-segment sales are not reflected as sales in the Wholesale segment as they are eliminated.
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A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in the consolidated financial statements is as follows (in thousands):
Operating costs and expenses not allocated to operating segments:
Total operating costs and expenses
The Partnership’s foreign assets and foreign sales were immaterial as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Segment Assets
The Partnership’s terminal assets are allocated to the Wholesale and Commercial segments, and its retail gasoline stations are allocated to the GDSO segment. Due to the commingled nature and uses of the remainder of the Partnership’s assets, it is not reasonably possible for the Partnership to allocate these assets among its reportable segments.
The table below presents total assets by reportable segment at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Unallocated (1)
868,389
1,886,857
710,386
862,850
1,910,058
673,103
Note 14. Net (Loss) Income Per Common Limited Partner Unit
Under the Partnership’s partnership agreement, for any quarterly period, the incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) participate in net income only to the extent of the amount of cash distributions actually declared, thereby excluding the IDRs from participating in the Partnership’s undistributed net income or losses. Accordingly, the Partnership’s undistributed net income or losses is assumed to be allocated to the common unitholders and to the General Partner’s general partner interest.
Common units outstanding as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 excludes 17,981 and 113,206 common units, respectively, held on behalf of the Partnership pursuant to its repurchase program. These units are not deemed outstanding for purposes of calculating net (loss) income per common limited partner unit (basic and diluted). For all periods presented below, the Partnership’s preferred units are not potentially dilutive securities based on the nature of the conversion feature.
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The following table provides a reconciliation of net (loss) income and the assumed allocation of net (loss) income to the common limited partners (after deducting amounts allocated to preferred unitholders) for purposes of computing net (loss) income per common limited partner unit for the periods presented (in thousands, except per unit data):
Numerator:
IDRs
(8,738)
27,249
Declared distribution
27,496
24,137
185
3,174
24,016
22,267
162
1,587
Assumed allocation of undistributed net (loss) income
(33,098)
(32,875)
(223)
5,015
4,982
33
Assumed allocation of net (loss) income
(38)
195
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common units outstanding
Dilutive effect of phantom units
Diluted weighted average common units outstanding
Diluted net (loss) income per common limited partner unit (1)
The board of directors of the General Partner declared the following quarterly cash distribution on its common units:
Per Common Unit Cash
Distribution Declared for the
Cash Distribution Declaration Date
Distribution Declared
Quarterly Period Ended
4/25/2024
0.7100
3/31/2024
The board of directors of the General Partner declared the following quarterly cash distribution on the Series B Preferred Units:
Per Unit Cash
Quarterly Period Covering
4/15/2024
2/15/24 - 5/14/24
See Note 12, “Partners’ Equity and Cash Distributions” for further information.
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Note 15. Legal Proceedings
Although the Partnership may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business, the Partnership does not believe that it is a party to any litigation that will have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations. Except as described below and in Note 9 included herein, the Partnership is not aware of any significant legal or governmental proceedings against it or contemplated to be brought against it. The Partnership maintains insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as its general partner believes are reasonable and prudent. However, the Partnership can provide no assurance that this insurance will be adequate to protect it from all material expenses related to potential future claims or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economically acceptable prices.
In January 2022, the Partnership was served with a complaint filed in the Middlesex County Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Global Companies LLC (“Global Companies”) and Alliance Energy LLC (“Alliance”), alleging, among other things, that a plaintiff truck driver, while (1) loading gasoline and diesel fuel at terminals owned and operated by the Partnership located in Albany, New York and Revere, Massachusetts and (2) unloading gasoline and diesel fuel at gasoline stations owned and/or operated by the Partnership throughout New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, contracted aplastic anemia as a result of exposure to benzene-containing products and/or vapors therefrom. The Partnership, Global Companies and Alliance have meritorious defenses to the allegations in the complaint and will vigorously contest the actions taken by the plaintiff.
In October 2020, the Partnership was served with a complaint filed against the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiary, Global Companies alleging, among other things, wrongful death and loss of consortium. The complaint, filed in the Middlesex County Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, alleges, among other things, that a truck driver (whose estate is a co-plaintiff), while loading gasoline and diesel fuel at terminals owned and operated by the Partnership located in Albany, New York and Burlington, Vermont, was exposed to benzene-containing products and/or vapors therefrom. The Partnership and Global Companies have meritorious defenses to the allegations in the complaint and will vigorously contest the actions taken by the plaintiffs.
By letter dated January 25, 2017, the Partnership received a notice of intent to sue (the “2017 NOI”) from Earthjustice related to alleged violations of the CAA; specifically alleging that the Partnership was operating the Albany Terminal without a valid CAA Title V Permit. On February 9, 2017, the Partnership responded to Earthjustice advising that the 2017 NOI was without factual or legal merit and that the Partnership would move to dismiss any action commenced by Earthjustice. No action was taken by either the EPA or the NYSDEC with regard to the Earthjustice allegations. At this time, there has been no further action taken by Earthjustice. Neither the EPA nor the NYSDEC has followed up on the 2017 NOI. The Albany Terminal is currently operating pursuant to its Title V Permit, which has been extended in accordance with the State Administrative Procedures Act. Additionally, the Partnership has submitted a Title V Permit renewal and a request for modifications to its existing Title V Permit. The Partnership believes that it has meritorious defenses against all allegations.
The Partnership received letters from the EPA dated November 2, 2011 and March 29, 2012, containing requirements and testing orders (collectively, the “Requests for Information”) for information under the CAA. The Requests for Information were part of an EPA investigation to determine whether the Partnership has violated sections of the CAA at certain of its terminal locations in New England with respect to residual oil and asphalt. On June 6, 2014, a NOV was received from the EPA, alleging certain violations of its Air Emissions License issued by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, based upon the test results at the South Portland, Maine terminal. The
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Partnership met with and provided additional information to the EPA with respect to the alleged violations. On April 7, 2015, the EPA issued a Supplemental Notice of Violation modifying the allegations of violations of the terminal’s Air Emissions License. The Partnership has entered into a consent decree (the “Consent Decree”) with the EPA and the United States Department of Justice (the “Department of Justice”), which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine (the “Court”) on March 25, 2019. The Consent Decree was entered by the Court on December 19, 2019. The Partnership believes that compliance with the Consent Decree and implementation of the requirements of the Consent Decree will have no material impact on its operations.
The Partnership received a Subpoena Duces Tecum dated May 13, 2022 from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York (“NY AG”) requesting information regarding charges paid by retailers, distributors, or consumers for oil and gas products in or within the proximity of the State of New York during the disruption of the market triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Partnership has been advised that the NY AG’s office sent similar subpoena requests for information to market participants across the petroleum industry. The Partnership made an initial submission of information to the NY AG’s office and continues to cooperate with the NY AG’s office to satisfy its obligations under the subpoena.
The Partnership received a letter from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut (“CT AG”) dated June 28, 2022 seeking information from the Partnership related to its sales of motor fuel to retailers within the State of Connecticut from February 3, 2022 through June 28, 2022. The Partnership has been advised that the CT AG’s office sent similar requests for information to market participants across the petroleum industry. The Partnership has complied with the CT AG’s request and submitted information responsive thereto.
Note 16. New Accounting Standards
There have been no recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.
Note 17. Subsequent Events
Distribution to Common Unitholders—On April 25, 2024, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.7100 per unit ($2.84 per unit on an annualized basis) for the period from January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024. On May 15, 2024, the Partnership will pay this cash distribution to its common unitholders of record as of the close of business on May 9, 2024.
Distribution to Series B Preferred Unitholders—On April 15, 2024, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.59375 per unit ($2.375 per unit on an annualized basis) on the Series B Preferred Units, covering the period from February 15, 2024 through May 14, 2024. This distribution will be payable on May 15, 2024 to holders of record as of the opening of business on May 1, 2024.
Redemption of Series A Preferred Units—On April 15, 2024 the Partnership redeemed all outstanding Series A Preferred Units at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus a $0.514275 per unit cash distribution for the period from February 15, 2024 through April 14, 2024. Effective April 15, 2024, the Series A Preferred Units are no longer outstanding.
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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Global Partners LP should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of Global Partners LP and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We account for our investment in Spring Partners Retail LLC (“SPR”) as an equity method investment. Under this method with regard to SPR, our share of income and losses is included in loss from equity method investments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations of Global Partners LP, and our investment balance in the joint venture is included in equity method investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global Partners LP. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Except as otherwise specifically indicated, the information and discussion and analysis in this section does not otherwise take into account the financial condition and results of operations of SPR.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may project, indicate or imply future results, events, performance or achievements, and may contain the words “may,” “believe,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar expressions although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In addition, any statement made by our management concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible actions by us are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, statements made regarding future results are subject to a number of assumptions, uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause future results to be materially different from the results stated or implied in this document. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things:
Additional information about risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these statements to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, other than as required by federal and state securities laws. All forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and all subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
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Overview
We are a master limited partnership formed in March 2005. We own, control or have access to a large terminal network of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels—with connectivity to strategic rail, pipeline and marine assets—spanning from Maine to Florida and into the U.S. Gulf States. We are one of the largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gasoline stations and convenience stores, primarily in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (collectively, the “Northeast”) and Maryland and Virginia. As of March 31, 2024, we had a portfolio of 1,601 owned, leased and/or supplied gasoline stations, including 333 directly operated convenience stores, primarily in the Northeast, as well as 64 gasoline stations located in Texas that are operated by our unconsolidated affiliate, SPR. We are also one of the largest distributors of gasoline, distillates, residual oil and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers in the New England states and New York. We engage in the purchasing, selling, gathering, blending, storing and logistics of transporting petroleum and related products, including gasoline and gasoline blendstocks (such as ethanol), distillates (such as home heating oil, diesel and kerosene), residual oil, renewable fuels, crude oil and propane and in the transportation of petroleum products and renewable fuels by rail from the mid-continent region of the United States and Canada.
Collectively, we sold approximately $4.0 billion of refined petroleum products, gasoline blendstocks, renewable fuels and crude oil for the three months ended March 31, 2024. In addition, we had other revenues of approximately $0.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from convenience store and prepared food sales at our directly operated stores, rental income from dealer leased and commissioned agent leased gasoline stations and from cobranding arrangements, and sundries.
We base our pricing on spot prices, fixed prices or indexed prices and routinely use the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”), Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) and Intercontinental Exchange (“ICE”) or other counterparties to hedge the risk inherent in buying and selling commodities. Through the use of regulated exchanges or derivatives, we seek to maintain a position that is substantially balanced between purchased volumes and sales volumes or future delivery obligations.
Redemption of Series A Preferred Units—On April 15, 2024 we redeemed all of our outstanding Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units (the “Series A Preferred Units”) at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus a $0.514275 per unit cash distribution for the period from February 15, 2024 through April 14, 2024. Effective April 15, 2024, the Series A Preferred Units are no longer outstanding. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Acquisition of Terminals from Gulf Oil—On April 9, 2024, we completed the acquisition of four refined-product terminals from Gulf Oil Limited Partnership which are located in Chelsea, MA, New Haven, CT, Linden, NJ and Woodbury, NJ, pursuant to a purchase agreement initially entered into on December 15, 2022 and subsequently amended and restated on February 23, 2024. The purchase price was approximately $212.3 million, excluding inventory acquired in the transaction. We financed the transaction with borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
Credit Agreement Facility Reallocation and Accordion Reduction—On February 5, 2024, we and the lenders under our credit agreement agreed, pursuant to the terms of our credit agreement, to (i) a reallocation of $300.0 million of the revolving credit facility to the working capital revolving credit facility and (ii) reduce the accordion feature from $200.0 million to $0. After giving effect to the reallocation and the accordion reduction, the working capital revolving credit facility is $950.0 million and the revolving credit facility is $600.0 million, for a total commitment of $1.55 billion, effective February 8, 2024. This reallocation and accordion reduction return our credit facilities to the terms in place prior to the reallocation and accordion exercise previously agreed to by us and the lenders on December 7, 2023. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit Agreement.”
2032 Notes Offering—On January 18, 2024, we and GLP Finance Corp. issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes”) that are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries
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in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under our credit agreement and for general corporate purposes. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Senior Notes.”
Operating Segments
We purchase refined petroleum products, gasoline blendstocks, renewable fuels and crude oil primarily from domestic and foreign refiners and ethanol producers, crude oil producers, major and independent oil companies and trading companies. We operate our businesses under three segments: (i) Wholesale, (ii) Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations (“GDSO”) and (iii) Commercial.
In our Wholesale segment, we engage in the logistics of selling, gathering, blending, storing and transporting refined petroleum products, gasoline blendstocks, renewable fuels, crude oil and propane. We transport these products by railcars, barges, trucks and/or pipelines pursuant to spot or long-term contracts. We sell home heating oil, branded and unbranded gasoline and gasoline blendstocks, diesel, kerosene and residual oil to home heating oil and propane retailers and wholesale distributors. Generally, customers use their own vehicles or contract carriers to take delivery of the gasoline, distillates and propane at bulk terminals and inland storage facilities that we own or control or at which we have throughput or exchange arrangements. Ethanol is shipped primarily by rail and by barge.
In our Wholesale segment, we obtain Renewable Identification Numbers (“RIN”) in connection with our purchase of ethanol which is used for bulk trading purposes or for blending with gasoline through our terminal system. A RIN is an identification number associated with government-mandated renewable fuel standards. To evidence that the required volume of renewable fuel is blended with gasoline, obligated parties must retire sufficient RINs to cover their Renewable Volume Obligation (“RVO”). Our U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) obligations relative to renewable fuel reporting are comprised of foreign gasoline and diesel that we may import and blending operations at certain facilities. We separate RINs from renewable fuel through blending with gasoline and can use those separated RINs to settle our RVO.
Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations
In our GDSO segment, gasoline distribution includes sales of branded and unbranded gasoline to gasoline station operators and sub-jobbers. Station operations include (i) convenience store and prepared food sales, (ii) rental income from gasoline stations leased to dealers, from commissioned agents and from cobranding arrangements and (iii) sundries (such as car wash sales and lottery and ATM commissions).
As of March 31, 2024, we had a portfolio of owned, leased and/or supplied gasoline stations, primarily in the Northeast, that consisted of the following:
Company operated (1)
333
Commissioned agents
302
Lessee dealers
181
Contract dealers
785
1,601
At our company-operated stores, we operate the gasoline stations and convenience stores with our employees, and we set the retail price of gasoline at the station. At commissioned agent locations, we own the gasoline inventory, and we set the retail price of gasoline at the station and pay the commissioned agent a fee related to the gallons sold. We receive rental income from commissioned agent leased gasoline stations for the leasing of the convenience store premises, repair bays and/or other businesses that may be conducted by the commissioned agent. At dealer-leased locations, the dealer purchases gasoline from us, and the dealer sets the retail price of gasoline at the dealer’s station. We
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also receive rental income from (i) dealer-leased gasoline stations and (ii) cobranding arrangements. We also supply gasoline to locations owned and/or leased by independent contract dealers. Additionally, we have contractual relationships with distributors in certain New England states pursuant to which we source and supply these distributors’ gasoline stations with Exxon- or Mobil-branded gasoline.
In our Commercial segment, we include sales and deliveries to end user customers in the public sector and to large commercial and industrial end users of unbranded gasoline, home heating oil, diesel, kerosene, residual oil and bunker fuel. In the case of public sector commercial and industrial end user customers, we sell products primarily either through a competitive bidding process or through contracts of various terms. We respond to publicly issued requests for product proposals and quotes. We generally arrange for the delivery of the product to the customer’s designated location. Our Commercial segment also includes sales of custom blended fuels delivered by barges or from a terminal dock to ships through bunkering activity.
Seasonality
Due to the nature of our businesses and our reliance, in part, on consumer travel and spending patterns, we may experience more demand for gasoline during the late spring and summer months than during the fall and winter months. Travel and recreational activities are typically higher in these months in the geographic areas in which we operate, increasing the demand for gasoline. Therefore, our volumes in gasoline are typically higher in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. As demand for some of our refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally greater during the winter months, heating oil and residual oil volumes are generally higher during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. These factors may result in fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.
Outlook
This section identifies certain risks and certain economic or industry-wide factors that may affect our financial performance and results of operations in the future, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Our results of operations and financial condition depend, in part, upon the following:
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Results of Operations
Evaluating Our Results of Operations
Our management uses a variety of financial and operational measurements to analyze our performance. These measurements include: (1) product margin, (2) gross profit, (3) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and adjusted EBITDA, (4) distributable cash flow and adjusted distributable cash flow, (5) selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), (6) operating expenses and (7) degree days.
Product Margin
We view product margin as an important performance measure of the core profitability of our operations. We review product margin monthly for consistency and trend analysis. We define product margin as our product sales minus product costs. Product sales primarily include sales of unbranded and branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil, renewable fuels and crude oil, as well as convenience store and prepared food sales, gasoline station rental income and revenue generated from our logistics activities when we engage in the storage, transloading and shipment of products owned by others. Product costs include the cost of acquiring products and all associated costs including shipping and handling costs to bring such products to the point of sale as well as product costs related to convenience store items and costs associated with our logistics activities. We also look at product margin on a per unit basis (product margin divided by volume). Product margin is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements to assess our business. Product margin should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our product margin may not be comparable to product margin or a similarly titled measure of other companies.
Gross Profit
We define gross profit as our product margin minus terminal and gasoline station related depreciation expense allocated to cost of sales.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures used as supplemental financial measures by management and may be used by external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess:
Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA further adjusted for gains or losses on the sale and disposition of assets, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges and our proportionate share of EBITDA related to our joint ventures, which are accounted for using the equity method. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to net
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income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income, and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Distributable Cash Flow and Adjusted Distributable Cash Flow
Distributable cash flow is an important non-GAAP financial measure for our limited partners since it serves as an indicator of our success in providing a cash return on their investment. Distributable cash flow as defined by our partnership agreement is net income plus depreciation and amortization minus maintenance capital expenditures, as well as adjustments to eliminate items approved by the audit committee of the board of directors of our general partner that are extraordinary or non-recurring in nature and that would otherwise increase distributable cash flow.
Distributable cash flow as used in our partnership agreement also determines our ability to make cash distributions on our incentive distribution rights. The investment community also uses a distributable cash flow metric similar to the metric used in our partnership agreement with respect to publicly traded partnerships to indicate whether or not such partnerships have generated sufficient earnings on a current or historical level that can sustain distributions on preferred or common units or support an increase in quarterly cash distributions on common units. Our partnership agreement does not permit adjustments for certain non-cash items, such as net losses on the sale and disposition of assets and goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges.
Adjusted distributable cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure intended to provide management and investors with an enhanced perspective of our financial performance. Adjusted distributable cash flow is distributable cash flow (as defined in our partnership agreement) further adjusted for our proportionate share of distributable cash flow related to our joint ventures, which are accounted for using the equity method. Adjusted distributable cash flow is not used in our partnership agreement to determine our ability to make cash distributions and may be higher or lower than distributable cash flow as calculated under our partnership agreement.
Distributable cash flow and adjusted distributable cash flow should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our distributable cash flow and adjusted distributable cash flow may not be comparable to distributable cash flow or similarly titled measures of other companies.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our SG&A expenses include, among other things, marketing costs, corporate overhead, employee salaries and benefits, pension and 401(k) plan expenses, discretionary bonuses, non-interest financing costs, professional fees and information technology expenses. Employee-related expenses including employee salaries, discretionary bonuses and related payroll taxes, benefits, and pension and 401(k) plan expenses are paid by our general partner which, in turn, are reimbursed for these expenses by us.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses are costs associated with the operation of the terminals, transload facilities and gasoline stations and convenience stores used in our businesses. Lease payments, maintenance and repair, property taxes, utilities, credit card fees, taxes, labor and labor-related expenses comprise the most significant portion of our operating expenses. While the majority of these expenses remains relatively stable, independent of the volumes through our system, they can fluctuate depending on the activities performed during a specific period. In addition, they can be impacted by new directives issued by federal, state and local governments.
Degree Days
A “degree day” is an industry measurement of temperature designed to evaluate energy demand and consumption. Degree days are based on how far the average temperature departs from a human comfort level of 65°F. Each degree of
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temperature above 65°F is counted as one cooling degree day, and each degree of temperature below 65°F is counted as one heating degree day. Degree days are accumulated each day over the course of a year and can be compared to a monthly or a long-term (multi-year) average, or normal, to see if a month or a year was warmer or cooler than usual. Degree days are officially observed by the National Weather Service and officially archived by the National Climatic Data Center. For purposes of evaluating our results of operations, we use the normal heating degree day amount as reported by the National Weather Service at its Logan International Airport station in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Key Performance Indicators
The following table provides a summary of some of the key performance indicators that may be used to assess our results of operations. These comparisons are not necessarily indicative of future results (gallons and dollars in thousands):
EBITDA (1)
56,943
78,147
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
56,008
76,019
Distributable cash flow (2)(3)
15,785
46,328
Adjusted distributable cash flow (2)
16,021
Volume (gallons)
1,071,872
928,567
Distillates and other oils (4)
364,280
379,226
Station operations (5)
120,684
99,672
Combined sales and product margin:
Product margin (6)
GDSO portfolio as of March 31, 2024 and 2023:
Company operated (7)
343
297
188
828
Total GDSO portfolio
1,656
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Weather conditions:
Normal heating degree days
2,901
2,870
Actual heating degree days
2,542
2,413
Variance from normal heating degree days
(12)
(16)
Variance from prior period actual heating degree days
(13)
The following table presents reconciliations of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a historical basis for each period presented (in thousands):
Reconciliation of net (loss) income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:
29,696
22,068
363
400
EBITDA
Loss from equity method investments (1)
EBITDA related to equity method investments (1)
187
Adjusted EBITDA
Reconciliation of net cash used in operating activities to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities and certain non-cash items
209,586
75,004
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The following table presents reconciliations of distributable cash flow and adjusted distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a historical basis for each period presented (in thousands):
Reconciliation of net (loss) income to distributable cash flow and adjusted distributable cash flow:
Amortization of routine bank refinancing fees
(1,193)
(1,138)
Maintenance capital expenditures
(11,737)
(9,560)
Distributable cash flow (1)(2)
Loss from equity method investments (3)
Distributable cash flow from equity method investments (3)
(1,143)
Adjusted distributable cash flow (1)
Distributions to preferred unitholders (4)
(3,916)
(3,463)
Adjusted distributable cash flow after distributions to preferred unitholders
12,105
42,865
Reconciliation of net cash used in operating activities to distributable cash flow and adjusted distributable cash flow:
Consolidated Sales
Our total sales were $4.1 billion and $4.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $0.1 billion, or 3%, primarily due to an increase in volume sold. Our aggregate volume of product sold was 1.6 billion gallons and 1.4 billion gallons for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, increasing 149 million gallons from the prior-year period (consisting of increases of 143 million gallons and 21 million gallons in our Wholesale and Commercial segments, respectively, offset by a decrease of 15 million gallons in our GDSO segment). The increases in our Wholesale segment sales and volume include the addition of 25
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refined product terminals and related assets we acquired from Motiva Enterprises LLC (“Motiva”) in December 2023 which are located along the Atlantic Coast, in the Southeast and in Texas (the “Terminal Facilities”).
Our gross profit was $215.1 million and $222.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of $7.0 million, or 3%, in part due to a $6.3 million increase in depreciation allocated to cost of sales. Our Wholesale segment product margins decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to less favorable market conditions in gasoline and residual oil, offset by an increase due to the acquisition of the Terminal Facilities. In our Commercial segment, our product margin decreased primarily due to less favorable market conditions. In our GDSO segment, our gasoline distribution product margin increased primarily due to higher fuel margins (cents per gallon), and our station operations product margin increased in part due to an increase in activity at our convenience stores and an increase in sundries.
Results for Wholesale Segment
Gasoline and Gasoline Blendstocks. Sales from wholesale gasoline and gasoline blendstocks were $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $0.2 billion, or 17%, primarily due to an increase in volume sold, in part due to the acquisition of the Terminal Facilities. Our gasoline and gasoline blendstocks product margin was $29.7 million and $20.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $9.3 million, or 46%, largely due to the acquisition of the Terminal Facilities. Our product margin was negatively impacted due to less favorable market conditions in gasoline compared to the same period in 2023.
Distillates and Other Oils. Sales from distillates and other oils (primarily residual oil and crude oil) were $1.3 billion for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, decreasing $18.0 million, or 1%, primarily due to decreases in residual oil prices and volume sold, offset by an increase in distillate volume sold. Our product margin from distillates and other oils was $19.7 million and $32.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of $13.0 million, or 40%, primarily due to less favorable market conditions in residual oil.
Results for Gasoline Distribution and Station Operations Segment
Gasoline Distribution. Sales from gasoline distribution were $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of $0.1 billion, or 8%, primarily due to decreases in prices and in volume sold. Our product margin from gasoline distribution was $121.6 million and $120.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $0.8 million, or 1%, primarily due to higher fuel margins (cents per gallon).
Station Operations. Our station operations, which include (i) convenience store and prepared food sales at our directly operated stores, (ii) rental income from gasoline stations leased to dealers or from commissioned agents and from cobranding arrangements and (iii) sale of sundries, such as car wash sales and lottery and ATM commissions, collectively generated revenues of $130.2 million and $127.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $3.0 million, or 2%. Our product margin from station operations was $66.1 million and $62.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $3.4 million, or 5%, primarily due to an increase in activity at our convenience stores and an increase in sundries.
Results for Commercial Segment
Our commercial sales were $278.6 million and $257.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $20.7 million or 8%, primarily due to an increase in volume sold. Our commercial product margin was $7.0 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 14%, primarily due to less favorable market conditions.
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SG&A expenses were $69.8 million and $62.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $7.5 million, or 12%, including increases of $1.9 million in acquisition costs largely due to the acquisition of the Terminal Facilities, $1.6 million in wages and benefits, $1.3 million in accrued discretionary incentive compensation and $2.7 million in various other SG&A expenses.
Operating expenses were $120.1 million and $108.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $11.8 million, or 11%, including increases of $11.3 million in operating expenses associated with our terminals operations, largely related to the addition of the Terminal Facilities, and $0.5 million related to our GDSO operations.
Amortization Expense
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Net Gain on Sale and Disposition of Assets
Net gain on sale and disposition of assets was $2.5 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily due to the sale of GDSO sites.
Loss from Equity Method Investments
Loss from equity method investments was $1.4 million and $0 for the three ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, representing our proportional share of a loss amounting to $1.6 million from our SPR joint venture and earnings of $0.2 million from our Everett joint venture. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our equity method investments.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $29.7 million and $22.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, an increase of $7.6 million, or 34%, primarily due to interest expense related the 2032 Notes issued in January 2024 and to a $1.4 million write-off of deferred financing fees associated with the accordion exercise and reallocation in February 2024. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by lower average balances on our credit facilities.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $0.4 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, which predominantly reflects the income tax expense from the operating results of GMG, which is a taxable entity for federal and state income tax purposes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Our primary liquidity needs are to fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and distributions and to service our indebtedness. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, amounts available under our working capital revolving credit facility and equity and debt offerings. Please read “—Credit Agreement” for more information on our working capital revolving credit facility.
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Working capital was $168.9 million and $115.0 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, an increase of $53.9 million. Changes in current assets and current liabilities increasing our working capital primarily include decreases of $173.3 million in accounts payable and $31.9 million in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and an increase in cash of $53.2 million. The increase in working capital was offset by an increase of $209.2 million in the current portion of our working capital revolving credit facility.
During 2024, we paid the following cash distributions to our common unitholders and our general partner:
Distribution Paid for the
Cash Distribution Payment Date
Total Paid
February 14, 2024
26.8 million
Fourth quarter 2023
In addition, on April 25, 2024, the board of directors of our general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.7100 per unit ($2.84 per unit on an annualized basis) on our common units for the period from January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024 to our common unitholders of record as of the close of business on May 9, 2024. We expect to pay the total cash distribution of approximately $27.5 million on May 15, 2024.
Preferred Units
During 2024, we paid the following cash distributions to holders of the Series A Preferred Units and the Series B Preferred Units:
2.1 million
12.42%
1.8 million
9.50%
Series A Preferred Units—On April 15, 2024, we redeemed all of our outstanding Series A Preferred Units at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus a $0.514275 per unit cash distribution for the period from February 15, 2024 through April 14, 2024, for a total amount of $70.4 million. Effective April 15, 2024, the Series A Preferred Units are no longer outstanding.
Series B Preferred Units—On April 15, 2024, the board of directors of our general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.59375 per unit ($2.375 per unit on an annualized basis) on the Series B Preferred Units for the period from February 15, 2024 through May 14, 2024 to our Series B preferred unitholders of record as of the opening of business on May 1, 2024. We expect to pay the total cash distribution of approximately $1.8 million on May 15, 2024.
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Contractual Obligations
We have contractual obligations that are required to be settled in cash. The amounts of our contractual obligations at March 31, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
Payments Due by Period
Remainder of
Beyond 2024
Credit facility obligations (1)
238,599
Senior notes obligations (2)
44,594
1,670,721
1,715,315
Operating lease obligations (3)
61,027
242,423
303,450
Other long-term liabilities (4)
8,557
20,384
28,941
Financing obligations (5)
11,854
82,171
94,025
364,631
2,015,699
2,380,330
Capital Expenditures
Our operations require investments to maintain, expand, upgrade and enhance existing operations and to meet environmental and operational regulations. We categorize our capital requirements as either maintenance capital expenditures or expansion capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures represent capital expenditures to repair or replace partially or fully depreciated assets to maintain the operating capacity of, or revenues generated by, existing assets and extend their useful lives. Maintenance capital expenditures also include expenditures required to maintain equipment reliability, tank and pipeline integrity and safety and to address certain environmental regulations. We anticipate that maintenance capital expenditures will be funded with cash generated by operations. We had approximately $11.7 million and $9.6 million in maintenance capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included in capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, of which approximately $9.5 million and $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are related to our investments in our gasoline station business. Repair and maintenance expenses associated with existing assets that are minor in nature and do not extend the useful life of existing assets are charged to operating expenses as incurred.
Expansion capital expenditures include expenditures to acquire assets to grow our businesses or expand our existing facilities, such as projects that increase our operating capacity or revenues by, for example, increasing dock capacity and tankage, diversifying product availability, investing in raze and rebuilds and new-to-industry gasoline stations and convenience stores, increasing storage flexibility at various terminals and by adding terminals to our storage network. We have the ability to fund our expansion capital expenditures through cash from operations or our credit agreement or by issuing debt securities or additional equity. We had approximately $4.9 million and $5.6 million in expansion capital expenditures, excluding acquired property and equipment, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily related to investments in our gasoline station business.
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We currently expect maintenance capital expenditures of approximately $50.0 million to $60.0 million and expansion capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, of approximately $60.0 million to $70.0 million in 2024, relating primarily to investments in our gasoline station and terminal businesses. These current estimates depend, in part, on the timing of completion of projects, availability of equipment and workforce, weather and unanticipated events or opportunities requiring additional maintenance or investments.
We believe that we will have sufficient cash flow from operations, borrowing capacity under our credit agreement and the ability to issue additional equity and/or debt securities to meet our financial commitments, debt service obligations, contingencies and anticipated capital expenditures. However, we are subject to business and operational risks that could adversely affect our cash flow. A material decrease in our cash flows would likely have an adverse effect on our borrowing capacity as well as our ability to issue additional equity and/or debt securities.
Cash Flow
The following table summarizes cash flow activity (in thousands):
Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities generally reflects our net income, balance sheet changes arising from inventory purchasing patterns, the timing of collections on our accounts receivable, the seasonality of parts of our businesses, fluctuations in product prices, working capital requirements and general market conditions.
Net cash used in operating activities was $182.7 million and $19.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, for a period-over-period decrease in cash flow from operating activities of $163.4 million.
Except for net income, the primary drivers of the changes in operating activities include the following (in thousands):
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
(Increase) decrease in inventories
Increase in accounts payable
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the increases in accounts receivable and accounts payable are in part due to an increase in prices and to timing of sales and payments. The increase in inventories is due to an increase in prices during the period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the decreases in accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable are primarily due to the decrease in prices. The decrease in inventories is also partly due to carrying lower levels of inventories during the period.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and included $16.6 million in capital expenditures, $9.6 million in expenditures associated with our equity method investments (see
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Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and $3.5 million in seller note issuances which represent notes we received from buyers in connection with the sale of certain of our gasoline stations. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was offset by $14.3 million in dividends received of equity method investments and $13.9 million in proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities was $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and included $15.2 million in capital expenditures and $3.9 million in seller note issuances. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was offset by $7.0 million in proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.
Please read “—Capital Expenditures” for a discussion of our capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $237.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and included $441.3 million in proceeds in connection with the issuance of the 2032 Notes and $209.2 million in net borrowings from our working capital revolving credit facility. Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was offset by $380.0 million in net payments on our revolving credit facility, $30.7 million in cash distributions to our limited partners (preferred and common unitholders) and our general partner, $1.8 million in LTIP units withheld for tax obligations and $0.6 million paid pursuant to distribution equivalent rights previously granted under our LTIP.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $34.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and included $93.9 million in net borrowings from our working capital revolving credit facility, offset by $58.9 million in cash distributions to our limited partners (preferred and common unitholders) and our general partner, and $0.5 million in LTIP units withheld for tax obligations and $0.1 million paid pursuant to distribution equivalent rights, both of which are related to LTIP awards that vested in 2023.
See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for supplemental cash flow information related to our working capital revolving credit facility and revolving credit facility.
Certain subsidiaries of ours, as borrowers, and we and certain of our subsidiaries, as guarantors, have a $1.55 billion senior secured credit facility. We repay amounts outstanding and reborrow funds based on our working capital requirements and, therefore, classify as a current liability the portion of the working capital revolving credit facility we expect to pay down during the course of the year. The long-term portion of the working capital revolving credit facility is the amount we expect to be outstanding during the entire year. The credit agreement expires on May 2, 2026.
On February 5, 2024, we and the lenders under our credit agreement agreed, pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement, to (i) a reallocation of $300.0 million of the revolving credit facility to the working capital revolving credit facility and (ii) reduce the accordion feature from $200.0 million to $0, effective February 8, 2024. This reallocation and accordion reduction return our credit facilities to the terms in place prior to the reallocation and accordion exercise previously agreed to by us and the lenders on December 7, 2023.
As of March 31, 2024, there were two facilities under the credit agreement:
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Availability under the working capital revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base which is redetermined from time to time and based on specific advance rates on eligible current assets. Availability under the borrowing base may be affected by events beyond our control, such as changes in petroleum product prices, collection cycles, counterparty performance, advance rates and limits and general economic conditions.
The average interest rates for the credit agreement were 7.4% and 6.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As of March 31, 2024, we had $226.0 million borrowings outstanding on the working capital revolving credit facility and $0 outstanding on the revolving credit facility. In addition, we had outstanding letters of credit of $121.9 million. Subject to borrowing base limitations, the total remaining availability for borrowings and letters of credit was $1.20 billion and $1.13 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
The credit agreement imposes financial covenants that require us to maintain certain minimum working capital amounts, a minimum combined interest coverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a maximum total leverage ratio. We were in compliance with the foregoing covenants at March 31, 2024.
Please read Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Credit Agreement” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information on the credit agreement.
We had 7.00% senior notes due 2027 and 6.875% senior notes due 2029 outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. We also had 8.250% senior notes due 2032 outstanding at March 31, 2024.
On January 18, 2024, we and GLP Finance Corp. (the “Issuers”) issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% senior notes due 2032 to several initial purchasers in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We used the net proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under our credit agreement and for general corporate purposes.
The 2032 Notes mature on January 15, 2032 with interest accruing at a rate of 8.250% per annum. Interest will be payable beginning July 15, 2024 and thereafter semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The 2032 Notes are guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by each of the Issuers and the subsidiary guarantors to the extent set forth in the 2032 Notes Indenture. Upon a continuing event of default, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the 2032 Notes may declare the 2032 Notes immediately due and payable, except that an event of default resulting from entry into a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Issuers, any restricted subsidiary of ours that is a significant subsidiary or any group of our restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary of ours, will automatically cause the 2032 Notes to become due and payable.
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The 2032 Notes Indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred securities, make certain dividends and distributions, make certain investments and other restricted payments, restrict distributions by our subsidiaries, create liens, sell assets or merge with other entities. Events of default under the 2032 Notes Indenture include (i) a default in payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, the 2032 Notes, (ii) breach of our covenants under the 2032 Notes Indenture, (iii) certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, (iv) any payment default or acceleration of indebtedness of our or certain subsidiaries if the total amount of such indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $50.0 million and (v) failure to pay within 60 days uninsured final judgments exceeding $50.0 million.
Please read Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Senior Notes” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information.
We had financing obligations outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 associated with historical sale-leaseback transactions that did not meet the criteria for sale accounting. Please read Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financing Obligations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The significant accounting policies and estimates that we have adopted and followed in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are detailed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. There have been no material changes in our policies that had a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations for the periods covered in this report.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there has been no material change to our critical accounting estimates discussed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A description and related impact expected from the adoption of certain new accounting pronouncements is provided in Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. The principal market risks to which we are exposed are interest rate risk and commodity risk. We currently utilize various derivative instruments to manage exposure to commodity risk.
Interest Rate Risk
We utilize variable rate debt and are exposed to market risk due to the floating interest rates on our credit agreement. Therefore, from time to time, we utilize interest rate collars, swaps and caps to hedge interest obligations on specific and anticipated debt issuances.
As of March 31, 2024, we had total borrowings outstanding under our credit agreement of $226.0 million. Please read Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit Agreement,” for information on interest rates related to our borrowings. 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 approximately $2.3 million annually, assuming, however, that our indebtedness remained constant throughout the year.
Commodity Risk
We hedge our exposure to price fluctuations with respect to refined petroleum products, renewable fuels, crude oil and gasoline blendstocks in storage and expected purchases and sales of these commodities. The derivative instruments utilized consist primarily of exchange-traded futures contracts traded on the NYMEX, CME and ICE and over-the-counter transactions, including swap agreements entered into with established financial institutions and other credit-approved energy companies. Our policy is generally to purchase only products for which we have a market and to structure our sales contracts so that price fluctuations do not materially affect our profit. While our policies are designed to minimize market risk, as well as inherent basis risk, exposure to fluctuations in market conditions remains. Except for the controlled trading program discussed below, we do not acquire and hold futures contracts or other derivative products for the purpose of speculating on price changes that might expose us to indeterminable losses.
While we seek to maintain a position that is substantially balanced within our commodity product purchase and sales activities, we may experience net unbalanced positions for short periods of time as a result of variances in daily purchases and sales and transportation and delivery schedules as well as other logistical issues inherent in our businesses, such as weather conditions. In connection with managing these positions, we are aided by maintaining a constant presence in the marketplace. We also engage in a controlled trading program for up to an aggregate of 250,000 barrels of commodity products at any one point in time. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations through cost of sales. In addition, because a portion of our crude oil business may be conducted in Canadian dollars, we may use foreign currency derivatives to minimize the risks of unfavorable exchange rates. These instruments may include foreign currency exchange contracts and forwards. In conjunction with entering into the commodity derivative, we may enter into a foreign currency derivative to hedge the resulting foreign currency risk. These foreign currency derivatives are generally short-term in nature and not designated for hedge accounting.
We utilize exchange-traded futures contracts and other derivative instruments to minimize or hedge the impact of commodity price changes on our inventories and forward fixed price commitments. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in our results of operations. We utilize regulated exchanges, including the NYMEX, CME and ICE, which are exchanges for the respective commodities that each trades, thereby reducing potential delivery and supply risks. Generally, our practice is to close all exchange positions rather than to make or receive physical deliveries.
At March 31, 2024, the fair value of all of our commodity risk derivative instruments and the change in fair value that would be expected from a 10% price increase or decrease are shown in the table below (in thousands):
Fair Value at
Gain (Loss)
Effect of 10%
Price Increase
Price Decrease
Exchange traded derivative contracts
(15,222)
15,222
Forward derivative contracts
1,516
(10,503)
10,503
(16,758)
(25,725)
25,725
The fair values of the futures contracts are based on quoted market prices obtained from the NYMEX, CME and ICE. The fair value of the swaps and option contracts are estimated based on quoted prices from various sources such as
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independent reporting services, industry publications and brokers. These quotes are compared to the contract price of the swap, which approximates the gain or loss that would have been realized if the contracts had been closed out at March 31, 2024. For positions where independent quotations are not available, an estimate is provided, or the prevailing market price at which the positions could be liquidated is used. All hedge positions offset physical exposures to the physical market; none of these offsetting physical exposures are included in the above table. Price-risk sensitivities were calculated by assuming an across-the-board 10% increase or decrease in price regardless of term or historical relationships between the contractual price of the instruments and the underlying commodity price. In the event of an actual 10% change in prompt month prices, the fair value of our derivative portfolio would typically change less than that shown in the table due to lower volatility in out-month prices. We have a daily margin requirement to maintain a cash deposit with our brokers based on the prior day’s market results on open futures contracts. The balance of this deposit will fluctuate based on our open market positions and the commodity exchange’s requirements. The brokerage margin balance was $13.4 million at March 31, 2024.
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to our exchange-traded derivative contracts, physical forward contracts, and swap agreements. We anticipate some nonperformance by some of these counterparties which, in the aggregate, we do not believe at this time will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Exchange-traded derivative contracts, the primary derivative instrument utilized by us, are traded on regulated exchanges, greatly reducing potential credit risks. We utilize major financial institutions as our clearing brokers for all NYMEX, CME and ICE derivative transactions and the right of offset exists with these financial institutions. Accordingly, the fair value of our exchange-traded derivative instruments is presented on a net basis in the consolidated balance sheet. Exposure on physical forward contracts and swap agreements is limited to the amount of the recorded fair value as of the balance sheet dates.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were operating and effective as of March 31, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
The information required by this item is included in Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A.Risk Factors
In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 5.Other Information
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no director or executive officer of the Partnership adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 6.Exhibits
2.1*#
Amended and Restated Equity Purchase Agreement by and between Gulf Oil Limited Partnership, as Seller, and Global Partners LP, as Buyer, dated as of February 23, 2024.
3.1
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Global Partners LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on May 10, 2005).
3.2
Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Global Partners LP dated as of March 24, 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 24, 2021).
4.1
Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2019, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2019).
4.2
Indenture, dated October 7, 2020, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Regions Bank, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 8, 2020).
4.3
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 28, 2020, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Regions Bank, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 16, 2020).
4.4
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 28, 2020, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Regions Bank, as successor to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on December 16, 2020).
4.5
Indenture, dated January 18, 2024, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Regions Bank, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 18, 2024).
10.1
Purchase Agreement, dated January 3, 2024, among the Issuers, the General Partner, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2024).
10.2˄
Global Partners LP 2018 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan Award Agreement (including Restrictive Covenants) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2024).
10.3˄
Global Partners LP 2018 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan Award Agreement (with Non-Competition Agreement) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2024).
31.1*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global Partners LP.
31.2*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global Partners LP.
32.1†
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global Partners LP.
32.2†
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global Partners LP.
101.INS*
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
101.SCH*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Filed herewith.
# Schedules and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Partnership undertakes to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
† Not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.
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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.
By:
Global GP LLC,
its general partner
Dated: May 8, 2024
/s/ Eric Slifka
Eric Slifka
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Gregory B. Hanson
Gregory B. Hanson
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)