Sunoco Logistics Partners LP--Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

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 1-31219

 

 

SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   23-3096839
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Mellon Bank Center

1735 Market Street, Suite LL, Philadelphia, PA

  19103-7583
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (866) 248-4344

Former name, former address and formal fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not Applicable

 

 

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  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

Large accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

At April 29, 2008, the number of the registrant’s Common Units outstanding was 28,657,485.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P.

INDEX

 

     Page No.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

   Financial Statements   
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)    3
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and December 31, 2007    4
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)    5
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    6

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    21

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    24

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    26

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    26

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    27

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    27

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    27

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    27

Item 5.

   Other Information    27

Item 6.

   Exhibits    28
SIGNATURE    29

 

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Revenues

    

Sales and other operating revenue:

    

Affiliates (Note 2)

   $ 636,386     $ 452,069  

Unaffiliated customers

     1,758,003       1,097,501  

Other income

     4,826       5,039  
                

Total Revenues

     2,399,215       1,554,609  
                

Costs and Expenses

    

Cost of products sold and operating expenses

     2,323,250       1,499,258  

Depreciation and amortization

     9,659       8,904  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     15,431       15,519  

Impairment charge (Note 4)

     5,674       —    
                

Total Costs and Expenses

     2,354,014       1,523,681  
                

Operating Income

     45,201       30,928  

Net interest with affiliates (Note 2)

     (106 )     535  

Other interest cost and debt expense, net

     8,576       8,639  

Capitalized interest

     (772 )     (553 )
                

Net Income

   $ 37,503     $ 22,307  
                

Calculation of Limited Partners’ interest in Net Income (Note 3):

    

Net Income

   $ 37,503     $ 22,307  

Less: General Partner’s interest in Net Income

     (9,654 )     (2,079 )
                

Limited Partners’ interest in Net Income

   $ 27,849     $ 20,228  
                

Net Income per Limited Partner unit:

    

Basic

   $ 0.97     $ 0.71  
                

Diluted

   $ 0.97     $ 0.70  
                

Weighted average Limited Partners’ units outstanding (Note 3):

    

Basic

     28,627,656       28,564,996  
                

Diluted

     28,806,029       28,702,728  
                

(See Accompanying Notes)

 

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SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

     March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (UNAUDITED)        

Assets

    

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,000     $ 2,000  

Advances to affiliates (Note 2)

     —         8,060  

Accounts receivable, affiliated companies (Note 2)

     247,511       62,167  

Accounts receivable, net

     1,371,959       1,200,782  

Inventories:

    

Crude oil

     67,416       29,145  

Refined product additives

     296       682  

Materials, supplies and other

     842       842  
                

Total Current Assets

     1,690,024       1,303,678  
                

Properties, plants and equipment

     1,643,256       1,625,782  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (546,032 )     (536,520 )
                

Properties, plants and equipment, net

     1,097,224       1,089,262  
                

Investment in affiliates (Note 5)

     84,727       84,985  

Deferred charges and other assets

     28,231       26,717  
                

Total Assets

   $ 2,900,206     $ 2,504,642  
                

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

    

Current Liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 1,703,354     $ 1,289,402  

Accrued liabilities

     50,343       45,159  

Advances from affiliates (Note 2)

     13,216       —    

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

     34,219       34,277  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     1,801,132       1,368,838  

Long-term debt (Note 7)

     474,152       515,104  

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     26,283       29,655  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 7)

    
                

Total Liabilities

     2,301,567       1,913,597  
                

Partners’ Capital:

    

Limited partners’ interest

     586,921       582,357  

General partner’s interest

     11,718       8,688  
                

Total Partners’ Capital

     598,639       591,045  
                

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 2,900,206     $ 2,504,642  
                

(See Accompanying Notes)

 

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SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 37,503     $ 22,307  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     9,659       8,904  

Impairment charge

     5,674       —    

Restricted unit incentive plan expense

     2,745       2,256  

Changes in working capital pertaining to operating activities:

    

Accounts receivable, affiliated companies

     (185,344 )     (54,329 )

Accounts receivable, net

     (171,177 )     20,476  

Inventories

     (37,885 )     (11,871 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     418,206       (12,079 )

Accrued taxes other than income

     (58 )     (6,206 )

Other

     (4,744 )     4,925  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     74,579       (25,617 )
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (23,131 )     (17,881 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (23,131 )     (17,881 )
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Distributions paid to Limited Partners and General Partner

     (31,591 )     (28,253 )

Payments of statutory withholding on net issuance of Limited Partner units under restricted unit incentive plan

     (1,278 )     (1,479 )

Contributions from General Partner for Limited Partner unit transactions

     76       58  

Advances from affiliates, net

     21,276       15,107  

Borrowings under credit facility

     5,000       48,000  

Repayments under credit facility

     (46,000 )     —    

Contributions from / (Distributions to) affiliate

     1,069       653  
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (51,448 )     34,086  
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     —         (9,412 )
          

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     2,000       9,412  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 2,000     $ —    
                

(See Accompanying Notes)

 

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SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership formed by Sunoco, Inc. (“Sunoco”) in October 2001 to acquire, own and operate a substantial portion of Sunoco’s logistics business, consisting of refined product pipelines, terminalling and storage assets, crude oil pipelines, and crude oil acquisition and marketing assets located in the Northeast, Midwest and South Central United States. Sunoco, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries including Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) are collectively referred to as “Sunoco”. The financial statements of the Partnership contain the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries. Equity ownership interests in corporate joint ventures, which are not consolidated, are accounted for under the equity method.

The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the results of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. and its wholly-owned partnerships, including Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”). Equity ownership interests in corporate joint ventures, which are not consolidated, are accounted for under the equity method.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial reporting. They do not include all disclosures normally made in financial statements contained in Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods shown have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except for the impairment charge (Note 4). Results for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year 2008.

 

2. Related Party Transactions

Advances to/from Affiliate

The Partnership has a treasury services agreement with Sunoco pursuant to which it, among other things, participates in Sunoco’s centralized cash management program. Under this program, all of the Partnership’s cash receipts and cash disbursements are processed, together with those of Sunoco and its other subsidiaries, through Sunoco’s cash accounts with a corresponding credit or charge to an intercompany account. The intercompany balances are settled periodically, but no less frequently than monthly. Amounts due from Sunoco earn interest at a rate equal to the average rate of the Partnership’s third-party money market investments, while amounts due to Sunoco bear interest at a rate equal to the interest rate provided in the Partnership’s revolving credit facility (see Note 6).

Administrative Services

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income include costs incurred by Sunoco for the provision of certain centralized corporate functions such as legal, accounting, treasury, engineering, information technology, insurance and other corporate services, including the administration of employee benefit plans. These are provided to the Partnership under an omnibus agreement (“Omnibus Agreement”) with Sunoco for an annual administrative fee. The fee for the annual period ended December 31, 2007 was $6.5 million. In January 2008, the parties extended the term of Section 4.1 of the Omnibus Agreement (which concerns the Partnership’s obligation to pay the annual fee for provision of certain general and administrative services) by one year. The annual administrative fee applicable to this one-year extension is $6.0 million, which reflects the Partnership directly incurring some of these general and administrative costs. These costs may be increased if the acquisition or construction of new assets or businesses requires an increase in the level of general and administrative services received by the Partnership. There can be no assurance that Section 4.1 of the Omnibus Agreement will be extended beyond 2008, or that, if extended, the administrative fee charged by Sunoco will be at or below the current administrative fee. In the event that the Partnership is unable to obtain such services from Sunoco or third parties at or below the current cost, the Partnership’s financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

The annual administrative fee does not include the costs of shared insurance programs, which are allocated to the Partnership based upon its share of the cash premiums incurred. This fee also does not include salaries of pipeline and terminal personnel or other employees of the general partner, or the cost of their employee benefits. These employees are employees of the Partnership’s general partner or its affiliates, which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sunoco. The Partnership has no employees. Allocated Sunoco employee benefit plan expenses for employees who work in the pipeline, terminalling, storage and crude oil gathering operations, including senior executives, include non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans, defined contribution 401(k) plans, employee and retiree medical, dental and life insurance plans, incentive compensation plans, and other such benefits. The Partnership is reimbursing Sunoco for these costs and other direct expenses incurred on its behalf. These expenses are reflected in cost of products sold and operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

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Affiliated Revenues and Accounts Receivable, Affiliated Companies

Affiliated revenues in the statements of income consist of sales of crude oil as well as the provision of crude oil and refined product pipeline transportation, terminalling and storage services to Sunoco. Sales of crude oil are priced using market based rates. Pipeline revenues are generally determined using posted tariffs. In 2002, the Partnership entered into a pipelines and terminals storage and throughput agreement and various other agreements with Sunoco under which the Partnership is charging Sunoco fees for services provided under these agreements that, in management’s opinion, are comparable to those charged in arm’s-length, third-party transactions. Under the pipelines and terminals storage and throughput agreement, Sunoco has agreed to pay the Partnership a minimum level of revenues for transporting refined products. Sunoco also has agreed to minimum throughputs of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas in the Partnership’s Inkster Terminal, Fort Mifflin Terminal Complex and certain crude oil pipelines. During the first quarter of 2007, the agreement to throughput at the Partnership’s refined product terminals and to receive and deliver refined product into the Partnership’s Marcus Hook Tank Farm expired. On March 1, 2007 the Partnership entered into new five year agreements with Sunoco to provide these services. These new agreements contain no minimum throughput obligations for Sunoco.

Under various other agreements entered into in 2002, Sunoco is, among other things, purchasing from the Partnership, at market-based rates, particular grades of crude oil that the Partnership’s crude oil acquisition and marketing business purchases for delivery to certain pipelines. These agreements automatically renew on a monthly basis unless terminated by either party on 30 days’ written notice. Sunoco has also leased the Partnership’s 58 miles of interrefinery pipelines between Sunoco’s Philadelphia and Marcus Hook refineries for a term of 20 years.

Capital Contributions

The Partnership has agreements with Sunoco which requires Sunoco to, among other things, reimburse the Partnership for certain expenditures. These agreements include:

 

   

the Interrefinery Lease Agreement, which requires Sunoco to reimburse the Partnership for any non-routine maintenance expenditures incurred, as defined through February 2022; and

 

   

the Eagle Point purchase agreements, which requires Sunoco to reimburse the Partnership for certain capital improvement projects incurred regarding the assets acquired. On January 24, 2008 Sunoco and the Partnership entered into an Amended and Restated Dock and Terminal Throughput Agreement for the Eagle Point logistics assets. Pursuant to the amended agreement the Partnership is obligated to make certain capital improvements to the Eagle Point docks. The term for the parties’ obligations with respect to the docks has been extended from March 31, 2016 to December 31, 2026. The rates to be paid by Sunoco for throughput across the docks have been modified to reflect the capital improvements, and the rates escalate annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Sunoco’s throughput obligations across the docks remain unchanged. The parties’ obligations with respect to the Eagle Point terminal remain unchanged except that the throughput rates escalate annually based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index.

During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Partnership was reimbursed $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, associated with these agreements. The reimbursement of these amounts was recorded by the Partnership as capital contributions to Partners’ Capital within the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2008.

In February 2008 and 2007 the Partnership issued 0.1 million common units in each period to participants in the Sunoco Partners LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) upon completion of award vesting requirements. As a result of these issuances of common units, the general partner contributed $0.1 million in each period to the Partnership to maintain its 2.0 percent general partner interest. The Partnership recorded these amounts as capital contributions to Partners’ Capital within its condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

3. Net Income Per Unit Data

Basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit is calculated by dividing net income, after deducting the amount allocated to the general partner’s interest, by the weighted-average number of limited partner common and subordinated units outstanding during the period.

The general partner’s interest in net income consists of its 2.0 percent general partner interest and “incentive distributions”, which are increasing percentages, up to 50 percent of quarterly distributions in excess of $0.50 per limited partner unit (see Note 10). The general partner was allocated net income of $9.7 million (representing 25.7 percent of total net income for the period) and $2.1 million (representing 9.3 percent of total net income for the period) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Diluted net income per limited partner unit is calculated by dividing net income applicable to limited partners’ by the sum of the weighted-average number of common and subordinated units outstanding and the dilutive effect of incentive unit awards, as calculated by the treasury stock method.

 

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The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the weighted average number of limited partner units used to compute basic net income per limited partner unit to those used to compute diluted net income per limited partner unit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2008    2007

Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding – basic

   28,627,656    28,564,996

Add effect of dilutive unit incentive awards

   178,373    137,732
         

Weighted average number of limited partner units – diluted

   28,806,029    28,702,728

 

4. Impairment Charge

Long-lived assets other than those held for sale are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. In the first quarter of 2008, the Partnership recognized an impairment of $5.7 million related to management’s decision to discontinue efforts to expand liquefied petroleum gas storage capacity at its Inkster, Michigan facility. The impairment charge reflects the entire cost associated with the project.

 

5. Investment in Affiliates

The Partnership’s ownership percentages in corporate joint ventures as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

     Partnership
Ownership
Percentage
 

Explorer Pipeline Company

   9.4 %

West Shore Pipe Line Company

   12.3 %

Yellowstone Pipe Line Company

   14.0 %

Wolverine Pipe Line Company

   31.5 %

West Texas Gulf Pipe Line Company

   43.8 %

Mid-Valley Pipeline Company(1)

   55.3 %

 

(1)

The Partnership’s interest in the Mid-Valley Pipeline Company includes 50 percent voting rights.

The following table provides summarized combined statement of income data on a 100 percent basis for the Partnership’s corporate joint venture interests for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands of dollars):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2008    2007

Income Statement Data:

     

Total revenues

   $ 108,303    $ 109,689

Net income

   $ 25,411    $ 29,972

The following table provides summarized combined balance sheet data on a 100 percent basis for the Partnership’s corporate joint venture interests as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (in thousands of dollars):

 

     March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Balance Sheet Data:

     

Current assets

   $ 188,199    $ 181,683

Non-current assets

   $ 668,838    $ 692,331

Current liabilities

   $ 127,730    $ 122,229

Non-current liabilities

   $ 646,353    $ 661,777

Net equity

   $ 82,954    $ 90,008

 

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The Partnership’s investments in Wolverine, West Shore, Yellowstone, and West Texas Gulf at March 31, 2008 include an excess investment amount of approximately $54.1 million, net of accumulated amortization of $3.4 million. The excess investment is the difference between the investment balance and the Partnership’s proportionate share of the net assets of the entities. The excess investment was allocated to the underlying tangible and intangible assets. Other than land and indefinite-lived intangible assets, all amounts allocated, principally to pipeline and related assets, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life of 40 years and included within depreciation and amortization in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

6. Long-Term Debt

The components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands of dollars):

 

     March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Credit Facility

   $ 50,000     $ 91,000  

Senior Notes – 7.25%, due February 15, 2012

     250,000       250,000  

Senior Notes – 6.125%, due May 15, 2016

     175,000       175,000  

Less unamortized bond discount

     (848 )     (896 )
                
   $ 474,152     $ 515,104  
                

Credit Facility

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a wholly-owned entity of the Partnership, has a five-year $400 million credit facility (“Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility is available to fund the Operating Partnership’s working capital requirements, to finance future acquisitions, to finance future capital projects and for general partnership purposes. The Credit Facility matures in November 2012 and may be prepaid at any time. It bears interest at the Operating Partnership’s option, at either (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin, (ii) the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent or the Citibank prime rate (each plus the applicable margin) or (iii) the federal funds rate plus an applicable margin. The Credit Facility contains various covenants limiting the Operating Partnership’s ability to incur indebtedness; grant certain liens; make certain loans, acquisitions and investments; make any material change to the nature of its business; acquire another company; or enter into a merger or sale of assets, including the sale or transfer of interests in the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries. The Credit Facility also limits the Operating Partnership, on a rolling four-quarter basis, to a maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio of 4.75 to 1, which can generally be increased to 5.25 to 1 during an acquisition period. The Operating Partnership is in compliance with this requirement as of March 31, 2008. The Partnership’s ratio of total debt to EBITDA was 2.8 to 1 at March 31, 2008.

Letters of Credit

The Partnership has two standby letters of credit totaling $130.4 million, which were effective January 1, 2008. The letters of credit are subject to commitment fees, which are not material.

Interest Rate Swap

The Partnership uses interest rate swaps, a type of derivative financial instrument, to manage interest costs and minimize the effects of interest rate fluctuations on cash flows associated with its credit facility. The Partnership does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. While interest rate swaps are subject to fluctuations in value, these fluctuations are generally offset by the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. The Partnership minimizes the risk of credit loss by entering into these agreements with major financial institutions that have high credit ratings. The Partnership accounts for its interest rate swaps in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), which requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. SFAS 133 also requires that changes in the fair value be recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative has been designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, depending on the type of hedge transaction. Interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of a cash flow hedge, to the extent the hedge is effective, are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss), a component of Partners’ capital, until earnings are affected by the variability of the hedged cash flows. Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness, defined as the extent that the changes in the fair value of the derivative exceed the variability of cash flows of the forecasted transaction, is recorded currently in earnings.

In January 2008, the Partnership entered into a $50.0 million floating to fixed interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”), maturing January 2010. Under the Swap, the Partnership receives interest equivalent to the three-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of interest of 3.489 percent with settlements occurring quarterly. The objective of the hedge is to eliminate the variability of cash flows in interest payments for $50.0 million of floating rate debt under the credit facility. To maintain hedge accounting for the Swap, the Partnership is committed to maintaining at least $50.0 million in borrowings on the revolver at an interest rate based on the three-month LIBOR, plus an applicable margin, through January 2010. The Swap’s fair value of $0.9 million as of March 31, 2008, is

 

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included in accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the corresponding change in fair value is included in other comprehensive income, a component of Partners’ equity.

 

7. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

The Partnership is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws which regulate the discharge of materials into the environment or that otherwise relate to the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations result in liabilities and loss contingencies for remediation at the Partnership’s facilities and at third-party or formerly owned sites. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, there were accrued liabilities for environmental remediation in the condensed consolidated balance sheets of $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The accrued liabilities for environmental remediation do not include any amounts attributable to unasserted claims, nor have any recoveries from insurance been assumed. Charges against income for environmental remediation totaled $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Total future costs for environmental remediation activities will depend upon, among other things, the identification of any additional sites, the determination of the extent of the contamination at each site, the timing and nature of required remedial actions, the technology available and needed to meet the various existing legal requirements, the nature and extent of future environmental laws, inflation rates and the determination of the Partnership’s liability at multi-party sites, if any, in light of uncertainties with respect to joint and several liability, and the number, participation levels and financial viability of other parties. As discussed below, the Partnership’s current and future costs have been and will be impacted by an indemnification from Sunoco.

The Partnership is a party to certain pending and threatened claims. Although the ultimate outcome of these claims cannot be ascertained at this time, it is reasonably possible that some portion of them could be resolved unfavorably to the Partnership and its predecessor. Management does not believe that any liabilities which may arise from such claims and the environmental matters discussed above would be material in relation to the financial position of the Partnership at March 31, 2008. Furthermore, management does not believe that the overall costs for such matters will have a material impact, over an extended period of time, on the Partnership’s operations, cash flows or liquidity.

Sunoco has indemnified the Partnership for 30 years from environmental and toxic tort liabilities related to the assets contributed to the Partnership that arise from the operation of such assets prior to the closing of the February 2002 IPO. Sunoco has indemnified the Partnership for 100 percent of all losses asserted within the first 21 years of closing of the February 2002 IPO. Sunoco’s share of liability for claims asserted thereafter will decrease by 10 percent a year. For example, for a claim asserted during the twenty-third year after closing of the February 2002 IPO, Sunoco would be required to indemnify the Partnership for 80 percent of its loss. There is no monetary cap on the amount of indemnity coverage provided by Sunoco. The Partnership has agreed to indemnify Sunoco for events and conditions associated with the operation of the Partnership’s assets that occur on or after the closing of the February 2002 IPO and for environmental and toxic tort liabilities to the extent Sunoco is not required to indemnify the Partnership.

Sunoco also has indemnified the Partnership for liabilities, other than environmental and toxic tort liabilities related to the assets contributed to the Partnership, that arise out of Sunoco’s ownership and operation of the assets prior to the closing of the February 2002 IPO and that are asserted within 10 years after closing of the February 2002 IPO. In addition, Sunoco has indemnified the Partnership from liabilities relating to certain defects in title to the assets contributed to the Partnership and associated with failure to obtain certain consents and permits necessary to conduct its business that arise within 10 years after closing of the February 2002 IPO as well as from liabilities relating to legal actions currently pending against Sunoco or its affiliates and events and conditions associated with any assets retained by Sunoco or its affiliates.

Management of the Partnership does not believe that any liabilities which may arise from claims indemnified by Sunoco would be material in relation to the financial position of the Partnership at March 31, 2008. There are certain other pending legal proceedings related to matters arising after the February 2002 IPO that are not indemnified by Sunoco. Management believes that any liabilities that may arise from these legal proceedings will not be material in relation to the financial position of the Partnership at March 31, 2008.

Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P. (“SPMT”), which is wholly owned by the Partnership, has received a proposed penalty assessment from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in the aggregate amount of $5.1 million based on a failure to timely file excise tax information returns relating to its terminal operations during the calendar years 2004 and 2005. SPMT became current on its information return filings with the IRS in July of 2006. SPMT believes it had reasonable cause for the failure to not file the information returns on a timely basis, and provided this information to the IRS on October 19, 2007 in a formal filing. SPMT is currently awaiting a response from the IRS. The proposed penalties are for the failure to file information returns rather than any failure to pay taxes due, as no taxes were owed by SPMT in connection with such information. The timing or outcome of this claim, and the total costs to be incurred by SPMT in connection therewith, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

 

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8. Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2008, the Partnership adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) which pertain to certain balance sheet items measured at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about such measurements that are permitted or required under other accounting pronouncements. While SFAS No. 157 may change the method of calculating fair value, it does not require any new fair value measurements.

In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the Partnership determines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As required, the Partnership utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs (levels 1 and 2) and minimize the use of unobservable inputs (level 3) within the fair value hierarchy established by SFAS No. 157. The Partnership generally applies the “market approach” to determine fair value. This method uses pricing and other information generated by market transactions for identical or comparable assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level (least observable) input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. The Partnership’s financial instruments recorded at fair value were not material at March 31, 2008. The Partnership is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157, which must be adopted by January 1, 2009.

In addition, in February 2007, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”) was issued and became effective January 1, 2008. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other eligible items at fair value that were not previously required to be measured at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on such items reported in earnings. The Partnership did not adopt the use of fair value measurements for any new items as of the January 1, 2008 effective date of this new standard.

 

9. Management Incentive Plan

Sunoco Partners LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, participates in the Sunoco Partners LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) for employees and directors of the general partner who perform services for the Partnership. The LTIP is administered by the independent directors of the Compensation Committee of the general partner’s board of directors with respect to employee awards, and by the non-independent members of the general partners’ board of directors with respect to awards granted to the independent members. The LTIP currently permits the grant of restricted units and unit options covering an aggregate of 1,250,000 common units. There have been no grants of unit options since the inception of the LTIP. Restricted unit awards may also include tandem distribution equivalent rights (“DER’s”) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

The Partnership awarded 57,423 and 54,084 units under the LTIP and recognized share-based compensation expense of $3.0 million and $2.3 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Each of the restricted unit grants also have tandem DER’s which are recognized as a reduction of Partners’ Capital when earned.

 

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10. Cash Distributions

Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, the Partnership distributes all cash on hand at the end of the quarter, less reserves established by the general partner in its discretion. This is defined as “available cash” in the partnership agreement. The general partner has broad discretion to establish cash reserves that it determines are necessary or appropriate to properly conduct the Partnership’s business. The Partnership will make quarterly distributions to the extent there is sufficient cash from operations after establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to the general partner.

The Partnership issued 11,383,639 subordinated units to its general partner in connection with the initial public offering in February 2002. These subordinated units were convertible to common units on a one-for-one basis provided the Partnership met applicable financial tests set forth in the partnership agreement. The Partnership met the minimum quarterly distribution requirements on all outstanding units for each of the four-quarter periods ended December 31, 2005 and 2006. As a result, subordinated units converted to common units in February 2005 and 2006 with the balance converting in February, 2007.

If cash distributions exceed $0.50 per unit in a quarter, the general partner will receive increasing percentages, up to 50 percent, of the cash distributed in excess of $0.70 per unit. These distributions are referred to as “incentive distributions”.

Distributions paid by the Partnership for the period from January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008 were as follows:

 

Date Cash

Distribution Paid

   Cash
Distribution
per Limited
Partner Unit
   Total Cash
Distribution to
Limited Partners
   Total Cash
Distribution to

the General
Partner
          ($ in millions)    ($ in millions)

February 14, 2007

   $ 0.8125    $ 23.2    $ 5.1

May 15, 2007

   $ 0.8250    $ 23.6    $ 5.4

August 14, 2007

   $ 0.8375    $ 23.9    $ 5.8

November 14, 2007

   $ 0.8575    $ 24.3    $ 6.1

February 14, 2008

   $ 0.8700    $ 24.9    $ 6.7

On April 23, 2008, Sunoco Partners LLC, the general partner of the Partnership, declared a cash distribution of $0.895 per common partnership unit ($3.58 annualized), representing the distribution for the first quarter 2008. The $33.1 million distribution, including $7.5 million to the general partner, will be paid on May 15, 2008 to unitholders of record at the close of business on May 8, 2008.

 

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11. Business Segment Information

The following table sets forth condensed statement of income information concerning the Partnership’s business segments and reconciles total segment operating income to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in thousands of dollars):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008    2007  

Segment Operating Income

     

Eastern Pipeline System:

     

Sales and other operating revenue:

     

Affiliates

   $ 20,239    $ 18,844  

Unaffiliated customers

     8,653      8,130  

Other income

     1,279      2,536  
               

Total Revenues

     30,171      29,510  
               

Operating expenses

     11,951      11,956  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,414      2,307  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     5,070      5,559  
               

Total Costs and Expenses

     19,435      19,822  
               

Operating Income

   $ 10,736    $ 9,688  
               

Terminal Facilities:

     

Sales and other operating revenue:

     

Affiliates

   $ 24,710    $ 21,444  

Unaffiliated customers

     14,674      11,444  

Other income

     —        (8 )
               

Total Revenues

     39,384      32,880  
               

Operating expenses

     13,688      12,481  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,937      3,675  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     4,875      4,469  

Impairment charge

     5,674      —    
               

Total Costs and Expenses

     28,174      20,625  
               

Operating Income

   $ 11,210    $ 12,255  
               

Western Pipeline System:

     

Sales and other operating revenue:

     

Affiliates

   $ 591,437    $ 411,781  

Unaffiliated customers

     1,734,676      1,077,927  

Other income

     3,547      2,511  
               

Total Revenues

     2,329,660      1,492,219  
               

Cost of products sold and operating expenses

     2,297,611      1,474,821  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,308      2,922  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     5,486      5,491  
               

Total Costs and Expenses

     2,306,405      1,483,234  
               

Operating Income

   $ 23,255    $ 8,985  
               

Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Net Income:

     

Operating Income:

     

Eastern Pipeline System

   $ 10,736    $ 9,688  

Terminal Facilities

     11,210      12,255  

Western Pipeline System

     23,255      8,985  
               

Total segment operating income

     45,201      30,928  

Net interest expense

     7,698      8,621  
               

Net Income

   $ 37,503    $ 22,307  
               

 

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Table of Contents

The following table provides the identifiable assets for each segment as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (in thousands):

 

     March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Eastern Pipeline System

   $ 368,348    $ 370,278

Terminal Facilities

     401,594      400,509

Western Pipeline System

     2,112,778      1,710,093

Corporate and other

     17,486      23,762
             

Total identifiable assets

   $ 2,900,206    $ 2,504,642
             

Corporate and other assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, advances to affiliates and deferred charges.

 

12. Subsequent Event - MagTex Refined Products Pipeline System Acquisition

On April 28, 2008, Sunoco Pipeline L.P., a subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a refined products pipeline system and certain other real and personal property interests and assets from Mobil Pipe Line Company, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation. The pipeline system consists of approximately 275 miles of refined products pipeline originating in Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas and terminating in Hearne, Texas and an additional 197 miles of refined products pipeline extending from Beaumont, Texas and terminating in Waskom, Texas. In addition to the pipeline system, Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P., a subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into definitive agreements with Exxon Mobil Corporation, Mobil Pipe Line Company and ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, also an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, to acquire six refined products terminal facilities. The terminal facilities are located in Hearne, Hebert, Waco, Center and Waskom, Texas and Arcadia, Louisiana and have combined storage capacity of approximately 1.2 million barrels. The acquisitions are subject to necessary regulatory filings and approvals and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions. The transactions, with a combined purchase price of approximately $200.0 million, are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2008.

 

13. Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

The Partnership and the operating partnerships of the Operating Partnership served as joint and several guarantors of the Senior Notes and of any obligations under the previous credit facility. The Partnership continues to serve as guarantor of the Senior Notes and of any obligations under the new Credit Facility. These guarantees are full and unconditional. In connection with the Partnership’s Credit Facility, the Subsidiary Guarantors were released from their obligations both under the Credit Facility, and the 7.25 percent and 6.125 percent Senior Notes in August 2007. Given that certain, but not all subsidiaries of the Partnership were guarantors, the Partnership was required to present the following supplemental condensed consolidating financial information. For purposes of the following footnote, Sunoco Logistics Partners, L.P. is referred to as “Parent” and Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. is referred to as “Subsidiary Issuer.” In the 2008 schedules and 2007 balance sheet schedule, Sunoco Partners Marketing and Terminals L.P., Sunoco Pipeline L.P., Sun Pipeline Company of Delaware LLC, Sunoco Pipeline Acquisition LLC, Sunoco Logistics Partners GP LLC, Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations GP LLC and Sunoco Partners Lease Acquisition & Marketing LLC, are collectively referred to as “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.” In the 2007 schedules of income and cash flows, Sunoco Partners Marketing and Terminals L.P., Sunoco Pipeline L.P., Sun Pipeline Company of Delaware LLC and Sunoco Pipeline Acquisition LLC are collectively referred to as the “Subsidiary Guarantors”, and Sunoco Logistics Partners GP LLC, Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations GP LLC and Sunoco Partners Lease Acquisition & Marketing LLC, are referred to as “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.”

The following supplemental condensed consolidating financial information (in thousands) reflects the Parent’s separate accounts, the Subsidiary Issuer’s separate accounts, the combined accounts of the Subsidiary Guarantors, the combined accounts of the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, the combined consolidating adjustments and eliminations and the Parent’s consolidated accounts for the dates and periods indicated. For purposes of the following condensed consolidating information, the Parent’s investments in its subsidiaries and the Subsidiary Issuer’s investments in its subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

(unaudited)

 

     Parent    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Total  

Revenues

            

Sales and other operating revenue:

            

Affiliates

   $ —      $ —       $ 636,386    $ —       $ 636,386  

Unaffiliated customers

     —        —         1,758,003      —         1,758,003  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     37,504      44,377       4      (81,885 )     —    

Other income

     —        —         4,826      —         4,826  
                                      

Total Revenues

     37,504      44,377       2,399,219      (81,885 )     2,399,215  
                                      

Costs and Expenses

            

Cost of products sold and operating expenses

     —        —         2,323,250      —         2,323,250  

Depreciation and amortization

     —        —         9,659      —         9,659  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     —        —         15,431      —         15,431  

Impairment Charge

     —        —         5,674      —         5,674  
                                      

Total Costs and Expenses

     —        —         2,354,014      —         2,354,014  
                                      

Operating Income

     37,504      44,377       45,205      (81,885 )     45,201  

Net interest with affiliates

     —        (931 )     825      —         (106 )

Other interest cost and debt expenses, net

     —        8,576       —        —         8,576  

Capitalized interest

     —        (772 )     —        —         (772 )
                                      

Net Income

   $ 37,504    $ 37,504     $ 44,380    $ (81,885 )   $ 37,503  
                                      

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

(unaudited)

 

     Parent    Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
   Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Total  

Revenues

               

Sales and other operating revenue:

               

Affiliates

   $ —      $ —       $ 452,069    $ —      $ —       $ 452,069  

Unaffiliated customers

     —        —         1,097,501      —        —         1,097,501  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     22,304      30,100       —        3      (52,407 )     —    

Other income

     —        —         5,039      —        —         5,039  
                                             

Total Revenues

     22,304      30,100       1,554,609      3      (52,407 )     1,554,609  
                                             

Costs and Expenses

               

Cost of products sold and operating expenses

     —        —         1,499,258      —        —         1,499,258  

Depreciation and amortization

     —        —         8,904      —        —         8,904  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     —        —         15,519      —        —         15,519  
                                             

Total Costs and Expenses

     —        —         1,523,681      —        —         1,523,681  
                                             

Operating Income

     22,304      30,100       30,928      3      (52,407 )     30,928  

Net interest with affiliates

     —        (290 )     825      —        —         535  

Other interest cost and debt expenses, net

     —        8,639       —        —        —         8,639  

Capitalized interest

     —        (553 )     —        —        —         (553 )
                                             

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 22,304    $ 22,304     $ 30,103    $ 3    $ (52,407 )   $ 22,307  
                                             

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

March 31, 2008

(unaudited)

 

     Parent    Subsidiary
Issuer
   Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Consolidating
Adjustments
    Total

Assets

             

Current Assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —      $ 2,000    $ —      $ —       $ 2,000

Accounts receivable, affiliated companies

     —        —        247,511      —         247,511

Accounts receivable, net

     —        —        1,371,959      —         1,371,959

Inventories

             

Crude oil

     —        —        67,416      —         67,416

Refined product

     —        —        296      —         296

Materials, supplies and other

     —        —        842      —         842
                                   

Total Current Assets

     —        2,000      1,688,024      —         1,690,024
                                   

Properties, plants and equipment, net

     —        —        1,097,224      —         1,097,224

Investment in affiliates

     565,180      1,032,692      84,829      (1,597,974 )     84,727

Deferred charges and other assets

     —        3,131      25,100      —         28,231
                                   

Total Assets

   $ 565,180    $ 1,037,823    $ 2,895,177    $ (1,597,974 )   $ 2,900,206
                                   

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

             

Current Liabilities

             

Accounts payable

   $ —      $ 97    $ 1,703,257    $ —       $ 1,703,354

Accrued liabilities

     980      1,444      47,919      —         50,343

Advances from affiliates

     5,627      5      7,584      —         13,216

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

     —        —        34,219      —         34,219
                                   

Total Current Liabilities

     6,607      1,546      1,792,979      —         1,801,132
                                   

Long-term debt

     —        474,152      —        —         474,152

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     —        —        26,283      —         26,283
                                   

Total Liabilities

     6,607      475,698      1,819,262      —         2,301,567
                                   

Total Partners’ Capital

     558,573      562,125      1,075,915      (1,597,974 )     598,639
                                   

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 565,180    $ 1,037,823    $ 2,895,177    $ (1,597,974 )   $ 2,900,206
                                   

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2007

 

     Parent    Subsidiary
Issuer
   Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Total

Assets

            

Current Assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —      $ 2,000    $ —       $ —       $ 2,000

Advances to affiliates

     4,348      46,000      (42,288 )     —         8,060

Accounts receivable, affiliated companies

     —        —        62,167       —         62,167

Accounts receivable, net

     —        —        1,200,782       —         1,200,782

Inventories

            

Crude oil

     —        —        29,145       —         29,145

Refined product additives

     —        —        682       —         682

Materials, supplies and other

     —        —        842       —         842
                                    

Total Current Assets

     4,348      48,000      1,251,330       —         1,303,678
                                    

Properties, plants and equipment, net

     —        —        1,089,262       —         1,089,262

Investment in affiliates

     584,060      1,101,139      85,084       (1,685,298 )     84,985

Deferred charges and other assets

     —        3,278      23,439       —         26,717
                                    

Total Assets

   $ 588,408    $ 1,152,417    $ 2,449,115     $ (1,685,298 )   $ 2,504,642
                                    

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

            

Current Liabilities

            

Accounts payable

   $ —      $ —      $ 1,289,402     $ —       $ 1,289,402

Accrued liabilities

     980      3,863      40,316       —         45,159

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

     —        —        34,277       —         34,277
                                    

Total Current Liabilities

     980      3,863      1,363,995       —         1,368,838
                                    

Long-term debt

     —        515,104      —         —         515,104

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     —        —        29,655       —         29,655
                                    

Total Liabilities

     980      518,967      1,393,650       —         1,913,597
                                    

Total Partners’ Capital

     587,428      633,450      1,055,465       (1,685,298 )     591,045
                                    

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   $ 588,408    $ 1,152,417    $ 2,449,115     $ (1,685,298 )   $ 2,504,642
                                    

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

(unaudited)

 

     Parent     Subsidiary
Issuer
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Total  

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities

   $ 37,504     $ 35,035     $ 83,925     $ (81,885 )   $ 74,579  
                                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

          

Capital expenditures

     —         —         (23,131 )     —         (23,131 )

Intercompany

     (15,963 )     5,455       (71,377 )     81,885       —    
                                        
     (15,963 )     5,455       (94,508 )     81,885       (23,131 )
                                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

          

Distribution paid to Limited Partners and General Partner

     (31,591 )     —         —         —         (31,591 )

Payments of statutory withholding on net issuance of Limited Partner units under restricted unit incentive plan

     —         —         (1,278 )     —         (1,278 )

Contribution from General Partner for Limited Partner unit transactions

     76       —         —         —         76  

Advances to affiliates, net

     9,974       510       10,792       —         21,276  

Borrowings under credit facility

     —         5,000       —         —         5,000  

Repayments under credit facility

     —         (46,000 )     —         —         (46,000 )

Contributions from affiliate

     —         —         1,069       —         1,069  
                                        
     (21,541 )     (40,490 )     10,583       —         (51,448 )
                                        

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     —         —         —         —         —    

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     —         2,000       —         —         2,000  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ —       $ 2,000     $ —       $ —       $ 2,000  
                                        

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

(unaudited)

 

     Parent     Subsidiary
Issuer
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Consolidating
Adjustments
    Total  

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities

   $ 22,224     $ 19,847     $ (15,284 )   $ 3     $ (52,407 )   $ (25,617 )
                                                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

            

Capital expenditures

     —         —         (17,881 )     —         —         (17,881 )

Intercompany

     (4,499 )     (77,259 )     29,354       (3 )     52,407       —    
                                                
     (4,499 )     (77,259 )     11,473       (3 )     52,407       (17,881 )
                                                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

            

Distribution paid to Limited Partners and General Partner

     (28,253 )     —         —         —         —         (28,253 )

Payments of statutory withholding on net issuance of Limited Partner units under restricted unit incentive plan

     —         —         (1,479 )     —         —         (1,479 )

Contribution from General Partner for Limited Partner unit transactions

     58       —         —         —         —         58  

Repayments from (advances to) affiliates, net

     10,470       —         4,637       —         —         15,107  

Borrowings under credit facility

     —         48,000       —         —         —         48,000  

Contributions from (distributions to) affiliate

     —         —         653       —         —         653  
                                                
     (17,725 )     48,000       3,811       —         —         34,086  
                                                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     —         (9,412 )     —         —         —         (9,412 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     —         9,412       —         —         —         9,412  
                                                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    
                                                

 

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

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.

Operating Highlights

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31
     2008    2007

Eastern Pipeline System:(1)

     

Total shipments (barrel miles per day)(2)

   60,383,731    63,491,427

Revenue per barrel mile (cents)

   0.526    0.472

Terminal Facilities:

     

Terminal throughput (bpd):

     

Refined product terminals(3)

   418,615    415,567

Nederland terminal

   569,769    556,622

Refinery terminals(4)

   675,196    613,511

Western Pipeline System:(1)

     

Crude oil pipeline throughput (bpd)

   550,424    533,906

Crude oil purchases at wellhead (bpd)

   171,445    185,151

Gross margin per barrel of pipeline throughput (cents)(5)

   50.4    24.9

 

(1)

Excludes amounts attributable to equity ownership interests in corporate joint ventures.

 

(2)

Represents total average daily pipeline throughput multiplied by the number of miles of pipeline through which each barrel has been shipped.

 

(3)

Includes results from the Partnership’s purchase of a 50% undivided interest in a refined products terminal in Syracuse, New York in June 2007.

 

(4)

Consists of the Partnership’s Fort Mifflin Terminal Complex, the Marcus Hook Tank Farm and the Eagle Point Dock.

 

(5)

Represents total segment sales minus cost of products sold and operating expenses and depreciation and amortization divided by crude oil pipeline throughput.

Analysis of Consolidated Net Income

Net income was $37.5 million for the first quarter 2008 as compared with $22.3 million for the first quarter 2007, an increase of $15.2 million. This increase was due mainly to record results in the Western Pipeline System segment and strong performance in the Terminal Facilities segment, partially offset by a $5.7 million non-cash impairment charge related to a discontinued project.

Net interest expense decreased $0.9 million to $7.7 million for the first quarter 2008 from $8.6 million for the prior year’s quarter primarily due to lower interest rates related to the Partnership’s revolving credit facility. The balance outstanding on the credit facility decreased $41.0 million from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 as a result of the timing of working capital activity.

Analysis of Segment Operating Income

Eastern Pipeline System

Operating income for the Eastern Pipeline System increased $1.0 million to $10.7 million for the first quarter 2008 from $9.7 million for the first quarter 2007. Sales and other operating revenue increased by $1.9 million to $28.9 million due primarily to higher fees across the Partnership’s refined product and crude pipelines. Other income decreased $1.3 million compared to the prior year’s quarter due primarily to a decrease in equity income associated with the Partnership’s joint venture interests.

 

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Terminal Facilities

The Terminal Facilities business segment had operating income of $11.2 million for the first quarter 2008, as compared to $12.3 million for the prior year’s first quarter. The decrease in operating income was attributable to a $5.7 million non-cash impairment charge related to the Partnership’s decision to discontinue efforts to expand liquefied petroleum gas storage capacity at its Inkster, Michigan facility and an increase in costs of products sold and operating expenses largely associated with the purchase of product additives. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in revenue. Total revenues for the first quarter of 2008 increased $6.5 million to $39.4 million due primarily to increased throughput and fees at the Nederland crude oil terminal facility, increased volume at the refined product and refinery terminals and higher refined product additive fees.

Western Pipeline System

Operating income for the Western Pipeline System increased $14.3 million to $23.3 million for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year’s quarter due to improved asset utilization, higher pipeline volumes, the recognition of income from throughput deficiency arrangements and an improvement in lease acquisition margins. The Partnership’s Mid-Valley Pipeline Company equity interest also contributed to increased profitability. Higher crude oil prices were a key driver of the increase in total revenue, cost of products sold and operating expenses from the prior year’s quarter which was partially offset by lower crude oil purchase volume. The average price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil at Cushing, Oklahoma increased to $97.96 per barrel for the first quarter of 2008 from $58.23 per barrel for the first quarter of 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Cash generated from operations and borrowings under the Credit Facility are the Partnership’s primary sources of liquidity. At March 31, 2008, the Partnership had available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility of $350.0 million. The Partnership’s working capital position reflects crude oil inventories based on historical costs under the LIFO method of accounting. If the inventories had been valued at their current replacement cost, the Partnership would have had working capital of $68.2 million at March 31, 2008.

On April 28, 2008, Sunoco Pipeline L.P., a subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a refined products pipeline system and certain other real and personal property interests and assets from Mobil Pipe Line Company. In addition to the pipeline system, Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P., a subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into definitive agreements with Exxon Mobil Corporation, Mobil Pipe Line Company and ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, to acquire six refined products terminal facilities. Subject to necessary regulatory filings and approvals and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions, the transactions, with a combined purchase price of approximately $200.0 million, are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2008. For further information on these transactions see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)—Note 12.”

Capital Resources

The Partnership periodically supplements its cash flows from operations with proceeds from debt and equity financing activities.

Credit Facility

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a wholly-owned entity of the Partnership, has a five-year $400 million Credit Facility, which is available to fund the Operating Partnership’s working capital requirements, to finance future acquisitions, to finance future capital projects and for general partnership purposes. The Credit Facility matures in November 2012. At December 31, 2007, there was $91.0 million outstanding under the credit facility. During the first quarter of 2008, the Partnership had net repayments of $41.0 resulting in an outstanding balance of $50.0 million at March 31, 2008

The Credit Facility bears interest at the Operating Partnership’s option, at either (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin, (ii) the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.50 percent or the Citibank prime rate (each plus the applicable margin) or (iii) the federal funds rate plus an applicable margin.

The Credit Facility contains various covenants limiting the Operating Partnership’s ability to a) incur indebtedness, b) grant certain liens, c) make certain loans, acquisitions and investments, d) make any material change to the nature of its business, e) acquire

 

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another company, f) or enter into a merger or sale of assets, including the sale or transfer of interests in the Operating Partnership’s subsidiaries. The Credit Facility also requires the Operating Partnership to maintain, on a rolling four-quarter basis, a maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio of 4.75 to 1, which can generally be increased to 5.25 to 1 during an acquisition period. The Operating Partnership is in compliance with this requirement as of March 31, 2008. The Partnership’s ratio of total debt to EBITDA was 2.8 to 1 at March 31, 2008.

Letters of Credit

In November 2007, the Partnership entered into two standby letters of credit totaling $130.4 million. The letters of credit, which are effective January 1, 2008, are required in connection with certain crude oil exchange contracts in which the Partnership is a party. The letters of credit are subject to commitment fees, which are not material.

Cash Flows and Capital Expenditures

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $74.6 million compared with $25.6 million of net cash used in operating activities for the first three months of 2007. Net cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of 2008 was primarily the result of net income of $37.5 million, depreciation and amortization of $9.7 million, the $5.7 million impairment charge, and a $24.7 million decrease in working capital. The decrease in working capital was the result of an increase in accounts payable partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and inventory. Net cash used in operating activities for the first three months of 2007 was primarily the result of a $64.0 million increase in working capital partially offset by net income of $22.3 million and depreciation and amortization of $8.9 million. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to an increase in revenues along with an increase in inventory volumes associated with contango inventory positions.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months of 2008 was $23.1 million compared with $17.9 million for the first three months of 2007.

Net cash used in financing activities for the first three months of 2008 was $51.4 million compared with $34.1 million net cash provided by financing activities for the first three months of 2007. Net cash used in financing activities for the first three months of 2008 resulted from a $41.0 net repayment of the Partnership’s Credit Facility as well as $31.6 million in distributions paid to limited partners and the general partner. These decreases were partially offset by net advances from affiliates in the amount of $21.3 million. Net cash provided by financing activities for the first three months of 2007 was the result of $48.0 million in increased borrowings under the Partnership’s Credit Facility to fund the Partnership’s organic growth capital program and contango inventory positions, and $15.1 million in advances from affiliates. This increase was partially offset by $28.3 million in distributions paid to limited partners and the general partner .

Under a treasury services agreement with Sunoco, the Partnership participates in Sunoco’s centralized cash management program. Advances from affiliates in the Partnership’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2008 represent amounts due to Sunoco under this agreement. Advances to affiliates at December 31, 2007 represent amounts due from Sunoco under this agreement.

Capital Requirements

The pipeline, terminalling, and crude oil transport operations are capital intensive, requiring significant investment to maintain, upgrade or enhance existing operations and to meet environmental and operational regulations. The capital requirements have consisted, and are expected to continue to consist, primarily of:

 

   

Maintenance capital expenditures, such as those required to maintain equipment reliability, tankage and pipeline integrity and safety, and to address environmental regulations; and

 

   

Expansion capital expenditures to acquire assets to grow the business and to expand existing and construct new facilities, such as projects that increase storage or throughput volume.

The following table summarizes maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, including net cash paid for acquisitions, for the periods presented (in thousands of dollars):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2008    2007

Maintenance

   $ 3,322    $ 2,636

Expansion

     19,809      15,245
             
   $ 23,131    $ 17,881
             

 

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Management anticipates maintenance capital expenditures to be approximately $26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, excluding reimbursements from Sunoco in accordance with the terms of certain agreements. Maintenance capital expenditures for both periods presented include recurring expenditures such as pipeline integrity costs, pipeline relocations, repair and upgrade of field instrumentation, including measurement devices, repair and replacement of tank floors and roofs, upgrades of cathodic protection systems, crude trucks and related equipment, and the upgrade of pump stations.

Expansion capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $19.8 million compared to $15.2 million for the first three months of 2007. Expansion capital for 2008 includes construction in progress in connection with the Partnership’s agreement with Motiva Enterprises LLC to construct three crude oil storage tanks at its Nederland Terminal and a crude oil pipeline from Nederland to Motiva’s Port Arthur, Texas refinery. Expansion capital also includes construction of three additional new crude oil storage tanks at Nederland, one of which was placed into service at the end of the first quarter of 2008. These three crude oil storage tanks will have a total capacity of approximately 1.8 million shell barrels.

The Partnership expects to fund capital expenditures, including pending and future acquisitions, from both cash provided by operations and, to the extent necessary, from the proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Facility, other borrowings and the issuance of additional common units.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to interest-rate risk relates primarily to short-term, variable-rate borrowings. Short-term variable-rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2008 was $50.0 million and averaged $85.9 million during the first quarter of 2008. The Partnership issues long-term debt either at fixed rates or use interest rate swaps to limit exposure to changes in interest rates on variable-rate, long-term debt. On January 8, 2008, the Partnership entered into an interest rate swap (the “Swap”) with a notional amount of $50.0 million maturing January 2010. Under the Swap the Partnership receives interest equivalent to the three-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of interest of 3.489 percent with settlements occurring quarterly. To maintain hedge accounting for the Swap, the Partnership is committed to maintaining at least $50.0 million in borrowings on the credit facility at an interest rate based on the three-month LIBOR, plus an applicable margin, through January 2010. As of March 31, 2008, the Partnership had $50.0 million in variable-rate debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility. The interest cost on this debt has been fixed at 3.489 percent as a result of an interest rate swap. Additional variable-rate borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be subject to fluctuations in interest rates.

Commodity Market Risk

The Partnership is exposed to volatility in crude oil commodity prices primarily associated with inventory levels. To manage such exposures, inventory levels and expectations of future commodity prices are monitored when making decisions with respect to risk management. The Partnership has not entered into any derivative transactions with respect to commodity market risk.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the information included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking” statements, as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and information relating to Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. that is based on the beliefs of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management.

Forward-looking statements discuss expected future results based on current and pending business operations, and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “planned,” “scheduled” or similar expressions. Although management of the Partnership believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Statements made regarding future results are subject to numerous assumptions, uncertainties and risks that may cause future results to be materially different from the results stated or implied in this document.

The following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any results projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted:

 

   

Our ability to successfully consummate announced acquisitions or expansions and integrate them into our existing business operations;

 

   

Delays related to construction of, or work on, new or existing facilities and the issuance of applicable permits;

 

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Changes in demand for, or supply of, crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas liquids that impact demand for the Partnership’s pipeline, terminalling and storage services;

 

   

Changes in the demand for crude oil we both buy and sell;

 

   

The loss of Sunoco R&M as a customer or a significant reduction in its current level of throughput and storage with the Partnership;

 

   

An increase in the competition encountered by the Partnership’s petroleum products terminals, pipelines and crude oil acquisition and marketing operations;

 

   

Changes in the financial condition or operating results of joint ventures or other holdings in which the Partnership has an equity ownership interest;

 

   

Changes in the general economic conditions in the United States;

 

   

Changes in laws and regulations to which the Partnership is subject, including federal, state, and local tax, safety, environmental and employment laws;

 

   

Changes in regulations concerning required composition of refined petroleum products that result in changes in throughput volumes, pipeline tariffs and/or terminalling and storage fees;

 

   

Improvements in energy efficiency and technology resulting in reduced demand for petroleum products;

 

   

The Partnership’s ability to manage growth and/or control costs;

 

   

The effect of changes in accounting principles and tax laws and interpretations of both;

 

   

Global and domestic economic repercussions, including disruptions in the crude oil and petroleum products markets, from terrorist activities, international hostilities and other events, and the government’s response thereto;

 

   

Changes in the level of operating expenses and hazards related to operating facilities (including equipment malfunction, explosions, fires, spills and the effects of severe weather conditions);

 

   

The occurrence of operational hazards or unforeseen interruptions for which the Partnership may not be adequately insured;

 

   

The age of, and changes in the reliability and efficiency of the Partnership’s operating facilities;

 

   

Changes in the expected level of capital, operating, or remediation spending related to environmental matters;

 

   

Changes in insurance markets resulting in increased costs and reductions in the level and types of coverage available;

 

   

Risks related to labor relations and workplace safety;

 

   

Non-performance by or disputes with major customers, suppliers or other business partners;

 

   

Changes in the Partnership’s tariff rates implemented by federal and/or state government regulators;

 

   

The amount of the Partnership’s indebtedness, which could make the Partnership vulnerable to adverse general economic and industry conditions, limit the Partnership’s ability to borrow additional funds, place it at competitive disadvantages compared to competitors that have less debt, or have other adverse consequences;

 

   

Restrictive covenants in the Partnership’s or Sunoco, Inc.’s credit agreements;

 

   

Changes in the Partnership’s or Sunoco, Inc.’s credit ratings, as assigned by ratings agencies;

 

   

The condition of the debt capital markets and equity capital markets in the United States, and the Partnership’s ability to raise capital in a cost-effective way;

 

   

Changes in interest rates on the Partnership’s outstanding debt, which could increase the costs of borrowing;

 

   

Claims of the Partnership’s non-compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements; and

 

   

The costs and effects of legal and administrative claims and proceedings against the Partnership or any entity in which it has an ownership interest, and changes in the status of, or the initiation of new litigation, claims or proceedings, to which the Partnership, or any entity in which it has an ownership interest, is a party.

 

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These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of the Partnership’s forward-looking statements. Other factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information or future events.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) As of March 31, 2008, the Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the management of the general partner (including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the general partner’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) No change in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

(c) Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Partnership reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Partnership reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunoco Partners LLC (the Partnership’s general partner) and the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the general partner, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P. (“SPMT”), which is wholly owned by the Partnership, has received a proposed penalty assessment from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in the aggregate amount of $5.1 million based on a failure to timely file excise tax information returns relating to its terminal operations during the calendar years 2004 and 2005. SPMT became current on its information return filings with the IRS in July of 2006. SPMT believes it had reasonable cause for the failure to not file the information returns on a timely basis, and provided this information to the IRS on October 19, 2007 in a formal filing. SPMT is currently awaiting a response from the IRS. The proposed penalties are for the failure to file information returns rather than any failure to pay taxes due, as no taxes were owed by SPMT in connection with such information. The timing or outcome of this claim, and the total costs to be incurred by SPMT in connection therewith, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Additionally, we have received notices for violations and potential fines under various federal, state or local provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the environment or protection of the environment. While we believe that even if any one or more of the environmental proceedings listed below were decided against us, it would not be material to the Partnership’s financial position, we are required to report environmental proceedings if we reasonably believe that such proceedings will result in monetary sanctions in excess of $0.1 million.

In January 2007, the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed penalties totaling $0.2 million based on alleged violations of various pipeline safety requirements relating to our meter facilities in the Western Pipeline System. In November 2007 and February 2008, we received notices of administrative fines from the Delaware County Regional Water Control Authority totaling approximately $0.6 million relating to alleged non-compliance with monthly average arsenic limits at our Darby Creek, Pennsylvania tank farm. We are currently in discussions with the government agencies to resolve these matters.

There are certain legal and administrative proceedings arising prior to the February 2002 IPO pending against the Partnership’s Sunoco-affiliated predecessors and the Partnership (as successor to certain liabilities of those predecessors). Although the ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be ascertained at this time, it is reasonably possible that some of them may be resolved unfavorably. Sunoco has agreed to indemnify the Partnership for 100 percent of all losses from environmental liabilities related to the transferred assets arising prior to, and asserted within 21 years of February 8, 2002. There is no monetary cap on this indemnification from Sunoco. Sunoco’s share of liability for claims asserted thereafter will decrease by 10 percent each year through the thirtieth year following the February 8, 2002 date. Any remediation liabilities not covered by this indemnity will be the Partnership’s responsibility. In addition Sunoco is obligated to indemnify the Partnership under certain other agreements executed after the February 2002 IPO.

 

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There are certain other pending legal proceedings related to matters arising after the February 2002 IPO that are not indemnified by Sunoco. Management believes that any liabilities that may arise from these legal proceedings will not be material to the Partnership’s financial position at March 31, 2008.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors described previously in Part I, Item 1A of the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on February 26, 2008.

 

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

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

 

12.1 :    Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31.1 :    Chief Executive Officer Certification of Periodic Report Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2 :    Chief Financial Officer Certification of Periodic Report Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1 :    Chief Executive Officer Certification of Periodic Report Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and U.S.C. §1350
32.2 :    Chief Financial Officer Certification of Periodic Report Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b) and U.S.C. §1350

 

We are pleased to furnish this Form 10-Q to unitholders who request it by writing to:

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.

Investor Relations

Mellon Bank Center

1735 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-7583

or through our website at www.sunocologistics.com.

 

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SIGNATURE

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.

 

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
By:   /s/ NEAL E. MURPHY
  Neal E. Murphy
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 30, 2008

 

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