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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x | ||
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||
For the transition period fromto
Commission File Number: 001-35711
LEHIGH GAS PARTNERS LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 45-4165414 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
702 West Hamilton Street, Suite 203
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 625-8000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrant'sregistrant’s principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||
Common Units representing limited partner interests | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o¨ No ýx.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the ActAct. Yes o¨ No ox.
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 ý. No o
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 ýx No o¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ýx No o¨.
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant'sregistrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ýx
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large“large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"” “accelerated filer” and "smaller“smaller reporting company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | x | |||||
Non-accelerated filer | smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o¨ No ýx.
As of June 30, 2012, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the registrant's equity was not listed on any domestic exchange or over-the-counter market. The registrant's common units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on October 26, 2012. As of October 25, 2012, the aggregate market value as of June 28, 2013, of the voting and non-votingregistrant’s common equityunits held by non-affiliates of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $141.7 million, based on the reported closing price of the registrant's$23.86 of such common units reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date was $164.7 million. Common units held by affiliates of $20.53 per share.the registrant have been excluded from the calculation. The determination of the affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of March 22, 20133, 2014 the registrant had outstanding 7,526,04411,097,348 common units and 7,525,000 subordinated units outstanding..outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCEDocuments Incorporated by Reference: None.
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Item 1. | Business
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Item 1A. | Risk Factors | ||||||
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | ||||||
Item 2. | Properties
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Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | ||||||
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | ||||||
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Item 5. | Market for | ||||||
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data | ||||||
Item 7. |
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Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | ||||||
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | ||||||
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | ||||||
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | ||||||
Item 9B. | Other Information | ||||||
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Item 10. |
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Item 11. | Executive Compensation | ||||||
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | ||||||
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, and Director Independence | ||||||
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | ||||||
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Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
i
On October 30, 2012 (the "Closing Date"“Closing Date”), the Partnershipwe completed itsour initial public offering of a total of 6,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests ("Common Units"), and on November 9, 2012 issued an additional 900,000 Common Units pursuant to the full exercise by the underwriters (the "Underwriters") of their over-allotment option, all at a price of $20.00 per unit (the "Offering"“IPO”). The Partnership received aggregate proceeds of $125.7 million from the sale, net of underwriting discounts and structuring fees, and $2.6 million of Offering expenses. As previously disclosed, of this amount the net proceeds of approximately $16.7 million, pursuant to the over-allotment option, were distributed to Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, and to certain of Mr. Topper's affiliates and family trusts, and John B. Reilly, III, a member of the board of directors of the general partner of the Partnership.
References in this Annual Report to "our Predecessor",“our Predecessor” or "Predecessor Entity",“Predecessor Entity” refer to the portion of the business of Lehigh Gas Corporation, or "LGC,"“LGC,” and its subsidiaries and affiliates that were contributed to Lehigh Gas Partners LP in connection with the Offering.IPO. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report to "Lehigh“Lehigh Gas Partners LP," "we," "our," "us,"” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms, when used in the context of the periods following the completion of the OfferingIPO, refer to Lehigh Gas Partners LP and its subsidiaries and, when used in the context of the periods prior to the completion of the Offering,IPO, refer to the portion of the business of our Predecessor, the wholesale distribution business of Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC, and real property and leasehold interests contributed to us in connection with the OfferingIPO by Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer and the Chairman of the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner and/or his affiliates.
References in this Annual Report to "our“our General Partner"Partner” or "Lehigh“Lehigh Gas GP"GP” refer to Lehigh Gas GP LLC, the General Partner of Lehigh Gas Partners LP and a wholly owned subsidiary of LGC. References to "LGO"“LGO” refer to Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC, an entity managed by Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the board of directors of our General Partner. All of LGO'sLGO’s wholesale distribution business werewas contributed to us in connection with the Offering.IPO. References to the "Topper Group"“Topper Group” refer to Joseph V. Topper, Jr., collectively with those of his affiliates and family trusts that have ownership interests in our Predecessor. A trust of which Joseph V. Topper, Jr. is a trustee owns all of the outstanding stock of LGC. The Topper Group, including LGC, will holdholds a significant portion of theour limited partner interests in us.interests. Through his ownership of LGC, Joseph V. Topper, Jr. controls our General Partner.
Unless otherwise indicated, the 2012 full year-to-date financial results contained in this Annual Report contain theare based upon our audited consolidated financial results of the Partnership for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012 and the audited combined financial results for the Predecessor Entity for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012.
References to "Lessee Dealers" refer to third parties who operate sites we own or lease and we, in turn, lease such sites to the Lessee Dealers; "Independent Dealers" refer to third parties that own their sites or lease their sites from a landlord other than us; and "Sub-wholesalers" refer to third parties that elect to purchase motor fuels from us, on a wholesale basis, instead of purchasing directly from major integrated oil companies and refiners.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDINGFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this Annual Report may containforward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or the Reform Act, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements identified by words such as "outlook," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "anticipates," "foresees,"“outlook,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” or the negative version of these words or other comparable expressions. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that the Partnership expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to revenue growth and earnings or earnings per unit growth, as well as statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results, areforward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. Theforward-looking statements are based upon our current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. The statements in this Annual Report are made as of the date of this press release,report, even if subsequently made available by us on our website or otherwise. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Annual Report.
Although the Partnership doeswe do not makeforward-looking statements unless it believes it haswe believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, the Partnershipwe cannot guarantee their accuracy. Achieving the results described in these statements involves a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the following factors:
• | Other factors, including those discussed in Item 1A.Risk Factors. |
See "Item“Item 1A. Risk Factors."” All written and oralforward-looking statements attributable to the Partnership,us, or persons acting on itsour behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate allforward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in the context of these risks and uncertainties. The Partnership cautionsWe caution you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to you.
Overview
We are a Delaware limited partnership formed to engage in the wholesale distribution of motor fuels, consisting of gasoline and diesel fuel, and to own and lease real estate used in the retail distribution of motor fuels. Since our Predecessor was founded in 1992, we have generated revenues from the wholesale distribution of motor fuels to retail sites and from real estate leases. We completed our initial public offeringIn the third quarter of 2013, we also began generating revenues, on October 30, 2012.a select basis, through the retail distribution of motor fuels at certain sites that we own or lease. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we were one of the ten largest independent distributors by volume in the United States for ExxonMobil, BP and Motiva. Over 90% of the motor fuels we distributed in the year ended December 31, 2013 were branded, including the Chevron, Sunoco, Valero, Gulf and Citgo brands.
Our primary business objective is to make quarterly cash distributions to our unitholders and, over time, to increase our quarterly cash distributions. Initially, weWe intend to make minimum quarterly distributions of at least $0.4375 per unit, per quarter (or $1.75 per unit on an annualized basis). Since the closing of our IPO, we have increased our distributions from $0.4375 per unit, per quarter (or $1.75 per unit on an annualized basis) to $0.5125 per unit, per quarter (or $2.05 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the distribution with respect to the fourth quarter of 2013, a 17.1% increase. The amount of any distributions is subject to the discretion of the board of directors of our general partner which may modify or revoke our cash distribution policy at any time. Our partnership agreement does not require us to pay any distributions at all. See Item 5.Market for Registrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Cash Distribution Policy.
OurWe believe consistent demand for motor fuels in the areas where we operate and the contractual nature of our rent income provides a stable source of cash flow. Cash flows from the wholesale distribution of motor fuels will beare generated primarily by a per gallon margin that is either a fixed mark-upor variable margin per gallon, or a variable rate mark-up per gallon.depending on our contract terms. Our wholesale contracts prohibit customers from purchasing motor fuels from other distributors. By delivering motor fuels through independent carriers on the same day we purchase the motor fuels from suppliers, we seek to minimize the commodity price risks typically associated with the purchase and sale of motor fuels.
In the third quarter of 2013, we began generating revenues through the retail distribution of motor fuels. At these sites (“the Commission Sites”), we operate the retail fuel operations through a third-party commission agent and lease the non-fuel site operations to the commission agent. The commission agent pays rent to us for the use of the non-fuel related real and personal property at the site. The commission agent operates the non-fuel related operations at the site for its own account and receives from us a fixed rate per gallon of motor fuel distributed to the retail consumer.
We generate cash flows from rentalrent income primarily by collecting rent from Lessee Dealerslessee dealers, commission agents and LGO pursuant to lease agreements. Our lease agreements with lessee dealers, commission agents and LGO had average remaining lease terms of approximately 2.5 years, 5.3 years and 14.1 years as of December 31, 2013, respectively. The terms of our lease agreements with lessee dealers generally run concurrently with the terms of the wholesale supply agreements at the sites, and the lease agreements generally require the lessee dealers to purchase their motor fuel from us. The terms of our lease agreements with commission agents generally range from five to ten years. We believehave entered into a 15-year wholesale supply agreement with LGO and many of the lease agreements with LGO run concurrently with that consistent demand foragreement. Over 65% of the sites to which we distribute motor fuels inare owned or leased by us.
For 2013, we distributed an aggregate of approximately 638 million gallons of motor fuels. As of December 31, 2013, we distributed motor fuels to 812 sites, comprised of the areas wherefollowing classes of business:
In addition, we operate, and the contractual nature of our rental income provides a stable source of cash flow.distribute motor fuels to 16 sub-wholesalers who distribute to additional sites.
We are focused on owning and leasing sites primarily located in metropolitan and urban areas.prime locations with strong motor fuel demand. We own and lease sites located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Maine, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, and Maine. According towith our Rogers, Rocky Top and Manchester acquisitions further discussed below, Tennessee and Virginia. We also distribute motor fuel in Georgia. Based on 2012 data available from the EIA,Energy Information Agency, of the nine14 states in which we own and lease sites,distribute motor fuel, five are among the top ten consumers of gasoline in the United States and four are among the top ten consumers of on-highway diesel fuel in the United States. Over 85% of our sites arewere located in high-traffic metropolitan and urban areas.areas as of December 31, 2013. We believe that the limited availability of undeveloped real estate particularly in these areasthe northeastern U.S. presents a high barrier to entry for new or existing retail gas station owners to develop competing sites.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, we distributed an aggregate of approximately 606.3 million gallons of motor fuelsWe intend to 782grow our business primarily through acquisitions. We have grown our business from 11 owned sites including 193 newin 2004 to 254 owned sites purchased or leased, in the second half of 2012, of which we did not distribute motor fuels to in 2011. Over 60% of the sites to which we distribute motor fuels are owned or leased by us. In addition, we have agreements requiring the operators of these sites to purchase motor fuels from us. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we were one of the five largest independent distributors by volume in the United States for ExxonMobil, one of the 10 largest independent distributors by volume in the United States for BP and one of the 15 largest independent distributors by volume for Shell. We also distribute Chevron, Sunoco, Valero and Gulf-branded motor fuels. Approximately 91% of the motor fuels we distributed in the year ended December 31, 2012 were branded.
Asas of December 31, 2013. Since our IPO in October 2012, we distributed motor fuels to the following classes of business:
Recent Developments
Dunmore Purchase Agreement
On December 21, 2012, wehave completed (the "Dunmore Closing") our acquisition of certain assets of Dunmore Oil Company, Inc. and JoJo Oil Company, Inc. (together, the "Dunmore Sellers") as contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement, as amended (the "Dunmore Purchase Agreement"), by and among the Partnership, a subsidiary of the Partnership, the Dunmore Sellers, and, for limited purposes, Joseph Gentile, Jr. Pursuant to the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, the Dunmore Sellers sold to us all of the assets (collectively, the "Dunmore Assets") held and used by the Dunmore Sellers in connection with their gasoline and diesel retail outlet business and their related convenience store business (the "Dunmore Retail Business"). In connection with this transaction, we will acquire 24 motor fuel service stations, 23 of which will be fee simple interests and one of which will be a leasehold interest.
LGO leases the sites from the Partnership and operates the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, as contemplated by the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, certain of the non-qualified Dunmore Assets and certain non-qualified liabilities of the Dunmore Sellers were assigned by us to LGO. LGO paid the Partnership $0.5 million for up-front rent. The Dunmore Sellers are permitted to continue to operate certain portions of their business relating to sales of heating oil, propane and unbranded motor fuels.
Pursuant to the PMPA Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") by and between LGO and our wholly owned subsidiary, Lehigh Gas Wholesale, LLC ("LGW"), the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuels to all sites operated by LGO in connection with the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, we lease these sites to LGO pursuant to property lease agreements. We estimate we will receive from LGO aggregate rental income, net of expenses, of approximately $1.7 million per year from such sites.
As consideration for the Dunmore Assets, we paid (i) $28.0 million in cash to the Dunmore Sellers; (ii) $0.5 million in cash to Mr. Gentile as consideration for his agreeing,five significant acquisitions for a periodtotal of five years following the Dunmore Closing, to not compete in the Dunmore Retail Business, to not engage in the sale or distribution123 fee and leasehold properties for total consideration of branded motor fuels, and to not solicit or hire any of our, or our affiliates' employees; and (iii) $0.5 million in cash to be held in escrow and delivered to the Dunmore Sellers upon the Partnership's receipt of written evidence concerning the payment of certain of the Dunmore Sellers' pre-closing tax liabilities (collectively, the "Dunmore Purchase Price").
All of the transactions between us and LGO that are described in the Dunmore Purchase Agreement have been approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Express Lane Stock Purchase
On December 21, 2012, LGWS, entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement") with James E. Lewis, Jr., Lida N. Lewis, James E. Lewis, III and Reid D. Lewis (collectively, the "Express Lane Sellers"), pursuant to which the Express Lane Sellers agreed to sell to LGWS all of the outstanding capital stock (collectively, the "Express Lane Shares") of Express Lane, Inc. ("Express Lane"), the owner and operator of various retail convenience stores, which include the retail sale of motor fuels and quick service restaurants, at various locations in Florida.
In connection with the purchase of the Express Lane Shares, Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc. ("LGWS"), a wholly owned subsidiary, agreed to acquire thirty-nine motor fuel service stations, one as a fee simple interest and thirty-eight as leasehold interests. In connection with the purchase of the Express Lane Shares, on December 21, 2012, LGP Realty Holdings LP ("LGP-R"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement" and, together with the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement, the "Express Lane
Agreements") with Express Lane. Under the Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement, LGP-R agreed to acquire from Express Lane, prior to the Express Lane Purchaser's acquisition of the Express Lane Shares, an additional fee simple interest in six properties and two fueling agreements (collectively, the "Express Lane Property").
On December 21, 2012, LGP-R completed the acquisition of the Express Lane Property from the Express Lane Sellers, as contemplated by the Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement. In addition, on December 22, 2012, LGWS completed (the "Express Lane Closing") the acquisition of the Express Lane Shares from the Express Lane Sellers, as contemplated by the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement.
$142.9 million. See “Acquisitions.” As a result of the Express Lane acquisition, LGO leasesthese acquisitions, we have increased our rent income and enhanced our wholesale distribution business. Historically, our size and geographic concentration have enabled us to acquire multiple sites, particularly from the Partnership and operates Express Lane's gasoline and diesel retail outlet business and its related convenience store business (the "Express Lane Retail Business"). In addition, certain of the non-qualified income generatingmajor integrated oil companies that have divested assets related to the Express Lane Retail Business and certain non-qualified liabilities of the Express Lane Sellers were assigned to LGO. LGO paid us the balance of the net working capital plus $1.0 million for up-front rent, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.
Pursuant to the Franchise Agreement, the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuels to all sites operated by LGO in connectionassociated with the Express Lane Retail Business. In addition, the Partnership leases thesemotor fuel distribution business. Going forward we anticipate acquiring sites to LGO pursuant to property lease agreements. The Partnership estimates it will receiveprimarily from LGO aggregate rental income, net of expenses, of approximately $4.6 million per year from such sites.
Under the Express Lane Agreements, the aggregate purchase price (the "Express Lane Purchase Price") for the Express Lane Property and the Express Lane Shares is $45.4 million, inclusive of $1.8 million of certain preliminary post-closing adjustments. Of the Express Lane Purchase Price, LGWS paid an aggregate of $41.9 million to the Express Lane Sellers and placed an aggregate of $1.1 million into escrow, of which $1.0 million has been placed into escrow to fund any indemnification or similar claims made under the Express Lane Agreements by the parties thereto, and $0.1 million has been placed into escrow pending the completion by the Express Lane Sellers of certain environmental remediation measures. In addition to the Express Lane Purchase Price, the Express Lane Purchaser also placed $0.6 million (the "Tax Escrow") into escrow to indemnify the Express Lane Sellers for certain tax obligations resulting from the sale of the Express Lane Property.
All of the transactions between us and LGO related to the Express Lane Agreementsother wholesale distributors. We have been approved byable to divest non-core sites that do not fit our strategic or geographic plans to other retail gas station operators or other entities, such as retail store operators, that may use the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.land for alternative purposes.
Business Strategies
Our primary business objective is to make quarterly cash distributions to our unitholders and, over time, to increase our quarterly cash distributions by continuing to execute the following strategies:
• | Own or lease sites in prime locations and seek to enhance the cash flow potential of these sites.As of December 31, 2013, we owned or leased 556 sites that are primarily located in prime locations with strong motor fuel demand. These sites serve customers seeking convenient fueling locations on roads and intersections with heavy traffic. We constantly evaluate opportunities to enhance the cash flow potential of our sites. For example, at our sites we may install car washes, convert service bays into convenience stores or upgrade convenience stores to quick service restaurants. These enhancements improve our ability to charge increased rents and increase the wholesale distribution potential of these sites. |
businesses both within our existing area of operations and in new geographic areas. Since our Initial Public Offering ("IPO"), we have acquired ownership or leased 98 new sites. We believe that there is considerable opportunity for consolidation in our industry as the major integrated oil companies continue to divest sites they own and lease and as family-owned wholesale distributors consider selling their businesses. Because of our interest in purchasing wholesale distribution operations as well as sites, we believe we have a competitive advantage over bidders interested in purchasing only sites.
• | Expand within and beyond our core markets through acquisitions.Since our IPO in October 2012, we have completed five significant acquisitions, acquiring a total of 123 fee and leasehold sites for total consideration of $142.9 million. One of these acquisitions added 24 sites within our existing area of operations and the remaining four acquisitions added 99 sites and distribution operations in four new states. We intend to continue to grow our business through strategic and accretive acquisitions of sites and wholesale distribution businesses both within our existing area of operations and in new geographic areas. We seek to acquire properties in our existing area of operations to increase our operational efficiencies and to enhance our economies of scale. For new geographic territories, we seek to acquire assets in areas with favorable demographic, economic and motor fuel market trends. We believe that there is considerable opportunity for consolidation in our industry as the industry remains fragmented. Furthermore, we believe that we have better access to capital and a lower cost of capital than many of the private competitors that we face in the acquisitions market for our target assets and transaction size. |
• | Increase our wholesale motor fuel distribution business by expanding market share.As we seek to increase the number of sites we own and lease, we expect to have a commensurate increase in our wholesale distribution business due to the addition of these new sites. Furthermore, we believe that our standing in 2013 as a top ten independent distributor by volume in the United States for ExxonMobil, BP and Motiva enables us to capitalize on the reduction by major integrated oil companies in the number of wholesalers with which they do business. As smaller wholesale distributors experience difficulties purchasing motor fuels from major integrated oil companies and refiners, we have been able to, and believe that we will be able to continue to, successfully target and sell motor fuels to these wholesalers on a sub-wholesaling basis. |
risks associated with the purchase and sale of motor fuels. In addition, our daily collection and settlement procedures minimize credit risk.
• | Maintain strong relationships with major integrated oil companies and refiners.Our relationships with suppliers of branded motor fuels are crucial to the operation and growth of our business. These relationships have allowed us to consistently negotiate supply agreements with competitive terms. |
Competitive Strengths• Serve as a preferred motor fuel distributor and provide dedicated supply and services to our customers.We have established long-term relationships with our suppliers that enhance the dependability and quality of our motor fuel supply to our customers. During periods of motor fuel shortages, we historically have succeeded in sustaining a supply of motor fuel sufficient to meet the needs of our customers while many of our unbranded competitors have not. In addition, we provide our customers with services that enable them to more efficiently operate their gas stations, including, but not limited to, preferred pricing in purchasing gas station equipment and for providing maintenance services. • Manage risk by outsourcing delivery of motor fuel, mitigating exposure to environmental liabilities.Motor fuel transportation services are not part of our core business, and we do not own or lease trucks for the delivery of motor fuel. Instead, we contract with third parties for the delivery of motor fuel. This strategy alleviates the capital, labor, and liability constraints associated with operating a transportation fleet. In acquiring properties, we use environmental consultants to perform due diligence regarding the property to assess the exposure to risk of environmental contamination, if any. Typically, when an acquired site requires remediation, either the seller funds an escrow account for the cost to remediate the property, or the seller retains the obligation to remediate the property. We also seek to purchase environmental insurance policies to contain costs in the event that the escrowed amounts are inadequate or if there are unknown pre-existing conditions at a location discovered in the future. In addition, we participate in state programs, where available, that may also assist in funding the costs of environmental liabilities.
We believe the following competitive strengths will enable us to achieve our primary business objective:
• | Stable cash flows from real estate rent income and wholesale motor fuel distribution.We generate revenue from rent at our sites and earn a per gallon margin on the wholesale distribution of motor fuels. We collect rent from the lessee dealers, commission agents and LGO pursuant to lease agreements. Our lease agreements with lessee dealers, commission agents and LGO had average remaining lease terms of approximately 2.5 years, 5.3 years and 14.1 years as of December 31, 2013, respectively. We sell motor fuel on a wholesale basis to lessee dealers, independent dealers, LGO and sub-wholesalers. We receive a per gallon margin that is either a fixed mark-up per gallon or a variable rate mark-up per gallon. At sites we own or lease, the term of the supply agreement is generally concurrent with the term of our leases with LGO or with the lessee dealer at the site. In addition, our wholesale contracts prohibit customers from purchasing motor fuels from other distributors. We believe that the contractual nature of our rent income and the consistent demand for motor fuel in the areas where we operate provide a stable source of cash flow. |
• | Established history of acquiring sites and successfully integrating these sites and operations into our existing business.We have grown our business from 11 owned sites in 2004 to 254 owned sites as of December 31, 2013. Since our IPO in October 2012, we have completed five significant acquisitions for a total of 123 fee and leasehold properties for total consideration of $142.9 million. Our strong industry relationships, access to capital, ability to complete acquisitions and environmental risk management expertise have allowed us to find multiple sites and negotiate transactions that are on attractive terms. Furthermore, we have successfully integrated our acquisitions into our existing business by reducing overhead costs and realizing economies of scale associated with our wholesale distribution business. |
• | Long-term relationships with major integrated oil companies and refiners.We have established long-term relationships and supply agreements with companies that are among the largest suppliers of branded motor fuel in the United States. For 2013, our wholesale business purchased approximately 43%, 25%, 15%, 5% and 4% of its motor fuel from ExxonMobil (a supplier of ours since 2002), BP (a supplier of ours since 2009), Motiva (a supplier of ours since 2004), Chevron (a supplier of ours since 2012) and Valero (a supplier of ours since 2003), respectively. Our prompt payment history and good credit standing with our suppliers allow us to receive certain term discounts on our fuel purchases, which increases the profitability of our wholesale distribution business. We believe that these relationships and payment terms are not easily replicated by competitors in the markets we serve. |
• | Prime real estate locations in areas with high traffic and considerable motor fuel consumption.We derive our rent income from sites we own or lease that provide convenient fueling locations in areas that are densely populated. Based on 2012 data available from the Energy Information Agency, of the 14 states in which we distribute fuel, five are among the top ten consumers of gasoline and on-highway diesel fuel in the United States. Over 85% of our sites were located in high-traffic metropolitan and urban areas as of December 31, 2013. We believe that the limited availability of undeveloped real estate particularly in the northeastern U.S. presents a high barrier to entry for the development of competing sites. |
• | Financial flexibility to pursue acquisitions and other expansion opportunities.As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $165.3 million available under our credit agreement for future acquisitions or working capital purposes, depending on our needs. We raised $91.4 million of net proceeds in our supplemental offering in December 2013. In addition, we amended and restated our credit facility in March 2014 to provide additional liquidity as further discussed in Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We believe that our borrowing capabilities available under our credit agreement and our ability to access the public capital markets provide us with the financial flexibility to pursue acquisition and expansion opportunities. |
• | Extensive industry experience of our senior management team.Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President have, on average, over 23 years of experience in the ownership and operation of businesses that distribute motor fuel. Furthermore, our senior management team has extensive relationships with suppliers, customers, brokers and other industry contacts that are crucial to the successful operation and growth of our business. |
Acquisitions
Since our IPO in October 2012, we have completed five significant acquisitions for a total of 123 fee and leasehold sites for total consideration of $142.9 million.
Dunmore Acquisition
In December 2012, we completed the Dunmore acquisition of sites in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, region. In connection with this transaction, we acquired 24 motor fuel distribution.stations, 23 of which are fee simple interests and one of which is a leasehold interest, for total consideration of $29.0 million. Incremental rent income for the Dunmore acquisition included in our statements of operations was $2.0 million for 2013.
Express Lane Acquisition
In a series of related transactions in December 2012, we acquired 47 motor fuel service stations, seven as a fee simple interest and 40 as leasehold interests, and two fuel purchase agreements for total consideration of $45.2 million. The Express Lane assets are concentrated in the Tallahassee/Panama City metropolitan area and along the Interstate Highway 10 corridor of the “panhandle” region located in northwest Florida. This acquisition provided entry into a new geographic territory for us. Aggregate incremental revenues for the Express Lane acquisition included in our statements of operations were $126.0 million for 2013.
Rogers Acquisition
In September and October 2013, we purchased 14 motor fuel stations, three leasehold motor fuel stations, assumed certain third-party supply contracts and purchased certain other assets located primarily in the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee area for $21.1 million. This acquisition provided entry into a new geographic territory for us. Aggregate incremental revenues for the Rogers acquisition included in our statements of operations were $17.6 million for 2013.
Rocky Top Acquisition
In September 2013, we purchased one fee property site, three leasehold motor fuel stations, seven third-party supply contracts and certain other assets and equipment for total consideration of $10.7 million. Concurrent with the closing, we entered into a master lease for 29 motor fuel stations, which we will purchase on or after August 1, 2015, for $26.2 million. The purchased and leasehold sites are located in and around the Knoxville, Tennessee region and along Interstate Highways 40 and 75. This acquisition is geographically adjacent to the Rogers acquisition and expanded our presence in Tennessee. Aggregate incremental revenues for the Rocky Top acquisition included in our statements of operations were $23.1 million for 2013.
Manchester Acquisition
In December 2013, we purchased 44 independent dealer supply contracts, five sub-wholesale supply contracts, two leasehold motor fuel stations and certain other assets and equipment in Virginia for total consideration of $10.7 million. This acquisition provided entry into a new geographic territory for us. Aggregate incremental revenues for the Manchester acquisition included in our statements of operations were $3.6 million for 2013.
Classes of Trade
We classify our sites based on their operating model as described below.
Wholesale Fuel Distribution
Lessee Dealers
Independent Dealers and Sub-Wholesalers
LGO and Affiliates
Retail Fuel Distribution
Commission Sites
and our ability to issue additional common units will provide us with the financial flexibility to pursue acquisition and expansion opportunities.
Wholesale Motor Fuel Distribution
General
The following table highlights the aggregate volume of motor fuel distributed by the wholesale distribution operations to each of the principal customer groups by gallons sold for the periods (in thousands):
| Lehigh Gas Group(1) | Lehigh Gas Partners LP | Combined | |||||||||||||||||||
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| | | | | | Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | |||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | | | |||||||||||||||||||
| Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gallons of motor fuel distributed to: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lessee Dealer | 99.1 | 150.0 | 154.0 | 124.0 | 91.6 | 18.0 | 109.6 | |||||||||||||||
Independent Dealer | 96.1 | 123.2 | 156.1 | 167.6 | 139.9 | 26.9 | 166.8 | |||||||||||||||
LGO and affiliates | 124.1 | 144.2 | 285.5 | 269.5 | 201.1 | 44.7 | 245.8 | |||||||||||||||
Sub-wholesaler(2) | 63.0 | 64.1 | 67.6 | 74.8 | 70.1 | 14.0 | 84.1 | |||||||||||||||
Total | 382.3 | 481.5 | 663.2 | 635.9 | 502.7 | 103.6 | 606.3 | |||||||||||||||
Lehigh Gas Group (a) | Lehigh Gas Partners LP | Combined | Lehigh Gas Partners LP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gallons of motor fuel distributed to: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lessee dealers | 150.0 | 154.0 | 124.0 | 91.6 | 18.0 | 109.6 | 126.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Independent dealers | 123.2 | 156.1 | 167.6 | 139.9 | 26.9 | 166.8 | 189.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
LGO and affiliates | 144.2 | 285.5 | 269.5 | 201.1 | 44.7 | 245.8 | 253.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commission agents | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sub-wholesalers (b) | 64.1 | 67.6 | 74.8 | 70.1 | 14.0 | 84.1 | 48.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total | 481.5 | 663.2 | 635.9 | 502.7 | 103.6 | 606.3 | 637.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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(a) | The Lehigh Gas Group consists of the combined businesses of our Predecessor and LGO. |
(b) | Includes motor fuel distributed to customers of the Lehigh Gas Group. |
We purchase branded and unbranded motor fuel from major integrated oil companies, refiners and unbranded fuel suppliers. We distribute motor fuel to Lessee Dealers, Independent Dealers,lessee dealers, independent dealers, LGO and Sub-wholesalers.sub-wholesalers. We are a distributor of various brands of motor fuel as well as unbranded motor fuel. We are amongone of the top ten largest independent distributors by volume of ExxonMobil, BP andShell-branded motor fuel in the United States, and we also distribute Chevron, Sunoco, Valero, Gulf and Gulf-brandedCitgo-branded motor fuels. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we distributed approximately 606.3 million gallons of motor fuel. We receive a fixed mark-up per gallon on approximately 37%39% of our gallons sold (based on fourth quarter volumes), which reduces the overall variability of our financial results. We receive a variable rate mark-up per gallon on the remaining gallons sold. The percentage on which we receive a fixed mark-up per gallon decreased as a result of the new lease with LGO, which provides for a variable rate mark-up per gallon rather than a fixed mark-up per gallon.
Arrangements with Lessee Dealers and Independent Dealers
We distribute motor fuel to lessee dealers and independent dealers under supply agreements. Under our supply agreements, we agree to supply a particular branded motor fuel or unbranded motor fuel to a site or group of sites and arrange for all transportation. We receive a per gallon margin that is either a fixed mark-up per gallon or a variable rate mark-up per gallon. The initial term of most independent dealer supply agreements is ten years. TheAfter a trial period, the initial term of most lessee dealer supply agreements is three years. These supply agreements require, among other things, dealers to maintain standards established by the applicable brand. We may provide credit terms to our Lessee Dealerslessee dealers and Independent Dealers,independent dealers, which are generally one to three days. As of December 31, 2013, the average remaining contract term for our independent dealers and lessee dealers was 5.0 years and 2.6 years, respectively.
Arrangements with Sub-Wholesalers
We distribute motor fuel to Sub-wholesalerssub-wholesalers under supply agreements. Under our supply agreements, we agree to supply a particular branded motor fuel or unbranded motor fuel to the Sub-wholesaler.sub-wholesaler. Motor fuels are sold to the Sub-wholesalerssub-wholesalers at rack plus. The rack price is the price at which a wholesale distributor generally purchases motor fuel from an integrated oil company or refiner at the terminal. The Sub-wholesalersub-wholesaler is responsible for arranging and paying for all transportation, insurance and all other costs and services for the distribution of motor fuels. The initial term of most sub-wholesaler supply agreements is three to ten years. We may provide credit terms to our Sub-wholesalers,sub-wholesalers, which are generally one to three days. As of December 31, 2013, the average remaining contract term for our contracts with sub-wholesalers was 5.1 years.
Arrangement with LGO
Prior to the Offering,IPO, our Predecessor'sPredecessor’s retail operations were transferred to LGO, a non-contributed entity managed by Joseph V. Topper, Jr. We have entered into a 15-year wholesale supply agreement with LGO pursuant to which we distribute to LGO motor fuels at a variable rate mark-up per gallon consistent with market mark-ups. LGO retains the retail income it earns from the sites and is responsible for operating the sites and for paying expenses incurred in connection with the operation of the sites including, but not limited to, utilities, insurance, licenses and employee costs. We enteredenter into 15-year lease agreements with LGO pursuant to which LGO leaseesleases sites from us. As of December 31, 2013, the remaining term on our wholesale supply agreement with LGO was 13.8 years.
Supplier Arrangements
We distribute branded motor fuel under the Exxon, Mobil,ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Chevron, Sunoco, Valero, Shell, Sunoco, ChevronGulf and GulfCitgo brands to our customers. Branded motor fuels are purchased from major integrated oil companies and refiners under supply agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2012,2013, our wholesale business purchased approximately 41%43%, 27%25%, 18%15%, 5% and 4% of its motor fuel from ExxonExxonMobil (a supplier of ours since 2002), BP (a supplier of ours since 2009), ShellMotiva (a supplier of ours since 2004), Chevron (a supplier of ours since 2012), and Valero (a supplier of ours since 2003), respectively. We purchase the motor fuel at the supplier'ssupplier’s applicable terminal rack price, which typically changes daily. As of December 31, 2012, our supply agreements generally had an average remaining term of approximately 3.9 years. In addition, each supply agreement typically contains provisions relating to, among other things, payment terms, use of the supplier'ssupplier’s brand names, provisions relating to credit card processing, insurance coverage and compliance with legal and environmental requirements. As is typical in the industry, a supplier generally can terminate the supply contract if we do not comply with any material condition of the contract, including if we were to fail to make payments when due, or if we are involved in fraud, criminal misconduct, bankruptcy or insolvency. Each supply agreement has provisions that obligates the supplier, subject to certain limitations, to sell up to an agreed upon number of gallons. Any amount in excess is subject to availability. Certain suppliers offer volume rebates or incentive payments to drive volumes and provide an incentive for branding new locations. Certain suppliers require that all or a portion of any such incentive payments be repaid to the supplier in the event that the sites are rebranded within a stated number of years. We also purchase unbranded motor fuel for distribution at the rack price.
Table As of ContentsDecember 31, 2013, our supply agreements had a weighted-average remaining term of approximately 11.5 years.
Selection and Recruitment of Site Operators
We constantly evaluate existing and potential site operators based on their creditworthiness and the quality of their site and operation as determined by size and location of the site, monthly volumes of motor fuel sold, overall financial performance and previous operating experience. We occasionallyroutinely convert our sites operated by LGO to Lessee Dealerlessee dealer or commission agent operated sites. In addition, we occasionally convert sites back from sitesbeing operated by lessee dealers or commission agents to LGO.
Retail Motor Fuel Distribution
Prior to September 1, 2013, we leased certain sites to LGO, which, in turn, subleased certain of these sites (the “Subleases”) to third party commission agents and entered into commission agreements with the agents to sell motor fuel on behalf of LGO to retail customers (the “Commission Agreements”). In connection with the Commission Agreements, LGO also purchased motor fuel from a subsidiary of the Partnership at wholesale prices. Effective September 1, 2013, we assumed the Commission Agreements and Subleases from LGO operatedand terminated our leases with LGO for the Commission Sites. As a result, we now record the retail sale of motor fuels to the end customer and accrue a commission payable to the commission agent at the Commission Sites. We paid LGO $3.5 million (the “Purchase Price”) for the Subleases and Commission Agreements and $2.1 million for the motor fuel inventory. Because the transaction was between entities under common control, the assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at LGO’s book value. The Purchase Price is presented as a distribution from partners’ capital.
The commission agent at each site operates all the non-fuel operations at the site for its own account, pays rent to us for the use of the site and receives a commission for each gallon of motor fuel sold at the site. At the Commission Sites, we own the motor fuel inventory, determine the retail pricing of motor fuel and generate revenue from the sale of motor fuel to the retail consumer. We maintain inventory from the time of the purchase of motor fuels from third party suppliers until the retail sale to the end customer at these sites. The retail fuel margin at the Commission Sites is non-qualifying income for federal income tax purposes and is recorded in LGWS, our taxable C-Corp subsidiary. LGW sells fuel on a wholesale basis to LGWS for the Commission Sites and this income is qualifying income for federal income tax purposes and included in the results of the Wholesale segment in our consolidated financial statements.
Real Estate
Site Locations
As of December 31, 2012,2013, we owned or leased 511556 sites located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New HampshireVirginia, Maryland and Maine.Delaware. Of those, 207254 are owned fee simple and 304302 sites we leased fromthird-party landlords. Over 85% of our sites are located in high-traffic metropolitan and urban areas. Our emphasis on acquiring, by purchase or lease, sites primarily in metropolitan and urban areasprime locations with strong motor fuel demand allows us to benefit from high traffic counts and customers seeking convenient fueling locations. We believe that sites in high traffic areas are highly desirable to other gas station operators as well as attractive locations for other entities that may use the land for alternative purposes. As a result of the limited availability of undeveloped real estate in these areas, particularly in the northeastern U.S., we believe the locations of our sites present high barriers of entry for new retail gas station operators to compete with the operators of our sites.
The following table shows the geographic distribution by state of the aggregate number of sites we owned or lease at December 31, 2012:2013:
Number of Owned Sites As of December 31, 2013 | Number of Leased Sites As of December 31, 2013 | Number of Total Sites As of December 31, 2013 | Percentage of Total Sites as of December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Pennsylvania | 73 | 71 | 144 | 26 | % | |||||||||||
New Jersey | 61 | 51 | 112 | 20 | % | |||||||||||
Massachusetts | 3 | 74 | 77 | 14 | % | |||||||||||
Ohio | 57 | 19 | 76 | 14 | % | |||||||||||
Tennessee | 43 | 6 | 49 | 9 | % | |||||||||||
Florida | 9 | 38 | 47 | 8 | % | |||||||||||
New Hampshire | — | 21 | 21 | 4 | % | |||||||||||
New York | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | % | |||||||||||
Maine | — | 9 | 9 | 2 | % | |||||||||||
Kentucky | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1 | % | |||||||||||
Virginia | 1 | 2 | 3 | * | ||||||||||||
Maryland | — | 1 | 1 | * | ||||||||||||
Delaware | — | 1 | 1 | * | ||||||||||||
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Total | 254 | 302 | 556 | 100 | % | |||||||||||
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In aggregate for fee and lease sites, the average remaining term as of December 31, 2013 for our leases with lessee dealers, commission agents and LGO was 2.6 years, 5.3 years and 14.1 years, respectively.
| Number of Owned Sites As of December 31, 2012 | Number of Leased Sites As of December 31, 2012 | Number of Total Sites As of December 31, 2012 | Percentage of Total Sites as of December 31, 2012 | |||||||||
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Pennsylvania | 71 | 72 | 143 | 28 | % | ||||||||
New Jersey | 61 | 52 | 113 | 22 | % | ||||||||
Ohio | 57 | 24 | 81 | 16 | % | ||||||||
Florida | 7 | 41 | 48 | 9 | % | ||||||||
New York | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | % | ||||||||
Kentucky | 4 | 4 | 8 | 2 | % | ||||||||
Massachusetts | 3 | 75 | 78 | 15 | % | ||||||||
New Hampshire | — | 22 | 22 | 4 | % | ||||||||
Maine | — | 9 | 9 | 2 | % | ||||||||
Total | 207 | 304 | 511 | 100 | % | ||||||||
Sites Owned
We owned 207254 sites as of December 31, 2012.2013. We generally have focused on selectively acquiring sites within or contiguous to our existing market areas. In evaluating potential acquisition candidates, we consider a number of factors, including strategic fit, desirability of location, cost efficiency of serving the site with our wholesale business, price and our ability to improve the productivity and cash flow potential of a site. We consider acquiring ownership of sites that are not within or contiguous to our current markets if the opportunity meets certain criteria including, among others, the availability of other sites in the area, motor traffic, potential sales volumes and cash flow potential.
We derive our rentalrent income from sites we own that provide convenient fueling locations primarily in areas that are densely populated. We collect rent from the Lessee Dealerslessee dealers and LGO pursuant to
lease agreements we have with the lessee dealers and LGO. Substantially all of our 207 owned sites are leased to lessee dealers or LGO. Our leases with the Lessee Dealers typically have three year terms. The average remaining lease term for owned sites we lease toour lessee dealers, was 1.7 yearscommission agents and LGO at our owned sites as of December 31, 2012. Our leases with LGO have a remaining term of 14.9 years. Each lease with LGO will be a triple-net lease pursuant to which LGO will be responsible for all expenses that arise from the use of the site, including, but not limited to, taxes, insurance, maintenance2013 was 2.2 years, 4.8 years and repair costs.14.2 years, respectively.
Sites Leased
As of December 31, 2012,2013, we also leased 304302 sites from third-partiesthird parties and then sub-leased these sites to Lessee Dealerslessee dealers, commission agents and LGO. The average remaining lease term for sites we lease from third-partiesthird parties, excluding the sale-leasebacks further discussed below, is 10.49.3 years as of December 31, 2012.2013. Our sub-leases with the Lessee Dealerslessee dealers typically have three-year terms. The average remaining sub-lease term for sites we sub-lease to lessee dealers, commission agents and LGO was 2.92.8 years, 6.8 years and 13.9 years as of December 31, 2012.2013, respectively.
Sale-Leaseback Transactions. From time to time, we sell sites that we own and then lease the sites back from the buyer. We refer to these transactions as "sale-leasebacks." In these sale-leaseback transactions, we retain the environmental liabilities associated with the site. A single sale-leaseback transaction may include a single site or multiple sites. Typically, we use the proceeds from the sale of the sale-leaseback sites to buy additional sites that fit our strategic and geographic model and increase our wholesale distribution business.
As of December 31, 2012, we leased 22 sale-leaseback sites. The average remaining lease term of these sale-leaseback sites is 16.5 years as of December 31, 2012. These leases have varying renewal options. Generally, these sale-leaseback leases are net leases and require that we assume all expenses relating to the management, maintenance and operation of the sale-leaseback sites. These sale-leaseback leases are typically not terminable by us and the other lease terms are generally consistent with commercial "absolute-net" or "bond net" leases, including provisions whereby we provide the buyer with a broad indemnity. There are various restrictions on our ability to use the sale-leaseback sites for uses other than retail motor fuel distribution and convenience store operations. Under certain circumstances, we have limited rights of first offer with respect to the sale-leaseback sites. Following termination of the sale-leaseback leases, we are potentially responsible for ongoing remediation of any existing environmental contamination, as well as the removal of various fuel storage and dispensing equipment, such as USTs, fuel lines and fuel dispensers. Some lease obligations are personally guaranteed by Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the board of directors of our general partner.
We sub-lease our sale-leaseback sites to Lessee Dealers and LGO. Our sub-leases with the Lessee Dealers typically have three-year terms. The average remaining sub-lease term for sale-leaseback sites we sub-lease to Lessee Dealers was 1.4 years as of December 31, 2012.
Personal Property RentalRent Income
The rentalrent income we earn from sites we own or lease includes rentalrent income associated with the personal property located on these sites, such as USTs,underground storage tanks and motor fuel pumps. The rentalrent income we earn from leasing the personal property we own or lease may not be a qualified source of income. As a result, ourwholly-owned subsidiary, Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc., a taxable C corporation, owns and leaseesleases (or leases and then sub-leases) certain of our personal property. Accordingly, rentalrent income earned by Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc. on the personal property is taxed at the applicable corporate income tax rate.
Acquisitions
We have grown our business from 11 owned sites in 2004 to 207 owned sites as of December 31, 2012. Our size and geographic concentration has enabled us to acquire multiple sites, particularly from major integrated oil companies and other entities that have been divesting assets associated with the motor fuel distribution business since the early 2000s. As a result of these acquisitions, we have increased our rental income and enhanced our wholesale distribution business. The majority of the sites we have acquired were purchased from major integrated oil companies and other industry participants undertaking a process to divest large numbers of sites in single-sale transactions where potential buyers typically are not permitted to make offers on single or selected sites. Accordingly, we historically have purchased a number of sites that may not fit our strategic and geographic plans, some of which have already been sold at prices that we deemed attractive under the circumstances and others of which continue to be held for sale.
In May 2012, we entered into master lease agreements to lease an aggregate of 120 sites from an affiliate of Getty. Of the 120 sites, 74 are located in Massachusetts, 22 are located in New Hampshire, 15 are located in Pennsylvania and nine are located in Maine. In addition, on November 19, 2012, the Partnership signed a long-term lease agreement with Getty Realty to lease 25 properties located in northern New Jersey. The initial lease term is for 15 years with options for multiple renewal terms.
As previously described, on December 21, 2012, the Partnership acquired both Express Lane and Dunmore.
Shell Gas Stations and Wholesale Fuel Supply Agreements Acquisition. In 2011, we acquired from Motiva Enterprises, LLC ("Motiva") a total of 26 Shell Oil Company branded gas stations and convenience stores ("Shell Locations") located in New Jersey, including wholesale fuel supply agreements with each Shell Location, and also acquired 30 wholesale fuel supply agreements with Independent Dealers. All of the Shell Locations, all of the wholesale fuel supply agreements with the Shell Locations and 15 of the wholesale fuel supply agreements with Independent Dealers will be contributed to our partnership in connection with completion of this offering. We refer to this transaction as the "Motiva transaction." The Motiva transaction was completed in two phases in May and August 2011. We paid Motiva $30.4 million in cash for the assets acquired in the Motiva transaction.
We acquired fee simple interests in 21 of the Shell Locations and leasehold interests in the other five of the Shell Locations. All of the 26 Shell Locations are operated by Lessee Dealers. We assumed supply and lease agreements for the Shell Locations that are generally for a three-year term with varying expiration dates and contain renewal terms pursuant to and governed by applicable federal laws. As part of the Motiva transaction, we acquired the right to have the operators of the sites continue operating the Shell Locations under the Shell brand and displaying Shell's trade name and related trade logos. We also amended and restated our wholesale distribution agreement with Motiva to provide for the distribution of Shell branded motor fuel to the 26 Shell Locations that we acquired and provide us with the opportunity to supply Shell branded motor fuel to other sites operated by Independent Dealers. In addition, our Predecessor assumed certain environmental liabilities with expected costs of remediation of approximately $1.5 million, which remain the obligation of LGC.
Site Dispositions
We continually evaluate the performance of each of our sites to determine whether any particular site should be closed or sold based on profitability, trends and our competition in the surrounding area, as well as whether the site may be attractive to a buyer that may use it for an alternative purpose. The majority of the sites we have acquired were purchased from major integrated oil companies and other industry participants undertaking a process to divest large numbers of sites in single-sale transactions where potential buyers typically are not permitted to make offers on single or selected sites.
Accordingly, we historically have purchased a number of sites that may not fit our strategic and geographic plans. We have, however, been successful at selling sites, which may not fit our strategic and geographic plans, at prices that we deem attractive under the circumstances. As part of the sale process for these sites, we attempt to enter into supply agreements with the purchasers of these sites so that we can distribute motor fuel to them after we sell them. Typically, we seek to use the proceeds from the sale of these sites to buy additional sites that better fit our strategic and geographic model.
Seasonality
Due to the nature of our business and our customer'scustomer’s reliance, in part, on consumer travel and spending patterns, we experience more demand for motor fuel during the late spring and summer months than during the fall and winter. Travel and recreational activities are typically higher in these months in the geographic areas in which we operate, increasing the demand for motor fuel that we distribute. Therefore, our distribution volumes are typically higher in the second and third quarters of the year. As a result,year and our results from operations may vary from quarter to quarter. However, the impact of seasonality has lessened with the recent acquisitions in new markets.
Competition
Our wholesale distribution operation primarily competes with other motor fuel distributors. We do not compete with major integrated oil companies that distribute their own products, even though many of these companiesas they have started to exit, and we expect will continue to exit,exited the wholesale distribution business. We also compete with major refiners and other third-party motor fuel distributors.business in the markets in which we operate. We may encounter more significant competition if major integrated oil companies alter their current business strategy and decide to re-enter the wholesale distribution business, thereby reducing and/or eliminating their need to rely on wholesale distributors. In addition, Independent Dealersindependent dealers or Sub-wholesalerssub-wholesalers may choose to purchase their motor fuel supplies directly from the major integrated oil companies. Major competitive factors for our wholesale operations include, among others, customer service, price and quality of service.
Environmental
Environmental Laws and Regulations
We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to underground storage tanks, the release or discharge of hazardous materials into the air, water and soil, the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, the exposure of persons to hazardous materials, and the health and safety of our employees.
Environmental laws and regulations can restrict or impact our business activities in many ways, such as:
Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to clean up and restore sites where hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or wastes have been released or disposed of. Moreover, neighboring landowners and other third parties may file claims for personal injury and property damage
allegedly caused by the release of hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or other wastes into the environment.
The trend in environmental regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment. As a result, there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future expenditures for environmental compliance or remediation, and actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts we currently anticipate. We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and minimize the costs of such compliance.
We do not believe that compliance with federal, state or local environmental laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders. We can provide no assurance, however, that future events, such as changes in existing laws (including changes in the interpretation of existing laws), the promulgation of new laws, or the development or discovery of new facts or conditions will not cause us to incur significant costs.
Hazardous Substances and Releases
In most instances, the environmental laws and regulations affecting our business relate to the release of hazardous wastes into the water or soils, and include measures to control pollution of the environment. For instance, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, also known as CERCLA or the Superfund law, and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the site where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances. Under the Superfund law, these persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. The Superfund law also authorizes the EPA, and in some instances third parties, to act in response to threats to the public health or the environment and to seek to recover from the responsible persons the costs they incur. It is possible for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances or other pollutants released into the environment. In the course of our ordinary operations, we may generate waste that falls within the Superfund law'slaw’s definition of a hazardous substance, and as a result, we may be jointly and severally liable under the Superfund law for all or part of the costs required to clean up sites at which those hazardous substances have been released into the environment.
We currently own or lease sites where motor fuels are or have been handled for many years. Although we and our consultants have utilized operating and disposal practices in accordance with industry standards, wastes produced from remediation efforts require disposal at sites owned/operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal practices are not under our control. These sites and wastes disposed thereon may be subject to the Superfund law or other federal and state laws. Under these laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes, including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators, to clean up contaminated property.
LGC is in the process of investigating and remediating contamination at a number of our sites as a result of recent or historic releases of petroleum products. At many sites, LGC is entitled to reimbursement from third parties for certain of these costs underthird-party contractual indemnities, state trust funds and insurances policies, in each case, subject to specified deductibles, per incident, annual and aggregate caps and specific eligibility requirements. Although LGC will be required to indemnify us for these costs to the extent third parties (including insurers) fail to pay for remediation
as LGC anticipates, insurance and indemnification are unavailable, and/or the state trust funds cease to exist or become insolvent, we may be obligated to pay these additional costs.
Water Discharges
The federal Clean Water Act imposes restrictions regarding the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. This law and comparable state laws require permits for discharging pollutants into state and federal waters and impose substantial liabilities for noncompliance. EPA regulations also require us to obtain permits to discharge certain storm water runoff. Storm water discharge permits also may be required by certain states in which we operate. We believe that we hold the required permits and operate in material compliance with those permits. While we have experienced permit discharge exceedences, we do not expect any non-compliance with existing permits and foreseeable new permit requirements to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Air Emissions
Under the federal Clean Air Act and comparable state and local laws, permits are typically required to emit regulated air pollutants into the atmosphere. We believe that we currently hold or have applied for all necessary air permits and that we are in substantial compliance with applicable air laws and regulations. Although we can give no assurances, we are aware of no changes to air quality regulations that will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Various federal, state and local agencies have the authority to prescribe product quality specifications for the motor fuels that we sell, largely in an effort to reduce air pollution. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in substantial penalties. Although we can give no assurances, we believe we are currently in substantial compliance with these regulations.
Efforts at the federal and state level are currently underway to reduce the levels of greenhouse gas ("GHG"(“GHG”) emissions from various sources in the United States. Even in the absence of new federal legislation, GHG emissions have begun to be regulated by the EPA pursuant to the CAA.Clean Air Act. For example, in April 2010, the EPA set a new emissions standard for motor vehicles to reduce GHG emissions. New federal or state restrictions on emissions of GHGs that may be imposed in areas of the United States in which we conduct business and that apply to our operations could adversely affect the demand for our products.
Ethanol Market
The market for ethanol is dependent on several economic incentives to use ethanol, including federal tax incentives, ethanol use mandates and oxygenate blending requirements. For instance, the Renewable Fuels Standard ("RFS") requires that a certain amount of renewable fuels be utilized in the United States each year. Additionally, the EPA imposes oxygenate blending requirements for reformulated gasoline. The market for ethanol also has been affected by the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit ("blender's credit"), which provided a volumetric tax credit of 4.5 cents per gallon of gasoline that contains at least 10% ethanol. The blender's credit expired on December 31, 2011. It is not possible at this time to predict whether or to what extent Congress will reinstate the blender's credit. A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate or the oxygenate blending requirements could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which could result in reduced discretionary blending of ethanol. Discretionary blending is when gasoline blenders use ethanol to reduce the cost of blended gasoline.
Recently, the EPA allowed the use of E15, gasoline which is blended at a rate of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, in vehicles manufactured in the model year 2007 and later as well as for cars and light duty trucks manufactured in the model years between 2001 and 2006. According to EPA estimates, flex-fuel vehicles make up only a small percentage of vehicles on the nation's roads and there are only about 2,000 E85 pumps in the U.S. The USDA is providing financial assistance to help implement more "blender pumps" in the U.S. in order to increase demand for ethanol and to help off-set the cost of introducing mid-level ethanol blends into the U.S. retail gasoline market. However, blender pumps cost approximately $20,000 each, so it may take time before they become widely available in the retail gasoline market.
Environmental Insurance and Escrow Accounts
We are protected as an additional named insured by insurance which may cover in whole or in part certain expenditures to investigate, monitor and otherwise respond to releases of motor fuels.hazardous materials including petroleum products. We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as our general partnerGeneral Partner believes are reasonable and prudent. Before acquiring the property underlying a site, we use an environmental consultant to perform due diligence regarding the site to assess the exposure to risk of contamination, if any, at each site. Generally, when acquired sites require remediation, either the seller funds an escrow account for the cost to remediate the property, or the seller retains the obligation to remediate the property. In the circumstances where monies are placed in escrow or escrow-like accounts to cover the estimated cost of remediation for known contamination, the accounts are typically used to pay for the appropriate remediation tasks, which are contracted out to remediation firms. In certain circumstances, insurance policies have also been procured to protect against remediation cost overruns.
With each acquisition, pollution insurance was procured to cover risks associated with unknown historic contamination that might not be identified during due diligence. In addition, we also participate in state insurance programs or obtain insurance policies in states that do not have programs to cover new contamination that arises post-acquisition. As of December 31, 2012,2013, LGC had an aggregate of $8.0$6.7 million in escrow funds available to cover known contaminations at our existing sites. In addition to the escrow accounts, LGC maintains 14pollution insurance policies with total aggregate limits in excess of $155$100 million. Of the $155 million, $109 million covers (1) unknown pre-existing contamination that may not be part of the planned remediation contract(s) and/or may be in excess of the escrow, and (2) third-party liabilities arising from known and unknown pre-exiting conditions. We will participate in state programs or obtain insurance policies in the event a state does not have a program to cover new contamination that arises post-acquisition on sites.
In addition to the foregoing, on October 29, 2012, a “master” pollution policy was procured covering new conditions at all properties, including remediation andthird-party liabilities. This policy treats any pollution condition that arose subsequent to the acquisition of the property by the predecessor entities as "new".“new.” This policy also affords excess coverage to our USTunderground storage tank policies and state programs and was written on a5-year term with $10.0 million in aggregate limits. In addition, upon completion of the Dunmore and Express Lane acquisitions,Furthermore, in keeping with our practice of maintaining insurance for all of our acquisitions, weupon completion of each acquisition, new “transactional” pollution policies are procured a pollution policy covering historic and new conditions at the acquired locations with limits of at least $5.0 million (for significant acquisitions). These policies typically are written as “retroactive” coverage, meaning they provide coverage (for remediation costs and third party claims) arising from unknown, historic pollution conditions. For any smaller or single-site acquisitions, coverage for such sites is typically endorsed on the “master” policy identified above. Thus, in addition to the aggregate. Finally, UST insurance was purchased forprotection afforded under the Express Lane locations,LGC pollution policies identified above, as of December 31, 2013, the Partnership maintains pollution insurance policies with total aggregate limits in the amountexcess of $2.0$25 million and continues to grow its pollution insurance portfolio with each acquisition.
It should be noted that while the Dunmore USTs are insured underPartnership generally views its pollution insurance portfolio as an excellent balance against the Pennsylvania Storage Tank Fund.
Theseinherent risk associated with acquiring and maintaining a portfolio of gas stations, these policies and escrow amounts may not cover all environmental risks and costs, and may not provide sufficient coverage in the event an environmental claim is made against us.
Security Regulation
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy infrastructure assets may be future targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have subjected our operations to increased risks. Increased security measures taken by us as a precaution against possible terrorist attacks have resulted in increased costs to our business. Any global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist activities could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. For instance, terrorist activity could lead to increased volatility in prices for motor fuels and other products we sell.
Insurance carriers are currently required to offer coverage for terrorist activities as a result of the TRIA.Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). We purchased this coverage under our property and casualty insurance programs, which resulted in additional insurance premiums. Pursuant to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, TRIA has been extended through December 31, 2014. Although we cannot determine the future availability and cost of insurance coverage for terrorist acts, we do not expect the availability and cost of such insurance to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Employee Safety
Neither we, our subsidiaries, nor our general partnerGeneral Partner have any employees. All of our executive management personnel are employees of LGC. LGC will provide us with the management and labor sufficient to carry on our business. LGC is subject to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or "OSHA,"“OSHA,” and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In addition, OSHA'sOSHA’s hazard communication standards require that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens. We believe that LGC is in substantial compliance with the applicable OSHA requirements.
Title to Properties, Permits and Licenses
We believe we have all of the assets needed, including leases, permits and licenses, to operate our business in all material respects. With respect to any consents, permits or authorizations that have not been obtained, we believe that the failure to obtain these consents, permits or authorizations will have no material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
We believe we have satisfactory title to all of our assets. Title to property may be subject to encumbrances, including repurchase rights and use, operating and environmental covenants and restrictions, including restrictions on branded motor fuels that may be sold at such sites. We believe that none of these encumbrances will materially detract from the value of our sites or from our interest in these sites, nor will they materially interfere with the use of these sites in the operation of our business. These encumbrances may, however, impact our ability to sell the site to an entity seeking to use the land for alternative purposes.
We believe we have all of the assets needed, including all permits and licenses, to conduct our operations in all material respects. In the event we are unable to obtain consents for the assignment by our predecessor to us of certain supply and lease agreements, the Topper Group, including LGC, will be required under the omnibus agreement to provide us with the benefits of these agreements at no additional cost to us, and we will be required to perform the obligations under these agreements.Facilities
Facilities
Our principal executive offices are in Allentown, Pennsylvania in an office space leased by LGC. The management fee charged by LGC to the Partnership incorporates a rental charge. The lease expires on January 31, 2020.June 30, 2029.
Employees
Our general partnerGeneral Partner will manage our operations and activities on our behalf. However, neither we, nor our subsidiaries, nor our general partnerGeneral Partner have employees. All of our executive management personnel are employees of LGC. We and our general partnerGeneral Partner have entered into an omnibus agreement with LGC pursuant to which LGC provides to us and our general partnerGeneral Partner management services and managemanages our business and affairs.
As of December 31, 2012,2013, LGC had 159155 employees, none of which are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that LGC's relationship with its employees are good.
If any of the following risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, we might not be able to pay distributions on our common units, the trading price of our common units could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. Also, please read “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus supplement.
Limited partner interests are inherently different from the capital stock of a corporation although many of the business risks to which we are subject are similar to those that would be faced by a corporation engaged in a similar business.
If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, we might not be able to pay distributions on our common units, the trading price of our common units could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Inherent in Our Business
We may not have sufficient cash from operations to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution following establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our general partner.expenses.
We may not have sufficient cash each quarter to pay the minimum quarterly distribution.distribution of at least $0.4375 per unit, or $1.75 per unit per year. The minimum quarterly distribution is an amount that must be paid to holders of our common units, including any arrearages, before any distributions may be made to holders of our subordinated units, to the extent that any distributions are made.
The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:
In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available for distribution will depend on other factors such as:
We do not have a legal obligation to pay quarterly distributions at our minimum quarterly distribution rate or at any other rate. There is no guarantee that we will distribute quarterly cash distributions to our unitholders in any quarter. See Item 5. You should be aware that weRegistrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Cash Distribution Policy.
The amount of cash we have available for distribution to unitholders depends primarily on our cash flow rather than on our profitability, which may prevent us from making cash distributions, even during periods when we record net income.
The amount of cash we have available for distribution depends primarily on our cash flow, and not solely on profitability, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses for financial accounting purposes and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income for financial accounting purposes.
The industries in which we operate are subject to seasonal trends, which may cause our sales and/or operating costs to fluctuate, affectingaffect our earnings and ability to make distributions.
We experience more demand for motor fuel during the late spring and summer months than during the fall and winter. Travel, recreational activities and construction are typically higher in these months in certain of the geographic areas in which we operate, increasing the demand for motor fuel that we distribute. Therefore, our revenues are typically higher in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. As a result, our results from operations may vary widely from period to period, affecting our earnings. With lower cash flow during the firstearnings and fourth calendar quarters, we may be required to borrow money in order to pay the minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders. Any restrictions on our ability to borrow money could restrict our ability to pay the minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders.make cash distributions.
Decreases in consumer spending, travel and tourism in the areas we serve could adversely impact our wholesale distribution business.
In the retail motor fuel and convenience store industries,industry, customer traffic is generally driven by consumer preferences and spending trends, growth rates for automobile and commercial truck traffic and trends in travel, tourism and weather. Changes in economic conditions generally or in our targeted markets specifically could adversely impact consumer spending patterns and travel and tourism in our markets, which could have a material adverse effect on business, results of operations and our ability to make distributions.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make quarterly distributions to our unitholders are influenced by changes in demand for, and changes in the prices of, motor fuels, which could adversely affect our margins and our customers'customers’ financial condition, contract performance and trade credit.
Financial and operating results from our wholesale distribution and retail operations are influenced by price volatility and demand for motor fuels. When prices for motor fuels rise, some of our wholesale customers may have insufficient credit to purchase supply from us at their historical purchase volumes, and their retail customers or our retail customers, in turn, may reduce consumption, thereby reducing demand for product.
Furthermore, when prices are increasing, we may be unable to fully pass our additional costs to our wholesale or retail customers, resulting in lower margins for us which could adversely affect our results of operations.
TheBoth the wholesale motor fuel distribution industry isand the retail motor fuel industries are characterized by intense competition and fragmentation and our failure to effectively compete could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and ability to make distributions.
The market for distribution of wholesale motor fuel isand the sale of retail motor fuel are highly competitive and fragmented, which results in narrow margins. We have numerous competitors, some of which may have significantly greater resources and name recognition than we do. We rely on our ability to provide value added reliable services and to control our operating costs in order to maintain our margins and competitive position. If we were to fail to maintain the quality of our services, wholesale customers could choose alternative distribution sources and retail customers could purchase from other retailers, each decreasing our margins could decrease.margins. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that major integrated oil companies will not decide to distribute their own products in direct competition with us or that large wholesale customers will not attempt to buy directly from the major integrated oil companies. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and our ability to make distributions.
We are exposed to risks of loss in the event of nonperformance by our customers and suppliers.
A tightening of credit in the financial markets or an increase in interest rates may make it more difficult for wholesale customers and suppliers to obtain financing and, depending on the degree to which it occurs, there may be a material increase in the nonpayment or other nonperformance by our customers and suppliers. Even if our credit review and analysis mechanisms work properly, we may experience financial losses in our dealings with these third parties. A material increase in the nonpayment or other nonperformance by our wholesale customers and/or suppliers could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make quarterly distributions to our unitholders.
Historical prices for motor fuel have been volatile and significant changes in such prices in the future may adversely affect our business, results of operations and ability to make distributions.
Crude oil and domestic wholesale motor fuel markets are volatile. General political conditions, acts of war or terrorism and instability in oil producing regions, particularly in the Middle East, Russia, Africa and South America, could significantly impact crude oil supplies and wholesale motor fuel costs. Significant increases and volatility in wholesale motor fuel costs could result in significant increases in the retail price of motor fuel products and in lower margin per gallon. Increases in the retail price of motor fuel products could impact consumer demand for motor fuel. This volatility makes it extremely difficult to predict the impact future wholesale cost fluctuations will have on our operating results and financial condition. Dramatic increases in crude oil prices squeeze fuel margins because fuel costs typically increase faster than we are able to pass along the increases to customers. Higher fuel prices trigger higher credit card expenses, because credit card fees are calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount, not as a percentage of gallons sold. A significant change in any of these factors could materially impact our customer'scustomer’s motor fuel gallon volumes, gross profit and overall customer traffic, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and ability to make distributions.
Energy efficiency and new technology may reduce the demand for our motor fuel and adversely affect our operating results.
Increased conservation and technological advances, including the development of improved gas mileage vehicles and the increased usage of electrically powered cars have adversely affected the demand for motor fuel. Future conservation measures or technological advances in fuel efficiency might reduce demand and adversely affect our operating results.
We depend on fourfive principal suppliers for the majority of our motor fuel. A disruption in supply or a change in our relationship with any one of them could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash available for distribution.
ExxonMobil, BP, ShellMotiva, Chevron and Valero collectively supplied 95%,over 90% of our motor fuel purchases in fiscal 2012. For the Partnership period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, our2013. Our wholesale business purchased approximately 44%43%, 27%25%, 14% and15%, 5%, and for the Predecessor period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, our wholesale business purchased approximately 41%, 27%, 19% and 4% of its respective motor fuel from ExxonMobil (a supplier of ours since 2002), BP (a supplier of ours since 2009), ShellMotiva (a supplier of ours since 2004), Chevron (a supplier of ours since 2012) and Valero (a supplier of ours since 2003), respectively. A change of motor fuel suppliers, a disruption in supply or a significant change in our pricing with ExxonMobil, BP, Shell and Valeroany of these suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash available for distribution.
Due to our lack of geographic diversification, adverse developments in our operating areas would adversely affect our results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Prior to our Express Lane acquisition, substantially all of our operations were located in the northeastern United States and in Ohio and Kentucky. With our Express Lane acquisition, we now operate in the Florida panhandle region. Due to our lack of geographic diversification, adverse developments in the business or areas in which we operate, including adverse development due to catastrophic events or weather and decreases in demand for motor fuels, could have a significantly greater impact on our results of operations and cash available for distributions to our unitholders than if we operated in more diverse locations.
We rely on our suppliers to provide trade credit terms to adequately fund our on-going operations.
Our business is impacted by the availability of trade credit to fund motor fuel purchases. An actual or perceived downgrade in our liquidity or operations could cause our suppliers to seek credit support in the form of additional collateral, limit the extension of trade credit or otherwise materially modify their payment terms. Any material changes in the payments terms, including payment discounts, or availability of trade credit provided by our principal suppliers could impact our liquidity, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
If we do not make acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, our future growth may be limited.
Our ability to grow substantially depends on our ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in operating surplus per unit. We may be unable to make such accretive acquisitions for any of the following reasons:
In addition, we may consummate acquisitions, which at the time of consummation we believe will be accretive, but which ultimately may not be accretive. If any of these events occurred, our future growth would be limited.
Severe weather could adversely affect our business by damaging our facilities or our suppliers' operations or customers.
Severe weather could damage our facilities or our suppliers' operations or customers and could have a significant impact on consumer behavior, travel and convenience store traffic patterns. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and ability to make our distributions.
Our success and future growth depends in part on our ability to purchase or lease additional sites. Our acquisition strategy involves risks that may adversely affect our business.
Any acquisition involves potential risks, including:
Any of these factors could adversely affect our ability to achieve anticipated levels of cash flows from our acquisitions and realize other anticipated benefits.
Our debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing and in pursuing other business opportunities.
We have a significant amount of debt. As of December 31, 2012,2013, we had $183.8$146.3 million outstanding on our existing $249$324 million revolving credit facility, with the ability to increase our borrowing capacity by an additional $75$100 million. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity – Long-term Debt” for a discussion of our amended and restated credit facility entered into in March 2014. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including the following:
Our ability to service our indebtedness will depend upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions, such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments and/or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these actions on satisfactory terms, or at all.
Our credit agreementnew Credit Facility contains operating and financial restrictions that may limit our business and financing activities.
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit agreement and any future financing agreements could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. For example, our credit agreement may restrict our ability to:
Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our credit agreement may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our credit agreement, the debt issued under the credit agreement may become immediately due and payable, and our lenders'lenders’ commitment to make further loans to us may terminate. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, our obligations under our credit agreement will be secured by substantially all of our assets, and if we are unable to repay our indebtedness under our credit agreement, the lenders could seek to foreclose on such assets.
Our Predecessor Entity required waivers from its lenders to maintain compliance with the covenants under its credit agreement. There is no assurance that we will be able to comply with the covenants, or to obtain waivers of non-compliance, under our credit facility in the future.
Our Predecessor Entity was not in compliance with certain financial covenants under its credit facility as of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2012, and subsequent amendments to its existing credit agreement waived its non-compliance. The term loan under the Predecessor Entity's credit agreement was terminated and the credit facility was paid off in connection with our entry into our credit agreement. We cannot assure you that, if we fail to comply with the financial covenants under our credit agreement, our lenders will agree to waive any non-compliance. Any default under our credit facility could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity position or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our inability to successfully integrate acquired sites and businesses could adversely affect our business.
Acquiring sites and businesses involve risks that could cause our actual growth or operating results to differ adversely compared to expectations. For example:
We may not be able to lease sites we own or sub-lease sites we lease on favorable terms and any such failure could adversely affect our results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
We may lease and/or sub-lease certain sites to Lessee Dealers or to LGO where the rent expense is more than the lease payments. If we are unable to obtain tenants on favorable terms for sites we own or lease, the lease payments we receive may not be adequate to cover our rent expense for leased sites and may not be adequate to ensure that we meet our debt service requirements. We cannot provide any assurance that the margins on our wholesale distribution of motor fuels to these sites will be adequate to off-set unfavorable lease terms. The occurrence of these events could adversely affect our results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
The operations at sites we own or lease are subject to inherent risk, operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions and insurance may not adequately cover any such exposure. The occurrence of a significant event or release that is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash available for distribution.
The presence of flammable and combustible products at our sites provides the potential for fires and explosions that could destroy both property and human life. Furthermore, our operations are subject to unforeseen interruptions such as natural disasters, adverse weather and other events beyond our control. Motor fuels also have the potential to cause environmental damage if improperly handled
or released. If any of these events were to occur, we could incur substantial losses and/or curtailment of related operations because of personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage.
We are not fully insured against all risks incident to our business. We may be unable to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain of our insurance policies have increased and could escalate further. In some instances, certain insurance could become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and ability to make distributions to unitholders.
We are relying on LGC to indemnify us for any costs or expenses that we incur for environmental liabilities andthird-party claims, regardless of when a claim is made, that are based on environmental conditions in existence prior to the closing of the OfferingIPO at our predecessor'spredecessor’s sites. To the extent escrow accounts, insurance and/or payments from LGC are not sufficient to cover any such costs or expenses, our business, liquidity and results of operations could be adversely affected.
The omnibus agreement provides that LGC must indemnify us for any costs or expenses that we incur for environmental liabilities andthird-party claims, regardless of when a claim is made, that are based on environmental conditions in existence prior to the closing of the OfferingIPO at our Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s sites. LGC is the beneficiary of escrow accounts created to cover the cost to remediate certain environmental liabilities. In addition, LGC maintains insurance policies to cover environmental liabilities and/or, where available, participates in state programs that may also assist in funding the costs of environmental liabilities. There are certain sites that were acquired by us in the OfferingIPO with existing environmental liabilities that are not covered by escrow accounts, state funds or insurance policies. As of December 31, 2012,2013, LGC had an aggregate of approximately $3.8$2.9 million of environmental liabilities on sites acquired by us that are not covered by escrow accounts, state funds or insurance policies. To the extent escrow accounts, insurance and/or payments from LGC are not sufficient to cover any such costs or expenses, our business, liquidity and results of operations could be adversely affected
Our wholesale motor fuel sales are generated under contracts that must be renegotiated or replaced periodically. If we are unable to successfully renegotiate or replace these contracts, then our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our wholesale motor fuel sales are generated under contracts that must be periodically renegotiated or replaced. As these contracts expire, they must be renegotiated or replaced. We may be unable to renegotiate or replace these contracts when they expire, and the terms of any renegotiated contracts may not be as favorable as the contracts they replace. Whether these contracts are successfully renegotiated or replaced is often times subject to factors beyond our control. Such factors include fluctuations in motor fuel prices, counterparty ability to pay for or accept the contracted volumes and a competitive marketplace for the services offered by us. If we cannot successfully renegotiate or replace our contracts or must renegotiate or replace them on less favorable terms, sales from these arrangements could decline and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders could be adversely affected.
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations that govern the product quality specifications of the motor fuel that we distribute.distribute and sell.
Various federal, state and local agencies have the authority to prescribe specific product quality specifications to the sale of commodities. Our business includes such commodities. Changes in product quality specifications, such as reduced sulfur content in refined petroleum products, or other more
stringent requirements for fuels, could reduce our ability to procure product and our sales volume, require us to incur additional handling costs, and/or require the expenditure of capital. If we are unable to procure product or to recover these costs through increased sales, our ability to meet our financial obligations could be adversely affected. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in substantial penalties.
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental protection or operational safety that may require significant expenditures or result in liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our business is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to underground storage tanks, the release or discharge of regulated materials into the air, water and soil, the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, the exposure of persons to regulated materials, and the health and safety of our employees. We believe we are in material compliance with applicable environmental requirements; however, we cannot assure you that violations of these requirements will not occur in the future. We also cannot assure you that we will not be subject to legal actions brought by third parties for actual or alleged violations of or responsibility under environmental laws associated with releases of or exposure to motor fuel products. A violation of, liability under or compliance with these laws or regulations or any future environmental laws or regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Where releases of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels and crude oil have occurred, federal and state laws and regulations require that such releases be assessed and remediated to meet applicable standards. The costs associated with the investigation and remediation of any such releases, as well as any associatedthird-party claims, could be substantial, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.
New, stricter environmental laws and regulations could significantly increase our costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regulating environmental matters. The trend in environmental regulation is towards more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment. Our business may be adversely affected by increased costs and liabilities resulting from such stricter laws and regulations. We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and to minimize the costs of such compliance. However, there can be no assurances as to the timing and type of such changes in existing laws or the promulgation of new laws or the amount of any required expenditures associated therewith.
The ethanol industry is highly dependent upon government usage mandates. Changes to these mandates could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol and negatively impact our motor fuel sales.
Future demand for ethanol will be largely dependent upon the economic incentives to blend based upon the relative value of gasoline and ethanol, taking into consideration the Environmental Protection Agency's, or "EPA's," regulations on the Renewable Fuel Standards, or "RFS," program and oxygenate blending requirements. A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate or oxygenate blending requirements could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which in turn could adversely affect our future motor fuel sales.
We depend on transportation providers for the transportation of substantially all of our motor fuel. Thus, a change of providers or a significant change in our relationship could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Substantially all of the motor fuel we distribute is transported from refineries to gas stations by third party carriers. A change of transportation providers, a disruption in service or a significant change in our relationship with these transportation carriers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash available for distribution.
We rely heavily on our information technology systems to manage our business, and a disruption of these systems or an act ofcyber-terrorism could adversely affect our business.
We depend on our information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business transactions, in particular with respect to our cash management and disbursements, and provide analytical information to management. Our information systems are an essential component of our business, and a serious disruption to our information systems could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption from power loss or natural disasters, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunications services, physical and electronic loss of data,cyber-security breaches orcyber-terrorism, and computer viruses. Any disruption could adversely affect our business.
Any terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities, could adversely affect our business, and any global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist activities and the government'sgovernment’s response could adversely affect our business.
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy infrastructure assets may be future targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have subjected our operations to increased risks. Terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities and any global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist activities could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. For instance, terrorist activity could lead to increased volatility in prices for motor fuels and other products we sell.
Insurance carriers are currently required to offer coverage for terrorist activities as a result of the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, which we refer to as "TRIA."“TRIA.” We purchased this coverage with respect to our property and casualty insurance programs, which resulted in additional insurance premiums. Pursuant to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, TRIA has been extended through December 31, 2014. Although we cannot determine the future availability and cost of insurance coverage for terrorist acts, we do not expect the availability and cost of such insurance to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
Joseph V. Topper, Jr., controls our general partnerGeneral Partner which has sole responsibility for conducting our business and managing our operations. Our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates, including the Topper Group, have conflicts of interest with us and limited fiduciary duties and they may favor their own interests to the detriment of us and our unitholders.
The Topper Group, including LGC, owns a 48.0%significant limited partner interest in us and owns and controls our general partnerGeneral Partner and has the ability to appoint all of the directors of our general partner.General Partner. Although our general partnerGeneral Partner has a fiduciarylegal duty to manage us in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders,good faith, the executive officers and directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner have a fiduciary duty to manage our general partnerGeneral Partner in a manner beneficial to its owner, LGC, which is owned solely by
Joseph V. Topper, Jr. Furthermore, certain officers of our general partnerGeneral Partner are directors or officers of affiliates of our general partner.General Partner. Therefore, conflicts of interest may arise in the future between us and our unitholders, on the one hand, and our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates, including the Topper Group and LGC, on the other hand. In resolving these conflicts of interest, our general partnerGeneral Partner may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates, including the Topper Group and LGC, over the interests of our common unitholders. These conflicts include the following situations, among others:
In addition, the Topper Group and its affiliates currently hold substantial interests in other companies that engage in the wholesale motor fuel distribution business and/or own sites. Except as set forth in the omnibus agreement, we may compete directly with entities in which the Topper Group or its affiliates have an interest for acquisition opportunities and potentially will compete with these entities for new business or extensions of the existing services provided by us.
The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner may modify or revoke our cash distribution policy at any time at its discretion. Our partnership agreement does not require us to pay any distributions at all.
The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has adopted a cash distribution policy pursuant to which we intend to distribute quarterly an amount at least equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4375 per unit on all of our units to the extent we have sufficient cash from our operations after the establishment of reserves and the payment of our expenses. However, the board may change such policy at any time at its discretion and could elect not to pay distributions for one or more quarters. In addition, our New Credit Facility includes certain restrictions on our ability to make distributions.
In addition, our partnership agreement does not require us to pay any distributions at all. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the permanence of such a policy in making an investment decision. Any modification or revocation of our cash distribution policy could substantially reduce or eliminate the amounts of distributions to our unitholders. The amount of distributions we make, if any, and the decision to make any distribution at all will be determined by the board of directors of our general partner,General Partner, whose interests may differ from those of our common unitholders. Our general partnerGeneral Partner has limited duties to our unitholders, which may permit it to favor its own interests or the interests of the Topper Group, including LGC, to the detriment of our common unitholders.
Neither we nor our general partnerGeneral Partner have any employees and we rely solely on the employees of LGC to manage our business. If our omnibus agreement with LGC is terminated, we may not find suitable replacements to perform management services for us.
Neither we nor our general partnerGeneral Partner have any employees and we rely solely on LGC to operate our assets. We and our general partnerGeneral Partner have entered into an omnibus agreement with LGC pursuant to which LGC performs services for us and our general partner,General Partner, including the operation of our wholesale distribution business and our properties. We are subject to the risk that our omnibus agreement will be terminated and no suitable replacement will be found.
The liability of LGC is limited under our omnibus agreement and we have agreed to indemnify LGC against certain liabilities, which may expose us to significant expenses.
The omnibus agreement provides that we must indemnify LGC for any liabilities incurred by LGC attributable to the operating and administrative services provided to us under the agreement, other than liabilities resulting from LGC'sLGC’s bad faith or willful misconduct.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner intends to limit its liability regarding our obligations.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner intends to limit its liability under contractual arrangements between us and third parties so that the counterparties to such arrangements have recourse only against our assets, and not against our general partnerGeneral Partner or its assets. Our general partnerGeneral Partner may therefore cause us to incur indebtedness or other obligations that are nonrecourse to our general partner.General Partner. Our partnership agreement provides that any action taken by our general partnerGeneral Partner to limit its liability is not a breach of our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s fiduciary duties, even if we could have obtained more favorable terms without the limitation on liability. In addition, we are obligated to reimburse or indemnify our general partnerGeneral Partner to the extent that it incurs obligations on our behalf. Any such reimbursement or indemnification payments would reduce the amount of cash otherwise available for distribution to our unitholders.
If we distribute a significant portion of our cash available for distribution to our partners, our ability to grow and make acquisitions could be limited.
We may determine to distribute a significant portion of our cash available for distribution to our unitholders. In addition, we expect to rely primarily upon external financing sources, including commercial bank borrowings and the issuance of debt and equity securities, to fund our acquisitions and expansion capital expenditures. To the extent we are unable to finance growth externally, distributing a significant portion of our cash available for distribution may impair our ability to grow.
In addition, if we distribute a significant portion of our cash available for distribution, our growth may not be as fast as that of businesses that reinvest their cash available for distribution to expand ongoing operations. To the extent we issue additional units in connection with any acquisitions or expansion capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain or increase our per unit distribution level. There are no limitations in our partnership agreement or our new credit agreement on our ability to issue additional units, provided there is no default under the credit agreement, including units ranking senior to the common units. The incurrence of additional commercial borrowings or other debt to finance our growth strategy would result in increased interest expense, which, in turn, may impact the cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
There are no limitations in our partnership agreement on our ability to issue units ranking senior to the common units.
In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of our partnership agreement, we may issue additional partnership interests that are senior to the common units in right of distribution, liquidation and voting. The issuance by us of units of senior rank may (i) reduce or eliminate the amount of cash available for distribution to our common unitholders; (ii) diminish the relative voting strength of the total common units outstanding as a class; or (iii) subordinate the claims of the common unitholders to our assets in the event of our liquidation.
Our partnership agreement replaces our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s fiduciary duties to holders of our units.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that eliminate and replace the fiduciary standards to which our general partnerGeneral Partner would otherwise be held by state fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership agreement permits our general partnerGeneral Partner to make a number of decisions in its individual
capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner,General Partner, or otherwise free of fiduciary duties to us and our unitholders. This entitles our general partnerGeneral Partner to consider only the interests and factors that it desires and relieves it of any duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our affiliates or our limited partners. Examples of decisions that our general partnerGeneral Partner may make in its individual capacity include:
By purchasing a common unit, a unitholder is treated as having consented to the provisions in the partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above.
Our partnership agreement restricts the remedies available to holders of our units for actions taken by our general partnerGeneral Partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that restrict the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partnerGeneral Partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty under state fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership agreement:
(1) | approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our General Partner, although our General Partner is not obligated to seek such approval; or |
(2) | approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding any common units owned by our General Partner and its affiliates. |
In connection with a situation involving a transaction with an affiliate or a conflict of interest, any determination by our general partnerGeneral Partner must be made in good faith. If an affiliate transaction or the resolution of a conflict of interest is not approved by our common unitholders or the conflicts
committee, then it will be presumed that, in making its decision, taking any action or failing to act, the board of directors acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption.
Our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s affiliates may compete with us.
Our partnership agreement provides that our general partnerGeneral Partner will be restricted from engaging in any business activities other than acting as our general partnerGeneral Partner and those activities incidental to its ownership interest in us. Except as provided in the omnibus agreement, affiliates of our general partnerGeneral Partner are not prohibited from engaging in other businesses or activities, including those that might be in direct competition with us
Pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, does not apply to our general partner,General Partner, LGO or any of their affiliates, including their executive officers, directors and the Topper Group and LGC. Any such person or entity that becomes aware of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for us will not have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to us. Any such person or entity will not be liable to us or to any limited partner for breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty by reason of the fact that such person or entity pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another person or entity or does not communicate such opportunity or information to us. This may create actual and potential conflicts of interest between us and affiliates of our general partnerGeneral Partner and result in less than favorable treatment of us and our unitholders.
The Topper Group and LGO are subject to a right of first refusal provision in the omnibus agreement that prohibits them from acquiring any assets or any business having assets that are primarily involved in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses without first offering such acquisition opportunity to us. However, the omnibus agreement does not prohibit affiliates of our general partnerGeneral Partner and LGO, including the Topper Group and LGC, from owning certain assets or engaging in certain businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Conflicts of interest may arise in the future between us and our unitholders, on the one hand, and the affiliates of our general partnerGeneral Partner and LGO, including the Topper Group and LGC, on the other hand. In resolving these conflicts, the Topper Group and LGO may favor their own interests and the interests over the interests of our unitholders.
Joseph V. Topper, Jr., as a trustee of a trust that owns a majority our incentive distribution rights, may elect to cause us to issue common units to the holders of our incentive distribution rights in connection with a resetting of the target distribution levels related to the incentive distribution rights, without the approval of the conflicts committee of its board of directors or the holders of our common units. This could result in lower distributions to holders of our common units.
Joseph V. Topper, Jr., as a trustee of a trust that owns a majority our incentive distribution rights, has the right, at any time when there are no subordinated units outstanding and the holders of our incentive distribution rights have received incentive distributions at the highest level to which they are entitled (50%) for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters, to reset the initial target distribution levels at higher levels based on our distributions at the time of the exercise of the reset election. Following such a reset election, the minimum quarterly distribution will be adjusted to equal the reset minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher levels based on percentage increases above the reset minimum quarterly distribution.
If Mr. Topper elects to reset the target distribution levels, the holders of our incentive distribution rights will be entitled to receive a number of common units. The number of common units to be issued
to the holders of our incentive distribution rights will equal the number of common units which would have entitled the holders to an aggregate quarterly cash distribution in the prior quarter equal to the distributions to the holders of our incentive distribution rights on the incentive distribution rights in the prior quarter. It is possible that, Mr. Topper could exercise this reset election at a time when he is experiencing, or expects to experience, declines in the cash distributions the holders of our incentive distribution rights receive related to their incentive distribution rights and may, therefore, desire to be issued common units rather than retain the right to receive incentive distributions based on the initial target distribution levels. This risk could be elevated if our incentive distribution rights are transferred to another party. As a result, a reset election may cause our common unitholders to experience a reduction in the amount of cash distributions that our common unitholders would have otherwise received had we not issued new common units to the holders of our incentive distribution rights in connection with resetting the target distribution levels.
Holders of our common units have limited voting rights and are not entitled to elect our general partnerGeneral Partner or its directors, which could reduce the price at which the common units will trade.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business and, therefore, limited ability to influence management'smanagement’s decisions regarding our business. Unitholders will have no right on an annual or ongoing basis to elect our general partnerGeneral Partner or its board of directors. The board of directors of our general partner,General Partner, including the independent directors, is chosen entirely by Joseph V. Topper, Jr., as a result of his indirect ownership of our general partner,General Partner, and not by our unitholders. Unlike publicly traded corporations, we will not conduct annual meetings of our unitholders to elect directors or conduct other matters routinely conducted at annual meetings of stockholders of corporations. As a result of these limitations, the price at which the common units will trade could be diminished because of the absence or reduction of a takeover premium in the trading price.
Even if holders of our common units are dissatisfied, they cannot initiallymay not be able to remove our general partnerGeneral Partner without its consent.
If our unitholders are dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner,General Partner, they will have limited ability to remove our general partner. Unitholders initially will be unable to remove our general partner without its consent because our general partner and its affiliates will own sufficient units upon the completion of the Offering to be able to prevent its removal.General Partner. The vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of all outstanding common and subordinated units voting together as a single class is required to remove our general partner.General Partner. The Topper Group, including LGC, owns approximately 7.1%5.00% of our outstanding common units and 88.9%90.19% of our subordinated units Also, if our general partnerGeneral Partner is removed without cause during the subordination period and no units held by the holders of the subordinated units or their affiliates are voted in favor of that removal, all remaining subordinated units will automatically be converted into common units and any existing arrearages on the common units will be extinguished. Cause is narrowly defined in our partnership agreement to mean that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding our general partnerGeneral Partner liable for acting in bad faith, or in the case of a criminal matter, acting with knowledge that the conduct was criminal, in each case in its capacity as our general partner.General Partner. Cause does not include most cases of charges of poor management of the business.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner interest or the control of our general partnerGeneral Partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner may transfer its general partnerGeneral Partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of our unitholders. Furthermore, our partnership agreement does not restrict the ability of the members of our general partnerGeneral Partner to transfer their respective membership interests in our general partnerGeneral Partner to a third party. The new members of our general partnerGeneral Partner would then be in a position to replace the board of directors and executive officers of our general partnerGeneral Partner with their own designees and thereby exert significant control over the decisions taken by the board of directors and executive officers of our general partner.General Partner. This effectively permits a "change“change of control"control” without the vote or consent of the unitholders.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner has a call right that may require unitholders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price.
If at any time our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units, our general partnerGeneral Partner will have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price equal to the greater of (1) the average of the daily closing price of the common units over the 20 trading days preceding the date three days before notice of exercise of the call right is first mailed and (2) the highest per-unit price paid by our general partnerGeneral Partner or any of its affiliates for common units during the 90-day period preceding the date such notice is first mailed. As a result, unitholders may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return or a negative return on their investment. Unitholders may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of their units. Our general partnerGeneral Partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon exercise of the call right. There is no restriction in our partnership agreement that prevents our general partnerGeneral Partner from issuing additional common units and exercising its call right. If our general partnerGeneral Partner exercised its call right, the effect would be to take us private and, if the units were subsequently deregistered, we would no longer be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. As of December 31, 2012,2013, the Topper Group, including LGC, owns approximately 7.1%5.00% of our outstanding common units and 88.9%90.19% of our subordinated units. At the end of the subordination period, assuming no additional issuances of units (other than upon the conversion of the subordinated units), the Topper Group, including LGC, will own 49.0%39.15% of our common units.
The market price of our common units could be adversely affected by sales of substantial amounts of our common units in the public or private markets, including sales by the Topper Group, LGC or other large holders.
As of March 22, 2013,3, 2014, we had 7,526,04411,097,348 common units and 7,525,000 subordinated units outstanding, which include the 6,000,000 common units sold in the offering that may be resold in the public market.outstanding. At the end of the subordination period, all of the subordinated units will convert into an equal number of common units. All of the 625,000 common units that were issued to affiliates of our general partner are subject to resale restrictions under a 180-day lock-up agreement with the underwriters. Each of the lock-up agreements with the underwriters may be waived in the discretion of certain of the underwriters that expires on April 22, 2013. Sales by affiliates of our general partnerGeneral Partner or other large holders of a substantial number of our common units in the public markets, or the perception that such sales might occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common units or could impair our ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity securities. In addition, we have agreed to provide registration rights to the Topper Group including LGC. Under our partnership agreement and pursuant to a registration rights agreement that we have entered into, our
general partner General Partner and its affiliates have registration rights relating to the offer and sale of any units that they hold, subject to certain limitations.
We may issue unlimited additional units without unitholder approval, which would dilute existing unitholder ownership interests.
Our partnership agreement does not limit the number of additional limited partner interests, including limited partner interests that rank senior to the common units that we may issue at any time without the approval of our unitholders. The issuance of additional common units or other equity interests of equal or senior rank could have the following effects:
Our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s discretion in establishing cash reserves may reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders.
The partnership agreement requires our general partnerGeneral Partner to deduct from operating surplus cash reserves that it determines are necessary to fund our future operating expenditures. The general partnerGeneral Partner may reduce cash available for distribution by establishing cash reserves for the proper conduct of our business, to comply with applicable law or agreements to which we are a party or to provide funds for future distributions to partners. These cash reserves will affect the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders.
Our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders owning 20% or more of our common units.
Our partnership agreement restricts unitholders'unitholders’ voting rights by providing that any units held by a person or group that owns 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of the board of directors of our general partner,General Partner, cannot vote on any matter.
Restrictions in our credit agreement could limit our ability to pay distributions upon the occurrence of certain events.
Our payment of principal and interest on our debt will reduce cash available for distribution on our units. Our credit agreement will limit our ability to pay distributions upon the occurrence of the following events, among others:
Any subsequent refinancing of our current debt or any new debt could have similar restrictions.
Management fees and cost reimbursements due to our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates for services provided to us or on our behalf will reduce cash available for distribution to our unitholders. The amount and timing of such reimbursements will be determined by our general partner.General Partner.
Prior to making any distribution on the common units, we will pay LGC the management fee and reimburse our general partnerGeneral Partner and LGC for all out-of-pocketthird-party expenses they incur and payments they make on our behalf. Our partnership agreement provides that our general partnerGeneral Partner will determine in good faith the expenses that are allocable to us. In addition, pursuant to an omnibus agreement, the Topper Group, including LGC, will be entitled to reimbursement for certain expenses that they incur on our behalf. Our partnership agreement does not limit the amount of expenses for which our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates may be reimbursed. The reimbursement of expenses and payment of fees, if any, to our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates will reduce the amount of cash available to pay distributions to our unitholders.
Unitholders may have liability to repay distributions and in certain circumstances may be personally liable for the obligations of the partnership.
Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. Under Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, or the Delaware Act, we may not make a distribution to our unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities that are non-recourse to the partnership are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted.
It may be determined that the right, or the exercise of the right by the limited partners as a group, to (i) remove or replace our general partner,General Partner, (ii) approve some amendments to our partnership agreement or (iii) take other action under our partnership agreement constitutes "participation“participation in the control"control” of our business. A limited partner that participates in the control of our business within the meaning of the Delaware Act may be held personally liable for our obligations under the laws of Delaware, to the same extent as our general partner.General Partner. This liability would extend to persons who transact business with us under the reasonable belief that the limited partner is a general partner.General Partner. Neither our partnership agreement nor the Delaware Act specifically provides for legal recourse against
our general partnerGeneral Partner if a limited partner were to lose limited liability through any fault of our general partner.General Partner.
The New York Stock Exchange, or "NYSE,"“NYSE,” does not require a publicly traded partnership like us to comply with certain of its corporate governance requirements.
Our common units are listed on the NYSE. Because we are a publicly traded partnership, the NYSE does not require us to have a majority of independent directors on our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s board of directors. Additionally, while we have established a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee, the NYSE does not require us as a publicly traded partnership to maintain a compensation committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee. Accordingly, unitholders will not have the same protections afforded to certain corporations that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements. Please read "Management—“Management—Management of Lehigh Gas Partners LP."”
There are material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting. If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, our ability to accurately report our financial results could be adversely affected.
Prior to the completion of the Offering, certain entities that comprised the Predecessor Entity were private entities with limited accounting personnel and other supervisory resources to adequately execute their accounting processes and address their internal controls over financial reporting. In connection with the preparation of the Predecessor Entity's combined financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we identified and communicated material weaknesses related to lack of adequate staffing and management review by the appropriate level during the Predecessor Entity's month-end closing process. A "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal controls such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our Predecessor Entity's financial statements would not be prevented, or detected in a timely basis. The lack of management review resulted in several adjustments to the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.
We are in the early phases of evaluating the design and operation of our internal controls over financial reporting and have not yet completed our review. We cannot predict the outcome of our review at this time. During the course of the review, we may identify additional control deficiencies, which could give rise to significant deficiencies and other material weaknesses, in addition to the material weakness described above. The material weakness described above could result in a misstatement of our accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. We cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date, or any measures we may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the material weakness described above or avoid potential future material weaknesses.
We are not currently required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for that purpose. Since becoming a publicly traded partnership, we will be required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, which will require our management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Though we will be required to disclose changes made to our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we will not be required to make our first annual assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following this Annual Report, to be filed with the SEC. To comply with the requirements of being a publicly traded partnership, we will need to implement additional internal controls, reporting systems and procedures and hire additional accounting, finance and legal staff.
Further, our independent registered public accounting firm is not yet required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting until the year following this Annual Report, to be filed with the SEC. If it is required to do so, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Our remediation efforts may not enable us to remedy or avoid material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the future. If our remediation efforts are unsuccessful, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of confidence in our reported financial information, which could have an adverse effect on our business and would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common units.
An increase in interest rates may cause the market price of our common units to decline and a significant increase in interest rates could adversely affect our ability to service our indebtedness.
Like all equity investments, an investment in our common units is subject to certain risks. Borrowings under the credit facility will bear interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, such variable-rate debt will create higher debt service requirements, which could adversely affect our cash flow and ability to make cash distributions. In exchange for accepting these risks, investors may expect to receive a higher rate of return than would otherwise be obtainable from lower-risk investments. Accordingly, as interest rates rise, the ability of investors to obtain higher risk-adjusted rates of return by purchasinggovernment-backed debt securities may cause a corresponding decline in demand for riskier investments generally, includingyield-based equity investments such as publicly traded limited partnership interests. Reduced demand for our common units resulting from investors seeking other more favorable investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our common units to decline.
The interest rate on our credit agreement is variable; therefore, we have exposure to movements in interest rates. A significant increase in interest rates could adversely affect our ability to service our indebtedness. The increased cost could make the financing of our business activities more expensive. These added expenses could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a publicly traded partnership.
We have a limited history operating as a publically traded partnership. As a newly publicly traded partnership, we have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur prior to the Offering. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules implemented by the SEC and the NYSE, requires publicly traded entities to adopt various corporate governance practices that have increased, and are expected to further increase, our costs. Before we are able to make distributions to our members, we must first pay or reserve cash for our expenses, including the costs of being a publicly traded partnership. As a result, the amount of cash we have available for distribution to our members will be affected by the costs associated with being a publicly traded partnership.
We are subject to the public reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. These rules and regulations have increased, and are expected to continue to increase, certain of our legal and financial compliance costs and to make activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, as a result of becoming a publicly traded partnership, we are required to have at least three independent directors, create an audit committee and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, including the preparation of reports on internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, we incur additional costs associated with our SEC reporting requirements.
We also have incurred significant expenses in order to obtain director and officer liability insurance. Because of the limitations in coverage for directors, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board or as executive officers.
We estimate that we will incur approximately $2.3 million of incremental costs per year associated with being a publicly traded partnership; however, it is possible that our actual incremental costs of being a publicly traded partnership will be higher than we currently estimate.
Tax Risks
Our U.S. federal (and state and local) income tax treatment depends in large part on our status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our otherwise not being subject to a material amount of U.S. federal, state and local income or franchise tax. If we were required to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if we were to otherwise be subject to a material amount of additionalentity-level income, franchise or other taxation for U.S. federal, state or local tax purposes, then our cash available for distribution to you would be substantially reduced. We currently have a subsidiary that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is subject toentity-level U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax.
The anticipated after-tax benefit of an investment in our common units depends largely on our being treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A publicly traded partnership, such as us, may be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless 90% or more of its gross income for every taxable year it is publicly traded consists of qualifying income. Based on our current operations we believe that we will be able to satisfy this requirement and, thus, be able to be treated as a partnership, rather than a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
However, a change in our business, or a change in current law, could also cause us to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us toentity-level taxation. We have not requested, and do not plan to request, a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or any other tax matter affecting us.
If we were required to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then we would pay U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at the corporate tax rate which, under current law, is a maximum of 35%. We would also likely pay state and local income tax at varying rates. Distributions to you would generally be taxed again as either a dividend (to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits) and/or as taxable gain after recovery of your U.S. federal income tax basis in your units, and no income, gains, losses, deductions or credits would flow through to you. Because a U.S. federal income tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution to you would be substantially reduced. Thus, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to you, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our common units.
Moreover, we conduct a portion of our operations and business through one or more direct and indirect subsidiaries, including through LGWS, ourwholly-owned taxable C-corporation for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes. As LGWS is a taxable C corporation for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes, it is subject to anentity-level U.S. federal, state and local tax on its taxable income and gain, which is currently mostly associated with the leasing of certain personal property. Thus, the amount of cash that LGWS has available to distribute to us and, thus, the amount of cash that we will then have available to distribute to you, could be reduced. Furthermore, if, for example, the IRS were to successfully assert that LGWS (or any other direct or indirect taxable C corporation subsidiary through which we may operate in the future) has more tax liability than we anticipate or legislation were enacted that increased the U.S. federal, state and/or local corporate tax rate, our cash available for distribution to you could be further reduced.
Current law may change so as to cause us to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us toentity-level taxation. For example, from time to time, members of the U.S. Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. One such relatively recent legislative proposal would have eliminated the qualifying income exception upon which we rely for our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We are unable to predict whether any of these changes, or other proposals, will be considered (or reconsidered) or ultimately enacted. Any such changes could negatively impact the amount of cash available for distribution to you. In addition, changes in current state and/or local law may subject us to additionalentity-level taxation by individual states and/or localities. For example, because of widespread state and local government budget deficits, several states and localities are evaluating ways to subject partnerships toentity-level taxation through the imposition of state and/or local income, franchise and/or other forms of taxation. If any state or locality were to impose a tax upon us as an entity, our cash available for distribution to you would be reduced.
A significant amount of our income is attributable to our leasing of real property to LGO. If Lehigh Gas-Ohio Holdings LLC, or "LGO“LGO Holdings,"” a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of LGO, were to become related to us for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the real property rents that we receive from LGO would no longer constitute qualifying income and we would likely be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A significant amount of our qualifying income is comprised of real property rents from LGO attributable to the 362270 sites that LGO leases from us. In general, any real property rents that we receive from a tenant or sub-tenant of ours in which we, directly or indirectly, own or are treated as owning by reason of the application of certain constructive ownership rules: (a) at least 10% of such tenant'stenant’s or sub-tenant'ssub-tenant’s stock (voting power or value) in the case where such tenant or sub-tenant is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (b) an interest of at least 10% of such tenant'stenant’s or sub-tenant'ssub-tenant’s assets or net profits in the case where such tenant or sub-tenant is not a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (as would be the case with respect to LGO), would not constitute qualifying income. After applying certain constructive ownership rules, we will be treated as owning the 5% interest in the assets and net profits of LGO Holdings that Joseph V. Topper, Jr. and John B. Reilly, III actually and constructively own. If we were considered to directly or indirectly own an interest of 10% or more of the assets or net profits of LGO Holdings, then the real property rents that we receive from LGO would no longer constitute qualifying income in which case, based on our current operations, we would likely no longer qualify to be treated as a "partnership"“partnership” (and instead would be treated as a corporation) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Our and LGO Holdings'Holdings’ governing documents contain transfer restrictions designed to prevent us from being treated as directly or indirectly owning by reason of the application of the constructive ownership rules an interest of 10% or more of LGO Holdings'Holdings’ assets or net profits. We received an opinion of counsel at, and dated as of, the closing of the OfferingIPO that, subject to certain customary exceptions, such transfer restrictions are enforceable under Delaware law, but a court could determine that these restrictions are inapplicable or unenforceable.
The U.S. federal (and/or state or local) income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or an investment in our common units could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.
The present U.S. federal (and/or state or local) income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial changes or differing interpretation at any time. For example, from time to time, members of Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. One such relatively recent legislative proposal would have
eliminated the qualifying income exception upon which we rely for our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any modification to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet the qualifying income exception for us to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, affect or cause us to change our business activities, affect the tax considerations of an investment in us, change the character or treatment of portions of our income or gain and adversely affect an investment in our common units. We are unable to predict whether any of these changes, or other proposals, will be introduced or will ultimately be enacted. Any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.
Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that results in us becoming subject to either:(a) entity-level taxation for U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign income and/or withholding tax purposes to which we were not subject prior to such enactment, modification or interpretation, and/or (b) an increased amount of any such one or more of such taxes (including as a result of an increase in tax rates), then the minimum quarterly distribution amounts and the target distribution amounts may be adjusted (i.e., reduced) to reflect the impact of that law on us.
If the IRS contests the U.S. federal income tax positions we take, the market for our common units may be adversely impacted and the costs of any contest will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
We have not requested any ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or any other U.S. federal income tax matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we take. A court may not agree with some or all of the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for our common units and the price at which they trade. In addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS, which will be borne indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner,General Partner, will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution.
You may be required to pay taxes on income from us even if you do not receive any cash distributions from us.
Because you will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partner in us, we will allocate a share of our taxable income and gain to you which could be different in amount than the cash we distribute to you. Thus, you may be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local taxes, on your allocable share of our taxable income and gain even if you do not receive any cash distributions from us.
Tax gain or loss on sale or other taxable disposition of common units could be more or less than the cash that you may receive in such sale or other taxable disposition.
If you sell (or otherwise dispose in a taxable disposition) one or more, or all, of your common units, you will recognize a gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between your amount realized in such sale or other taxable disposition and your U.S. federal income tax basis in those common units. Because distributions that you receive and the aggregate of our losses and deductions that are allocated to you in excess of your allocable share of the aggregate of our income and gain result in a net reduction in your U.S. federal income tax basis in your common units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions and loss and deduction allocations with respect to the common units sold (or otherwise disposed of in a taxable disposition) will, in effect, become taxable income and/or gain to you if you sell (or otherwise dispose in a taxable disposition) your common units at a price greater than your U.S. federal income tax basis in those common units, even if the price you
receive is less than or equal to their original cost. Furthermore, for U.S. federal income tax purposes a substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing gain, may be taxed as ordinary income due to potential recapture of depreciation deductions and other recapture items. In addition, because a unitholder'sunitholder’s amount realized would include his, her or its share of our nonrecourse liabilities, if you were to sell your units (or otherwise dispose of your units in a taxable disposition), you may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash you receive from the sale or other taxable disposition.
Tax-exempt organizations and non-U.S. persons face unique tax issues from owning common units that may result in adverse tax consequences to them.
Investment in our common units by an organization that is exempt from U.S. federal income tax, or a tax-exempt organization, such as employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts, which we refer to as "IRAs,"“IRAs,” and non-U.S. persons raises issues unique to them. For example, a substantial amount (if not most) of our U.S. federal taxable income and gain would constitute gross income from an unrelated trade or business and the amount thereof allocable to a tax-exempt organization would be taxable to such organization as unrelated business taxable income. Distributions to a non-U.S. person that holds our common units will be reduced by U.S. federal withholding taxes imposed at the highest applicable U.S. federal income tax rate and such non-U.S. person will be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns and pay U.S. federal income tax, to the extent not previously withheld, on his, her or its allocable share of our taxable income and gain. If you are a tax-exempt organization or a non-U.S. person, you should consult your tax advisor before investing in our common units.
You will likely be subject to state and local income taxes and return filing requirements in states and localities where you do not live as a result of investing in our common units
In addition to U.S. federal income taxes, you will likely be subject to other taxes, such as foreign, state and local income taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property, even if you do not live in any of those jurisdictions. You will likely be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, you may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. We currently conduct business in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Maine, Florida, Maryland, Delaware and as a result of the Express Lane acquisition, Florida.Virginia. Each of these states (other than Florida) currently imposes a personal income tax on individuals (except that Tennessee only imposes a personal income tax on interest and dividends and New Hampshire only imposes a personal income tax on interest, dividends and gambling winnings) as well as an income, business profits and/or a franchise tax on corporations and other entities. We may own property or conduct business in other states, localities or foreign countries in the future. It is your responsibility to file all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax returns. Our counsel has not rendered an opinion on the state, local or non U.S. tax consequences of an investment in our common units.
We will treat each purchaser of our common units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the actual common units purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common units, we will adopt depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury Regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of U.S. federal income tax benefits available to you. Our counsel is unable to opine as to the validity of such filing positions. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount of gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes from your sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of our common units or result in audit adjustments to your U.S. federal income tax returns.
We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and allocate them, between transferors and transferees (and the other holders) of our common units each month based upon the ownership of our common units on the first business day of each month and as of the opening of the applicable exchange on which our common units are listed, instead of on the basis of the date a particular common unit is transferred. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.
We generally prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes between transferors and transferees of our common units each month based upon the ownership of our common units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular common unit is transferred. The use of this proration method may not be permitted under existing Treasury Regulations. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department issued proposed Treasury Regulations that provide a safe harbor pursuant to which publicly traded partnerships may use a similar monthly simplifying convention to allocate tax items among transferor and transferee unitholders. Nonetheless, the proposed Treasury Regulations are not final and do not specifically authorize the use of the proration method we have adopted. If the IRS were to challenge our proration method or new Treasury Regulations were to be issued, we may be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.
If you loan your common units to a short seller to cover a short sale of common units, you may be considered to have disposed of those common units for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If so, you would no longer be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partner with respect to those common units during the period of the loan and you may recognize gain or loss from such deemed disposition.
During the period of the loan of your common units to the short seller, any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to such common units may not be reportable by you and any cash distributions received by you as to those common units could be fully taxable to you as ordinary income. Our counsel has not rendered an opinion regarding the treatment of a unitholder where common units are loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale of common units. Thus, unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax effect of loaning their common units to a short seller.
We have adopted certain valuation methodologies for U.S. federal income tax purposes that may result in a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between our general partnerGeneral Partner and our unitholders. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.
When we issue additional units or engage in certain other transactions, our general partnerGeneral Partner will determine the fair market value of our assets and allocate any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our assets to the capital accounts of our unitholders and our general partner.General Partner. Although we may from time to time consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, including the valuation of our assets, our general partnerGeneral Partner will make many (and possibly all) of the fair market value determinations of our assets (including by using a method based on the market value of our common units as a means to measure such fair market value(s)). The IRS may challenge any one or more of such determinations, or our allocation of the adjustment under Section 743(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, attributable to our various assets, and allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction between our general partnerGeneral Partner and certain of our unitholders.
A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the amount of taxable income, gain or loss being allocated to our unitholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It also could affect the amount of taxable gain from our unitholders'unitholders’ sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of the common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders'unitholders’ U.S. federal income tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions.
The sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interest in our capital and profits within atwelve-month period will result in the termination of our partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We will be considered to have technically terminated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interest in our capital and profits within atwelve-month period. For purposes of determining whether a technical tax termination has occurred, a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits could occur if, for example, the Topper Group, which will own collectively 50% or more of the total interest in our capital and profits afterat the consummationtime of this offering,the IPO, were to sell or exchange their collective interest in us within a period of twelve months. For purposes of determining whether the 50% threshold has been met, multiple sales of the same interest will be counted only once. Our technical termination would, among other things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders, which could result in us filing two U.S. federal income tax returns (and unitholders receiving two Schedule K-1s) for one calendar year. However, pursuant to an IRS relief procedure the IRS may allow, among other things, a constructively terminated partnership to provide a single Schedule K-1 for the calendar year in which a termination occurs. Our technical termination could also result in the re-starting of the recovery period for our assets (and, thus, result in a significant deferral of depreciation and amortization deductions allowable in computing our U.S. federal taxable income). In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a calendar year, the closing of our taxable year may also result in more than twelve months of our taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of termination. Our technical termination, however, would not affect our classification as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes but instead we would be treated as a new partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we were treated as a new partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be required to make new tax elections and could be subject to penalties if we were unable to determine that a technical termination occurred.
ItemITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ItemITEM 2. Properties
PROPERTIES
A description of our properties is included in "Item“Item 1. Business."” Our principal executive offices are in Allentown, Pennsylvania in an office space leased by LGC. The management fee charged by LGC to the Partnership incorporates a rental charge. The lease expires on January 31, 2020.June 30, 2029.
ItemITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Although we may, fromFrom time to time, bewe are involved in litigation and claims arising outincidental to the conduct of our operationsbusiness. We do not expect that any of this litigation, individually or in the normal courseaggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of business, weoperations or cash flow. We do not believe that we are a party to any litigation thatlegal proceeding involving our Predecessor will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, or results of operations. We are not awareoperations or cash flows.
Additional information regarding legal proceedings is included in Note 14 of any significant legal or governmental proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us. We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as our General Partner believes are reasonable and prudent. However, we cannot assure you that this insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims for personal and property damage or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economical prices. Other than environmental liabilities and third-party claims for which we are entitled to indemnification from LGC under the omnibus agreement, we will be liable for any legal proceeding of a contributed entity with respect to which the basis for the claim underlying the legal proceeding arose priornotes to the closing of the Offering. As noted above, we are not aware of any significant legal or governmental proceedings against a contributed entity, or contemplated to be brought against a contributed entity. To the extent that LGC is unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations under the omnibus agreement, we may be responsible for legal proceedings involving environmental liabilities andfinancial statements.
third-party claims that are based on environmental conditions in existence at our Predecessor Entity's sites prior to their contribution in connection with the Offering. We believe that LGC will be able to satisfy known environmental liabilities for which we are entitled indemnification.
ItemITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None
ItemITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder MattersMARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
As of March 3, 2014, we had 11,097,348 common units, held by approximately four holders of record outstanding. Our common units are listed and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
At the close of business on March 22, 2012, there were five common unitholders of record.
Our Common Units have tradedtrade on the New York Stock ExchangeNYSE under the symbol "LGP" since October 26, 2012. Prior to that date, there was no public market for our Common Units. “LGP.”
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated,range of the daily high and low sales prices for our common units, as reported on the NYSE, and cash distributions paid per sharecommon unit, beginning on October 25, 2012, the date our units began trading, for the periods indicated. The last reported sales price of our Common Units, as reportedcommon units on the NYSE on March 3, 2014 was $26.61 per common unit.
Price Ranges | Cash Distributions per unit (a) | |||||||||||
High | Low | |||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter | $ | 29.07 | $ | 26.16 | $ | 0.5125 | ||||||
Third Quarter | 29.18 | 24.61 | 0.5025 | |||||||||
Second Quarter | 26.25 | 21.25 | 0.4775 | |||||||||
First Quarter | 23.88 | 18.74 | 0.4525 | |||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter (from October 25, 2012) | $ | 21.65 | $ | 16.66 | $ | 0.2948 | (b) |
(a) | Represents cash distributions attributable to the quarter. Cash distributions declared in respect of a calendar quarter are paid in the following calendar quarter. |
(b) | The distribution of $0.2948 per common unit corresponds to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4375 per unit prorated for the portion of the quarter after October 30, 2012, the closing date of our IPO. |
As of March 3, 2014, we had 7,525,000 subordinated units outstanding. These subordinated units are owned, directly or indirectly, by the New York Stock Exchange, since October 26, 2012.
| Price Range | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Low | |||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2012(1) | $ | 21.65 | $ | 16.66 |
Cash Distribution Policy
General
The board of directors of our General Partner has adopted a policy pursuantthat requires us to which we will make cash distributions each quarter. Thequarter, in an amount of cash distributed each quarter will be determined by the board of directors of our General Partner following the end of such quarter. In general, we expect that cash distributed for each quarter will equal cash generated from operations less cash needed for maintenance capital expenditures, accrued but unpaid expenses, including the management fee to LGC, reimbursement of expenses incurred by our General Partner, debt service and other contractual obligations and reserves for future operating and capital needs or for future distributions to our partners. We expect that the board of directors of our General Partner will reserve excess cash, from time to time, in an effort to sustain or permit gradual or consistent increases in quarterly distributions. Restrictions in our credit agreement could limit our ability to pay distributions upon the occurrence of certain events. See "Management's“Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—New Credit Agreement."Facility.” The board of directors of our General Partner may also determine to borrow to fund distributions in quarters when we generate less cash available for distribution than necessary to sustain or grow our cash distributions per unit. The factors that we believe will be the primary drivers of our cash generated from operations are changes in demand for motor fuels, the number of sites to which we distribute motor fuels, the margin per gallon we are able to generate at such sites and the numbers and profitability of sites we own and lease.
Our cash distribution policy, established by our General Partner, is to distribute each quarter an amount at least equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4375 per unit on all units ($1.75 per unit on an annualized basis). We increased our distribution to $0.4525 per unit (or $1.81 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the June 2013 distribution, $0.4775 per unit (or $1.91 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the September distribution, and $0.5025 per unit (or $2.01 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the December distribution. In March 2014, we increased our distribution to $0.5125 per unit (or $2.05 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the March 2014 distribution. Our General Partner may determine at any time that it is in the best interest of our Partnership to modify or revoke our cash distribution policy. Modification of our cash distribution policy may result in distributions of amounts less than, or greater than, our minimum quarterly distribution, and revocation of our cash distribution policy could result in no distributions at all.
In addition, our New Credit Facility includes certain restrictions on our ability to make cash distributions.
General Partner Interest
Our General Partner owns a non-economic General Partner interest in us and thus will not be entitled to distributions that we make prior to our liquidation in respect of such interest.
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage (15.0%, 25.0% and 50.0%) of our quarterly distributions from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels (as described below) have been achieved. A trust, the trustee of which is Joseph V. Topper, Jr. is a trustee, holds 85% of our incentive distribution rights and a trust, the trustee of which is John B. Reilly, III, is a trustee holds the remaining 15%. The holders of our incentive distribution rights.rights may transfer these rights at any time. The distribution declared in March 2014 exceeded the threshold and IDRs will participate in this distribution.
Minimum Quarterly Distribution
Our partnership agreement provides that, during the subordination period (which we describe below), the common units will have the right to receive distributions from operating surplus each quarter in an amount equal to $0.4375 per common unit, which amount is defined in our partnership agreement as the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters, before any distributions of cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated units. The practical effect of the subordination period is to increase the likelihood that during such period there will be sufficient cash from operating surplus to pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units.
We will pay quarterly distributions, if any, each quarter in the following manner:
If cash distributions to our unitholders exceed $0.5031 per unit in any quarter, our unitholders and the holders of our incentive distribution rights, will receive distributions according to the following percentage allocations:
Total Quarterly Distribution Per Common and Subordinated Unit | Marginal Percentage Interest in Distribution | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Target Amount | Unitholders | Holders of IDRs | |||||
above $0.5031 up to $0.5469 | 85 | % | 15 | % | |||
above $0.5469 up to $0.6563 | 75 | % | 25 | % | |||
above $0.6563 | 50 | % | 50 | % |
Total Quarterly | Marginal Percentage Interest in Distribution | |||||||
Target Amount | Unitholders | Holders of IDRs | ||||||
above $0.5031 up to $0.5469 | 85 | % | 15 | % | ||||
above $0.5469 up to $0.6563 | 75 | % | 25 | % | ||||
above $0.6563 | 50 | % | 50 | % |
Subordination Period
Except as described below, the subordination period will expire on the first business day after the distribution to unitholders in respect of any quarter, beginning with the quarter ending December 31, 2015, if each of the following has occurred:
Early Termination of Subordination Period
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination period will automatically terminate on the first business day after the distribution to unitholders in respect of any quarter, beginning with the quarter ending December 31, 2013, if each of the following has occurred:
Expiration Uponupon Removal of the General Partner
In addition, if the unitholders remove our general partnerGeneral Partner other than for cause:
Expiration of the Subordination Period
When the subordination period ends, each outstanding subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will then participate pro-rata with the other common units in cash distributions.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We did not repurchase any of our common units during the quarter ended December 31, 2013.
ItemITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth the selectedpresents our summary historical consolidated financial data of the Partnership for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2012, and the selected historical combined financial data of the Predecessor Entity for the period January 1, 2012 through October 31, 2012, and at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The selected historical consolidated and combined statements of operations data and the selected historical consolidated and combined cash flowoperating data for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012 and period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012,periods and as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and consolidated and combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009, havethe dates indicated, which has been derived from the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity'sour or our predecessor’s consolidated and combined financial statements. The selected combined statementOn October 30, 2012, we completed our IPO. At the closing of operations, cash flowour IPO, a portion of the business of our predecessor and balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, is unaudited. Theits subsidiaries and affiliates was contributed to Lehigh Gas Partners LP. As such, the results of the Predecessor Entityour predecessor are not comparable to the Partnershipour results as certain assets were not contributed to the Partnershipus as they did not fit the Partnership'smeet our strategic and geographic plans.
ThePlease read the following table should be readdata in conjunctionconnection with Item 7. "Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial ConditionsCondition and Results of Operations",Operations and Item 8. "FinancialFinancial Statements and Supplementary Data" (in thousands, except unit and per unit data):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | Unaudited | ||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 161,319 | $ | 935,241 | $ | 1,236,644 | $ | 841,204 | $ | 490,261 | $ | 573,610 | |||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 145,168 | 621,139 | 365,106 | 329,974 | 310,794 | 399,204 | |||||||||||||||
Rental income | 1,950 | 10,336 | 12,633 | 11,792 | 10,508 | 7,567 | |||||||||||||||
Rental income from affiliates | 3,228 | 5,708 | 7,792 | 7,169 | 10,324 | 6,025 | |||||||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | 14 | 1,389 | 1,939 | 59 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 311,665 | 1,572,438 | 1,623,564 | 1,192,078 | 821,946 | 986,406 | |||||||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 156,815 | 914,221 | 1,204,440 | 815,221 | 472,359 | 559,116 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 139,736 | 609,371 | 359,005 | 324,963 | 305,335 | 394,427 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | — | 1,066 | 1,774 | 7 | — | |||||||||||||||
Rent expense | 2,045 | 9,563 | 9,402 | 6,422 | 4,494 | 7,121 | |||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 541 | 4,734 | 6,608 | 4,173 | 4,407 | 5,525 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,551 | 13,773 | 11,996 | 11,998 | 8,172 | 3,846 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 9,676 | 9,811 | 12,709 | 13,099 | 13,389 | 4,193 | |||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,188 | ) | 272 | (752 | ) | (1,785 | ) | ||||||||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 310,893 | 1,558,354 | 1,602,038 | 1,177,922 | 807,411 | 972,443 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income | 772 | 14,084 | 21,526 | 14,156 | 14,535 | 13,963 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (1,926 | ) | (11,369 | ) | (12,082 | ) | (15,691 | ) | (10,453 | ) | (10,046 | ) | |||||||||
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt | — | (571 | ) | — | 1,200 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 140 | 661 | 1,245 | 1,904 | 1,685 | 923 | |||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from continuing operations | (1,014 | ) | 2,805 | 10,689 | 1,569 | 5,767 | 4,840 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense from continuing operations | 342 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income from continuing operations | (1,356 | ) | 2,805 | 10,689 | 1,569 | 5,767 | 4,840 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 309 | (779 | ) | (6,599 | ) | 311 | (1,512 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 9,910 | $ | (5,030 | ) | 6,078 | 3,328 | |||||||||
Loss per-unit(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss per common unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Net loss per subordinated unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average limited partners' units outstanding—basic and diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common Units | 7,525,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated units | 7,525,000 |
TableData, included in this Annual Report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of Contentsresults to be expected in future periods.
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | Unaudited | ||||||||||||||
Cash Flow Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating activities | $ | 3,249 | $ | 4,158 | $ | 11,560 | $ | 30,892 | $ | 23,673 | $ | 14,159 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (72,069 | ) | 2,473 | (18,875 | ) | 14,518 | (62,234 | ) | (43,499 | ) | |||||||||||
Financing activities | 73,588 | (7,237 | ) | 6,409 | (42,743 | ) | 36,161 | 30,885 | |||||||||||||
Other Financial Data | |||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA(2) | $ | 3,463 | $ | 28,352 | $ | 34,420 | $ | 26,909 | $ | 27,850 | $ | 19,708 | |||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(2) | $ | 2,992 | $ | 25,804 | $ | 31,232 | $ | 25,981 | $ | 27,098 | $ | 17,923 | |||||||||
Operating Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sites owned and leased | 511 | 477 | 368 | 332 | 320 | 231 | |||||||||||||||
Gallons of motor fuel distributed (in millions)(3) | 103.6 | 501.6 | 532.2 | 518.9 | 437.7 | 361.1 | |||||||||||||||
Margin per gallon(4) | $ | 0.0950 | $ | 0.0650 | $ | 0.0722 | $ | 0.0600 | $ | 0.0534 | $ | 0.0534 |
Income Statement Data: Revenues: Revenues from fuel sales Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates Rent income Rent income from affiliates Revenues from retail merchandise and other Total revenues Costs and Expenses: Cost of revenues from fuel sales Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates Cost of revenues from retail merchandise and other Rent expense Operating expenses Depreciation and amortization Selling, general and administrative expense (a) (Gain) loss on sales of assets, net Total costs and operating expenses Operating income Interest expense, net Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Other income, net Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations Income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes Income (loss) from discontinued operations Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) Limited partners’ interest in net income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes Net income (loss) per common and subordinated unit-basic Net income (loss) per common and subordinated unit-diluted Weighted average limited partners’ units outstanding Common units-basic Common units-diluted Subordinated units-basic and diluted Operating Data: Sites owned and leased Fuel margin Gallons of motor fuel distributed (in millions) (b) Selling price per gallon Fuel margin per gallon (c) Cash Flow Data: Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities Other Financial Data (unaudited) EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA Distributable Cash Flow Distributable Cash Flow per unit-diluted Distribution Distribution coverage-diluted Consolidated
Lehigh Gas
Partners LP
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013 Consolidated
Lehigh Gas
Partners LP
Period from
October 31 to
December 31,
2012 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
Period from
January 1 to
October 30,
2012 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2011 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2010 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2009 $ 980,177 $ 161,319 $ 935,241 $ 1,236,644 $ 841,204 $ 490,261 912,629 145,168 621,139 365,106 329,974 310,794 16,240 1,950 10,336 12,633 11,792 10,508 25,337 3,228 5,708 7,792 7,169 10,324 — — 14 1,389 1,939 59 1,934,383 311,665 1,572,438 1,623,564 1,192,078 821,946 960,518 156,815 914,221 1,204,440 815,221 472,359 887,804 139,736 609,371 359,005 324,963 305,335 — — — 1,066 1,774 7 15,509 2,045 9,563 9,402 6,422 4,494 4,577 541 4,734 6,608 4,173 4,407 20,963 2,551 13,773 11,996 11,998 8,172 16,558 9,676 9,811 12,709 13,099 13,389 (47 ) (471 ) (3,119 ) (3,188 ) 272 (752 ) 1,905,882 310,893 1,558,354 1,602,038 1,177,922 807,411 28,501 772 14,084 21,526 14,156 14,535 (14,182 ) (1,926 ) (11,369 ) (12,082 ) (15,691 ) (10,453 ) — — (571 ) — 1,200 — 2,035 140 661 1,245 1,904 1,685 16,354 (1,014 ) 2,805 10,689 1,569 5,767 (1,716 ) 342 — — — — 18,070 (1,356 ) 2,805 10,689 1,569 5,767 — — 309 (779 ) (6,599 ) 311 $ 18,070 $ (1,356 ) $ 3,114 $ 9,910 $ (5,030 ) $ 6,078 �� $ 18,070 $ (1,356 ) n/a n/a n/a n/a $ 1.18 $ (0.09 ) $ 1.18 $ (0.09 ) 7,731,471 7,525,000 7,780,357 7,525,000 7,525,000 7,525,000 556 511 477 368 332 320 44,484 9,936 32,788 38,305 30,994 23,361 637.8 103.6 501.6 530.5 516.3 437.7 $ 2.968 $ 2.959 $ 3.103 $ 3.019 $ 2.269 $ 1.830 $ 0.070 $ 0.096 $ 0.065 $ 0.072 $ 0.060 $ 0.053 $ 29,622 $ 3,249 $ 4,158 $ 11,560 $ 30,892 $ 23,673 (47,019 ) (72,069 ) 2,473 (18,875 ) 14,518 (62,234 ) 16,744 73,588 (7,237 ) 6,409 (42,743 ) 36,161 51,499 3,463 28,352 34,420 26,909 27,850 54,894 2,992 25,804 31,232 25,981 27,098 39,437 999 (d ) (d ) (d ) (d ) 2.58 0.07 (d ) (d ) (d ) (d ) 1.9450 0.2948 (d ) (d ) (d ) (d ) 1.3 x 0.2 x (d ) (d ) (d ) (d )
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2010 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2009 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Unaudited | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,768 | $ | 2,082 | $ | 2,988 | $ | 321 | $ | 2,721 | ||||||||
Working capital (deficit) | (9,179 | ) | (16,533 | ) | (18,227 | ) | (2,793 | ) | (8,148 | ) | ||||||||
Total assets | 315,810 | 271,136 | 257,415 | 293,641 | 236,421 | |||||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of discount | 183,751 | 177,529 | 156,940 | 208,859 | 159,682 | |||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 301,265 | 303,823 | 285,593 | 314,933 | 259,074 | |||||||||||||
Partners' capital / owners' deficit | 14,545 | (32,687 | ) | (28,178 | ) | (21,292 | (22,653 | ) |
(a) | Selling, general and administrative expenses for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012 includes approximately $6.3 million in expenses related to our IPO and formation transactions. |
(b) | Excludes gallons of motor fuel distributed to sites classified as discontinued operations with respect to the periods presented for our predecessor. |
(c) | Fuel margin per gallon represents (1) total revenues from fuel sales, less total cost of revenues from fuel sales, divided by (2) total gallons of motor fuel distributed. |
(d) | Results for these periods were not presented as these non-GAAP financial measurers were not used at that time. |
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2010 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,115 | $ | 4,768 | $ | 2,082 | $ | 2,988 | $ | 321 | ||||||||||||
Total current assets | 35,496 | 22,974 | 27,982 | 38,040 | 19,989 | |||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 391,621 | 317,851 | 271,136 | 257,415 | 293,641 | |||||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 38,857 | 32,153 | 44,515 | 56,267 | 22,212 | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 173,509 | 183,751 | 177,529 | 156,940 | 208,859 | |||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 296,950 | 303,306 | 303,823 | 285,593 | 314,933 | |||||||||||||||||
Partners’ capital / owners’ deficit | 94,671 | 14,545 | (32,687 | ) | (28,178 | ) | (21,292 | ) |
ItemITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
On October 30, 2012 ("(“Closing Date"Date”), the Partnership completed its initial public offering of a total of 6,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests, ("Common Units"), and on November 9, 2012 issued an additional 900,000 Common Unitscommon units pursuant to the full exercise by the underwriters (the "Underwriters"“Underwriters”) of their over-allotment option, all at a price of $20.00 per unit (the "Offering"“IPO”). The Partnership received aggregate proceeds of $125.7 million from the sale, net of underwriting discounts and structuring fees, and $2.6 million of OfferingIPO expenses. As previously disclosed, of this amount the net proceeds of approximately $16.7 million, pursuant to the over-allotment option, were distributed to Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, and to certain of Mr. Topper'sTopper’s affiliates and family trusts, and John B. Reilly, III, a member of the board of directors of the General Partner of the Partnership.
References in this Annual Report to "our Predecessor"“our Predecessor”, or "Predecessor Entity"“Predecessor Entity”, refer to the portion of the business of Lehigh Gas Corporation, or "LGC,"“LGC,” and its subsidiaries and affiliates that were contributed to Lehigh Gas Partners LP in connection with the Offering.IPO. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report to "Lehigh“Lehigh Gas Partners LP," "we," "our," "us,"” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms, when used in the context of the periods following the completion of the OfferingIPO refer to Lehigh Gas Partners LP and its subsidiaries and, when used in the context of the periods prior to the completion of the Offering,IPO, refer to the portion of the business of our Predecessor, the wholesale distribution business of Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC and real property and leasehold interests contributed to us in connection with the OfferingIPO by Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner and/or his affiliates.
References to "our“our General Partner"Partner” or "Lehigh“Lehigh Gas GP"GP” refer to Lehigh Gas GP LLC, the General Partner of Lehigh Gas Partners LP and a wholly owned subsidiary of LGC. References to "LGO"“LGO” refer to Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC, an entity managed by Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the board of directors of our General Partner. All of LGO'sLGO’s wholesale distribution business werewas contributed to us in connection with the Offering.IPO. References to the "Topper Group"“Topper Group” refer to Joseph V. Topper, Jr., collectively with those of his affiliates and family trusts that have ownership interests in our Predecessor. A trust of which Joseph V. Topper, Jr. is a trustee owns all of the outstanding stock of LGC. The Topper Group, including LGC, will hold a significant portion of the limited partner interests in us. Through his control of LGC, Joseph V. Topper, Jr. controls our General Partner.
Unless otherwise indicated, 2012 full year-to-date financial results contained in this Annual Report contain the audited consolidated financial results of the Partnership for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and the audited combined financial results for the Predecessor Entity period for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012.
References to "Lessee Dealers" refer to third parties who operate sites we own or lease and we, in turn, lease to the Lessee Dealers; "Independent Dealers" refer to third parties that own their sites or lease their sites from a landlord other than us; and "Sub-wholesalers" refer to third parties that elect to purchase motor fuels from us, on a wholesale basis, instead of purchasing directly from major integrated oil companies and refiners.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Partnership and Predecessor Entity audited consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures of performance and/or liquidity that have limitations and should not be considered as a substitute for net income or cash provided by (used in) operating activities which are US GAAP.
Table of ContentsOverview
Overview
We are a Delaware limited partnership formed to engage in the wholesale distribution of motor fuels, consisting of gasoline and diesel fuel, and to own and lease real estate used in the retail distribution of motor fuels. Since our predecessorPredecessor was founded in 1992, we have generated revenues from the wholesale distribution of motor fuels to retail sites and from real estate leases. In the third quarter of 2013, we also began generating revenues, on a select basis, through the retail distribution of motor fuels at the Commission Sites.
On the Closing Date, the Partnership completed the Offering. The Partnership received aggregate proceeds of $125.7 million from the sale, net of underwriting discounts and structuring fees, and other Offering expenses of $2.6 million. Of this amount, the proceeds from the over-allotment option of approximately $16.7 million were distributed to Joseph V. Topper Jr., the Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner of the Partnership, and to certain of Mr. Topper's affiliates and family trusts, and to John B. Reilly, III, a member of the board of directors of the General Partner of the Partnership
Our primary business objective is to make quarterly cash distributions to our unitholders and, over time, to increase our quarterly cash distributions. Initially, weWe intend to make minimum quarterly distributions of at least $0.4375 per unit, per quarter (or $1.75 per unit on an annualized basis). We increased our distribution to $0.4525 per unit (or $1.81 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the June 2013 distribution, $0.4775 per unit (or $1.91 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the September distribution, and $0.5125 per unit (or $2.05 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the December distribution. In March 2014, we increased our distribution to $0.5125 per unit (or $2.05 per unit on an annualized basis) effective with the March 2014 distribution. The amount of any distributions is subject to the discretion of the board of directors of our General Partner which may modify or revoke our cash distribution policy at any time. Our partnership agreement does not require us to pay any distributions at all.
We believe consistent demand for motor fuels in the areas where we operate and the contractual nature of our rent income provides a stable source of cash flow. Cash flows from the wholesale distribution of motor fuels will be generated primarily by a per gallon margin that is either a fixed or variable mark-up per gallon, or a variable rate mark-up per gallon.depending on our contract terms. By delivering motor fuels through independent carriers on the same day we purchase the motor fuels from suppliers, we seek to minimize the commodity price risks typically associated with the purchase and sale of motor fuels. We also generate cash flows from rentalrent income primarily by collecting rent from Lessee Dealerslessee dealers and LGO pursuant to lease agreements. TheOur lease agreements we have with Lessee Dealerslessee dealers had an average remaining lease term of 2.22.5 years remaining on the lease terms as of December 31, 2012. We believe that consistent demand for motor fuels in the areas where we operate and the contractual nature of our rental income provides a stable source of cash flow.2013.
For the year ended December 31, 2012,2013, we distributed an aggregate of approximately 606638 million gallons of motor fuels to 782812 sites, including 193 newcomprised of the following classes of business:
In addition, we did not distribute motor fuels in 2011. to 16 sub-wholesalers who distribute to additional sites.
Over 60%65% of the sites to which we distribute motor fuels are owned or leased by us. In addition, we have agreements requiring the operators of these sites to purchase motor fuels from us.
As of December 31, 2012, we distributed motor fuels to the following classes of business:
We are focused on owning and leasing sites primarily located in metropolitan and urban areas.prime locations with strong motor fuel demand. We own and lease sites located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Maine, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, and Florida with our recent Express Lane acquisition, asRogers, Rocky Top and Manchester acquisitions further described below. According todiscussed below, Tennessee and Virginia. We also distribute motor fuel in Georgia. Based on 2012 data available from the Energy Information Agency, of the nine legacy14 states in which we own and lease sites,distribute motor fuel, five are among the top ten consumers of gasoline in the United States and four are among the top ten consumers of on-highway diesel fuel in the United States. Over 85% of our sites are located in high-traffic metropolitan and urban areas.areas as of December 31, 2013. We believe the limited availability of undeveloped real estate particularly in these areasthe northeastern U.S. presents a high barrier to entry for new or existing retail gas station owners to develop competing sites.
Supplemental Offering
In December 2013, we issued 3,565,000 common units, inclusive of Contents
Recent Developments
Rogers Acquisition
Dunmore Purchase AgreementIn September 2013, we purchased 13 motor fuel stations, four leasehold motor fuel stations, assumed certain third-party supply contracts and purchased certain other assets, which were held or used by the sellers in connection with their motor fuels business and related convenience store business located in the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee area, for $20.0 million. One of the sites initially leased was purchased on October 23, 2013, for $1.1 million.
On December 21, 2012, weSimultaneously, LGO completed (the "Dunmore Closing") our acquisitionits purchase of certain assets to acquire retail assets (including fuel and merchandise inventory). The income that these assets generate is non-qualifying for federal income tax purposes. Subsequent to the closing, we and LGO entered into a sublease agreement for all of Dunmore Oil Company, Inc.the sites and JoJo Oil Company, Inc. (together,a fuel distribution agreement for the "Dunmore Sellers") as contemplatedpurchase and sale of wholesale fuel. The conflicts committee of the General Partner determined that the apportionment of the consideration payable by each of us and LGO and the terms and conditions of the agreements with LGO were fair and reasonable to us.
Aggregate incremental revenues for this acquisition included in our statements of operations were $17.6 million for 2013.
Rocky Top Acquisition
In September 2013, we purchased one motor fuel station, three leasehold motor fuel stations, assumed certain third-party supply contracts and purchased certain other assets, which were held or used by the Asset Purchase Agreement,sellers in connection with their motor fuels business and related convenience store business located in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. Concurrent with the closing, we entered into a lease for 29 motor fuel stations that we are obligated to purchase, at the election of the sellers, either (a) in whole for $26.2 million on or about August 1, 2015, or (b) in approximately equal parts over a 5 year period for an average of $5.3 million per year beginning in 2016. Due to the obligation to purchase the sites under the lease, the lease is accounted for as amendeda financing. We recorded $26.2 million of debt, which was preliminarily determined to be its fair value, and the payments made until the purchase will be classified as interest expense. We paid $10.7 million in cash at closing.
Simultaneously, LGO completed its purchase of certain assets to acquire retail assets (including fuel and merchandise inventory). The income that these assets generate is non-qualifying for federal income tax purposes. Subsequent to the closing, we and LGO entered into a sublease agreement for all of the sites and a fuel distribution agreement for the purchase and sale of wholesale fuel. The conflicts committee of the General Partner determined that the apportionment of the consideration payable by each of us and LGO and the terms and conditions of the agreements with LGO were fair and reasonable to us.
Aggregate incremental revenues for this acquisition included in our statements of operations were $23.1 million for 2013.
Manchester Acquisition
In December 2013, we purchased 44 independent dealer supply contracts, five sub-wholesale supply contracts, two leasehold motor fuel stations and certain assets and equipment, which were held or used by the sellers in connection with their motor fuels business and related convenience store business located in the Richmond, Virginia area, for $10.7 million.
Aggregate incremental revenues for this acquisition included in our statements of operations were $3.6 million for 2013.
Commission Sites
Prior to September 1, 2013, we leased certain sites to LGO, which, in turn, subleased certain of these sites (the "Dunmore Purchase Agreement"“Subleases”), by to third party commission agents and amongentered into the Partnership,Commission Agreements with the agents to sell motor fuel on behalf of LGO to retail customers. In connection with the Commission Agreements, LGO also purchased motor fuel from a subsidiary of the Partnership at wholesale prices. Effective September 1, 2013, we assumed the Dunmore Sellers,Commission Agreements and for limited purposes, Joseph Gentile, Jr. Pursuant to the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, the Dunmore Sellers sold to us all of the assets (collectively, the "Dunmore Assets") held and used by the Dunmore Sellers in connection with their gasoline and diesel retail outlet business and their related convenience store business (the "Dunmore Retail Business"). In connection with this transaction, we will acquire 24 motor fuel service stations, 23 of which will be fee simple interests and one of which will be a leasehold interest.
LGO operates the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, as contemplated by the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, certain of the non-qualified Dunmore Assets and certain non-qualified liabilities of the Dunmore Sellers were assigned by us to LGO. LGO paid the Partnership $0.5 million for up-front rent. The Dunmore Sellers are permitted to continue to operate certain portions of their business relating to sales of heating oil, propane and unbranded motor fuels.
Pursuant to the PMPA Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") by and betweenSubleases from LGO and terminated our wholly owned subsidiary, Lehigh Gas Wholesale, LLC ("LGW"), the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuels to all sites operated byleases with LGO in connection with the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, we lease these sites to LGO pursuant to property lease agreements. We estimate we will receive from LGO aggregate rental income, net of expenses, of approximately $1.7 million per year from such sites.
As consideration for the Dunmore Assets,Commission Sites. As a result, we paid (i) $28.0 million in cash to the Dunmore Sellers; (ii) $0.5 million in cash to Mr. Gentile as consideration for his agreeing, for a period of five years following the Dunmore Closing, to not compete in the Dunmore Retail Business, to not engage in the sale or distribution of branded motor fuels, and to not solicit or hire any of our, or our affiliates' employees; and (iii) $0.5 million in cash to be held in escrow and delivered to the Dunmore Sellers upon the Partnership's receipt of written evidence concerning the payment of certain of the Dunmore Sellers' pre-closing tax liabilities (collectively, the "Dunmore Purchase Price").
All of the transactions between us and LGO that are described in the Dunmore Purchase Agreement have been approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Express Lane Stock Purchase
On December 21, 2012, LGWS, entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement") with James E. Lewis, Jr., Lida N. Lewis, James E. Lewis, III and Reid D. Lewis (collectively, the "Express Lane Sellers"), pursuant to which the Express Lane Sellers agreed to sell to LGWS all of the outstanding capital stock (collectively, the "Express Lane Shares") of Express Lane, Inc. ("Express Lane"), the owner and operator of various retail convenience stores, which includenow record the retail sale of motor fuels and quick service restaurants, at various locations in Florida.
In connection with the purchase of the Express Lane Shares, Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc. ("LGWS"), a wholly owned subsidiary, agreed to acquire thirty-nine motor fuel service stations, one as a fee simple interest and thirty-eight as leasehold interests. In connection with the purchase of the Express Lane Shares, on December 21, 2012, LGP Realty Holdings LP ("LGP-R"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement" and, together with the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement, the "Express Lane
Agreements") with Express Lane. Under the Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement, LGP-R agreed to acquire from Express Lane, prior to the Express Lane Purchaser's acquisition of the Express Lane Shares, an additional fee simple interest in six propertiesend customer and two fueling agreements (collectively, the "Express Lane Property").
On December 21, 2012, LGP-R completed the acquisition of the Express Lane Property from the Express Lane Sellers, as contemplated by the Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement. In addition, on December 22, 2012, LGWS completed (the "Express Lane Closing") the acquisition of the Express Lane Shares from the Express Lane Sellers, as contemplated by the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement.
Asaccrue a result of the Express Lane acquisition, LGO leases sites from Partnership and operates Express Lane's gasoline and diesel retail outlet business and its related convenience store business (the "Express Lane Retail Business"). In addition, certain of the non-qualified income generating assets relatedcommission payable to the Express Lane Retail Business and certain non-qualified liabilities ofcommission agent at the Express Lane Sellers were assigned to LGO.Commission Sites. We paid LGO paid us the balance of the net working capital plus $1.0$3.5 million for up-front rent, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.
Pursuant to the Franchise Agreement, the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuels to all sites operated by LGO in connection with the Express Lane Retail Business. In addition, the Partnership leases these sites to LGO pursuant to property lease agreements. The Partnership estimates it will receive from LGO aggregate rental income, net of expenses, of approximately $4.6 million per year from such sites.
Under the Express Lane Agreements, the aggregate purchase price (the "Express Lane Purchase Price"“Purchase Price”) for the Express Lane PropertySubleases and Commission Agreements and $2.1 million for the Express Lane Shares is $45.4 million, inclusive of $1.8 million of certain preliminary post-closing adjustments. Ofmotor fuel inventory. Because the Express Lanetransaction was between entities under common control, the assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at LGO’s book value. The Purchase Price LGWS paid an aggregate of $41.9 millionis presented as a distribution from partners’ capital.
The commission agent at each site operates all the non-fuel operations at the site for its own account, pays rent to us for the Express Lane Sellers and placed an aggregate of $1.1 million into escrow, of which $1.0 million has been placed into escrow to fund any indemnification or similar claims made under the Express Lane Agreements by the parties thereto, and $0.1 million has been placed into escrow pending the completion by the Express Lane Sellers of certain environmental remediation measures. In addition to the Express Lane Purchase Price, the Express Lane Purchaser also placed $0.6 million (the "Tax Escrow") into escrow to indemnify the Express Lane Sellers for certain tax obligations resulting from the saleuse of the Express Lane Property.
All of the transactions between ussite and LGO related to the Express Lane Agreements have been approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Getty Leases
In May 2012, we entered into master lease agreements to lease an aggregate of 120 sites from an affiliate of Getty. Of the 120 sites, 74 are located in Massachusetts, 22 are located in New Hampshire, 15 are located in Pennsylvania and nine are located in Maine. Of these sites, seven are subleased to, and operated by, Lessee Dealers, 98 are company operated sites that are subleased to, and operated by, LGO following this offering and 15 currently are closed. We are convertingreceives a significant portion of the sites that are subleased to and operated by LGO to lessee dealer-operated sites. We are evaluating alternatives to reopen or reposition the closed sites. We expect to distribute BP motor fuels to 88 sites and are evaluating branding alternatives for the other 32 sites.
The initial term of the master leases is five years for the 15 sites located in Pennsylvania and 15 years for the other 105 sites. We have renewal options ranging from 20 to 25 years on these master leases. The aggregate annual rent for the sites is approximately $3.8 million, plus $0.02commission for each gallon of motor fuel sold at the site. At the Commission Sites, we distributeown the motor fuel inventory, determine the retail pricing of motor fuel and generate revenue from the sale of motor fuel to the sitesretail consumer. We maintain inventory from the time of the purchase of motor fuels from third party suppliers until the retail sale to the end customer at these sites. The retail fuel margin at the Commission Sites is non-qualifying income for federal income tax purposes and is recorded in LGWS, our taxable C-Corp subsidiary. LGW sells fuel on a wholesale basis to LGWS for the initial annual period. Thereafter,Commission Sites and this income is qualifying income for federal income tax purposes and included in the aggregate annual rent for the sites will be $5.4 million, with annual increases of 1.5%, plus $0.02 for each gallon of
motor fuel we distribute to the sites. We do not expect that the rental income we receive from sub-leasing these sites to LGO and, to a lesser extent, certain Lessee Dealers will be sufficient to fully cover our annual rent obligations under the master lease agreements. However, we seek to generate profitability from our overall operation of these sites and, as a result, may apply a portionresults of the marginsWholesale segment.
With the addition of the retail business described above, we earn on engage in:
Given this change, we conduct ours business in two segments: 1) the wholesale segment and 2) the retail segment. See “Results of Operations” for additional information.
Subsequent Events
In March 2014, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “New Credit Facility”). The New Credit Facility is a senior secured revolving credit facility maturing March 4, 2019 with a total borrowing capacity of $450 million, under which swingline loans may be drawn up to $10.0 million and standby letters of credit may be issued up to an aggregate of $45.0 million. The New Credit Facility may be increased, from time to time, upon the Partnership’s written request, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $100.0 million. All obligations under the master leases. Within the first four yearsNew Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the master leases, we have the right, upon six months prior written notice, to terminate our lease obligations for up to 18 sites that we believe, in our sole discretion, are underperforming. To date, we have not exercised this right for any sites.
For the first three yearsassets of the master leases, we are requiredPartnership and its subsidiaries. See “Liquidity – Long-term Debt” for additional information.
Outlook
The Partnership expects its total fuel volume to make capital expenditures at these sitesincrease in an amount equal to $4.3 million, plus $0.01 for each gallon2014, driven by the inclusion of motor fuel we distribute to these sites duringa full year’s worth of results from the first three years. We are, however, entitled toRogers, Rocky Top and Manchester acquisitions, offset by a rent credit equal to 50% of the capital expenditures incurred by us. The maximum rent credit is $2.1 million. The timing and amortization of these expenditures will affect our operating results.
In addition, on November 19, 2012, we amended our long-term lease agreement with Getty Realty to include 25 new properties locateddecrease in northern New Jersey. The initial lease term is for 15 years with options for multiple renewal terms.
Other Events
On October 29, 2012, hurricane Sandy made landfall in the northeast region causing temporary power outages to approximately 90 Locations and minimal property damage to two Locations. We experienced minimal fuel service disruptionvolume as a result of market conditions. Based on current market conditions, we would expect our motor fuel gross margins to be consistent with historical results. We expect rent income to increase in 2014 as a result of recent acquisitions. We expect to lower our interest expense in 2014 based on our reduced leverage and overall lower cost of debt capital as a result of our recent credit facility refinancing.
Earnings in future periods are subject to various risks and uncertainties. See “Forward-Looking Information,” “Item 1. Business,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” the impactrest of this Item 7, and Note 14 to the financial statements for a discussion of the hurricane which did not have a significantrisks, uncertainties and factors that may impact on our operations.future results.
In December 2012, we purchased a property from a related party for $2.9 million. The transaction was approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Results of Operations
Evaluating Our Results of Operations
The primary drivers of our operating results are the volume of motor fuel we distribute, the margin per gallon we are able to generate on the motor fuel we distribute and the rentalrent income we earn on the sites we own or lease. For owned or leased sites, we seek to maximize the overall profitability of our operations, balancing the contributions to profitability of motor fuel distribution and rentalrent income. Our omnibus agreement,Omnibus Agreement, under which LGC provides management, administrative and operating services for us, enables us to manage a significant component of our operating expenses. Our management relies on financial and operational metrics designed to track the key elements that contribute to our operating performance. To evaluate our operating performance, our management considers gross profit from fuel sales, motor fuel volumes, margin per gallon, rentalrent income for sites we own or lease, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.Distributable Cash Flow.
Gross Profit, Volume and Margin per Gallon.Gallon - Gross profit from fuel sales represents the excess of revenuerevenues from fuel sales, including revenuerevenues from fuel sales to affiliates, over cost of revenuerevenues from fuel sales, including cost of revenuerevenues from fuel sales to affiliates. Volume of motor fuel represents the gallons of motor fuel we distribute to sites. Margin per gallon represents gross profit from fuel sales divided by total gallons of motor fuels distributed. We use volumes of motor fuel we distribute to a site and margin per gallon to assess the effectiveness of our pricing strategies, the performance of a site as compared to other sites we own or lease, and our margins as compared to the margins of sites we seek to acquire or lease.
Rental Income.Rent Incomesites'sites’ performance based, in part, on the rentalrent income we earn from them. For leased sites, we consider the rentalrent income after payment of our lease obligations for the site. We use this information in combination with the fuel-related metrics noted previously to assess the effectiveness of pricing strategies for our leases, the performance of a site as compared to other sites we own or lease, and compare rentalrent income of sites we seek to acquire or lease.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.Distributable Cash Flow - Our management uses EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow to analyze our performance. EBITDA represents net income before deducting interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDAperformance as further adjusted to exclude the gain or loss on sale of assets and gains or losses on the extinguishment of debt. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are used by management primarily as measures of our operating performance. Because not all companies calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA identically, our calculations may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.more fully described in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Items ImpactingFactors Affecting the Comparability of Our Financial Results
For the reasons described below, our future results of operations may not be comparable to the historical results of operations for the periods presented below for our Predecessor Entity.
Publicly Traded Partnership Expenses.Expenses - Our selling, general and administrative expenses include certainthird-party costs and expenses resulting from becoming a publicly traded limited partnership. These costs and expenses include legal, accounting and accounting,costs associated with the generation and distribution of Form K-1s to the unitholders, as well as other costs associated with being a public company, such as director compensation, director and officer insurance, NYSE listing fees and transfer agent fees. Our financial statements reflect the impact of these costs and expenses and will affect the comparability of our financial statements with periods prior to the closing of this offering.the IPO.
Omnibus Agreement.Agreement - As a result of the services provided to us by LGC under the omnibus agreement following this offering,Omnibus Agreement, we do not directly incur a substantial portion of the general and administrative expenses that we havethe Predecessor Entity had historically incurred. Instead, we pay LGC a management fee in an amount equal to (1) $420,000 per month plus (2) $0.0025 for each gallon of motor fuel we distribute per month for such services
Impact of the OfferingIPO and Related Transactions on Our Revenues.Revenues - LGO operates certain sites we own and distributes motor fuels, on a retail basis, at these sites. LGO is not one of our predecessor entities. Until December 31, 2011, LGO purchased motor fuel on a wholesale basis from major integrated oil companies and distributed this motor fuel on a retail basis at the sites it operated. After December 31, 2011, LGO began purchasing motor fuel from LGC, rather than from these major integrated oil companies, and distributing this fuel on a retail basis at these sites. As a result, historical operating results through December 31, 2011 do not include the operating results of motor fuel distribution by LGC to LGO; however, for periods after December 31, 2011, operating results reflect the wholesale distribution of motor fuel by LGC to LGO. In addition, prior to the Offering,IPO, LGO did not pay rent on certain sites it leased from us. Upon completion of the Offering,IPO, LGO began paying us rent on these sites.
Income taxes.Taxes - Our Predecessor Entity consists of pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposepurposes and has not been subject to U.S. federal income taxes. In order to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must generate 90% or more of our gross income from certain qualifying sources. As a result, LGWS owns and leases (or leases and subleases) certain of our personal property, as well as provides maintenance and other services to Lessee Dealerslessee dealers and other customers (including LGO). Except to the extent off-setoffset by deductible expenses, income earned by LGWS on the rental of the personal property and from maintenance and other services is taxed at the applicable corporate income tax rate.
Comparison of TableContents
The following table sets forth our statements of operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 980,177 | $ | 161,319 | $ | 935,241 | $ | 1,096,560 | $ | (116,383 | ) | (10.6 | ) | |||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 912,629 | 145,168 | 621,139 | 766,307 | 146,322 | 19.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Rent income | 16,240 | 1,950 | 10,336 | 12,286 | 3,954 | 32.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Rent income from affiliates | 25,337 | 3,228 | 5,708 | 8,936 | 16,401 | 183.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | — | 14 | 14 | (14 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Total revenues | 1,934,383 | 311,665 | 1,572,438 | 1,884,103 | 50,280 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 960,518 | 156,815 | 914,221 | 1,071,036 | (110,518 | ) | (10.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 887,804 | 139,736 | 609,371 | 749,107 | 138,697 | 18.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Rent expense | 15,509 | 2,045 | 9,563 | 11,608 | 3,901 | 33.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 4,577 | 541 | 4,734 | 5,275 | (698 | ) | (13.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,963 | 2,551 | 13,773 | 16,324 | 4,639 | 28.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 16,558 | 9,676 | 9,811 | 19,487 | (2,929 | ) | (15.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Gains on sales of assets, net | (47 | ) | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | 3,543 | (98.7 | ) | |||||||||||||
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Total costs and operating expenses | 1,905,882 | 310,893 | 1,558,354 | 1,869,247 | 36,635 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Operating income | 28,501 | 772 | 14,084 | 14,856 | 13,645 | 91.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (14,182 | ) | (1,926 | ) | (11,369 | ) | (13,295 | ) | (887 | ) | 6.7 | |||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | (571 | ) | (571 | ) | 571 | (100.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 2,035 | 140 | 661 | 801 | 1,234 | 154.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 16,354 | (1,014 | ) | 2,805 | 1,791 | 14,563 | 813.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations | (1,716 | ) | 342 | — | 342 | (2,058 | ) | (601.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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Income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes | 18,070 | (1,356 | ) | 2,805 | 1,449 | 16,621 | 1,147.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations | — | — | 309 | 309 | (309 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 18,070 | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 1,758 | $ | 16,312 | 927.9 | ||||||||||||
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As noted previously, the Partnership began operating in two reportable segments commencing September 1, 2013. Unallocated costs consist primarily of interest expense associated with the Credit Facility, selling, general and administrative expenses, income taxes and the elimination of the retail segment’s intersegment cost of revenues from fuel sales against the wholesale segment’s intersegment revenues from fuel sales. The profit in ending inventory generated by the intersegment fuel sale is also eliminated. The table below presents our results for the year ended December 31, 2013 by segment.
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Wholesale | Retail | Unallocated | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to external customers | $ | 1,824,568 | $ | 68,238 | $ | — | $ | 1,892,806 | ||||||||
Intersegment revenues from fuel sales | 57,988 | — | (57,988 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Rent income | 40,210 | 1,367 | — | 41,577 | ||||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
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Total revenues | 1,922,766 | 69,605 | (57,988 | ) | 1,934,383 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 1,838,706 | 67,586 | (57,970 | ) | 1,848,322 | |||||||||||
Rent expense | 15,350 | 159 | — | 15,509 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 4,174 | 403 | — | 4,577 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,288 | 675 | — | 20,963 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | — | — | 16,558 | 16,558 | ||||||||||||
Gains on sales of assets, net | (47 | ) | — | — | (47 | ) | ||||||||||
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Total costs and expenses | 1,878,471 | 68,823 | (41,412 | ) | 1,905,882 | |||||||||||
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Operating income (loss) | 44,295 | 782 | (16,576 | ) | 28,501 | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (4,479 | ) | (169 | ) | (9,534 | ) | (14,182 | ) | ||||||||
Other income, net | 2,025 | 10 | — | 2,035 | ||||||||||||
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Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 41,841 | 623 | (26,110 | ) | 16,354 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | — | — | (1,716 | ) | (1,716 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net income (loss) | $ | 41,841 | $ | 623 | $ | (24,394 | ) | $ | 18,070 | |||||||
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Revenues and Costs from Fuel Sales
Our aggregate revenues from fuel sales, which include revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, and aggregate cost of revenues from fuel sales, which include the cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, are principally derived from the purchase and sale of gasoline and diesel fuel with the resulting changes in aggregate revenues from fuel sales, and aggregate cost of revenues from fuel sales, being attributable to the combination of volume of gallons of fuel distributed and/or fluctuations in market prices for crude oil and petroleum products, which are generally passed onto our customers.
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 1,892,806 | $ | 306,487 | $ | 1,556,380 | $ | 1,862,867 | $ | 29,939 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | $ | 1,848,322 | $ | 296,551 | $ | 1,523,592 | $ | 1,820,143 | $ | 28,179 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||
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Gross margin from fuel sales | $ | 44,484 | $ | 9,936 | $ | 32,788 | $ | 42,724 | $ | 1,760 | 4.1 | |||||||||||||
Volume | 637,845 | 103,591 | 501,571 | 605,162 | 32,683 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sales price per gallon | $ | 2.968 | $ | 2.959 | $ | 3.103 | $ | 3.078 | $ | (0.111 | ) | (3.6 | ) | |||||||||||
Gross margin per gallon | $ | 0.070 | $ | 0.096 | $ | 0.065 | $ | 0.071 | $ | (0.001 | ) | (1.2 | ) |
The increase in gross margin was driven by an increase in volume of gallons distributed offset by a lower margin per gallon.
The increase in aggregate revenues from fuel sales resulted from an increase of $100.6 million related to an increase in volume of gallons distributed offset by a decrease of $70.7 million related to lower selling prices per gallon. The increase in the volume of gallons distributed was principally related to our Express Lane acquisition, which accounted for 39.6 million gallons, the commencement of distributing motor fuels to the newly leased Getty sites, which accounted for 22.5 million gallons, 14.3 million gallons related to the Rogers and Rocky Top acquisitions, and 1.3 million gallons related to the Manchester acquisition. These increases were partially offset by decreases of 36.3 million gallons related to marketplace competition, 6.4 million gallons related to terminated dealer supply agreements and 2.4 million gallons associated with the temporary closure of sites.
Rent Income
Aggregate rent income for 2013, including rent income from affiliates, was $41.6 million compared to $21.2 million for 2012, resulting in an increase of $20.4 million. This increase was a result of incremental rent income primarily attributable to the Express Lane and Dunmore acquisitions and 2013 acquisitions, resulting in a total increase of $13.3 million. Also contributing to the increase was incremental rent income of $3.1 million related to our lease sites with Getty. In addition, rent income for certain sites was recorded by an affiliate not included in the Predecessor Entity through October 30, 2012. These sites were contributed to the Partnership, resulting in an increase in rent income of $4.8 million. Offsetting these increases was a $2.5 million decrease related to sites not contributed by the Predecessor Entity. In addition, the termination of leases with LGO at the Commission Sites and other closed sites resulted in a writeoff of deferred rent income of $0.4 million.
Rent Expense
Rent expense for 2013 was $15.5 million, an increase of $3.9 million, as compared to $11.6 million for 2012, with the increase primarily driven by an increased number of leasehold locations. Specifically, the Express Lane acquisition resulted in an increase of $2.7 million and the Getty leases resulted in an increase of $2.1 million. Offsetting these increases was a $1.0 million decrease related to sites not contributed by the Predecessor Entity. In addition, the sites terminated from the Getty lease resulted in a $0.2 million gain on settlement of the capital lease obligation, which was recorded as a credit to rent expense.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased $0.7 million to $4.6 million for 2013, compared with $5.3 million for 2012. The decrease was primarily due to the classification of the management fee charged by the Predecessor Entity to the Partnership. The Partnership classifies the management fee as a general and administrative expense whereas the Predecessor classified certain costs incorporated into the management fee within operating expenses. In addition, our new or renewed leases with LGO and lessee dealers have generally been structured as triple-net leases whereby LGO or the lessee dealer is responsible for real estate taxes, utilities, and certain other costs. Prior to the IPO, the Predecessor Entity had more sites for which it was responsible for real estate taxes, utilities, and certain other costs.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for 2013 was $21.0 million compared to $16.3 million for 2012. The increase of $4.7 million, or 28%, was principally due to sites acquired in the Dunmore, Express Lane, Rogers and Rocky Top acquisitions as well as the Getty lease transactions, which resulted in an increase of $8.6 million. Partially offsetting this increase was the impact of non-contributed sites, which resulted in a decrease in depreciation of $2.8 million. In addition, a $0.4 million impairment charge was recorded in 2013, as compared to $1.2 million of impairment charges in 2012. Also, there was a decrease in amortization of wholesale fuel supply contracts of $0.3 million due to the accelerated amortization for those intangible assets.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2013 were $16.6 million compared with $19.5 million for 2012, a decrease of $2.9 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to $6.3 million of non-recurring expenses incurred in 2012 related to the IPO. As noted previously, the Partnership classifies the management fee as a general and administrative expense whereas the Predecessor classified certain costs incorporated into the management fee within operating expenses. In addition, there was an increase in public company expenses, primarily $3.1 million in equity-based incentive compensation, $0.3 million in transfer taxes associated with the contribution of certain sites to the Partnership at the time of the IPO, $0.4 million in director compensation and increased professional fees.
Acquisition costs incurred during 2013 and 2012 were $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Gains on Sales of Assets, net
Net gains on sales of assets that did not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations for 2012 amounted to $3.6 million. Net gains on sales of assets for 2013 were not material.
Other Income, net
Other income, net, increased $1.2 million to $2.0 million for 2013, compared with $0.8 million for 2012. This increase is primarily attributable to a $1.0 million charge associated with the 2012 cancellation of the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net, increased $0.9 million to $14.2 million for 2013, compared with $13.3 million for 2012. Additional borrowings resulted in an increase in interest of $2.2 million, partially offset by the redemption of the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity in October 2012, which resulted in a decrease in interest of $1.3 million.
Income Tax Benefit from Continuing Operations
No provision for income taxes was recorded for the period January 1 through October 30, 2012 as the Predecessor Entity was not a taxable entity. However, our wholly owned, C-corporation subsidiary, LGWS, is a taxable entity. Accordingly, we have recorded a tax provision for LGWS for the period from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012. LGP recorded a $0.3 million current tax provision. In addition, we recorded a $0.3 million deferred tax benefit with a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset.
For 2013, we recorded a current tax provision of $1.2 million, a deferred tax benefit of $1.4 million, and a valuation allowance release of $1.5 million, resulting in a net income tax benefit of $1.7 million.
During 2013, based on updates to the purchase price allocation for the 2012 and 2013 acquisitions and the assignment of property and equipment by the Partnership to LGWS, the Partnership recorded a net deferred tax liability of $7.8 million.
At December 31, 2012, net deferred tax assets totaling $9.9 million were fully reserved against with a valuation allowance. Concurrent with the recognition of the $7.8 million net deferred tax liability noted above, and based on the expected reversal of the cumulative temporary differences and anticipated future earnings, the Partnership released $1.5 million of the valuation allowance in 2013.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
The following table sets forth our combined statements of operations for the periods indicated:
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | $ Variance | % Variance | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 161,319 | $ | 935,241 | $ | 1,096,560 | $ | 1,236,644 | $ | (140,084 | ) | (11.3 | ) | $ | 161,319 | $ | 935,241 | $ | 1,096,560 | $ | 1,236,644 | $ | (140,084 | ) | (11.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 145,168 | 621,139 | 766,307 | 365,106 | 401,201 | 109.9 | 145,168 | 621,139 | 766,307 | 365,106 | 401,201 | 109.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rental income | 1,950 | 10,336 | 12,286 | 12,633 | (347 | ) | (2.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rental income from affiliates | 3,228 | 5,708 | 8,936 | 7,792 | 1,144 | 14.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rent income | 1,950 | 10,336 | 12,286 | 12,633 | (347 | ) | (2.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rent income from affiliates | 3,228 | 5,708 | 8,936 | 7,792 | 1,144 | 14.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | 14 | 14 | 1,389 | (1,375 | ) | (99.0 | ) | — | 14 | 14 | 1,389 | (1,375 | ) | (99.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenues | 311,665 | 1,572,438 | 1,884,103 | 1,623,564 | 260,539 | 16.0 | 311,665 | 1,572,438 | 1,884,103 | 1,623,564 | 260,539 | 16.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 156,815 | 914,221 | 1,071,036 | 1,204,440 | (133,404 | ) | (11.1 | ) | 156,815 | 914,221 | 1,071,036 | 1,204,440 | (133,404 | ) | (11.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 139,736 | 609,371 | 749,107 | 359,005 | 390,102 | 108.7 | 139,736 | 609,371 | 749,107 | 359,005 | 390,102 | 108.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues for retail merchandise and other | — | — | — | 1,066 | (1,066 | ) | (100.0 | ) | — | — | — | 1,066 | (1,066 | ) | (100.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rent expense | 2,045 | 9,563 | 11,608 | 9,402 | 2,206 | 23.5 | 2,045 | 9,563 | 11,608 | 9,402 | 2,206 | 23.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 541 | 4,734 | 5,275 | 6,608 | (1,333 | ) | (20.2 | ) | 541 | 4,734 | 5,275 | 6,608 | (1,333 | ) | (20.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,551 | 13,773 | 16,324 | 11,996 | 4,328 | 36.1 | 2,551 | 13,773 | 16,324 | 11,996 | 4,328 | 36.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 9,676 | 9,811 | 19,487 | 12,709 | 6,778 | 53.3 | 9,676 | 9,811 | 19,487 | 12,709 | 6,778 | 53.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | (3,188 | ) | (402 | ) | 12.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | (3,188 | ) | (402 | ) | 12.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total costs and operating expenses | 310,893 | 1,558,354 | 1,869,247 | 1,602,038 | 267,209 | 16.7 | 310,893 | 1,558,354 | 1,869,247 | 1,602,038 | 267,209 | 16.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Operating income | 772 | 14,084 | 14,856 | 21,526 | (6,670 | ) | (31.0 | ) | 772 | 14,084 | 14,856 | 21,526 | (6,670 | ) | (31.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (1,926 | ) | (11,369 | ) | (13,295 | ) | (12,082 | ) | (1,213 | ) | 10.0 | (1,926 | ) | (11,369 | ) | (13,295 | ) | (12,082 | ) | (1,213 | ) | 10.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt | — | (571 | ) | (571 | ) | — | (571 | ) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | (571 | ) | (571 | ) | — | (571 | ) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 140 | 661 | 801 | 1,245 | (444 | ) | (35.7 | ) | 140 | 661 | 801 | 1,245 | (444 | ) | (35.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(Loss) income from continuing operations | (1,014 | ) | 2,805 | 1,791 | 10,689 | (8,898 | ) | (83.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,014 | ) | 2,805 | 1,791 | 10,689 | (8,898 | ) | (83.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense from continuing operations | 342 | — | 342 | — | 342 | n/a | 342 | — | 342 | — | 342 | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations | — | 309 | 309 | (779 | ) | 1,088 | (139.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 1,758 | $ | 9,910 | $ | (8,152 | ) | (82.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) income from continuing operations after income taxes | (1,356 | ) | 2,805 | 1,449 | 10,689 | (9,240 | ) | (86.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 309 | 309 | (779 | ) | 1,088 | (139.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 1,758 | $ | 9,910 | $ | (8,152 | ) | (82.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Revenues and Costs from Fuel Sales
Our aggregate revenues from fuel sales, which include revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, and aggregate cost of revenues from fuel sales, which include the cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, are principally derived from the purchase and sale of gasoline and diesel fuel with the resulting changes in aggregate revenues from fuel sales, and aggregate cost of revenue from fuel sales,
being attributable to a combination of volume of gallons of fuel distributed and /or fluctuation in market prices for crude oil and petroleum products, which is generally passed onto our customers.
Revenues from fuel sales Cost of revenues from fuel sales Gross margin from fuel sales Volume Sales price per gallon Gross margin per gallon Our aggregate revenues from fuel sales, which include revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, amounted to $1,862.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $261.1 million, or 16.3%, as compared to $1,601.8 million in the same period of the prior year. The aggregate cost of revenues from fuel sales, which includes the cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, amounted to $1,820.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $256.7 million or 16.4%, as compared to $1,563.4 million in same period of the prior year. The aggregate gross profit from fuel sales amounted to $42.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $4.4 million or 11.5% as compared to $38.3 million in the same period of the prior year. Consolidated
Lehigh Gas
Partners LP
Period from
October 31 to
December 31,
2012 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
Period from
January 1 to
October 30,
2012 Total
Consolidated
and
Combined
Lehigh Gas
Partners LP
and
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2012 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2011 $
Variance %
Variance $ 306,487 $ 1,556,380 $ 1,862,867 $ 1,601,750 $ 261,117 16.3 $ 296,551 $ 1,523,592 $ 1,820,143 $ 1,563,445 $ 256,698 16.4 $ 9,936 $ 32,788 $ 42,724 $ 38,305 $ 4,419 11.5 103,591 501,571 605,162 530,523 74,639 14.1 $ 2.959 $ 3.103 $ 3.078 $ 3.019 $ 0.059 2.0 $ 0.096 $ 0.065 $ 0.071 $ 0.072 $ (0.002 ) (2.2 )
The increase in gross profit was principally driven by an increase in volume of gallons distributed, (as more fully discussed below), partially offset by slightly lower margin per gallon of $0.071 for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $0.072 in the same period in the prior year.gallon.
The increase in aggregate revenues from fuel sales noted above resulted from an increase of $225.3 million related to an increase in volume of gallons distributed along with an increase of $35.8 million related to higher selling prices per gallon, which was $3.078 for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $0.059 or 2.0%, as compared to $3.019 for the same period in the prior year. The volume of gallons distributed amounted to 605.2 million gallons for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 74.7 million gallons, or 14.1%, as compared to 530.5 million gallons for the same period in the prior year.gallon. The increase in volume of gallons distributed was principally due to:to distributing motor fuels to LGO beginning in 2012, which accounted for 98.8 million gallons, along with an increase of 42.6 million gallons associated with commencement of distributing motor fuels to the newly leased Getty sites and an increase of 1.0 million gallons related to the Express Lane acquisition, offset by decreases of an aggregate of 57.6 million gallons resulting from lost business. The decrease from lost business consisted primarily of decreases of 38.0 million gallons due to the expiration of our lease to distribute motor fuels at Ohio Turnpike plazas, 12.3 million gallons related to terminated dealer supply agreements and 7.3 million gallons related to marketplace competition. The increase in volume distributed for the year ended December 31, 2012, was offset further by decreases of 7.1 million gallons related to the divesture of Sunoco sites and 3.0 million gallons associated with closing of low volume sites.
RentalRent Income
Aggregate rentalrent income, including rentalrent income from affiliates, for 2012 was $21.2 million compared to $20.4 million in 2011, resulting in a net increase of $0.8 million. This increase is a result of incremental rentalrent income primarily attributable to rentalrent income from the Getty lease sites in New England and Pennsylvania, which were entered into in May 2012, and the additional Getty sites in New Jersey, which were entered into in December 2012, resulting in a total increase of $2.4 million. Also contributing to the increase was incremental net rentalrent income of $1.3 million related to the Shell acquisitions (second and third quarters of 2011) and the additional December 2012 acquisitions. In addition, rentalrent income for certain sites was recorded by an affiliate not included in the Predecessor Entity through October 30, 2012. These sites were contributed to the Partnership, resulting in an increase in rentalrent income of $1.1 million. Offsetting these increases was $2.5 million related to LGO in connection with a transition, starting in 2012 to align rentalrent income from affiliates with the rentalrent income to be received by us from LGO pursuant to the contractual arrangement entered into with LGO. Also, closed sites resulted in a decrease of rentalrent income of $1.3 million.
Rent Expense
Rent expense for 2012 was $11.6 million, an increase of $2.2 million, as compared to $9.4 million in 2011, with the increase primarily driven by an increased number of leasehold locations.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased $1.3 million to $5.3 million for 2012 compared with $6.6 million in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to the classification of the management fee charged by the Predecessor Entity to LGP. LGP classifies the management fee as a general and administrative expense whereas the Predecessor classified certain costs incorporated into the management fee within operating expenses. The total management fee charged by LGC to LGP was $1.1 million for the period from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Also partially offsetting this decrease was the increased costs from operating the Shell sites acquired in the second and third quarters of 2011 and Getty sites from the May and December 2012 transactions.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for 2012, was $16.3 million compared to $12.0 million for 2011. The increase of $4.3 million or 36.1% was principally due to an increase in depreciation expense of $4.0 million. The depreciation expense increase was due to sites acquired in our Shell acquisitions in the second and third quarters of 2011, which accounted for $1.0 million of the increase, an impairment charge due to assets held for sale, which accounted for $1.2 million of the increase, and the May 2012 transaction involving our Getty sites which accounted for $1.8 million of the increase. The remaining increase is primarily driven by purchases of capital equipment during 2012.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2012 were $19.5 million compared with $12.7 million in 2011, an increase of $6.8 million. The increase was primarily attributable to $6.3 million of non-recurring expenses related to the offering.IPO.
Gain/Loss on Sale of Assets
Gain on sale of assets that did not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations for 2012 was $3.6 million compared with $3.2 million in 2011. This change is the result of more favorable negotiated agreements with third parties.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net for 2012 was $13.3 million compared with $12.1 million in 2011. The increase of $1.2 million was primarily due to additional financing obligations entered into during 2011, additional borrowings in connection with the Shell acquisition in the second and third quarters of 2011, the capital lease transactions involving our Getty sites in May 2012 and increases in the amortization of deferred financing fees and debt discount. These increases were partially offset by $0.8 million attributable to principal prepayments on our mortgage notes in 2011, and payments on the revolving term loan facility in 2012.
Extinguishment of Debt
Upon the second amendment of our credit facility, financing costs of $4.1 million paid for the amendment as well as financing costs of $3.1 million associated with the Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s credit facility, were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the credit facility. Approximately $0.6 million of the deferred financing costs associated with the Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s credit facility was also written off at this time in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for debt modifications and extinguishments and was included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net for 2012 was $0.8 million compared with $1.2 million in 2011. This decrease of $0.4 million is primarily attributable to a $1.0 million charge associated with the termination fees associated with the cancellation of the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity, partially offset by termination fees received from dealers electing to early terminate their supply contracts.
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations
No provision for income taxes was recorded in 2011 as the Predecessor Entity was not a taxable entity. However, our wholly owned, C-corporation subsidiary, LGWS, is a taxable entity. Accordingly, we have recorded a tax provision for LGWS for the period from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012. LGP recorded a $0.3 million current tax provision. In addition, we recorded a $0.3 million deferred tax benefit with a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset.
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations generated income of $0.3 million in 2012 compared with a loss of $0.8 million in 2011. The primary driver of this change was a gain on sale of assets of $0.2 million in 2012 versus a loss on sale of assets of $0.5 million in 2011.
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
| Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | $ Variance | % Variance | |||||||||
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Revenues: | |||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 1,236,644 | $ | 841,204 | $ | 395,440 | 47.0 | ||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 365,106 | 329,974 | 35,132 | 10.6 | |||||||||
Rental income | 12,633 | 11,792 | 841 | 7.1 | |||||||||
Rental income from affiliates | 7,792 | 7,169 | 623 | 8.7 | |||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | 1,389 | 1,939 | (550 | ) | (28.4 | ) | |||||||
Total revenues | 1,623,564 | 1,192,078 | 431,486 | 36.2 | |||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 1,204,440 | 815,221 | 389,219 | 47.7 | |||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 359,005 | 324,963 | 34,042 | 10.5 | |||||||||
Cost of revenues for retail merchandise and other | 1,066 | 1,774 | (708 | ) | (39.9 | ) | |||||||
Rent expense | 9,402 | 6,422 | 2,980 | 46.4 | |||||||||
Operating expenses | 6,608 | 4,173 | 2,435 | 58.4 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 11,996 | 11,998 | (2 | ) | 0.0 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 12,709 | 13,099 | (390 | ) | (3.0 | ) | |||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (3,188 | ) | 272 | (3,460 | ) | (1,272.1 | ) | ||||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 1,602,038 | 1,177,922 | 424,116 | 36.0 | |||||||||
Operating income | 21,526 | 14,156 | 7,370 | 52.1 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net | (12,082 | ) | (15,691 | ) | 3,609 | (23.0 | ) | ||||||
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt | — | 1,200 | (1,200 | ) | (100.0 | ) | |||||||
Other income, net | 1,245 | 1,904 | (659 | ) | (34.6 | ) | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | 10,689 | 1,569 | 9,120 | 581.3 | |||||||||
Income tax expense from continuing operations | — | — | — | n/a | |||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations | (779 | ) | (6,599 | ) | 5,820 | (88.2 | ) | ||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | 9,910 | $ | (5,030 | ) | $ | 14,940 | (297.0 | ) | ||||
Revenues and Costs from Fuel Sales
Our aggregate revenues from fuel sales, which include revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, and aggregate cost of revenues from fuel sales, which include the cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, are principally derived from the purchase and sale of gasoline and diesel fuel with the resulting changes in aggregate revenues from fuel sales, and aggregate cost of revenue from fuel sales, being attributable to a combination of volume of gallons of fuel distributed and /or fluctuation in market prices for crude oil and petroleum products, which is generally passed onto our customers.
Our aggregate revenues from fuel sales, which include revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, amounted to $1,601.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $430.6 million, or
36.8%, as compared to $1,171.2 million in the same period of the prior year. The aggregate cost of revenues from fuel sales, which includes the cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates, amounted to $1,563.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $423.2 million or 37.1%, as compared to $1,140.2 million in same period of the prior year. The aggregate gross profit from fuel sales amounted to $38.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $7.4 million or 23.9% as compared to $31.0 million in the same period of the prior year. The increase in gross profit was principally driven by higher margin per gallon of $0.072 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $0.060 in the same period in the prior year along with an increase in volume of gallons distributed (as more fully discussed below).
The increase in aggregate revenue from fuel sales noted above resulted from a net increase of $32.4 million related to the increase in volume of gallons distributed along with an increase of $398.2 million related to higher selling prices per gallon, which was $3.019 for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $0.750, or 33.1%, as compared to $2.269 for the same period in the prior year. The volume of gallons distributed amounted to 530.5 million gallons for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 14.3 million gallons, or 2.8%, as compared to to 516.2 million gallons for the same period in the prior year. The increase in volume sold primarily related to 59.7 million additional gallons attributable to our Shell acquisitions in the second and third quarters of 2011 offset by the divesture of 29 Sunoco sites in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 which accounted for 2.6 million gallons, 8.7 million gallons due to sites closed for construction, 18.8 million gallons due to the continued implementation of our strategy to dispose of low margin and low volume sites, and a 15.3 million gallons decrease in volume due to reduced market demand as a result of higher prices.
Rental Income
Aggregate rental income, including rental income from affiliates, for 2011 was $20.4 million compared with $19.0 million in 2010. This increase is primarily attributable to the Shell acquisitions in the second and third quarters of 2011.
Rent Expense
Rent expense for 2011 was $9.4 million compared with $6.4 million in 2010. This increase is primarily attributable to the acquisition, by lease, of sites during 2011.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased $2.4 million to $6.6 million for 2011 compared with $4.2 million in 2010. Operating expenses consist of repairs and maintenance, insurance, payroll for store and maintenance employees, and real estate taxes, net of reimbursements we received for providing these functions to affiliated non-predecessor entities. The $2.4 million increase in our operating expenses for 2011 compared to 2010 reflects an overall increase in the size and volume of our business in 2011 compared to 2010.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization remained relatively unchanged at $12.0 million in both 2010 and 2011. For 2011, we experienced an increase in depreciation expense of $1.4 million resulting from our Shell acquisitions in the second and third quarters of 2011 and purchases of capital equipment during 2011, and offset by a $1.4 million decrease in depreciation expense due to the divesture of upstate New York sites to Sunoco in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2011 were $12.7 million compared with $13.1 million in 2010, a decrease of $0.4 million. We typically incur increased selling, general and administrative expenses as part of our acquisition activities. These expenses include the cost of our due diligence review, negotiations and documentation of transactions, as well as increased cost to integrate acquisitions and identify and implement synergies with our operations. As a result, selling, general and administrative expenses tend to increase during our acquisition process through our integration period and then decrease as we identify and implement synergies. Our lower selling, general and administrative expense for 2011 reflects lower acquisition and implementation activities than 2010. Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2011 also were affected by a $0.9 million increase in legal expenses due to increased litigation activity.
Gain/Loss on Sale of Assets
Gain on sale of assets that did not meet the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations for 2011 was $3.2 million compared with a loss of $0.3 million in 2010. This change is the result of more favorable negotiated agreements with third parties.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net for 2011 was $12.1 million compared with $15.7 million in 2010. This decrease is primarily attributable to a $3.1 million decrease in interest expense recognized due primarily to the replacement of the 2008 and 2009 term and promissory notes on December 30, 2010 with the $175 million revolving term loan facility. The revolving term loan facility had an interest rate of 3.4% at December 31, 2011 compared with interest rates ranging from 5.25% to 7.0% on the 2008 and 2009 term and promissory notes at the time of repayment. Additionally, $1.3 million of the decrease is attributable to the change in the fair value of our interest rate swap contracts in 2011 when compared to 2010.
Extinguishment of Debt
During 2010, we recorded $1.2 million gain on debt extinguishment in connection with the December 2010 extinguishment of the BP promissory notes.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net for 2011 was $1.2 million compared with $1.9 million in 2010. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in franchise fees, as we ceased being a franchise developer in 2011.
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
Loss from discontinued operations decreased to $0.8 million in 2011 from $6.6 million in 2010. The primary driver of this change was a decrease in the number of sites classified as discontinued operations. Also causing the decrease was a loss on sale of assets of $0.5 million in 2011 versus a loss on sale of assets of $2.5 million in 2010.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Our principal liquidity requirements are to finance current operations, fund acquisitions from time-to-time, and to service our debt. We expect our ongoing sources of liquidity to include cash generated by our operations and borrowings under the New Credit AgreementFacility and, if available to us on acceptable terms, issuances of equity and debt securities. We expect that these sources of funds will be adequate to provide for our short-term
and long-term liquidity needs. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations and other capital requirements, including capital expenditures, as well as make acquisitions, will depend on our future operating performance which, in turn, will be subject to general economic, financial, business, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. As a normal part of our business, depending on market conditions, we will, from time-to-time, consider opportunities to repay, redeem, repurchase or refinance our indebtedness. Changes in our operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, acquisitions or other events may cause us to seek additional debt or equity financing in future periods.
We intend to pay a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4375 per unit per quarter, which equates to approximately $6.6$8.1 million per quarter, or $26.3$32.6 million per year, based on the current number of Common Unitscommon units and Subordinated Unitssubordinated units outstanding. We do not have a legal obligation to pay this distribution.distribution and our New Credit Facility includes certain restrictions on our ability to make distributions.
We believe that we will have sufficient cash flow from operations, borrowing capacity under the New Credit AgreementFacility and the ability to issue additional Common Unitscommon units 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 produce an adverse effect on our borrowing capacity as well as our ability to issue additional Common Unitscommon units and/or debt securities.
Comparison of YearYears Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 2011 and 20102011
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
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Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 3,249 | $ | 4,158 | $ | 7,407 | $ | 11,560 | $ | 30,892 | ||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | $ | (72,069 | ) | $ | 2,473 | $ | (69,596 | ) | $ | (18,875 | ) | $ | 14,518 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | 73,588 | $ | (7,237 | ) | $ | 66,351 | $ | 6,409 | $ | (42,743 | ) |
Cash flow from
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 29,622 | $ | 3,249 | $ | 4,158 | $ | 7,407 | $ | 11,560 | ||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | $ | (47,019 | ) | $ | (72,069 | ) | $ | 2,473 | $ | (69,596 | ) | $ | (18,875 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | 16,744 | $ | 73,588 | $ | (7,237 | ) | $ | 66,351 | $ | 6,409 |
Net cash provided by operating activities generally reflects our net income, as well asincludes balance sheet changes arising from inventorywholesale motor fuel purchasing patterns, the timing of collections on our accounts receivable, the seasonality of our business, fluctuations in wholesale motor fuel prices, our working capital requirements and general market conditions.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $29.6 million for 2013, compared to $7.4 million for 2012, an increase of $22.2 million. The increase resulted from an increase in net income of $16.3 million and an increase in net non-cash charges of $9.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in the change in working capital and other assets and liabilities of $3.4 million.
Net non-cash charges were higher in 2013 as a result of higher depreciation and amortization, higher non-cash interest expense, higher equity-based compensation and lower gains on the sales of assets. Partially offsetting these increases was the net deferred tax benefit associated primarily with rent and property and equipment as well as the release of the valuation allowance discussed previously.
Net cash used in investing activities was $47.0 million for 2013, compared to $69.6 million for 2012, a decrease of $22.6 million. The decrease resulted from a decrease in cash paid in connection with acquisitions, partially offset by an increase in purchases of property and equipment and a decrease in proceeds from sales of property and equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $16.7 million for 2013, compared to $66.4 million for 2012, a decrease of $49.7 million. The decrease resulted from net repayments of debt in 2013 totaling $37.4 million as compared to $16.3 million in 2012. Also, proceeds from the issuance of common units were $34.3 million lower in the supplemental offering in 2013 as compared to the IPO in 2012.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $11.6 million for 2011, for a year-over-year decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $4.2 million. The decrease resulted from a decrease in net income of $8.2 million and a decrease in the change in net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from changes in our operatingworking capital and other assets and liabilities totaling approximatelyof $1.2 million, between 2012 and 2011. This change was principally drivenpartially offset by accounts receivable, including receivables from affiliates, which increased to $11.8 million at December 31, 2012 from $11.6 million at December 31, 2011 due to an increase in associated revenues. Accounts payable increased to $14.2 million at December 31,net non-cash charges of $5.2 million.
Net non-cash charges were higher in 2012 from $13.2 million at December 31, 2011 primarily due to the timing of vendor payments and our increased operating activity. In addition, we had a net income of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to net income of $9.9 million for the comparable period in 2011.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $11.6 million for 2011 compared to $30.9 million for 2010, for a year-over-year decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $19.3 million. The change in net cash provided by operating activities primarily results from changes in our operating assets and liabilities totaling approximately $20.7 million between 2011 and 2010. During 2011, we experienced increased fuel prices compared to 2010 and, as a result we had to fund additional working capital requirements. Primarily due to the rise in motor fuel prices, we had increases in the use of cash, for 2011 compared to 2010, in accounts receivable of $2.2 million and fuel taxes payable of $2.4 million. In addition, the decrease is also due to the divestiture of 29 sites in upstate New York during the fourth quarter of 2010 that resulted in a loss on sale of $4.0 million, the repayment of advances to affiliates during 2010 as the related receivables and payables of our affiliates were being settled, the decrease inhigher depreciation and amortization, higher non-cash interest expense and change in fair value oflower gains on derivative instruments. These increases wereinstruments, partially offset by net income in 2011higher gains on sales of $9.9 million compared to a net loss in 2010 of $5.0 million.assets.
Net cash used in investing activities was $69.6 million for 2012, compared to $18.9 million in 2011. Investing activities for 2012 reflect $2.0 million in capital expenditures and $75.5 million2011, a decrease of $50.7 million. The decrease resulted from an increase in cash paid in connection with the acquisitions of Dunmore, Top Star and Express Lane, net of cash acquired, as compared to $2.8 million in capital expenditures and $33.7 million in cash paid in connection with the acquisition of the Motiva assets, net of cash acquired in 2011. In addition, we received approximately $7.7 milliona decrease in proceeds from the divestituresales of various low marginproperty and low volume sites as compared to $16.1 million in 2011.equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities was $18.9 million for 2011 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $14.5 million in 2010. Investing activities for 2011 reflect $2.8 million in capital expenditures and $33.7 million in cash paid in connection with the acquisition of the Motiva assets, net of cash acquired, as compared to $2.4 million in capital expenditures and $2.1 million in cash paid in connection with one-off acquisitions in 2010. In addition, we received approximately $16.1 million in proceeds from the divestiture of various low margin and low volume sites as compared to $19.0 million in 2010.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $66.4 million for 2012, compared to $6.4 million for the same period in 2011. During October 2012, in connection with the closing2011, an increase of our IPO, we entered into a new revolving credit facility, and we used the proceeds to repay $182.9 million of long-term debt and $12.0 million of mandatorily redeemable preferred equity. Total borrowings for 2012 under the new credit facility were $183.8 million, and we paid deferred financing fees of $4.1 million associated with the credit facility. Financing activities for 2012 also reflect proceeds from long-term debt under our previous credit facility and proceeds from financing obligations of $15.6 million as compared to $52.8 million for 2011. Financing activities for 2012 reflect repayments of long-term debt under our previous credit facility and repayment of financing obligations of $21.4 million as compared to $29.2 million for 2011. In addition, we received $3.7 million in cash contributions$60.0 million. The increase resulted from the Predecessor owners, offset by $7.7 million in distributions to Predecessor owners. In October 2012, we completed our IPO and issued 6,900,000issuance of common units (inclusive of 900,000 common units fromin the overallotment) to the public, receiving net proceedsIPO of $125.7 million, after offering costs. Approximately $20.0 million of the proceeds were distributed to certain of the Topper Group Parties for reimbursement of certain capital expenditures made by the Topper Group Parties with respect to the assets they contributed to the Partnership in connection with the Offering, and approximately $16.7 million was distributed as a result of the overallotment.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $6.4 million for 2011 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $42.7 million in 2010. Financing activities for 2011 reflect $52.8 million in proceeds from our long term debt and financing obligations and as compared to $163.2 million in 2010. During 2010 we entered into a $175 million revolving term loan credit facility which was used to refinance several credit facilities. In addition, we received $4.4 million in cash contributions from
owners in 2011,partially offset by $18.8an increase in net repayments of debt of $28.5 million and the distributions paid to common and subordinated unitholders in distributions as compared to $9.1 million in contributions and $24.0 million in distributions to owners for 2010.2012 of $36.7 million.
Capital Expenditures
We are required to make investments to expand, upgrade and enhance existing assets. We categorize our capital requirements as either maintenance capital expenditures or expansion capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures are those capital expenditures required to maintain our long-term operating income or operating capacity. We anticipate that maintenance capital expenditures will be funded primarily with cash generated by operations. We had approximately $2.9 million, $2.0 million $2.8 million and $2.4$2.8 million in maintenance capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 2011 and 2010,2011, respectively, which are included in capital expenditurespurchases of property and equipment in our statements of cash flows.
Expansion capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that we expect will increase our operating income or operating capacity over the long term. We have the ability to fund our expansion capital expenditures through, among others options, by additional borrowings under our credit facility or, if available to us on acceptable terms, issuing additional equity.equity, debt securities or other options, such as the sale of assets. We cannot assure you that we can complete any offering of securities or other options on terms acceptable to us, if at all. We had approximately $45.7 million, $76.0 million $33.8 million and $2.1$33.8 million in expansion capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and 2010respectively.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use the non-GAAP financial measures EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow in this Annual Report. EBITDA represents net income before deducting interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA as further adjusted to exclude the gaingains or losslosses on salesales of assets, and gains or losses on the extinguishment of debt.debt, equity-based incentive compensation, equity-based director compensation and other items as deemed appropriate by management. Distributable Cash Flow represents Adjusted EBITDA less cash interest expense, maintenance capital expenditures net of any reimbursements and current income tax expense.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDADistributable Cash Flow are used as supplemental financial measures by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors and lenders,lenders. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are used to assess:
In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and these external users of our financial statements to assess the operating performance of our business on a consistent basis by excluding the impact of sales of our assets which do not result directly from our wholesale distribution of motor fuel and our leasing of real property.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are used to assess our ability to generate cash sufficient to make distributions to our unit-holders.
We believe the presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow provides useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow should not be considered alternatives to net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow have important limitations as analytical tools because they exclude some but not all items that affect net income and these measures may vary among other companies.
net cash provided by operating activities. Additionally, because EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented belowDistributable Cash Flow may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. companies, thereby diminishing their utility.
The following table presentstables present reconciliations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, on a historical basis, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss)
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
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Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income from continuing operations | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 2,805 | $ | 1,449 | $ | 10,689 | $ | 1,569 | |||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 309 | 309 | (779 | ) | (6,599 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,356 | ) | 3,114 | 1,758 | 9,910 | (5,030 | ) | |||||||||||
Plus: | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,551 | 13,823 | 16,374 | 12,153 | 13,540 | |||||||||||||
Income tax | 342 | — | 342 | — | — | |||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 1,926 | 11,415 | 13,341 | 12,357 | 18,399 | |||||||||||||
EBITDA | 3,463 | 28,352 | 31,815 | 34,420 | 26,909 | |||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | (3,188 | ) | 272 | |||||||||
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt | — | 571 | 571 | — | (1,200 | ) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,992 | $ | 25,804 | $ | 28,796 | $ | 31,232 | $ | 25,981 | ||||||||
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 3,249 | $ | 4,158 | $ | 7,407 | $ | 11,560 | $ | 30,892 | ||||||||
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities | (1,799 | ) | 10,956 | 9,157 | 7,662 | (13,003 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 1,926 | 11,415 | 13,341 | 12,357 | 18,399 | |||||||||||||
Others items, net | 87 | 1,823 | 1,910 | 2,841 | (9,379 | ) | ||||||||||||
EBITDA | 3,463 | 28,352 | 31,815 | 34,420 | 26,909 | |||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | (3,188 | ) | 272 | |||||||||
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt | — | 571 | 571 | — | (1,200 | ) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,992 | $ | 25,804 | $ | 28,796 | $ | 31,232 | $ | 25,981 | ||||||||
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Total Consolidated and Combined Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes | $ | 18,070 | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 2,805 | $ | 1,449 | $ | 10,689 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | — | 309 | 309 | (779 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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Net income (loss) | 18,070 | (1,356 | ) | 3,114 | 1,758 | 9,910 | ||||||||||||||
Plus: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,963 | 2,551 | 13,823 | 16,374 | 12,153 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (1,716 | ) | 342 | — | 342 | — | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 14,182 | 1,926 | 11,415 | 13,341 | 12,357 | |||||||||||||||
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EBITDA | 51,499 | 3,463 | 28,352 | 31,815 | 34,420 | |||||||||||||||
Equity-based incentive compensation expense | 3,141 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Equity-based director compensation expense | 301 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Gains on sales of assets, net | (47 | ) | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | (3,188 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 571 | 571 | — | |||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 54,894 | $ | 2,992 | $ | 25,804 | $ | 28,796 | $ | 31,232 | ||||||||||
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Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 29,622 | $ | 3,249 | $ | 4,158 | $ | 7,407 | $ | 11,560 | ||||||||||
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities | 11,840 | (1,799 | ) | 10,956 | 9,157 | 7,662 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 14,182 | 1,926 | 11,415 | 13,341 | 12,357 | |||||||||||||||
Others items, net | (4,145 | ) | 87 | 1,823 | 1,910 | 2,841 | ||||||||||||||
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EBITDA | 51,499 | 3,463 | 28,352 | 31,815 | 34,420 | |||||||||||||||
Equity-based incentive compensation expense | 3,141 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Equity-based director compensation expense | 301 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Gains on sales of assets, net | (47 | ) | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,590 | ) | (3,188 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 571 | 571 | — | |||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 54,894 | $ | 2,992 | $ | 25,804 | $ | 28,796 | $ | 31,232 | ||||||||||
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Reconciliation of Distributable Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 54,894 | 2,992 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash interest expense | (11,375 | ) | (1,391 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Maintenance capital expenditures (a) | (2,850 | ) | (260 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Current income tax expense (benefit) | (1,232 | ) | (342 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Distributable Cash Flow | $ | 39,437 | $ | 999 | ||||||||||||||||
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(a) | Under our partnership agreement, maintenance capital expenditures are capital expenditures made to maintain our long-term operating income or operating capacity. Examples of maintenance capital expenditures are those made to maintain existing contract volumes, including payments to renew existing distribution contracts, or to maintain our sites in leasable condition, such as parking lot or roof replacement/renovation, or to replace equipment required to operate our existing business. |
Contractual Obligations
The Partnership's hasfollowing table sets forth our contractual obligations that are required to be settled in cash. The amount of the Partnership's contractual obligationscash as of December 31, 2012, were as follows2013 (in thousands):
| Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||
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| Total | Less Than 1 Year | 1 - 3 Years | 4 - 5 Years | More Than 5 Years | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt(1) | $ | 199,370 | $ | 5,513 | $ | 193,857 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Financing obligations(2) | 123,420 | 6,453 | 13,868 | 13,986 | 89,113 | |||||||||||
Operating lease obligations(3) | 134,562 | 13,728 | 24,724 | 21,782 | 74,328 | |||||||||||
Management Fees(4) | 19,320 | 5,040 | 10,080 | 4,200 | — | |||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities(5) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 476,672 | $ | 30,734 | $ | 242,529 | $ | 39,968 | $ | 163,441 | ||||||
Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Less Than 1 Year | 1 - 3 Years | 4 - 5 Years | More Than 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (a) | $ | 184,972 | $ | 6,504 | $ | 177,597 | $ | 871 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Financing obligations (b) | 104,652 | 6,263 | 12,728 | 12,699 | 72,962 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (c) | 123,048 | 13,682 | 24,726 | 20,923 | 63,717 | |||||||||||||||
Management Fees (d) | 14,280 | 5,040 | 9,240 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities (e) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
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Total | $ | 426,952 | $ | 31,489 | $ | 224,291 | $ | 34,493 | $ | 136,679 | ||||||||||
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(a) | The Partnership’s credit facility expires October 30, 2015 and thus the principal balance outstanding at December 31, 2013 is included in the 1-3 year period. Interest, which is based on variable rates, was assumed to remain constant at aweighted-average rate of 3.0%. See “Long-term Debt” below, which discusses the new credit facility entered into in March 2014. The amounts above include $26.2 million of financing issued in connection with the Rocky Top acquisition, which is payable in August 2015 at the earliest (as discussed previously). |
(b) | The lease financing obligations consist of principal and interest payments due on sale-leaseback transactions for which the sale was not recognized because our predecessor retained continuing involvement in the underlying sites. Also included are principal and interest payments due on capital lease obligations, including the portions of the Getty lease agreements being accounted for as capital lease obligations. |
(c) | These operating leases expire through December 2028. |
(d) | Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, the Partnership pays LGC a management fee, which was initially an amount equal to (1) $420,000 per month plus (2) $0.0025 for each gallon of motor fuel the Partnership distributes per month. The amounts above include only the fixed portion of the management fee. The initial term of the agreement is four years and automatically renews for additional one-year terms unless either party provides notice as stipulated in the agreement. |
(e) | Under the terms of various supply agreements, the Partnership is obligated to minimum volume purchases measured in gallons of motor fuel. Future minimum volume purchase requirements are 314 million gallons in 2014, reducing to 234 million gallons in 2018. Future minimum volume purchase requirements from 2019 through 2030 total 2.5 billion gallons. The aggregate dollar amount of the future minimum volume purchase requirements is dependent on the future weighted average wholesale cost per gallon charged under the applicable supply agreements. The amounts and timing of the related payment obligations cannot reasonably be estimated reliably. As a result, payment of these amounts has been excluded from the table above. |
Long-term Debt
Debt outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is included in the 1-3 year period. Interest, which is based on variable rates, was assumed to remain constant at a weighted-average rate of 3.0%. The amounts above also assume no additional borrowings or repayments.
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | 146,330 | $ | 183,751 | ||||
Financing associated with Rocky Top acquisition | 26,250 | — | ||||||
Note payable | 980 | — | ||||||
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Total | 173,560 | — | ||||||
Current portion – included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 51 | — | ||||||
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Total | $ | 173,509 | $ | 183,751 | ||||
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Credit Facility
Concurrent with our predecessor retained continuing involvement in the underlying sites. Also included are principal and interest payments due on capital lease obligations, including the portions of the Getty lease agreements being accounted for as capital lease obligations.
New Credit Agreement
On the Closing Date,IPO, we entered into the Credit Agreement,a credit facility, which consists of a senior secured revolving credit facility, a swinglineswing-line loan and standby letters of credit (the “Credit Facility”) .The aggregate amount of the outstanding loans and letters of credit under the New Credit AgreementFacility cannot exceed the combined revolving commitments then in effect. Each of our subsidiaries are guarantorsis a guarantor of all of the obligations under the New Credit Agreement.Facility. All obligations under the New Credit AgreementFacility are secured by substantially all of our assets and substantially all of the assets of our subsidiaries. Borrowings under the Credit Facility were paid off with the proceeds of the New Credit Facility.
In March 2014, we entered into the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Agreement matures on October 30, 2015.
TheFacility is a senior secured revolving credit facility hasmaturing March 4, 2019 with a total borrowing capacity of $249$450 million, under which swingline loans may be drawn up to $10.0 million and standby letters of credit may be issued up to an aggregate of $45.0 million. The New Credit Facility may be increased, from time to time, upon ourthe Partnership’s written request, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $75$100.0 million. All obligations under the New Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries.
The Partnership is required to comply with certain financial covenants under the New Credit Facility. The Partnership is required to maintain a total leverage ratio (as defined) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters of not greater than 4.50 to 1.00. Such threshold is increased to 5.00 to 1.00 for the two quarters preceding the closing of a material acquisition (as defined) or upon the issuance of senior notes (as defined). Upon the issuance of senior notes, the Partnership is also required to maintain a senior leverage ratio (as defined) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters on a pro forma basis of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00. The Partnership is also required to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio (as defined) on a pro forma basis of at least 2.75 to 1.00.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facilityNew Credit Facility bear interest, at ourthe Partnership’s option, at (1) a rate equal to the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR"(“LIBOR”), for interest periods of one week or one, two, three or six months, plus a margin of 2.25%2.00% to 3.50%3.25% per annum, depending on our Combined Leverage Ratiothe Partnership’s total leverage ratio (as defined) or (2) (a) a base rate equal to the greatest of,of: (i) the federal funds rate, plus 0.5%, (ii) LIBOR for one month interest periods, plus 1.00% per annum or (iii) the rate of interest established by Agent,the agent, from time to time, as its prime rate, plus (b) a margin of 1.25%1.00% to 2.50%2.25% per annum depending on our Combined Leverage Ratio.the Partnership’s total leverage ratio. In addition, we incurthe Partnership incurs a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate of 0.375%0.35% to 0.50% per annum depending on our Combined Leverage Ratio.the Partnership’s total leverage ratio.
We have the right to a swingline loan under the New Credit Agreement in an amount up to $7.5 million. Swingline loans bear interest at the applicable base rate, plus a margin of 1.25% to 2.50% depending on our Combined Leverage Ratio.
Standby letters of credit are permissible under the New Credit Agreement up to an aggregate amount of $35.0 million. Standby letters of credit are subject to a 0.25% fronting fee and other customary administrative charges. Standby letters of credit accrue a fee at a rate of 2.25% to 3.50% per annum, depending on our Combined Leverage Ratio.
The New Credit Agreement also contains two financial covenants. One requires us to maintain a Combined Leverage Ratio no greater than 4.40 to 1.00 (or 4.25 to 1.00 after December 31, 2013) measured quarterly on a trailing four quarters' basis. The second requires us to maintain a Combined Interest Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 3.00 to 1.00.
The New Credit AgreementFacility prohibits usthe Partnership from making distributions to its unitholders if any potential default or event of default occurs or would result from the distribution, we areor the Partnership is not in compliance with ourits financial covenants or we have lost status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. covenants.
In addition, the New Credit AgreementFacility contains various covenants that may limit, among other things, our ability to:
If an event of default exists under the New Credit Agreement,Facility, the lenders will be able to accelerate the maturity of the New Credit AgreementFacility and exercise other rights and remedies. Events of default include, among others, the following:
Financing of Rocky Top Acquisition
In connection with the Rocky Top acquisition as described in Note 2, the Partnership entered into a lease for certain sites for which the Partnership is obligated to purchase these sites, at the election of the seller, either (a) in whole on or about August 1, 2015, or (b) in approximately equal parts over a 5 year period for an average of $5.3 million per year beginning in 2016. Due to the obligation to purchase the sites under the lease, the lease is accounted for as a financing. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7.5% with monthly payments of $0.2 million due until the balance is paid. The Partnership recorded $26.2 million of debt, which was preliminarily determined to be its fair value, and the payments made until the purchase will be classified as interest expense.
Note Payable
In connection with the acquisition of two sites in Florida, the Partnership issued a $1.0 million note payable with interest at 4.0%. Monthly payments are made based on a 15-year amortization schedule for the first 5 years commencing August 1, 2013. The 60th payment is a balloon payment for all outstanding principal and any unpaid interest. The loan is secured by all the real and personal property at the two sites.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Omnibus agreement contingently requires us to perform environmental remediation work as further discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements. We also have no off-balance sheet arrangements.operating leases and fuel purchase commitments as previously discussed in “Contractual Obligations.”
Impact of Inflation
Inflation in the United States has been relatively low in recent years and did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the years ended December 31,2013, 2012 2011 and 2010.2011.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these combinedthe financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the combined financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Critical accounting policies are those we believe are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. We believe the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our combined financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues from wholesale fuel sales when fuel is delivered to the customer. The amounts wepurchase and delivery of motor fuels generally occurs on the same day. We recognize revenues from retail fuel sales when fuel is sold to the customer. We record inventory from the time of the purchase of motor fuels from third party suppliers until the retail sale to the end customer.
We recognize revenue from leasing arrangements ratably over the term of the underlying lease.
Accounts receivable primarily result from the sale of wholesale motor fuels and rental fees for sites to customers. The majority of our accounts receivable relate to wholesale motor fuel sales that can generally be described as high volume and low margin activities. Credit is extended to a customer based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. In certain circumstances collateral may be required from the customer. Receivables are recorded at face value, without interest or discount.
The provision for bad debts areis generally based upon a specific analysis of aged accounts while also factoring in any new business conditions that might impact the historical analysis, such as market conditions and bankruptcies of particular customers. We include badBad debt provisions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
We recognize rental incomereview all accounts receivable balances on at least a quarterly basis and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and on a straight-line basis overspecific identification basis.
LGW collects motor fuel taxes, which consist of various pass through taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities, and remits such taxes directly to those taxing authorities. LGW’s accounting policy is to exclude the termtax collected and remitted from wholesale revenues and cost of sales and account for them as liabilities. LGWS’s retail sales and cost of sales include motor fuel taxes as the lease.taxes are included in the cost paid for motor fuel to LGW and LGWS has no responsibility to collect or remit such taxes to the taxing authorities.
Property and Equipment
We record property and equipment at cost. We record property and equipment acquired through a business combination at fair value. We recognize depreciation using the straight-line and declining balance methodsmethod over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, including: five10 to fifteen20 years for buildings and leasehold improvements threeand 5 to ten15 years for equipment, and three to seven for vehicles and office furniture and equipment.
The amortization of leasehold improvements is based upon the shorter of the remaining terms of the leases including renewal periods that are reasonably assured, or the estimated useful lives, which approximate twentygenerally range from 7 to 10 years.
We capitalize expenditures for major renewals and betterments that extend the useful lives of property and equipment. We charge maintenance and repairs to operations as incurred. We record gains or losses on the disposition of property and equipment in the period incurred for sales that we recognize.the sale is recognized.
We record intangible assets at fair value upon acquisition. Intangible assets associated with wholesale fuel supply contracts, wholesale fuel distribution rights and trademarks are amortized over 10 years. Covenants not to compete are amortized over the shorter of Contents
Accounting and reporting guidance forAsset Impairment
We review long-lived assets, requires that a long-lived asset (group) be reviewedincluding property and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the long-lived asset (group) might not be recoverable. Such events and circumstances include, among other factors: operating losses; unused capacity; market value declines; changes in the expected physical life of an asset; technological developments resulting in obsolescence; changes in our business plans or those of our major customers, suppliers or other business partners; changes in competition and competitive practices; uncertainties associated with the United StatesU.S. and world economies; changes in the expected level of capital, operating or environmental remediation expenditures; and changes in governmental regulations or actions. Accordingly, we evaluate impairment whenever indicators of impairment are identified. Our impairment evaluation is initially based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the particular asset.asset (group), including residual value upon eventual disposition. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of the asset (group) are less than its carrying value, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the present value of the future cash flows associated with the asset (group) to its carrying value and is recorded at that time. We recorded insignificant impairments in 2013 and no impairments of long-lived assets during 2012 2011,or 2011.
Assets Held for Sale
The determination to classify a site as held for sale requires significant estimates by us about the asset and 2010.the expected market for the site, which are based on factors including recent sales of comparable sites, recent expressions of interest in the sites and the condition of the site. We must also determine if it will be possible under those market conditions to sell the site for an acceptable price within one year. When assets are identified by management as held for sale, we discontinue depreciating the assets and estimate the sales price, net of selling costs, of such assets. We generally consider sites to be held for sale when they meet criteria such as whether the appropriate level of management has approved the sale transaction and there are no known material contingencies relating to the sale such that the sale is probable and is expected to be completed within one year. If, in management’s opinion, the expected net sales price of the asset that has been identified as held for sale is less than the net book value of the asset, the asset is written down to fair value less the cost to sell. We present assets classified as held for sale separately in the balance sheet. We recorded insignificant impairments and $0.4 million of impairments related to assets held for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, respectively. The Predecessor Entity recorded $0.8 million of impairments related to assets held for sale for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012. No impairments were recorded in 2011.
Environmental and Other Liabilities
We record a liability for all direct costs associated with the estimated resolution of contingencies at the earliest date at which it is deemed probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. We estimate costs accrued based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies and outcomes. We generally recognize estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations no later than the completion of the remedial feasibility study. We adjust loss accruals as further information becomes available or circumstances change. We do not discount costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations to their present value. We recognize recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
We are subject to other contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising out of our businesses that cover a wide range of matters, including, among others, environmental matters and contract claims. Environmental and other legal proceedings may also include matters with respect to businesses previously owned. Further, due to the lack of adequate information and the potential impact of present regulations and any future regulations, there are certain circumstances in which no range of potential exposure may be reasonably estimated.
Asset Retirement Obligations
We are obligated by contractual or regulatory requirements or contingently obligated at the discretion of the lessor to remove certain equipment or perform other remediation upon retirement of certain assets at sites at which we are the lessee. Determination of the amounts recognized is based on numerous estimates and assumptions, including expected settlement dates and probability of occurrence, future retirement costs, future inflation rates andcredit-adjusted risk-free rates.
Equity Incentive Compensation
In connection with the IPO, we adopted the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan under which various types of awards may be granted to employees, consultants and directors of the General Partner or its affiliates who provide services to us. We account for equity incentive compensation expense basedhave granted phantom units to employees of LGC that vest in one-third increments starting on March 15, 2014 and each March 15 of the two subsequent years, at which time common units will be granted to these employees. Since we grant phantom units to employees of LGC, the grants are measured at fair value of the equity incentive award. If the phantom units award agreement provides for delivery of common units on the vestingat each balance sheet reporting date the fair value of our phantom units will be based on the fair market value of ourthe Partnership’s common units, and the cumulative compensation cost related to that portion of the awards that have vested is recognized ratably over the vesting term and classified within selling, general and administrative expenses. The liability for the future grant of common units is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the awards' respective date of grant and the equity incentive compensation expense will be recognized over the awards' respective vesting period. Alternatively, if the phantom units award agreement provides for the delivery of cash on the vesting date, the equity incentive compensation expense measurement and recognition may be done on a variable basis, whereby the fair value of the remaining unvested phantom units will be adjusted at each quarterly balance sheet date during the vesting period and the resulting change in the equity incentive compensation liability, if any, will be recognized as equity incentive compensation expense over the remaining vesting period. Further, ifsheet.
If there are any modifications of the equity incentive compensation award after the date of grant, regardless of whether the vesting settlement is in common units or cash, we may be required to accelerate any remaining unearned equity incentive compensation expense or record additional equity incentive compensation expense.
Assets Held for SaleIncome Taxes
Income taxes attributable to our earnings and Discontinued Operations
The determination to classify a site as held for sale requires significant estimates by us aboutlosses, excluding the assetearnings and losses of our wholly owned taxable subsidiary, are assessed at the expected market for the site, which are based on factors including recent sales of
comparable sites, recent expressions of interest in the sites and the conditionindividual level of the site. We must also determine if it will be possible underunitholder. Accordingly, we do not record a provision for income taxes other than for those market conditions to sell the site for an acceptable price within one year. When assets are identifiedearnings and losses generated or incurred by our management as held for sale, we discontinue depreciating the assets and estimate the sales price, net of selling costs, of such assets. We generally consider sites to be held for sale when they meet criteria such as whether the appropriate level of management has approved the sale transaction and there are no known material contingencies relating to the sale such that the sale is probable and is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year. If, in management's opinion, the expected net sales price of the asset that has been identified as held for sale is less than the net book value of the asset, the asset is written down to fair value less the cost to sell. We presentits wholly owned taxable subsidiary.
Our wholly owned taxable subsidiary recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future income tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the related income tax basis.
The Partnership performed an evaluation of all material tax positions, if any, for the tax years subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Tax positions not meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the financial statement date may not be recognized or continue to be recognized under the accounting guidance for income taxes. Based on such evaluation, the Partnership concluded there were no uncertain tax positions requiring adjustment in its financial statements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Where required, the Partnership recognizes interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in income taxes.
Valuation allowances are initially recorded and reevaluated each reporting period by assessing the likelihood of the ultimate realization of a deferred tax asset. We consider a number of factors in assessing the realization of a deferred tax asset, including the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The amount of deferred tax assets classified as held for sale separatelyultimately realized may differ materially from the estimates utilized in the balance sheet.
Assuming no significant continuing involvement, we consider both a site classified as held for salecomputation of valuation allowances and a sold site a discontinued operation. We reclassify sites classified as discontinued operations as suchmay materially impact the financial statements in the statement of operations for each period presented.future.
Subsequent Events
On January 17, 2013, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.2948 per common and subordinated unit. This cash distribution represents a prorated amount that, on an equivalent, full year basis, would be equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4375 per unit per quarter ($1.75 per unit on an annualized basis). This prorated amount corresponds to the periods from the Offering closing date through December 31, 2012. The cash distribution was paid on February 15, 2013.
On March 15, 2013, we issued 446,420 phantom units under the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan. Each phantom unit is the equivalent common unit representing a limited partner interest in us. These phantom units will vest in equal, one-third installments on each of March 15, 2014, March 15, 2015 and March 15, 2016.
ItemITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
We purchase gasoline and diesel fuel from several suppliers at costs that are subject to market volatility. These purchases are generally purchased pursuant to contracts or at market prices established with the supplier. In general, we do not engage in hedging activities for these purchases due to our pricing structure which allows us to generally pass on price changes to our customers and affiliates.
Interest Rate Risk
Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in the financial markets, including interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our existing revolving credit facility.
To manage interest rate risk and limit overall interest cost we may, from time-to-time, employ interest rate swaps to convert a portion of the floating-rate debt under our existing credit facility asset to a fixed-rate liability. Counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions. These instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The extent to which we use such instruments is dependent upon our access to them in the financial markets. Our objective in managing our exposure to market risk is to limit the impact on earnings and cash flow.
Interest rate differentials that arise under swap contracts are recognized in interest expense over the life of the contracts. If interest rates rise, the resulting cost of funds is expected to be lower than that which would have been available if debt with matching characteristics was issued directly. Conversely, if interest rates fall, the resulting costs would be expected to be higher. Gains and losses are recognized in net income.
As of December 31, 2012,2013, we had $183.8$146.3 million outstanding on our revolving credit facility at an average interest rate of 3.0%3.3%. Our revolving credit facility matures in October, 2015. A one percentage point change in our average rate would impact annual interest expense by an aggregate of approximately $1.8$1.5 million.
Effective September 1, 2013, we assumed the lessor position for 50 of Contents
See “Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion of our debt commitments.
ItemITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Management's Annual Report and theThe financial statements and financial statement schedules referred to in the Indexindex contained on page F-1 of the Form 10-Kthis report are incorporated herein by reference.
ItemITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ItemITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2013, management, with the endparticipation of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Partnership's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Partnership'sdesign and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Partnership'sAct. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Partnership's fileswe file or submitssubmit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Partnership'sour management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objective. Based on the identification and thethis evaluation, of the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below, the Partnership'sour Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2012,2013, the Partnership'sdesign and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Notwithstanding the identified internal control weaknesses, management concluded the consolidated financial statements included in this
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management’s Annual Report on Form 10-K present fairly,Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in all material respects,Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
On September 1, 2013, we assumed certain commission agent sites (the “Commission Sites”) from LGO, which included commission agent agreements and subleases. We are in the process of incorporating the internal controls related to these Commission Sites into our control structure. We consider the ongoing integration of these Commission Sites a material change in our internal control over financial reporting. Total revenues for the Commission Sites accounted for 3.6% of consolidated total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework-1992 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
In connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at December 31, 2013.
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Grant Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. Their report dated March 10, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in Item 15 of Part IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the prospectus we filedyear ended December 31, 2012, in connection with our Offering, certain entities which comprised the Predecessor Entity were private entities with limited accounting personnel and other supervisory resources to adequately execute their accounting processes and address their internal controls over financial reporting. In connection with the preparation of the Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s combined financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, (whichwhich formed a part of the prospectus), there wereprospectus for our IPO, management identified and communicatedcertain material weaknesses related to the lack of adequate staffing and management review by the appropriate level of senior management during the month-end closing process. The lack of technical accounting experience and management reviewprocess that resulted in several adjustments to the Predecessor Entity'sthese financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.statements.
The Partnership continues to evaluate the design and operation of its internal controls over financial reporting and cannot predict the outcome of its review at this time. During the course of the
review, the Partnership may identify additional control deficiencies, which could give rise to significant deficiencies and other material weaknesses, in addition to the material weaknesses described above.
Each of the material weaknesses described above could result in a misstatement of the Partnership's accounts or disclosures would result in a material misstatement of its annual or interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected.
The Partnership is required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, which require the Partnership's management to certify financial and other information in its quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting. Though the Partnership will be required to disclose changes made to its internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, the Partnership will not be required to make its first annual assessment of its internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following the Partnership's first annual report required to be filed with the SEC, which will be the annual report for the year ending December 31, 2013.
Further, the Partnership's independent registered public accounting firm is not yet required to formally attest to the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal controls over financial reporting until the year following this Annual Report on Form 10K. . If required to do so, the Partnership's independent registered public accounting firm may issue an adverse report in the event the independent registered public accounting firm is not satisfied with the level at which the Partnership's internal controls are documented, designed, or operating. The Partnership's remediation efforts may not enable it to remedy or avoid material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the future. If the Partnership remediation efforts are unsuccessful, the Partnership could be subject to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of confidence in its reported financial information, which could have an adverse effect on its business and would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of its common units.
Plans to Remediate Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The PartnershipOur management has engaged in, and continues to engage in, efforts to addressremediated the material weaknesses in the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting. The following describes the on-going changes to itsour internal control over financial reporting subsequent to December 31, 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting:by:
The Partnership also plans to make additional enhancements to the Partnership's
WhileAside from the Partnership believes these remedial actions will resultchange in correcting the material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and system access /segregation of duties,related to the exact timing of when the conditions will be corrected is dependent upon future events.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Attestation Report of the Registered Accounting Firm
AsCommission Sites noted above, this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include a report of management's assessment regardingpreviously, there were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of(as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the our registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules ofExchange Act) that occurred during the SEC for newly public companies.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The changesquarter ended December 31, 2013, that couldhave materially affectaffected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership'sour internal control over financial reporting are discussed above.reporting.
None
None
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Management
Management
Our general partnerGeneral Partner manages our operations and activities on our behalf. Our general partnerGeneral Partner is owned by LGC. LGC is controlled by Joseph V. Topper, Jr. Accordingly, our general partnerGeneral Partner is indirectly controlled by Mr. Topper. All of our executive management personnel are employees of LGC.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner has a board of directors that oversees its management, operations and activities. The board of directors has eight members, five of whom, Melinda B. German, John F. Malloy, James H. Miller, John B. Reilly, III and Robert L. Wiss, the board of directors has determined are independent as defined under the independence standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act. These directors, whom we refer to as independent directors, are not officers or employees of our general partnerGeneral Partner or its affiliates, and have been determined by the board to be otherwise independent of LGC and its affiliates.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner is not elected by our unitholders and is not subject to re-election on a regular basis. Unitholders are not entitled to elect the directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner or directly or indirectly participate in our management or operation. LGC appoints all members to the board of directors of our general partner.General Partner.
Our general partnerGeneral Partner owes a fiduciary duty to our unitholders. However, our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the fiduciary duties that our general partnerGeneral Partner owes to our unitholders. Our general partnerGeneral Partner is liable, as general partner,General Partner, for all of our debts (to the extent not paid from our assets), except for indebtedness or other obligations that are made specifically nonrecourse to it. Whenever possible, our general partnerGeneral Partner intends to incur indebtedness or other obligations that are nonrecourse. Except as described in our partnership agreement and subject to its fiduciary duty to act in good faith, our general partnerGeneral Partner has exclusive management power over our business and affairs.
Directors and Executive Officers
As is commonly the case with publicly traded limited partnerships, the General Partner does not directly employ any of the persons responsible for managing or operating the Partnership. We are managed and operated by the board of directors and executive officers of our general partner.General Partner. The following table shows information for the directors and executive officers and key members of management of our general partner.General Partner.
Directors and Executive Officers of the General Partner
Name | Age | Position with our General Partner | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Joseph V. Topper, Jr. | Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||
| 58 | Director | ||||||||||
Warren S. Kimber, Jr. | 80 | Director | ||||||||||
John F. Malloy | 59 | Director | ||||||||||
James H. Miller | 65 | Director | ||||||||||
John B. Reilly, III | 52 | Director | ||||||||||
Maura E. Topper | 28 | Director | ||||||||||
Robert L. Wiss | 58 | Director | ||||||||||
Tracy A. Derstine | 52 | Executive Vice President of Administration | ||||||||||
David F. Hrinak | 58 | President | ||||||||||
Frank M. Macerato | 57 | General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer | ||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
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Key Members of Management
| Chief Accounting Officer | ||||
John K. Hooven
Steven Lattig
Keith V. De Sena
Tracy A. Derstine
Our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s directors hold office until the earlier of their death, resignation, removal or disqualification or until their successors have been elected and qualified. OfficersExecutive officers of our general partnerGeneral Partner serve at the discretion of the board of directors. In selecting and appointing directors to the board of directors, the owners of our general partnerGeneral Partner do not intend to apply a formal diversity policy or set of guidelines. However, when appointing new directors, the owners of our general partnerGeneral Partner will consider each individual director'sdirector’s qualifications, skills, business experience and capacity to serve as a director, as described below for each director, and the diversity of these attributes for the board of directors as a whole.
Joseph V. Topper, Jr. was appointed Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of our general partnerGeneral Partner in December 2011. Mr. Topper has 2526 years of management experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business. In 1987, Mr. Topper purchased his family'sfamily’s retail fuel business and five years later founded our predecessor, where he has been the Chief Executive Officer since 1992. Mr. Topper currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Villanova University.University and the Board of Directors for Lehigh Valley PBS. He is the past President of the boardBoard for Lehigh Valley PBS and the Lehigh Valley PBS Foundation. He also served as a board member for the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown. Mr. Topper holds a master of Business Administration degree from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Villanova University. Mr. Topper is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Mark L. Miller was appointed Chief Financial Officer of our general partner in May 2012. He has been employed by LGC since 2004 as Vice President of Acquisitions managing LGC's acquisitions, acquisition financing and working capital requirements. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Miller was the Chief Financial Officer for several small and middle market companies in various industries. Mr. Miller also spent six years with Deloitte & Touche LLP as a Senior Accountant. Mr. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northeastern University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
David F. Hrinak was appointed President of our general partner in May 2012. Mr. Hrinak has been the President of LGC since September 2010. From 2005 until September 2010, Mr. Hrinak served as the Vice President of Wholesale for LGC. Mr. Hrinak has 35 years of experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Hrinak was the Branded Wholesale Manager at ConocoPhillips. In addition to ConocoPhillips, he has held various leadership positions at BP and Mobil including Territory Manager, Sales and Business Consultant, Region Manager, and Wholesaler Business Manager.
James J. Devlin, Jr. was appointed Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer of our general partner in July 2012. Mr. Devlin has been employed by LGC since February 2012. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Devlin held the position of VP—Finance, Corporate Controller of Impax Laboratories, Inc., a publicly traded specialty pharmaceutical company, from April 2005 to December 2011. Mr. Devlin has over 20 years of accounting experience and has held senior management finance and accounting positions in various publicly traded and private companies. Mr. Devlin holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Haub School of Business of Saint Joseph's University and a B.S. Business Administration with a major in Accounting obtained from LaSalle University. Mr. Devlin is a Certified Public Accountant.
John K. Hooven was appointed Vice President of Wholesale Distribution of our general partner in May 2012. Mr. Hooven has served as the Vice President of Wholesale Distribution of LGC since
April 2009. From July 2008 until April 2009, Mr. Hooven served as the Vice President of Operations of LGC. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Hooven worked at Getty Petroleum Marketing Inc., a subsidiary of LUKOIL, where he served as regional Sales Manager, from May 2004 until July 2008. Mr. Hooven has 33 years of experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business. Mr. Hooven spent more than 20 years at Mobil Oil Corporation where he held various marketing positions along the East Coast. Mr. Hooven holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Management from Temple University.
Steven Lattig was appointed Vice President of Operations and Real Estate of our general partner in May 2012. Mr. Lattig has served as the Director of Operations of LGC since April 2009. From December 2007 until April 2009, Mr. Lattig served as the Area Manager of New York for LGC. From September 2006 until December 2007, Mr. Lattig served as the Territory Manager of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts for LGC. Mr. Lattig has 20 years of experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Lattig worked at E.M. Haynes Motor Fuels for 14 years in various executive leadership positions, including Sales Manager and Vice President, and served as President for five years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from De Sales University.
Keith V. De Sena was appointed Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions of our general partner in May 2012. Mr. De Sena has served as the General Manager of Wholesale of LGC since October 2009. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. De Sena worked for ExxonMobil from 1976 to October 2009, holding various positions such as Manager of Southeast Distribution from June 2005 to September 2009, North America Customer Service Manager, from 2002 to 2005 and Regional Manager of New England, from 1996 to 2002, overseeing the administration of certain segments of ExxonMobil's dealer and distribution business. Mr. De Sena holds a Master of Business Management degree from the College of Saint Rose and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Saint John's University.
Tracy A. Derstine was appointed Vice President of Administration in May 2012. Ms. Derstine has worked for LGC since 1999. Ms. Derstine has been the Vice President of Human Resources of LGC since February 2009. Prior to that, Ms. Derstine held the positions of Director of Human Resources from October 2006 to February 2009 and Human Resources Administrator and Office Administrator from 1999 to October 2006. In her position as Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Derstine oversees administrative departments for LGC including Human Resources, Safety, Information Technology, Management Information Systems and Public Affairs/Corporate Communications. Ms. Derstine has 12 years of experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business and more than 25 years of human resource experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from Shippensburg University.
Melinda B. German was appointed as a director of our general partnerGeneral Partner on March 12, 2013. Ms. German has spent most of her professional career in higher education as both a faculty member and administrator. Currently, Ms. German is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Business Programs at Villanova University where she has been employed for more than 15 years. As Associate Dean, she leads the strategic and academic direction of undergraduate business programs as well as program administration. Prior to her role in the undergraduate program, Ms. German was the Assistant Dean for Graduate Business Programs responsible for the development of programs and curricula, marketing and recruiting, and oversight of services for graduate business students. Before joining Villanova University, Ms. German was the Director of Graduate Business Programs at Philadelphia University where she was also a full-time faculty member before taking on an administrative role. She was also on the faculty at LaSalle University and Temple University. Ms. German worked in marketing research for several years before pursuing a career in higher education. She is a graduate of the University at Albany-SUNY with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and earned an MBA from Temple University.
Warren S. Kimber, Jr. was appointed as a director of our general partnerGeneral Partner in May 2012. Mr. Kimber has been retired since January 2009 and currently holds positions as the National Coordinator of Officials for the NCAA for Men'sMen’s Lacrosse (since 1990) and the Director of Assigning for the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (since 1986). Prior to his retirement in January 2009, Mr. Kimber held the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of Kimber Petroleum Corporation, in which LGC acquired a majority interest in 2008. Mr. Kimber served on the Board of Trustees for the Pingry School for 20 years with six of those years as Chairman of the boardBoard of directors.Directors. He also served as trustee for Hobart College and was a member of the board of directors of Chatham Trust Company, Summit Bank Corporation and the United Way. Mr. Kimber holds a degree from Hobart College.
John F. Malloygeneral partnerGeneral Partner in May 2012. Mr. Malloy has been the Chairman of the board of directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of Victaulic Company, the world'sworld’s largest provider of mechanical joining systems for piping, since 2004. Prior to joining Victaulic, Mr. Malloy worked for 19 years for United Technologies Corporation, or UTC, including time spent as President of Carrier Corporation,North America, a subsidiary of UTC. Prior to UTC, Malloy taught economics at Hamilton College. Mr. Malloy is a member of the board of directors of Hubbell Corporation, Hollingsworth & Vose, Cornell Iron Works and Follett Corporation. He is a Trustee of the Lehigh Valley Health Network. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Syracuse University, where he earnedwas a National Science Foundation Fellowship, andFellow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Boston College.
James H. Miller was appointed as a director of our general partnerGeneral Partner in May 2012. Mr. Miller retired in April 2012. Prior to retiring, Mr. Miller was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of PPL Corporation, or PPL, from 2006 through March 2012. Mr. Miller has more than 35 years of diverse experience in the electricity industry. Mr. Miller joined PPL in February 2001 as President of PPL Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL that controls or owns more than 11,000 megawatts of electrical generation capacity in competitive U.S. markets. Mr. Miller currently serves on the board of directors of Rayonier, Inc. and Crown Holdings, Inc. In the community, he serves on the boardBoard of trusteesTrustees for Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Lehigh Valley Partnership. Mr. Miller holds a bachelor degree in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware and served in the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine program.
John B. Reilly, III was appointed as a director of our general partnerGeneral Partner in May 2012. Mr. Reilly has also served as the President of City Center Investment Corp since October 2011. Prior thereto he was President of Landmark Communities and Managing Partner of Traditions of America since 2009. Mr. Reilly has thirty years of experience in commercial and residential real estate development and planning, finance management and law. Mr. Reilly serves as a trustee of Lafayette College and DeSales University and also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Lehigh Valley Health Network. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University Law School and a bachelor degree in economics from Lafayette College. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Maura E. Topper was appointed as a director of our general partnerGeneral Partner in May 2012. Ms. Topper is the daughter of Joseph V. Topper Jr., our Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer. SinceFrom October 2010 to July 2012, Ms. Topper has worked as a marketing account executive at MSG Promotions, Inc., an event marketing and management firm based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining MSG Promotions, Ms. Topper worked as a senior accountant in the audit practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP in New York from September of 2008 until September of 2010. In May 2008, Ms. Topper earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Business (Finance) from Villanova University. Ms. Topper is currently enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration program at Columbia Business School where she has beenwas awarded amerit-based fellowship.
Robert L. Wiss was appointed as a director of our general partnerGeneral Partner in May 2012. Mr. Wiss retired in December 2009. Prior to retiring, Mr. Wiss was the co-founder and former President of CaseSoft, Inc., the developer of case analysis software tools for litigators and their clients. CaseSoft was sold to LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc., in 2006. Mr. Wiss was a vice presidentVice President of LexisNexis until December 2009. Mr. Wiss began his career at IBM where he held various marketing positions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Villanova University.
Tracy A. Derstine was appointed Executive Vice President of Administration in May 2012. Ms. Derstine has worked for LGC since 1999. Ms. Derstine has been the Vice President of Human Resources of LGC since February 2009. Prior to that, Ms. Derstine held the positions of Director of Human Resources from October 2006 to February 2009 and Human Resources Administrator and Office Administrator from 1999 to October 2006. In her position as Executive Vice President of Administration, Ms. Derstine oversees administrative departments for LGC including Human Resources, Safety, Information Technology and Insurance. Ms. Derstine has 14 years of experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business and more than 30 years of human resource experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from Shippensburg University. Ms. Derstine is a member of Governor appointed PA Workforce Investment Board.
David F. Hrinak was appointed President of our General Partner in May 2012. Mr. Hrinak has been the President of LGC since September 2010. From 2005 until September 2010, Mr. Hrinak served as the Vice President of Wholesale for LGC. Mr. Hrinak has 36 years of experience in the wholesale and retail fuel distribution business. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Hrinak was the Branded Wholesale Manager at ConocoPhillips. In addition to ConocoPhillips, he has held various leadership positions at BP and Mobil including Territory Manager, Sales and Business Consultant, Region Manager, and Wholesaler Business Manager.
Frank M. Macerato was appointed General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer of our General Partner in March 2013. Mr. Macerato has 19 years of legal experience primarily in the areas of securities law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and financial transactions and owned his own practice between 2012 and 2013 prior to joining Lehigh Gas. Mr. Macerato worked at Cytec Industries Inc. from 2008 to 2012 as Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary, and at EnerSys as Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. He was a Shareholder at Stevens & Lee, a law firm in Reading, PA and an Associate at Reed Smith, a law firm in Philadelphia, PA. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Macerato held various management and engineering positions, primarily at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. He holds a J.D. from the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University and an MBA in Management and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Mark L. Miller was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of our General Partner in July 2012. He has been employed by LGC since 2004 as Vice President of Acquisitions managing LGC’s acquisitions, divestitures, acquisition financing and working capital requirements. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Miller was the Chief Financial Officer for several middle market companies in various industries. Mr. Miller also spent six years with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northeastern University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
David A. Sheaffer was appointed Chief Accounting Officer of our general partner in June 2013, following his employment by LGC as Director of Financial Reporting since November 2012. Prior to joining LGC, Mr. Sheaffer was Senior Manager of Financial Reporting for Graham Packaging Company, Inc., a publicly traded, specialty-packaging company, from June 2008 to November 2012 and was Manager of Technical Accounting and Financial Reporting for Rite Aid Corporation, a publicly traded, pharmacy-retail chain, from March 2005 to June 2008. Mr. Sheaffer also has more than nine years of experience with public accounting firms. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Elizabethtown College and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Director Independence
Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange listed company manual provides that limited partnerships are not required to have a majority of independent directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a policy that the Board shall at all times have at least three independent directors or such higher number as may be necessary to comply with the applicable federal securities law requirements. For the purposes of this policy, “independent director” has the meaning set forth in Section 10A(m) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any applicable stock exchange rules and the rules and regulations promulgated in the Partnership governance guidelines available on its webpagewww.lehighgaspartners.com. The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. German and Messrs. Malloy, Miller, Reilly and Wiss are independent directors.
Composition of the Board of Directors
Our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s board of directors consists of eight members. The board of directors holds regular and special meetings at any time as may be necessary. Regular meetings may be held without notice on dates set by the board of directors from time to time. Special meetings of the board of directors or meetings of any committee thereof may be held at the request of the Chairman of the board of directors or a majority of the board of directors (or a majority of the members of such committee) upon at least two days (if the meeting is to be held in person) or 24 hours (if the meeting is to be held telephonically) prior oral or written notice to the other members of the board or committee or upon such shorter notice as may be approved by the directors or members of such committee. A quorum for a regular or special meeting will exist when a majority of the members are participating in the meeting either in person or by telephone conference. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a board meeting may be taken without a meeting if such action is evidenced in writing and signed by a majority of the members of the board of directorsdirectors.
Meeting of Non-Management Directors and Communications with Directors
At each of our fourfive regularly scheduled meetings of the board of directors of our general partner,General Partner, all of our independent directors intend to meet in an executive session without participation by management. A non-management director will preside over each executive session of the non-management directors, although the same director is not required to preside over each session. Any non-management director may request that additional executive sessions of the non-management directors be held, and the presiding non-management director for the previous session will determine whether to call any such meeting.
Unitholders or interested parties may communicate directly with the board of directors of our general partner,General Partner, any committee of the board of directors, any independent directors, or any one director, by sending written correspondence by mail addressed to the board, committee or director to the attention of our Secretary at the following address: c/o Secretary, Lehigh Gas Partners LP, 702 West Hamilton Street, Suite 203, Allentown, PA 18101. Communications are distributed to the board of directors, committee of the board of directors, or director, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. Commercial solicitations or communications will not be forwarded.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has established an audit committee, and even though not required by the NYSE, a compensation committee, a nominating and corporate governance committee, and a conflicts committee and an acquisitions committee. The charter for each of the committees is available within the “Corporate Governance” section of our website athttp://www.lehighgaspartners.com/investors/corporate-governance/page.aspx?id=1100. The Board of Directors held six meetings during 2013, and each director attended at least 75% of the Board and respective committee meetings while she or he was a director.
Audit Committee
Melinda B. German, John B. Reilly, III Maura E. Topper and Robert L. Wiss are the members of the audit committee. Mr. Reilly is the chair of the audit committee. As required by the NYSE, the audit committee is comprised entirely of directors who meet the financial literacy standards required of directors who serve on an audit committee in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act. The rules and regulations established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act also generally require that our audit committee consist entirely of independent directors,
however, our general partner is relying on the phase-in rules of the NYSE and the Exchange Act with respect to the independence of the audit committee members, which allow us, for one year following our initial public offering, to establish an audit committee consisting of a majority of independent directors. Within one year of the effective date of our initial public offering, our audit committee will consist entirely of independent directors. The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has determined that Ms. German and Messrs. Reilly and Wiss meet the independence standards required of audit committee members by the NYSE and the Exchange Act. The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has determined that Mr. Reilly is an "audit“audit committee financial expert"expert” as defined by SEC rules. The audit committee assists the board of directors in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and partnership policies and controls. The audit committee may also review and resolve matters that the board determines may involve a conflict of interest. The audit committee held eight meetings during 2013.
Compensation Committee
John F. Malloy, James H. Miller and Warren S. Kimber, Jr. are the members of the compensation committee. Mr. Malloy is the chair of the compensation committee. As required by the compensation committee charter, the compensation committee is comprised of a majority of independent directors, directors who qualify as "non-employee directors"“non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and "outside directors"“outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has determined that Messrs. Malloy and Miller meet the independence, "non-employee director"“non-employee director” and "outside director"“outside director” standards set forth in the compensation committee charter. The compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the compensation paid by us, if any, to our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s executive officers and directors. The compensation committee is also responsible for administering our long-term incentive plan (except with respect to awards granted to certain employees and officers, which may be granted by the independent directors of the compensation committee or the full board of directors) and overseeing our other benefit plans. The compensation committee held four meetings during 2013.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
James H. Miller, John B. Reilly, III and Maura E. Topper are the members of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Mr. Miller is the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. As required by the nominating and corporate governance committee charter, the nominating and corporate governance committee is comprised of a majority of independent directors. The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has determined that Messrs. Miller and Reilly meet the independence standards set forth in the nominating and corporate governance committee charter. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for administering the director nominations process for our general partnerGeneral Partner and the development and maintenance of our corporate governance policies. The nominating and corporate governance committee held two meetings during 2013.
Conflicts Committee
Melinda B. German, John F. Malloy and Robert L. Wiss are the members of the conflicts committee. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, the members of the conflicts committee may not be officers or employees of our general partnerGeneral Partner or directors, officers or employees of its affiliates, and must meet the independence standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors. The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has determined that Ms. German and Messrs. Malloy and Wiss qualify to serve on the conflicts committee. The conflicts committee is responsible for reviewing specific matters that the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner believes may involve conflicts of interest. The conflicts committee determines if the resolution of the conflict is fair and reasonable to our partnership. The conflicts committee held three meetings during 2013.
Acquisitions Committee During 2013, our General Partner’s Board of Directors formed an acquisitions committee and among other things, delegated authority to the acquisition committee to approve investments, acquisitions and divestitures in an amount not to exceed $50 million per transaction. Warren S. Kimber, Jr., John B. Reilly, III, Maura E. Topper, Robert L. Wiss and Joseph V. Topper, Jr are the members of the acquisitions committee. Mr. Topper is the chair of the acquisitions committee. As required by the acquisitions committee charter, at least one member of the acquisitions committee shall also be a director who is a member of the conflicts committee and must meet the independence standards required of directors who serve on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the rules of the NYSE. The board of directors of our General Partner has determined that Mr. Wiss, a member of the conflicts committee, meets these requirements. The acquisitions committee held two meetings during 2013. Meetings of Unitholders
Our partnership agreement provides that the general partnerGeneral Partner manages and operates us and that, unlike holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders only have limited voting rights on matters affecting our business or governance. Accordingly, we do not hold annual meetings of unitholders.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our general partner'sGeneral Partner’s board of directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a class of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, to file reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership of such securities with the SEC. Directors, officers and greater than 10% unitholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish to us copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file with the SEC.
SEC regulations require us to identify in this Form 10-K anyone who filed a required report late during the most recent fiscal year. Based on our review of forms we received, or written representations from reporting persons stating that they were not required to file these forms, we believe that during fiscal 2012,2013, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied on a timely basis.
Corporate GovernanceCode of Conduct and Business Conduct
The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and Ethics, or Code of Ethics, that applies to directors and executive officers of Lehigh Gas GP LLC, senior financialall employees of LGC and certain of our operating subsidiaries and any other person performing similar functions. Our general partnerGeneral Partner also expects all employees of LGC performing services for the Partnership and its operating subsidiaries to adhere to the Code of Ethics.Ethics and Business Conduct. Amendments to or waivers from the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct will be disclosed on our website. The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that outline important policies and practices regarding our governance.
We make available free of charge, within the "Corporate Governance"“Corporate Governance” section of our website athttp://www.lehighgaspartners.com/investors/corporate-governance/page.aspx?id=1100, and in print to any unitholder who so requests, the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and the Corporate Governance Guidelines. Requests for print copies may be directed to Investor Relations atinfo@lehighgaspartners.com or to Investor Relations, Lehigh Gas Partners LP, 702 W. Hamilton St., Suite 203, Allentown, PA 18101 or made by telephone at (610) 625-8126. The information contained on, or connected to, our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.
Reimbursement of Expenses of Our General Partner
Except as otherwise set forth in our omnibus agreement, our partnership agreement requires us to reimburse our general partnerGeneral Partner for all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it makes on our behalf and all other expenses reasonably allocable to us or otherwise incurred by our general partnerGeneral Partner in connection with operating our business. The partnership agreement does not limit the amount of expenses for which our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates may be reimbursed. These expenses include salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons who perform services for us or on our behalf and expenses allocated to our general partnerGeneral Partner by its affiliates. Our general partnerGeneral Partner is entitled to determine in good faith the expenses that are allocable to us. Please read "Item“Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions and Director Independence—Omnibus Agreement."”
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) discusses the principles underlying our General Partner’s compensation programs and the key executive compensation decisions that were made during 2013. It also explains the most important factors relevant to such decisions. This CD&A provides context and background for the compensation earned and awarded to our named executive officers (“NEOs”) under the 2012 Incentive Award Plan (“IAP”) and the 2013 Performance-Based Equity Program by us, as reflected in the compensation tables that follow the CD&A. Our NEOs for 2013 were as follows:
GeneralOverview
We andNeither we nor our general partner have not incurreddirectly employs any cost or liability with respect to compensation of executive officersthe persons responsible for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 or for any prior periods.
We have no employees. LGC managesmanaging our operations and activities pursuant to the terms of our omnibus agreement.business. All of our executive officers are employees of LGC. Responsibility and authority for compensation-related decisions forGeneral Partner’s executive officers and other personnel thatnecessary for managing our business are employedemployees of LGC. However, the Board of Directors of our General Partner, or the Board, believes it is important to promote the interests of the Partnership and the General Partner by providing incentive compensation awards to employees of LGC, resideswho perform services for us or on our behalf, for their service. Accordingly, pursuant to our partnership agreement, the General Partner is permitted to, and has adopted, IAP and the related Performance-Based Equity Awards Program (the “Performance Program” and, together with LGC. Becausethe IAP, the “Partnership’s Incentive Compensation Program”). The Partnership’s Incentive Compensation Program is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (referred to as the “Committee” in this CD&A) which is responsible for administering the Partnership’s Incentive Compensation Program and granting awards to the General Partner’s or LGC’s officers and employees under the IAP and the Performance Program. The members of the Committee are John M. Malloy (Chairman), Warren S. Kimber, Jr. James H. Miller, each of whom is independent under the rules of the NYSE.
Under the terms of the omnibus agreement with LGC, provideswe pay an annual administrative fee of $5.0 million per year to LGC for the provision of general and administrative services. The general and administrative services covered by the annual administrative fee include, without limitation, executive management services of LGC employees, financial and administrative services, information technology services, legal services, health, safety and environmental services, human resources services and insurance administration. No service covered by the administrative fee is assigned any particular value individually. At the end of each calendar year, we will have the right to submit to LGC a proposal to reduce the amount of the management fee for such year if we believe that the services performed by LGC is responsible for managing our affairs, our Chief Executive Officer and each of our other executive officers do not receive cash compensation fromjustify payment of the amount of management fees paid by us for serving as our executive officers. Instead, we paysuch year. In addition, LGC has the right, at the end of each calendar year, to submit to us a proposal to increase the amount of the management fees describedfee for such year if LGC believes that the services performed by LGC justify an increase in the omnibus agreementmanagement fee. If any such proposal is submitted, we will negotiate with LGC to determine if the management fee for such year should be reduced or increased, and, all determinations with respect to awards to be made underif so, the amount of such reduction or increase. In addition, upon a material change in our long-term incentive plan to executive officersstructure or our business, the conflicts committee of our general partner, which is comprised of independent directors, will review the management fee. If the conflicts committee determines that, based on a change in our structure or our business, the management fee should be modified or otherwise altered, we will negotiate with LGC to determine the appropriate modification or alteration of the management fee Although our NEOs, provide services to both LGC and others are madeus, no portion of the administrative fee is specifically allocated to services provided by our NEOs to us. Instead, the administrative fee covers all centralized services provided to us by LGC, and we do not reimburse LGC for the cost of such services. Except for awards under the Partnership’s Incentive Compensation Program, LGC and its board of directors (orhave the compensation committee) of our general partner, taking into account, where appropriate, the recommendation of LGC.
Our named executive officers devote a majority of their total business time to our business, however, Messrs. Topper and Hrinak devote a significant portion of their total business time to LGC and its operations and Mr. Miller devotes some business time to LGC and its operations. LGC has the ultimate decision-making authority with respect to the total compensation of its employees, including our named executive officers. Such compensation decisions are notNEOs, subject to any approval byCommittee approval.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Committee. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the boardcompensation under the IAP of directorsthe chief executive officer (“CEO”) and, with the recommendation of our general partner.
LGC intends thatCEO, the compensation of the other executive officers, and for administering the Partnership’s Incentive Compensation Program. The Committee met four times in 2013. The CEO generally attends the Committee meetings, but is excused during discussions of the CEO compensation arrangements. The Committee, among other duties, determines (a) the annual incentives and long-term incentives awarded to our NEOs; (b) the criteria for achieving annual and long-term incentive awards; and (c) whether the conditions for the payment of awards have been met. The Committee periodically reviews all of the elements of our executive compensation program to make sure they are consistent with our business strategy and non-executive officers include a significant component ofunit holder interests and that our incentive compensation basedprograms remain competitive in light of changing trends, practices and market conditions while not encouraging excessive risk taking. The Committee also evaluates its own performance annually.
The Committee’s Independent Consultant. The Committee has in the past retained, and expects to annually retain in the future, an independent compensation consultant to provide expertise and guidance on our performanceexecutive compensation program design, market place trends and it employs abest practices. As part of the 2013 annual executive compensation philosophy that emphasizes pay-for-performance (primarily, insofarreview, the Committee retained Pay Governance, LLC (“Pay Governance”) as it relatestheir independent executive compensation consultant. To assist the Committee with compensation decisions regarding fiscal year 2013, Pay Governance provided the Committee with an analysis on general marketplace practices. Pay Governance does not provide any other services to our partnership, the ability to increase sustainable quarterly distributions to unitholders) based on a combinationPartnership and has not had any prior relationship with any of our partnership's performanceexecutive officers. In compliance with the SEC and the individual's impact on our partnership's performance. We believe this pay-for-performance approach generally alignsNYSE disclosure requirements regarding the interestsindependence of executive officers who provide servicescompensation consultants, Pay Governance has affirmed their independence with regard to us with that of our unitholders. LGC intends to design its executive compensation to attracttheir partners, consultants and retain individuals with the skills necessary to successfully execute our business model in a demanding environment, to motivate those individuals to reach near-term and long-term goals in a way that is designed to align their interests with that of our unitholders, and to reward success in reaching such goals.
LGC does not maintain a defined benefit pension plan for our executive officers because it believes such plans primarily reward longevity rather than performance. LGC provides a basic benefits package generally to all of its employees, which includes a 401(k) plan and health, disability and life insurance. Accordingly, LGC employees who provide services to us under the omnibus agreement are entitled toCommittee on executive compensation matters.
The Committee and Management. Each year, the CEO and the Executive Vice President, Administration, who has overall responsibility for Human Resources, review with the Committee the general marketplace compensation data and information provided by the Committee’s independent compensation consultant. Based on feedback from the Committee regarding this data and the CEO’s subjective view of each executive officer’s performance, the CEO and Executive Vice President, Administration recommend annual incentive targets and annual grants of long-term incentives for each NEO, other than the CEO, The Committee reviews these basic benefits.
We expect that any bonuses,recommendations along with other general marketplace data, and any otherdetermines the final annual incentive compensation awardedtargets and paid by LGC toannual grants of long-term incentive awards for all executive officers, will be determined based onother than the CEO. The Committee reviews this data for the CEO and the performance of the Partnership.CEO and determines the CEO’s incentive awards. Except as described above, the CEO does not participate in this process. Management also reviews policies and plans that impact executive compensation and benefits and makes appropriate recommendations regarding these policies and plans to the Committee based on general marketplace data, best practice and good corporate governance.
Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
Our 2013 NEO compensation framework was designed to reward our NEOs for their efforts with respect to our initial public offering (which was completed in 2012), provide retention incentives for our NEOs and incent our NEOs to increase the value of our common units. Our compensation program is intended to:
These objectives govern the Compensation Committee’s decisions with respect to the amount of awards made under the IAP to our NEOs.
At present, our Incentive Compensation Program consists of two elements: long-term incentives in the form of awards under the IAP and a Performance-Based Bonus Program.
Elements of Executive Compensation
Our executive compensation programs are designed to reflect the philosophy and objectives described above. The elements of executive pay are presented in the table below and discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs.
Component | Type of Payment/Benefit | Purpose | ||
Base Salary (paid by LGC) | Fixed cash payments with each executive generally eligible for annual increase. | Not applicable: all base salaries are paid by LGC. | ||
Long-term Incentives | Phantom Units and Profits Interests | Align long-term interests of NEOs with those of our public unitholders by rewarding for performance based performance and growth. | ||
Annual Incentives | Performance-based annual cash payment. | Reward excellence and performance. Focus on company-wide goals. |
Our compensation philosophy for our NEOs has been driven by the need to recruit, develop, motivate and retain top talent both in the short-term and long-term. The same compensation philosophy has been applied to all levels of managerial employees. The Committee considers other factors, which may include internal pay equity and consistency and the NEO’s job responsibilities, management experience, individual contributions, number of years in his or her position and recent compensation adjustments, as well as other relevant considerations (with no particular weighting assigned to any of these factors). Our emphasis on variable or “at risk” components of incentive pay results in actual compensation based on the achievement of the objectives established in our annual and long-term incentive plans and changes in the value of our common units. While the Committee believes that each compensation component should be considered separately and that payments or awards derived from one component should not negate or reduce payments or awards derived from other components, the components are considered within the context of each executive’s total compensation.
The Committee has not adopted any formal or informal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between long-term and annual compensation or among different forms of non-cash compensation. However, our strategy includes ongoing evaluation and adaptation, as necessary, of our compensation programs to ensure continued alignment between company performance and pay.
Cash Compensation
We Except as described below, we have not directly paid, and do not intend to directly pay, any cash compensation to our named executive officers.
TableEffective as of ContentsJuly 22, 2013, the Compensation Committee, upon request by LGC and with input from Pay Governance LLC, its independent compensation consultant, decided to change the structure of Mr. Topper’s base compensation. In lieu of cash, the Compensation Committee granted Mr. Topper 6,304 common units under the IAP. The value of these units on the date of grant was equal to the amount of cash Mr. Topper would have received as base cash compensation for the period beginning on July 22, 2013, and ending on December 31, 2013. Because base compensation is paid by LGC, LGC reimbursed us for the value of the units in the amount of $170,523, which was based on the closing price of the Partnership’s publicly traded common units on the date just prior to the grant date. This decision was made to further align Mr. Topper’s personal interests with those of our unit holders.
Equity-Based Compensation
Long Term Incentives. Our general partner hasGeneral Partner adopted the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan, or our LTIP,IAP for employees, officers, consultants and directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner and any of its affiliates, including LGC, who perform services for us. The LTIPIAP provides for the grant of restricted units, unit options, performance awards, phantom units, unit awards, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights and other unit-based awards. Generally, we grant long-term incentive awards on or about March 15 of each year in conjunction with the review of other elements of total compensation. We do not time IAP grants in coordination with the release of material non-public information.
In consideration for their efforts to our successful IPO, and at the sole discretion of the Committee, our General Partner granted 449,662 phantom unit awards, as described below. Our general partner did not grantadjusted for any equity-based awards during the year ended December 31, 2012.
As disclosed in the prospectus we filed in connection with our initial public offering, the board of directors of our general partner previously determined to grant up to 500,000 phantom units under our LTIPapplicable forfeitures, to employees of LGC other than the Chief Executive Officerduring 2013, 147,502 of our general partner within 180 days of the closing of our initial public offering.
The awards will be made pursuantwhich were to our LTIP and phantom unit award agreements between our general partner and each award recipient. TheNEOs. These awards will beare subject to restrictions on transferability and a substantial risk of forfeiture and are intended to retain and motivate members of our general partner's management.NEOs. A phantom unit represents a notional common unit granted under the LTIPIAP which, upon vesting, entitles the phantom unitholderunit holder to receive (as determined by the Committee in its discretion) either a common unit or an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of a common unit, as determined by our compensation committee in its discretion, including the right to receive distributions thereon if and when distributions are made by us to our common unitholders.
unit. The phantom units awarded to our named executive officers do not entitle the holders thereof to distributions made by us. The phantom units vest and the forfeiture restrictions will lapse in equal one-third increments on each of March 15, 2014, March 15, 2015 and March 15, 2016,have a three year vesting period so long as the award recipient remains in continuous service with us, our general partnerGeneral Partner or any of our general partner's affiliates.General Partner’s affiliates and any forfeiture restrictions lapse upon vesting. No distributions are payable to the holders of any phantom unit award until such award vests and converts to common units, and then only if and when distributions are made by us to our common unit holders. The amounts of the awards granted to the NEOs were based on the CEO’s recommendations, considering factors such as scope of responsibility, longevity with the Partnership’s predecessor and performance.
Effective March 6, 2014, the Committee approved a new type of other unit-based award: profits interests. Profits interests are represented by Class B Units of our wholly-owned subsidiary, LGP Operations LLC (“Operations”), which are designed to constitute “profits interests” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code and published Internal Revenue Service guidance and will generally not be taxed at the time of grant, though the holder will be required to report on his income tax return his allocable share of Operations’ income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit, regardless of whether Operations makes a distribution of cash. Instead, such units are generally taxed upon a disposition of the unit or distributions of money to the extent that such amounts received exceed the basis in the units. Generally, no deduction is available to the Partnership or Operations upon the grant, vesting or disposition of the long-term incentive Class B Units. The profits interests are subject to vesting schedules determined by the Committee. Holders of vested Class B Units are entitled to receive distributions from us generally on the same terms as our common unit holders and vested Class B Units are redeemable for our common units beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date at a conversion ratio of not greater than 1:1.
Performance-Based Equity Awards Program. Our NEO’s participate in the Performance Program. Pursuant to this program, each NEO will receive a certain percentage of his or her actual base salary (which is paid by LGC), as shown below, as a performance bonus if the Partnership achieves certain performance goals in 2013. The annual incentive opportunity percentage is determined solely at the discretion of the Committee, but is generally based on the level of accountability and future potential of each executive and the achievement of outstanding individual results.
Name | 2013 Annual Incentive Opportunity as a % of Base Salary | |||
Joseph V. Topper | 100 | % | ||
Mark L. Miller | 75 | % | ||
David F. Hrinak | 75 | % | ||
Tracy Derstine | 50 | % | ||
Frank Macerato | 50 | % |
The 2013 Performance-Based Equity Awards Program for executive officers, as determined by the Committee, was based on the achievement of pre-determined targets for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for acquisitions and certain extraordinary expenses (“EBITDA”) weighted at 70%, and growth weighted at 30%. The Committee believed the EBITDA goal reflects how we have performed in all areas of managing our business, and the growth goal, which is measured by the dollar value of acquisitions which are within the Partnership’s pre-determined valuation formulas, is a key driver in growing the value of the Partnership.
The EBITDA and Growth goals for 2013 were:
Measure | 20% of Payout | 80% of Payout | 100% of Payout | |||
EBITDA (as adjusted) | 90% of EBITDA target | 100% of EBITDA target | 110% of EBITDA target | |||
Growth | 90% of Growth target | 100% of Growth target | 110% of Growth target |
The goals are thresholds - no additional incentive is earned for surpassing a payout level until the next level is met. In no event can a participant earn more than 100% of the annual incentive opportunity. The actual performance bonus will be paid 100% in phantom units or profits interests, one-third of which will vest on each anniversary of the grant date until fully vested. However, the Committee has retained the discretion to pay up to 40% of the performance bonus in cash to the participants before the grant date. For 2013, the NEOs earned 38% of the annual incentive opportunity. This percentage equals weighted average result of the Partnership’s meeting the minimum threshold for the EBITDA portion, resulting in a 20% payout with respect to the EBITDA component and meeting the 100% target for the Growth component, resulting in an 80% payout for the Growth component.
The following are the dollar amounts that each of our NEOs earned under the Performance Plan for 2013:
Joseph V. Topper | $ | 152,491 | ||
Mark L. Miller | $ | 85,497 | ||
David F. Hrinak | $ | 85,500 | ||
Tracy Derstine | $ | 43,588 | ||
Frank Macerato | $ | 32,885 |
Amounts payable under this plan are paid in either phantom units or profits interests, at the election of the recipient. The recipient may also elect to receive up to 40% of the amount payable in cash. The total number of phantom units and profits interests will be determined on or before March 14 of this year and will be based on the closing price of our common units on the NYSE on March 13.
Perquisites
We do not provide any fringe benefits or perquisites to our NEOs.
Severance and Change in Control Benefits
We do not provide any severance or change of control benefits to our named executive officers.NEOs.
Other Benefits
We do not maintain a defined benefit pension plan for our executive officersNEOs nor do we provide a basic benefits package.
Compensation Committee Report
Our compensation committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K, as set forth above. Based on that review and discussion, our compensation committee recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this annual report.
John F. Malloy (Chairman)Warren S. Kimber, Jr.James H. Miller
Employment Agreements
Neither LGC nor our general partnerGeneral Partner has entered into any employment agreements with any of our named executive officers.
Table of ContentsNEO’s.
Relation of Compensation Policies and Practices to Risk Management
LGC'sLGC’s policies and practices are designed to provide rewards for short-term and long-term performance, both on an individual and partnership basis. In general, optimal financial and operational performance, particularly in a competitive business, requires some degree of risk-taking. Accordingly, the use of compensation as an incentive for performance can foster the potential for management and others to take unnecessary or excessive risks to reach performance thresholds that qualify them for additional compensation.
From a risk management perspective, our policy is to conduct our commercial activities within pre-defined risk parameters that are closely monitored and are structured in a manner intended to control and minimize the potential for unwarranted risk-taking. We also routinely monitor and measure the execution and performance of our operations and acquisitions relative to expectations.
We expect our compensation arrangements to contain a number of design elements that serve to minimize the incentive for taking unwarranted risk to achieve short-term, unsustainable results. Those elements include delaying the rewards and subjecting such rewards to forfeiture for terminations related to violations of our risk management policies and practices or of our Code of Ethics.Ethics and Business.
In combination with our risk-management practices, we do not believe that risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.
Pension Benefits
Currently, we do not, and do not intend to, provide pension benefits to our named executive officers.NEOs. Our general partnerGeneral Partner may revisit this policy in the future.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Currently, we do not, and do not intend to, sponsor or adopt a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Our general partnerGeneral Partner may revisit this policy in the future.
Unit Ownership Requirements
Our General Partner does not have any express unit ownership requirements.
Guidelines for Trades by Insiders
We maintain a Window Trading Policy that governs trading in our units by officers and directors required to report under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, as well as certain other employees who may have regular access to material non-public information about us. These policies include pre-approval requirements for all trades and periodic trading “black-out” periods designed with reference to our quarterly financial reporting schedule. We also require pre-approval of all trading plans adopted pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act. To mitigate the potential for abuse, no trades are allowed under a trading plan within 30 days after adoption. In addition, we discourage termination or amendment of trading plans by prohibiting trades under new or amended plans within 30 days following a plan termination or amendment. In addition, this policy prohibits (a) speculative transactions in our units such as short sales, puts, calls or other similar transactions in an effort to hedge certain economic risks or otherwise; (b) holding securities of the Partnership in a margin account; and (c) pledging Partnership securities as collateral for loans. A copy of our Window Trading Policy is available within the “Corporate Governance” section of our website athttp://www.lehighgaspartners.com/investors/corporate-governance/page.aspx?id=1100.
Impact of Regulatory Requirements
Deductibility of Executive Compensation. In 1993, the federal tax laws were amended to limit the deduction a publicly-held company is allowed for compensation paid to the chief executive officer and to the four most highly compensated executive officers other than the chief executive officer. Generally, amounts paid in excess of $1.0 million to a covered executive, other than performance-based compensation, cannot be deducted. In order to constitute performance-based compensation for purposes of the tax law, stockholders must approve the performance measures. Because the Partnership does not anticipate that the non-performance-based compensation for any executive officer will exceed the $1.0 million threshold in the near term, stockholder approval necessary to maintain the tax deductibility of compensation at or above that level is not being requested. We will reconsider this matter if compensation levels approach this threshold, in light of the tax laws then in effect. We will consider ways to maximize the deductibility of executive compensation, while retaining the discretion necessary to compensate executive officers in a manner commensurate with performance and the competitive environment for executive talent.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation. On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law, changing the tax rules applicable to non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements. We believe we are in compliance with the statutory provisions which were effective January 1, 2005, and the regulations which became effective on January 1, 2009.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 718 for all of our stock-based compensation plans. See Note 17 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, for a discussion of all assumptions made in the calculation of this amount.
Policy on Recovery of Compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required to repay certain bonuses and stock-based compensation they receive if we are required to restate our financial statements as a result of misconduct as required by Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Committee Report
The members of the Committee have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of our general partner that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The members of the Committee have submitted this Report to the Board of Directors as of March 6, 2014:
John M. Malloy (Chairman)
Warren S. Kimber, Jr.
James H. Miller
2013 Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the compensation for our NEOs: our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Topper: our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Miller, and our General Partner’s three other most highly compensated executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year (1) | Salary ($)(2)(3) | Stock Awards ($)(4) | All Other Compensation ($)(5) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||
Joseph V. Topper, Jr. Chief Executive Officer | 2013 | $ | 170,523 | $ | 152,491 | $ | 323,014 | |||||||||||
Mark L. Miller Chief Financial Officer | 2013 | $ | 1,222,715 | $ | 85,497 | $ | 1,308,212 | |||||||||||
David F Hrinak President | 2013 | $ | 1,358,570 | $ | 85,500 | $ | 1,444,070 | |||||||||||
Tracy A. Derstine Executive Vice President, Administration | 2013 | $ | 649,602 | $ | 43,588 | $ | 693,190 | |||||||||||
Frank M. Macerato General Counsel, Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer | 2013 | $ | 110,034 | $ | 32,885 | $ | 142,919 |
(1) | Our NEOs did not receive any compensation from us in 2012. |
(2) | Represents the dollar value of the 6,304 common units issued to Mr. Topper. LGC reimbursed us for this amount. |
(3) | As noted above, other than awards under the Performance Program, the value of which is provided under “All Other Compensation,” and the grants of phantom units under the IAP, no other compensation is reported for the NEOs as none of their compensation was paid by us for 2013. |
(4) | This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for financial statement reporting purposes for the phantom units granted under the IAP. Fair value is calculated using the closing price of our units on the date of grant. The per unit grant date fair value for the 2013 grants was $22.65. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in Note 17 to our audited financial statements for the 2013 fiscal year included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
(5) | This amount represents the dollar amount due our NEOs under the Performance Program. Under the Performance Program, the NEOs will have the ability to elect to receive either phantom units or profits interests on or about March 10, 2014. In addition, the Committee may elect to pay up to 40% of the amount due in cash. The number of phantom units or profits interests will be determined based on the closing price of our common units on the NYSE on the grant date, which is expected to be March 14, 2014. |
Grants of Plan Based Awards in 2013
The following table provides information regarding plan-based awards granted to our NEOs during fiscal year 2013.
Name | Grant Date | All Other Stock Awards: (#)(1) | Grant Date Fair Value of Units and Option Awards (2) | |||||||||
Joseph Topper | 3/15/2013 | — | — | |||||||||
Mark Miller | 3/15/2013 | 53,983 | $ | 1,222,715 | ||||||||
David F. Hrinak | 3/15/2013 | 59,981 | 1,358,570 | |||||||||
Tracy A. Derstine | 3/15/2013 | 28,680 | 649,602 | |||||||||
Frank Macerato | 3/15/2013 | 4,858 | 110,034 |
(1) | Represents phantom units granted under the IAP. |
(2) | This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for financial statement reporting purposes for the phantom units granted under the IAP. Fair value is calculated using the closing price of our units on the date of grant. The per unit grant date fair value for the 2013 grants was $22.65. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in Note 17 to our audited financial statements for the 2013 fiscal year included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2013
The following table provides information regarding the number of outstanding equity awards held by our NEOs at December 31, 2013.
Unit Awards | ||||||||
Name | Number of Units That Have Not Vested (#)(1) | Market Value of Units That Have Not Vested ($)(2) | ||||||
Joseph V Topper, Jr. | — | — | ||||||
Mark Miller | 53,983 | $ | 1,543,914 | |||||
David C. Hrinak | 59,981 | $ | 1,715,457 | |||||
Tracy Derstine | 28,680 | $ | 820,248 | |||||
Frank Macerato | 4,858 | $ | 138,940 |
(1) | All awards in this column are phantom units which vest ratably every year beginning March 15, 2014, through March 15, 2016. |
(2) | Amounts in this column are based upon a fair market value of $28.60 per unit which was the NYSE closing price of our common units on December 31, 2013. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2013
No phantom unit awards vested during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, and therefore no value was realized on vesting of any such awards. Additionally, we have not issued any options.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Vesting with respect to equity compensation awards that a named executive officerNEO holds at the time of a change in control may be accelerated at the discretion of the compensation committee including upon a change in control or upon various termination events, but for purposes of this disclosure we have assumed that no awards will receive accelerated treatment. As of December 31, 2012,2013, none of the named executive officersNEOs was entitled to payments upon a change in control or a termination of employment pursuant to any employment agreement, severance agreement or change in control agreement.
Director Compensation of Directors in 2013
Officers or employees of LGC, our general partnerGeneral Partner or our operating subsidiaries who also serve as directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner do not receive additional compensation for their service as a director of our general partner.General Partner. For 2013, directors who arewere not officers or employees of LGC, our general partnerGeneral Partner or our operating subsidiaries willwere entitled to receive compensation packages that consistconsisting of an annual retainer of $20,000 and an annual grant of common units having a fair market value on the date of grant of $20,000. Each of the directors entitled to receive such compensation elected to receive units in lieu of the cash retainer. Because our policy is generally to only grant equity awards on March 15th of each year, the grant to the directors for the entire amount of their compensation,. $40,000, will occur on March 15, 2014, and will be vested at grant. Further, for each meeting of the board of directors and each committee meeting a non-employee director attends, he or she will receivereceives $1,000 and $500, respectively. The chair of each committee will receivereceives an additional retainer of $5,000 annually.
TableFor 2014, the board of Contentsdirectors of the General Partner, upon a recommendation of the sole member of the General Partner, elected to increase the value of the annual compensation package for each non-employee director to $55,000. On March 14, 2014, each director, at his/her option, will receive a grant of either phantom units or profits interests, valued based on the closing price of our common units on March 13, 2014. Such grant will vest on March 15, 2015, provided such director has served continuously on the board through December 31, 2014. Each director may elect to receive $5,000 in cash per quarter ($20,000 annually) in lieu of an equivalent value of his/her equity grant. No changes were made to the meeting fees or fees for serving as a committee chair.
In addition, non-employee directors are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of the board of directors or committees. Each director is fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Delaware law.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation earned by our directors for the year ended December 31, 2012:2013: (i) the aggregate dollar amount of all fees earned in cash for services as a director, (ii) the aggregate grant date fair marketdollar value of unit awards, if any, awardedthe phantom units or profits interests to each director,be granted to the directors on March 15, 2014 and (iii) the total compensation earned by each director.
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Unit Awards ($) | Total ($) | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warren S. Kimber, Jr. | 7,000 | — | 7,000 | |||||||
John F. Malloy | 10,250 | — | 10,250 | |||||||
James H. Miller | 9,250 | — | 9,250 | |||||||
John B. Reilly, III | 8,750 | — | 8,750 | |||||||
Maura E.Topper | 7,500 | — | 7,500 | |||||||
Robert L. Wiss | 10,750 | — | 10,750 |
On January 17, 2013, each of our general partner's non-employee
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | All other compensation ($)(1) | Total ($) | |||||||||
Warren S. Kimber, Jr. | 7,000 | 40,000 | 47,000 | |||||||||
John F. Malloy | 10,250 | 40,000 | 50,250 | |||||||||
James H. Miller | 9,250 | 40,000 | 49,250 | |||||||||
John B. Reilly, III | 8,750 | 40,000 | 48,750 | |||||||||
Maura E. Topper | 7,500 | 40,000 | 47,500 | |||||||||
Robert L. Wiss | 10,750 | 40,000 | 50,750 |
(1) | This amount represents the dollar amount paid to our directors under the IAP. Under the IAP, the directors will have the ability to elect to receive either phantom units or profits interests on or prior to March 14, 2014. The number of phantom units or profits interests will be determined based on the closing price of our common units on March 13, 2014. |
The directors received grants from the board of directors of our general partner in the amount of 174 common units, which represented the prorated portion of such non-employee directors' quarterly grant of common units for the period following our initial public offering throughdid not have any outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2012.2013.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Since the closing of our initial public offering, the compensation committee of our general partner's board of directors has been comprised of John F.Messrs. Malloy, James H. Miller and Warren S. Kimber Jr., none of whomserved on the Committee during 2013. There are officers or employees of our general partner or any of its affiliates.no interlocking relationships requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 407(e)(4)(iii).
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS
As of March 22, 2013,February 17, 2014, the following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common and subordinated units that are owned by:
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) | Common Units Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Common Units Beneficially Owned | Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Total Units Beneficially Owned | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Credit Suisse AG(2) | 507,273 | 6.7 | % | — | — | 3.4 | % | |||||||||
Lehigh Gas GP LLC(3) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
LGC(5)(9) | — | — | 2,142,110 | 28.5 | % | 14.2 | % | |||||||||
Joseph V. Topper, Jr.(4)(5)(6)(7)(9) | 536,245 | 7.1 | % | 6,693,288 | 89.0 | % | 48.0 | % | ||||||||
Energy Realty Partners, LLC(5)(9) | 508,178 | 7.1 | % | 1,301,843 | 17.3 | % | 12.0 | % | ||||||||
Kimber Petroleum Corporation(7)(9) | — | — | 1,420,563 | 18.9 | % | 9.4 | % | |||||||||
Mark L. Miller | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
David F. Hrinak | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
John B. Reilly, III(8)(9) | 88,929 | 1.2 | % | 831,712 | 11.1 | % | 6.1 | % | ||||||||
Warren S. Kimber, Jr. | 5,174 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||
Melinda B. German | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
John F. Malloy | 10,174 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||
James H. Miller | 80,174 | 1.1 | % | — | — | * | ||||||||||
Maura E. Topper | 174 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||
Robert L. Wiss | 50,174 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons) | 771,044 | 10.2 | % | 7,525,000 | 100 | % | 55.1 | % |
trustee of a trust that is the sole shareholder of LGC, may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the units beneficially owned by LGC. The units owned by LGC are included in the number of units shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Topper in the table above.
Name of Beneficial Owner (1) | Common Units Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Common Units Beneficially Owned | Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Total Units Beneficially Owned | |||||||||||||||
Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. (2) | 1,385,693 | 12.33 | % | — | — | 7.38 | % | |||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (3) | 1,015,000 | 9.03 | % | — | — | 5.41 | % | |||||||||||||
Lehigh Gas GP LLC (4) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Lehigh Gas Corporation (5) | — | — | 3,732,218 | 49.60 | % | 19.89 | % | |||||||||||||
Joseph V. Topper, Jr. (5)(6)(7) | 562,321 | 5.00 | % | 6,786,499 | 90.19 | % | 39.15 | % | ||||||||||||
Energy Realty Partners, LLC (5) | 487,270 | 4.33 | % | 1,334,259 | 17.73 | % | 9.71 | % | ||||||||||||
Mark L. Miller | 17,994 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||||||
David F. Hrinak | 19,994 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||||||
Frank M. Macerato | 3,219 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||||||
Tracy A. Derstine | 12,060 | * | — | — | * | |||||||||||||||
John B. Reilly, III (8) | 111,080 | 0.99 | % | 738,501 | 9.81 | % | 4.53 | % | ||||||||||||
Warren S. Kimber, Jr. | 5,174 | * | * | — | * | |||||||||||||||
Melinda B. German | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
John F. Malloy | 20,398 | * | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||
James H. Miller | 80,174 | * | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||
Maura E. Topper | 174 | * | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||
Robert L. Wiss | 60,174 | * | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (13 persons) | 893,762 | 5.99 | % | 7,525,000 | 100 | % | 43.68 | % |
* | Less than 1% |
(1) | The address of each individual or entity named in the table above, other than Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., is c/o Lehigh Gas GP LLC, 702 West Hamilton Street, Suite 203, Allentown, PA 18101. |
(2) | Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. as of December 31, 2013, (i) shared power to vote 1,385,693 shares, and (ii) shared power to dispose of 1,385,693 shares; and which reports beneficial ownership for Oppenheimer SteelPath MLP Income Fund as of December 31, 2013, (i) sole power to vote 1,370,422 shares, and (ii) shared power to dispose of 1,370,422 shares according to its Schedule 13G filed on February 6, 2014. The address for Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. is Two World Financial Center, 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281. |
(3) | Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., together with GS Investment Strategies, LLC as of December 31, 2013, (i) shared power to vote 1,015,000 shares, and (ii) shared power to dispose of 1,015,000 shares according to their Schedule 13G filed on February 13, 2014. The address for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. is 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282. |
(4) | Lehigh Gas GP LLC is wholly owned by Lehigh Gas Corporation. |
(5) | The units shown as beneficially owned by Joseph V. Topper, Jr. include units beneficially owned by entities that are controlled by Mr. Topper, including Lehigh Gas Corporation and Energy Realty Partners, LLC. The units that are beneficially owned by Mr. Topper by way of his control of Lehigh Gas Corporation and Energy Realty Partners, LLC are also shown as beneficially owned by those entities in the table above. |
(6) | Mr. Topper, as the President, Chief Executive Officer and sole director of Lehigh Gas Corporation and as a trustee of a trust that is the sole shareholder of Lehigh Gas Corporation, may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the units beneficially owned by Lehigh Gas Corporation. The units beneficially owned by Lehigh Gas Corporation are included in the number of units shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Topper in the table above. |
(7) | Mr. Topper, as the sole manager and indirect owner of Energy Realty Partners, LLC, may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the units beneficially owned by Energy Realty Partners, LLC. The units beneficially owned by Energy Realty Partners, LLC are included in the number of units shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Topper in the table above. |
(8) | John B. Reilly, III may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of 738,501 subordinated units beneficially owned by the 2008 Irrevocable Agreement of Trust of John B. Reilly, Jr. (the “Reilly Trust”) in his capacity as one of two trustees of the Reilly Trust. |
Securities Authorized For Issuance Underunder Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012:2013:
Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: | ||||||||||||
Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan (1) | 433,373 | n/a | 1,071,627 |
(1) | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
| granted on March 14, 2014. |
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of March 22, 2013,3, 2014, Mr. Topper and entities controlled by him, including LGC, owned 536,245562,321 common units and 6,693,2886,786,499 subordinated units representing a 48.0%39.15% limited partner interest in us. A trust of which Mr. Topper is a trustee owns 85% of our incentive distribution rights. In addition, Mr. Topper indirectly controls our general partnerGeneral Partner through his ownership and control of LGC, which has a 100% membership interest in our general partner.General Partner. As of March 22, 2013,3, 2014, Mr. Reilly and a trust of which Mr. Reilly is a trustee, collectively owned 88,929111,080 common units and 831,712738,501 subordinated units representing a 6.1%4.53% limited partner interest in us and 15% of our incentive distribution rights. Our general partnerGeneral Partner owns a non-economic general partnerGeneral Partner interest in us. Pursuant to the contribution agreement we entered into in connection with the Offering, there may be an adjustment to the beneficial ownership of our common and subordinated units as between certain entities within the Topper Group, including LGC, Mr. Topper and/or Mr. Reilly. We do not expect these adjustments to be material and they will not affect the aggregate number of units held collectively by the Topper Group, including LGC, and Messrs. Topper and Reilly, as a group.
The terms of the transactions and agreements disclosed in this section were determined by and among affiliated entities and, consequently, are not the result of arm'sarm’s length negotiations. Such terms are not necessarily at least as favorable to the parties to these transactions and agreements as the terms which could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
Distributions and Payments to LGC and our General Partner and Certain Related Parties
The following table summarizes the distributions and payments to be made by us to our general partnerGeneral Partner and its affiliates, including Mr. Topper, LGC and certain related parties, in connection with our formation andthe ongoing operation of our business and distributions and payments that would be made by us if we were to liquidate in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement.
FormationOperational Stage
|
Operational Stage
Distributions to our | We will generally make cash distributions Assuming we have sufficient cash available for distribution to pay the full minimum quarterly distribution on all of our outstanding units for four quarters, LGC and its affiliates, Messrs. Topper and Reilly and a trust of which Mr. Reilly is a trustee would receive an annual distribution of $14.3 million, collectively, on their common units and subordinated units. If distributions exceed the minimum quarterly distribution and other higher target levels, the holders of the incentive distribution rights are entitled to increasing percentages of the distributions, up to 50.0% of the distributions above the highest target level. Cash distributions to our General Partner, LGC and its affiliates, Messrs. Topper and Reilly and a trust of which Mr. Reilly is a trustee amounted to $14.1 million in 2013. | |
Payments to our | We pay LGC a management fee, which is an amount equal to (1) $420,000 per month plus (2) $0.0025 for each gallon of motor fuel we distribute per month for management, administrative and operating services for us. We reimburse our |
Liquidation Stage
Liquidation Stage | |||
Liquidation | Upon our liquidation, the partners, including our |
Ownership of Our General Partner
LGC, which is owned solely by a trust for which Mr. Topper is the trustee, owns all of the membership interests in our general partner.General Partner.
Agreements with Affiliates
On October 30, 2012, in connection with the closing of our initial public offering, we entered into certain agreements with the LGC, its affiliates and LGO as described in more detail below.
Omnibus Agreement
On October 30, 2012, in connection with the closing of our initial public offering, we and our general partnerGeneral Partner entered into an omnibus agreement with LGC, LGO, and for limited purposes, Mr. Topper.
Management Services and Term. Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, LGC provides us and our general partnerGeneral Partner with management, administrative and operating services. These services include accounting, tax, corporate record keeping and communication, legal, financial reporting, internal audit support, compliance, maintenance of internal controls, environmental compliance and remediation management oversight, treasury, tax reporting, information technology and other administrative staff functions, and the arrangement of administration of insurance programs. As a partnership without employees, LGC provides us with personnel necessary to carry out the services to be provided under the omnibus agreement and any other services necessary to operate our business. We do not have any obligation to compensate the officers of our general partnerGeneral Partner or employees of LGC. The initial term of the omnibus agreement is four years and will automatically renew for additional one year terms unless any party provides written notice to the other parties 180 days prior to the end of the term of the omnibus agreement. We have the right to terminate the agreement at any time during the initial term upon 180 days'days’ prior written notice.
Fees and Reimbursements.LGC'sLGC’s ability to incurthird-party fees, costs, taxes and expenses, we reimburse LGC and our general partnerGeneral Partner for all reasonable out-of-pocketthird-party fees, costs, taxes and expenses incurred by LGC or our general partnerGeneral Partner on our behalf in connection with providing the services required to be provided by LGC under the omnibus agreement. Examples of these types of fees, costs, taxes and expenses, include:
Review of Management Fee. At the end of each calendar year, we have the right to submit to LGC a proposal to reduce the amount of the management fee for such year if we believe that the services performed by LGC do not justify payment of the amount of management fees paid by us for such year. In addition, LGC has the right, at the end of each calendar year, to submit to us a proposal to increase the amount of the management fee for such year if LGC believes that the services performed by LGC justify an increase in the management fee. If any such proposal is submitted, we will negotiate with LGC to determine if the management fee for such year should be reduced or increased, and, if so, the amount of such reduction or increase. In addition, upon a material change in our structure or our business, the conflicts committee of our general partnerGeneral Partner will review the management fee. If the conflicts committee determines that, based on a change in our structure or our business, the management fee should be modified or otherwise altered, we will negotiate with LGC to determine the appropriate modification or alteration of the management fee.
General Indemnification; Limitation of Liability. Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, we are required to indemnify LGC for any liabilities incurred by LGC attributable to the management, administrative and operating services provided to us under the agreement, other than liabilities resulting from LGC'sLGC’s bad faith or willful misconduct. In addition, LGC is required to indemnify us for any liabilities we incur as a result of LGC'sLGC’s bad faith or willful misconduct in providing management, administrative and operating services under the omnibus agreement. Other than indemnification claims based on LGC'sLGC’s bad faith or willful misconduct, LGC'sLGC’s liability to us for services provided under the omnibus agreement cannot exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate.
Environmental Indemnification by LGC. Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, LGC is required to indemnify us for any costs or expenses that we incur for environmental liabilities andthird-party claims, regardless of when a claim is made, that are based on environmental conditions in existence at our predecessor'spredecessor’s sites prior to the closing of our initial public offering. LGC is the beneficiary of escrow accounts created to cover the cost to remediate certain environmental conditions. In addition, LGC maintains insurance policies to cover environmental liabilities and/or, where available, participates in state programs that may also assist in funding the costs of environmental investigation and remediation.
Under the omnibus agreement, LGC is required to name us as an additional insured under its environmental insurance policies, except for certain remediation cost containment policies. As an additional insured under these insurance policies, we have the right to directly seek coverage from the insurance companies for claims under these policies. To the extent LGC or its successors fail to do so, we have the right under the omnibus agreement to compel LGC or its successors to access the escrow accounts and/or its remediation cost containment policies for purposes of covering the costs to satisfy its indemnification obligations under the omnibus agreement.
Environmental Indemnification of LGC. Other than with respect to liabilities resulting from LGC'sLGC’s bad faith or willful misconduct, we are required to indemnify LGC for any costs or expenses it incurs in connection with environmental liabilities andthird-party claims that are based on environmental conditions that arise at our sites following the closing of our initial public offering. We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as our general partnerGeneral Partner believes are reasonable and prudent to cover environmental liabilities andthird-party claims that are based on environmental conditions that arise at our sites following the closing of our initial public offering. However, we cannot assure you that this insurance is adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential environmental liabilities or that these levels of insurance are available in the future at economical prices. Under the omnibus agreement, we are required, where permitted under our insurance policies, to name LGC as an additional insured under these policies.
Tax Indemnification by LGC.
subsidiaries that were contributed to us in connection with our initial public offering, excluding any federal, state and local income taxes reserved for in our financial statements in connection therewith. This indemnification obligation survives until the 60th day following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
Title Indemnification by LGC. Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, LGC is required to indemnify us for any costs or expenses that we incur for losses resulting from defects in title to the assets contributed or sold to us in connection with the transactions entered into in connection with our initial public offering and any failure to obtain, prior to the time they were contributed to us, certain consents and permits necessary to conduct our business.
Rights of First Refusal; Rights of First Offer. The omnibus agreement also provides that Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO agree, and are required to cause their controlled affiliates to agree, for so long as Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, individually or as part of a group, control our general partner,General Partner, that if Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO or any of their controlled affiliates has the opportunity to acquire assets used, or a controlling interest in any business primarily engaged, in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses, then Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, will offer such acquisition opportunity to us and give us a reasonable opportunity to acquire, at a price equal to the purchase price paid or to be paid by Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, plus any related transaction costs and expenses incurred by Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, such assets or business either before Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, acquire such assets or business or promptly after the consummation of such acquisition by Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates. Our decision to acquire or not acquire any such assets or businesses requires the approval of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner.General Partner. Any assets or businesses that we do not acquire pursuant to the right of first refusal may be acquired and operated by Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO or its controlled affiliates.
The omnibus agreement also provides that Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO agree, and are required to cause their controlled affiliates to agree, for so long as Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, individually or as part of a group, control our general partner,General Partner, to notify us of their desire to sell any of their assets or businesses if Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or any of their controlled affiliates, decides to attempt to sell (other than to another controlled affiliate of Mr. Topper, LGC or LGO) any assets used, or any interest in any business primarily engaged, in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses, to a third party. Prior to selling such assets or businesses to a third party, Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO are required to negotiate with us exclusively and in good faith for a reasonable period of time in order to give us an opportunity to enter into definitive documentation for the purchase and sale of such assets or businesses on terms that are mutually acceptable to Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, and us. If we and Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, have not entered into a letter of intent or a definitive purchase and sale agreement with respect to such assets or businesses within such period, Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, and their controlled affiliates, have the right to sell such assets or businesses to a third party following the expiration of such period on any terms that are acceptable to Mr. Topper, LGC and LGO, or their controlled affiliates, and such third party. Our decision to acquire or not to acquire assets or businesses pursuant to this right requires the approval of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner.General Partner. This right of first offer does not apply to the sale of any assets or interests that the Topper Group owned at the closing of the OfferingIPO that were not contributed to us in connection with the Offering.IPO.
LGO Lease Agreements with LGO
We have entered, and intend to continue to enter into, lease agreements with LGO pursuant to which LGO, as applicable, leases or subleases from us sites in order to operate the retail operations at
our sites. The terms of the each lease agreements are typically 15 years and LGO has the right under the lease agreements to extend each lease for two additional five-year terms. The leases with LGO are typically modified triple-net leases under which LGO is responsible for all expenses that arise from the use of the site, including, but not limited to, taxes, insurance, maintenance and repair costs, other than expenses related to the maintenance, repair and replacement of the underground storage tanks. We typically have the right to terminate leases with LGO upon providing LGO with 180 days prior written notice and reimbursing LGO for all unamortized capital expenses incurred by LGO in connection with the leased site. The leases typically containcross-default provisions with the wholesale supply agreement and each other lease agreement with LGO. The rent under these leases, and any additional leases, may be less favorable to us than the terms that we could have obtained from unaffiliated third parties. In addition, for a site we sub-lease to LGO, the rent we receive from LGO may not be sufficient to cover our annual lease obligations for this site. Rent income from LGO amounted to $25.3 million and $3.2 million in 2013 and for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, respectively.
As discussed in Notes 1 and 11 to the financial statements, we terminated leases with LGO at the Commission Sites and closed sites. In addition, during 2013, we agreed with LGO to terminate certain leases with LGO of sites that it operated and accordingly entered into new leases with third parties to operate such sites. We also terminated the supply agreements with LGO (described below) with respect to such sites and entered into new supply agreements with the third parties who leased these sites. The transactions were approved by the conflicts committee of the Board of Directors of our General Partner.
LGO Wholesale Supply AgreementAgreements with LGO
In connection with the closing of our initial public offering, we entered into a wholesale supply agreement with LGO pursuant to which we wholesale distribute motor fuels to LGO. The term of the wholesale supply agreement is 15 years. We have the right to impose the brand of fuel that is distributed to LGO under the wholesale supply agreement. Pursuant to the wholesale supply agreement, LGO is required to purchase all motor fuels from us. There are no minimum volume requirements that LGO is required to satisfy. We charge LGO the DTW prices for each grade of product in effect at the time title to the product passes to LGO. The conflicts committee of our general partnerGeneral Partner shall, no less than annually, review the DTW prices charged to LGO to ensure that the prices are not below reasonable market rates charged to similarly situated or otherwise comparablethird-party sites over a representative period of time. We have a right of first refusal in connection with any proposed transfer by LGO of its interest in the wholesale supply agreement. The wholesale supply agreement containscross-default provisions with each lease agreement with LGO. Revenues from fuel sales to LGO amounted to $912.6 million and $145.2 million in 2013 and for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, respectively.
Contribution AgreementAdvance to LGO related to the Express Lane Acquisition
As disclosed in Note 4 to the financial statements, during 2013, the Partnership paid $1.7 million of additional purchase price consideration for the net working capital acquired from the sellers of Express Lane, Inc. Because the net working capital was transferred to LGO at the acquisition date, LGO repaid this amount to the Partnership in October 2013.
Lease and Supply Agreements with other Related Parties
The Partnership sells motor fuel and leases property to a related party owned by a relative of the Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner. Total revenues amounted to $103.2 million, $17.7 million, $88.8 million and $109.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, the period from October 31 to December 31, 2012, the period from January 1 to October 30, 2012, and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. Accounts receivable amounted to $1.1 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity lease certain motor fuel stations from their affiliates under cancelable operating leases. Rent expense under these agreements was $1.0 million, $0.2 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million for 2013, the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Purchase of Site from Affiliate
In connectionDecember 2012, the Partnership purchased a site from an affiliate for $2.9 million. The transaction was approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Environmental Consulting Services
On December 31, 2012, Mr. Topper purchased Synergy Environmental Inc. (“Synergy”). Prior to the purchase, Synergy served as the Predecessor Entity’s independent environmental consultants. Synergy will continue to provide environmental consulting services to the Partnership. The purchase of Synergy was approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Predecessor Entity incurred costs with Synergy of approximately $0.6 million for environmental consulting services. For the closingperiod October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the Partnership did not incur any Synergy related costs. For 2013, the Partnership incurred $0.3 million of costs with Synergy. Future annual costs for the Partnership will be dependent on the nature and extent of the environmental consulting services performed (for example, our initial public offering, we entered intofuture acquisition activity).
Aircraft Usage
The Partnership uses aircraft owned by a contribution agreementgroup of individuals that effectedincludes the transactions,CEO and certain other members of the board of directors of the General Partner as approved by the disinterested members of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner. The Partnership incurred $0.1 million for the use of the net proceeds, related to our initial public offering. The contribution agreement was not the result of arm's-length negotiations, and it, or any of the transactions that it provides for, may not have been effected on terms at least as favorable to the parties to this agreement as could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. All of the transaction expenses incurredthese aircraft in connection with these transactions were paid from the proceeds of our initial public offering.2013.
Review, Approval and Ratification of Related Person Transactions
The board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has adopted a Code of Ethics that provides that the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner or its authorized committee will periodically review all related person transactions that are required to be disclosed under SEC rules and, when appropriate, initially authorize or ratify all such transactions. In the event that the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner or its authorized committee considers ratification of a related person transaction and determines not to so ratify, the Code of Ethics provides that our management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction.
The Code of Ethics provides that, in determining whether or not to recommend the initial approval or ratification of a related person transaction, the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner or its authorized committee should consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available, including (if applicable) but not limited to: (i) whether there is an appropriate business justification for the transaction; (ii) the benefits that accrue to us as a result of the transaction; (iii) the terms available to
unrelated third parties entering into similar transactions; (iv) the impact of the transaction on a director'sdirector’s independence (in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director or an entity in which a director or an immediately family member of a director is a partner, shareholder, member or executive officer); (v) the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; (vi) whether it is a single transaction or a series of ongoing, related transactions; and (vii) whether entering into the transaction would be consistent with the Code of Ethics.
On December 31, 2012, Mr. Topper purchased Synergy Environmental Inc. ("Synergy"). Prior to the purchase, Synergy served as the Predecessor Entity's independent environmental consultants. Synergy will continue to provide environmental consulting services to the Partnership. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Predecessor Entity incurred Synergy costs of approximately $0.6 million for environmental consulting services. Future annual costs for the Partnership will be dependent on the nature and extent of the environmental consulting services performed (for example, our future acquisition activity). For the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the Partnership did not incur any Synergy related costs. The purchase of Synergy was approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the general partner.
Director Independence
For a discussion of the independence of the board of directors of our general partner,General Partner, please see "Item“Item 10—Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Management."”
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The audit committee of the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner selected Grant Thornton LLP, or Grant Thornton, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit our consolidated and predecessor combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.2013. The audit committee'scommittee’s charter requires the audit committee to approve in advance all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. All services reported in the audit,audit-related, tax and all other fees categories below with respect to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20122013 were approved by the audit committee.
The following table summarizes the aggregate Grant Thornton fees that were allocated to us and our predecessor for independent auditing, tax and related services for each of the last two fiscal years (in thousands):
| 2012 | 2011 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audit fees(1) | $ | 844.7 | $ | 1,698.8 | |||
Audit-related fees(2) | n/a | n/a | |||||
Tax fees(3) | $ | — | $ | — | |||
All other fees(4) | n/a | n/a | |||||
Total | $ | 844.7 | $ | 1,698.8 |
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Audit fees (1) | $ | 910.6 | $ | 844.7 | ||||
Audit-related fees (2) | — | — | ||||||
Tax fees (3) | — | — | ||||||
All other fees (4) | — | — | ||||||
Total | $ | 910.6 | $ | 844.7 |
(1) | Audit fees represent amounts billed for each of the years presented for professional services rendered in connection with those services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements including comfort letters, consents and other services related to SEC matters. In 2013, Grant Thornton provided services related to our S-3 shelf registration statement and supplemental offering. In 2012, all of the fees reported related to our initial public offering. |
(2) | Audit-related fees represent amounts billed in each of the years presented for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit or quarterly reviews. |
(3) | Tax fees represent amounts billed in each of the years presented for professional services rendered in connection with tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
(4) | All other fees represent amounts billed in each of the years presented for services not classifiable under the other categories listed in the table above. No such services were rendered by Grant Thornton during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. |
Audit Committee Approval of Audit and Non-audit Services
The audit committee of the board of directors of our general partnerGeneral Partner has adopted a pre-approval policy with respect to services which may be performed by Grant Thornton. This policy lists specificaudit-related services as well as any other services that Grant Thornton is authorized to perform and sets out specific dollar limits for each specific service, which may not be exceeded without additional audit committee authorization. The audit committee receives quarterly reports on the status of expenditures pursuant to the pre-approval policy. The audit committee reviews the policy at least annually in order to approve services and limits for the current year. Any service that is not clearly enumerated in the policy must receive specific pre-approval by the audit committee prior to engagement.
ItemITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Documents filed as part of the Report:
(1) | Financial Statements: |
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Item 8 of this Report.
(2) | Financial Statement Schedules: |
The following Financial Statement Schedules are included herein:
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are not submitted because they are not applicable or not required or because the required information is included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
The financial statements included in this annual report are listed under "Item“Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."” All exhibits filed with this annual report are listed in (3) below.
(3) | Exhibits: |
The exhibit index attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
LEHIGH GAS PARTNERS LP | ||||||
By: | LEHIGH GAS GP LLC, its | |||||
March | By: | / TOPPER, JR. | ||||
Name: | Joseph V. Topper, Jr. | |||||
Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (On behalf of the registrant, and in the capacity of principal executive officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March XX, 2013.10, 2014.
Signature | |||
---|---|---|---|
Title | |||
/ TOPPER, JR. Joseph V. Topper, Jr. | Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
/ MILLER Mark L. Miller | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||
/s/ DAVID A. SHEAFFER David A. Sheaffer | Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | ||
/ Melinda B. German | Director | ||
/ Warren S. Kimber, Jr. | Director | ||
/S/ JOHN F. MALLOY John F. Malloy | Director | ||
/S/ JAMES H. MILLER James H. Miller | Director | ||
/S/ JOHN B. John B. Reilly, III | Director | ||
/ TOPPER Maura E. Topper | Director | ||
/ WISS Robert L. Wiss | Director |
| F-2 | |||
Consolidated Balance | ||||
Consolidated | ||||
Consolidated | ||||
Combined Statements of | ||||
Consolidated | ||||
Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements | ||||
Financial Statement Schedule—Schedule II |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
General Partner and Limited Partners of Lehigh Gas Partners LP
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Lehigh Gas Partners LP (a Delaware Limitedlimited Partnership) and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, partners'changes in partners’ capital and comprehensive lossincome, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the period from October 31, 2012 to December 31, 2012. We have also audited the accompanying combined balance sheetstatements of operations, owner’s deficit, and cash flows for Lehigh Gas Entities and affiliated entities under common control (collectively "Predecessor Entity"“Predecessor Entity”) as of December 31, 2011, and the related combined statements of operations, owners' deficit and comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012 and for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.2011. Our audits of the basic consolidated and combined financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Partnership'sPartnership’s and Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditsaudit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Partnership and Predecessor Entity are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Predecessor Entity or the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lehigh Gas Partners LP and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the period from October 31, 2012 to December 31, 2012 andin conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positionresults of the operations and cash flows for Lehigh Gas Entities and affiliated entities under common control as of December 31, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012 and for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated and combined financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussedWe also have audited, in Note 1, certain entities that compriseaccordance with the Predecessor Entity had been previously included in combined financial statements with other affiliated entities not partstandards of the Predecessor Entity.Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in the 1992Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 10, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 28, 201310, 2014
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Board of TableContents
General Partner and Limited Partners of Lehigh Gas Partners LP
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Lehigh Gas Partners LP (a Delaware limited Partnership) and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in the 1992Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (“Management’s Report”). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. Our audit of, and opinion on, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting does not include the internal control over financial reporting of the acquired retail commission sites, whose financial statements reflect total revenues constituting 3.6 percent of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013. As indicated in Management’s Report, these sites were acquired during 2013. Management’s assertion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting excluded internal control over financial reporting of the retail commission sites.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in the 1992Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013, and our report dated March 10, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 10, 2014
Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
Partners LP
(Amounts in thousands, except unit data)
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | ||||||
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Assets | |||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,768 | $ | 2,082 | |||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $37 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively | 3,700 | 5,766 | |||||||
Accounts receivable from affiliates | 8,112 | 5,854 | |||||||
Inventories | — | 1,247 | |||||||
Environmental indemnification asset—current portion | 591 | 6,418 | |||||||
Notes receivable | 64 | 675 | |||||||
Assets held for sale | 1,615 | 743 | |||||||
Other current assets | 2,083 | 5,197 | |||||||
Total current assets | 20,933 | 27,982 | |||||||
Property and equipment, net | 243,022 | 202,393 | |||||||
Intangibles assets, net | 35,602 | 12,379 | |||||||
Goodwill | 5,636 | 4,487 | |||||||
Environmental indemnification asset—noncurrent portion | 586 | 16,063 | |||||||
Notes receivable | — | 1,350 | |||||||
Deferred financing fees, net and other assets | 10,031 | 6,482 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 315,810 | $ | 271,136 | |||||
Liabilities and partners' capital / owners' deficit (Predecessor) | |||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||
Current portion of debt, net of discount | $ | — | $ | 7,757 | |||||
Current portion of financing obligations | 2,187 | 5,294 | |||||||
Accounts payable | 14,238 | 13,166 | |||||||
Fuel taxes payable | 9,455 | 7,777 | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 342 | — | |||||||
Environmental reserve—current portion | 591 | 6,418 | |||||||
Liabilities of operations held for sale | — | 183 | |||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 3,299 | 3,920 | |||||||
Total current liabilities | 30,112 | 44,515 | |||||||
Long-term portion of debt, net of discount of $0 and $2,547 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively | 183,751 | 177,529 | |||||||
Long-term portion of financing obligations | 73,793 | 41,150 | |||||||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity | — | 12,000 | |||||||
Environmental reserve—noncurrent portion | 586 | 19,401 | |||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 13,023 | 9,228 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 301,265 | 303,823 | |||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) | |||||||||
Owners deficit (Predecessor Entity) | — | (32,687 | ) | ||||||
Partners' capital: | |||||||||
Limited Partners' Interest | |||||||||
Common unitholders—public (6,900,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012) | 125,093 | — | |||||||
Common unitholders—affiliates (625,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012) | (42,399 | ) | — | ||||||
Subordinated unitholders—affiliates (7,525,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012) | (68,149 | ) | — | ||||||
General Partner's Interest | — | — | |||||||
Total partners' capital and owners' deficit (Predecessor) | 14,545 | (32,687 | ) | ||||||
Total liabilities and partners' capital and owners' deficit (Predecessor) | $ | 315,810 | $ | 271,136 | |||||
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,115 | $ | 4,768 | ||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $136 and $0 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively | 7,342 | 5,741 | ||||||
Accounts receivable from affiliates | 16,558 | 8,112 | ||||||
Motor fuel inventory | 2,141 | — | ||||||
Environmental indemnification asset—current portion | 477 | 591 | ||||||
Assets held for sale | 1,328 | 1,615 | ||||||
Other current assets | 3,535 | 2,147 | ||||||
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Total current assets | 35,496 | 22,974 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 288,729 | 243,022 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 47,005 | 35,602 | ||||||
Environmental indemnification asset | 761 | 586 | ||||||
Deferred financing fees, net and other assets | 10,306 | 10,031 | ||||||
Goodwill | 9,324 | 5,636 | ||||||
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Total assets | $ | 391,621 | $ | 317,851 | ||||
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Liabilities and partners’ capital | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Lease financing obligations—current portion | $ | 2,568 | $ | 2,187 | ||||
Accounts payable | 20,567 | 16,279 | ||||||
Motor fuel taxes payable | 7,186 | 9,455 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 9 | 342 | ||||||
Environmental liability—current portion | 477 | 591 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 8,050 | 3,299 | ||||||
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Total current liabilities | 38,857 | 32,153 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 173,509 | 183,751 | ||||||
Lease financing obligations | 64,364 | 73,793 | ||||||
Environmental liability | 761 | 586 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 19,459 | 13,023 | ||||||
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Total liabilities | 296,950 | 303,306 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | ||||||||
Partners’ capital: | ||||||||
Limited Partners’ Interest | ||||||||
Common units—public (10,472,348 and 6,900,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively) | 211,544 | 125,093 | ||||||
Common units—affiliates (625,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012) | (42,885 | ) | (42,399 | ) | ||||
Subordinated units—affiliates (7,525,000 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012) | (73,988 | ) | (68,149 | ) | ||||
General Partner’s Interest | — | — | ||||||
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Total partners’ capital | 94,671 | 14,545 | ||||||
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Total liabilities and partners’ capital | $ | 391,621 | $ | 317,851 | ||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except unit and per unit data)
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 161,319 | $ | 935,241 | $ | 1,236,644 | $ | 841,204 | |||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 145,168 | 621,139 | 365,106 | 329,974 | |||||||||||
Rental income | 1,950 | 10,336 | 12,633 | 11,792 | |||||||||||
Rental income from affiliates | 3,228 | 5,708 | 7,792 | 7,169 | |||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | 14 | 1,389 | 1,939 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 311,665 | 1,572,438 | 1,623,564 | 1,192,078 | |||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 156,815 | 914,221 | 1,204,440 | 815,221 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 139,736 | 609,371 | 359,005 | 324,963 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues for retail merchandise and other | — | — | 1,066 | 1,774 | |||||||||||
Rent expense | 2,045 | 9,563 | 9,402 | 6,422 | |||||||||||
Operating expenses | 541 | 4,734 | 6,608 | 4,173 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,551 | 13,773 | 11,996 | 11,998 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 9,676 | 9,811 | 12,709 | 13,099 | |||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,188 | ) | 272 | ||||||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 310,893 | 1,558,354 | 1,602,038 | 1,177,922 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 772 | 14,084 | 21,526 | 14,156 | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (1,926 | ) | (11,369 | ) | (12,082 | ) | (15,691 | ) | |||||||
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt | — | (571 | ) | — | 1,200 | ||||||||||
Other income, net | 140 | 661 | 1,245 | 1,904 | |||||||||||
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,014 | ) | 2,805 | 10,689 | 1,569 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense from continuing operations | 342 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 309 | (779 | ) | (6,599 | ) | |||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 9,910 | $ | (5,030 | ) | |||||
Limited partners' interest in net loss from continuing operations | $ | (1,356 | ) | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||
Net loss allocated to common units | $ | (678 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss allocated to subordinated units | $ | (678 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss per common unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss per subordinated unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||||||||
Weighted average limited partners' units outstanding—basic and diluted | |||||||||||||||
Common units | 7,525,000 | ||||||||||||||
Subordinated units | 7,525,000 |
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 980,177 | $ | 161,319 | $ | 935,241 | $ | 1,236,644 | ||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 912,629 | 145,168 | 621,139 | 365,106 | ||||||||||||
Rent income | 16,240 | 1,950 | 10,336 | 12,633 | ||||||||||||
Rent income from affiliates | 25,337 | 3,228 | 5,708 | 7,792 | ||||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | — | 14 | 1,389 | ||||||||||||
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Total revenues | 1,934,383 | 311,665 | 1,572,438 | 1,623,564 | ||||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 960,518 | 156,815 | 914,221 | 1,204,440 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 887,804 | 139,736 | 609,371 | 359,005 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues for retail merchandise and other | — | — | — | 1,066 | ||||||||||||
Rent expense | 15,509 | 2,045 | 9,563 | 9,402 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 4,577 | 541 | 4,734 | 6,608 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,963 | 2,551 | 13,773 | 11,996 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 16,558 | 9,676 | 9,811 | 12,709 | ||||||||||||
Gains on sales of assets, net | (47 | ) | (471 | ) | (3,119 | ) | (3,188 | ) | ||||||||
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Total costs and operating expenses | 1,905,882 | 310,893 | 1,558,354 | 1,602,038 | ||||||||||||
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Operating income | 28,501 | 772 | 14,084 | 21,526 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (14,182 | ) | (1,926 | ) | (11,369 | ) | (12,082 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | (571 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Other income, net | 2,035 | 140 | 661 | 1,245 | ||||||||||||
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Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 16,354 | (1,014 | ) | 2,805 | 10,689 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations | (1,716 | ) | 342 | — | — | |||||||||||
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Income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes | 18,070 | (1,356 | ) | 2,805 | 10,689 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | — | 309 | (779 | ) | |||||||||||
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Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 18,070 | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 9,910 | |||||||
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Limited partners’ interest in net income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes | 18,070 | $ | (1,356 | ) | n/a | n/a | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common and subordinated unit-basic | $ | 1.18 | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) per common and subordinated unit-diluted | $ | 1.18 | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||
Weighted average limited partners’ units outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Common units—basic | 7,731,471 | 7,525,000 | ||||||||||||||
Common units—diluted | 7,780,357 | 7,525,000 | ||||||||||||||
Subordinated units—basic and diluted | 7,525,000 | 7,525,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Lehigh Gas Partners LPCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital and Comprehensive Income
(Amounts in thousands, except unit data)
| Limited Partners' Interest | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Unitholders— Public | Common Unitholders— Affiliates | Subordinated Unitholders— Affiliates | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
| General Partner's Interest Dollars | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partners' Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Period from October 31, 2012 to December 31, 2012 | Units | Dollars | Units | Dollars | Units | Dollars | |||||||||||||||||||
Initial capitalization upon formation of Partnership | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1 | |||||||||||||
Contribution of certain assets, liabilities, and equity interests from Predecessor | — | — | 625,000 | $ | (5,604 | ) | 7,525,000 | $ | (67,471 | ) | — | $ | (73,075 | ) | |||||||||||
Offering proceeds of initial public offering and overallotment exercise, net of underwriters discount, structuring fee and related costs | 6,900,000 | 125,715 | — | — | — | — | — | 125,715 | |||||||||||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss | — | (622 | ) | — | (56 | ) | — | (678 | ) | — | (1,356 | ) | |||||||||||||
Distributions to unitholders | — | — | — | (36,740 | ) | — | — | — | (36,740 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2012 | 6,900,000 | $ | 125,093 | 625,000 | $ | (42,399 | ) | 7,525,000 | $ | (68,149 | ) | $ | — | $ | 14,545 | ||||||||||
Limited Partners’ Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Unitholders— Public | Common Unitholders— Affiliates | Subordinated Unitholders— Affiliates | General Partner’s Interest | Partners’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Units | Dollars | Units | Dollars | Units | Dollars | Dollars | Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Initial capitalization upon formation of Partnership | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contribution of certain assets, liabilities and equity interests from Predecessor | — | — | 625,000 | $ | (5,604 | ) | 7,525,000 | $ | (67,471 | ) | — | $ | (73,075 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from initial public offering and overallotment exercise, net of underwriters discount, structuring fee and related costs | 6,900,000 | 125,715 | — | — | — | — | — | 125,715 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss | — | (622 | ) | — | (56 | ) | — | (678 | ) | — | (1,356 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions paid | — | — | — | (36,740 | ) | — | — | — | (36,740 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance, December 31, 2012 | 6,900,000 | $ | 125,093 | 625,000 | $ | (42,399 | ) | 7,525,000 | $ | (68,149 | ) | $ | — | $ | 14,545 | |||||||||||||||||
Equity-based director compensation | 1,044 | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of units to affiliate for equity-based compensation | 6,304 | 171 | — | — | — | — | — | 171 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payment to affiliate for Commission Sites (Note 1) | — | (1,608 | ) | — | (146 | ) | — | (1,754 | ) | — | (3,508 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds of supplemental offering and overallotment exercise, net of underwriters discount, structuring fee and related costs | 3,565,000 | 91,370 | — | — | — | — | — | 91,370 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income and comprehensive income | — | 8,417 | — | 740 | — | 8,913 | — | 18,070 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions paid | — | (11,920 | ) | — | (1,080 | ) | — | (12,998 | ) | — | (25,998 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance, December 31, 2013 | 10,472,348 | $ | 211,544 | 625,000 | $ | (42,885 | ) | 7,525,000 | $ | (73,988 | ) | $ | — | $ | 94,671 | |||||||||||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OWNER'S DEFICIT AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Combined Statements of Owners’ Deficit and Comprehensive Income
(Amounts in thousands)
| Owner's Deficit | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Balance, January 1, 2010 | $ | (21,292 | ) | |
Net loss and comprehensive loss | (5,030 | ) | ||
Issuance of preferred interests | 20,124 | |||
Conversion of convertible note into owners' equity | 6,963 | |||
Repurchase of equity interests | (2,366 | ) | ||
Distributions to owners | (26,577 | ) | ||
Balance, December 31, 2010 | $ | (28,178 | ) | |
Net income and comprehensive income | 9,910 | |||
Contributions from owners | 4,374 | |||
Distributions to owners | (18,793 | ) | ||
Balance, December 31, 2011 | $ | (32,687 | ) | |
Period from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012 | ||||
Net income and comprehensive income | 3,114 | |||
Contributions from owners | 3,746 | |||
Distributions to owners | (7,670 | ) | ||
Balance, October 30, 2012 | $ | (33,497 | ) | |
Owner’s Deficit | ||||
Balance, January 1, 2011 | $ | (28,178 | ) | |
Net income and comprehensive income | 9,910 | |||
Contributions from owners | 4,374 | |||
Distributions to owners | (18,793 | ) | ||
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Balance, December 31, 2011 | $ | (32,687 | ) | |
Net income and comprehensive income | 3,114 | |||
Contributions from owners | 3,746 | |||
Distributions to owners | (7,670 | ) | ||
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Balance, October 30, 2012 | $ | (33,497 | ) | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities | |||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 9,910 | $ | (5,030 | ) | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,551 | 13,823 | 12,153 | 13,540 | |||||||||||
Accretion of interest | 4 | 334 | |||||||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | — | 642 | 678 | 1,499 | |||||||||||
Amortization of deferred financing fees | 409 | 486 | 662 | 844 | |||||||||||
Amortization of below market leases | (29 | ) | (146 | ) | (199 | ) | (245 | ) | |||||||
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of derivative instruments | — | (354 | ) | (1,334 | ) | 529 | |||||||||
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt | — | 571 | — | (1,200 | ) | ||||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets | (471 | ) | (3,356 | ) | (2,648 | ) | 7,952 | ||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 12,850 | 5,015 | (1,953 | ) | 197 | ||||||||||
Accounts receivable from affiliates | (6,720 | ) | (28,061 | ) | (409 | ) | 9,244 | ||||||||
Inventories | — | 1,049 | 108 | 84 | |||||||||||
Environmental indemnification asset | — | 3,795 | 2,302 | 2,248 | |||||||||||
Other current assets | (503 | ) | (1,038 | ) | (1,470 | ) | (692 | ) | |||||||
Other assets | (542 | ) | (246 | ) | 98 | (193 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable | (3,207 | ) | 6,355 | 1,001 | 2,144 | ||||||||||
Fuel taxes payable | (519 | ) | 2,197 | (881 | ) | 1,527 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (671 | ) | 2,490 | 900 | (1,077 | ) | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 342 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Environmental reserves | — | (3,929 | ) | (6,485 | ) | (2,674 | ) | ||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 1,111 | 1,417 | (873 | ) | 2,195 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 3,249 | 4,158 | 11,560 | 30,892 | |||||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 3,704 | 4,012 | 16,071 | 19,045 | |||||||||||
Issuance of notes receivable | — | — | (2,700 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Principal payments on notes receivable | 10 | 690 | 4,275 | — | |||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (260 | ) | (1,729 | ) | (2,772 | ) | (2,401 | ) | |||||||
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (75,523 | ) | (500 | ) | (33,749 | ) | (2,126 | ) | |||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (72,069 | ) | 2,473 | (18,875 | ) | 14,518 | |||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities | |||||||||||||||
Borrowings under credit facility | 183,751 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Proceeds from long term debt | — | 15,568 | 31,038 | 148,443 | |||||||||||
Repayment of long term debt | (182,911 | ) | (20,673 | ) | (17,493 | ) | (183,774 | ) | |||||||
Redemption of mandatorily redeemable preferred equity | (12,000 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common units, net | 125,715 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Proceeds from financing obligations | — | — | 21,716 | 14,722 | |||||||||||
Repayment of financing obligations | (151 | ) | (623 | ) | (11,669 | ) | (3,037 | ) | |||||||
Repurchase of equity interests | — | — | — | (1,043 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of notes payable | — | — | — | 1,323 | |||||||||||
Payments on notes payable | — | — | (1,323 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Payment of deferred financing fees | (4,076 | ) | (117 | ) | (1,441 | ) | (4,531 | ) | |||||||
Advances from affiliates | — | 2,532 | — | — | |||||||||||
Contributions from owners | — | 3,746 | 4,374 | 9,140 | |||||||||||
Distributions to partners | (36,740 | ) | (7,670 | ) | (18,793 | ) | (23,986 | ) | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 73,588 | (7,237 | ) | 6,409 | (42,743 | ) | |||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 4,768 | (606 | ) | (906 | ) | 2,667 | |||||||||
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 18,070 | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 3,114 | $ | 9,910 | |||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,963 | 2,551 | 13,823 | 12,153 | ||||||||||||||
Accretion of interest on asset retirement obligations | 50 | 4 | 334 | — | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | — | — | 642 | 678 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred financing fees | 2,666 | 409 | 486 | 662 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of below (above) market leases, net | 96 | (29 | ) | (146 | ) | (199 | ) | |||||||||||
Gains on change in fair value of derivative instruments | — | — | (354 | ) | (1,334 | ) | ||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 571 | — | ||||||||||||||
Gains on sales of assets, net | (47 | ) | (471 | ) | (3,356 | ) | (2,648 | ) | ||||||||||
Provision for losses on doubtful accounts | 161 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Equity-based incentive compensation expense | 3,141 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Equity-based director compensation expense | 21 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | (2,948 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Settlement of capital lease obligations (Note 11) | (214 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: | ||||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (1,684 | ) | 12,850 | 5,015 | (1,953 | ) | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable from affiliates | (8,377 | ) | (6,720 | ) | (28,061 | ) | (409 | ) | ||||||||||
Inventories | (2,085 | ) | — | 1,049 | 108 | |||||||||||||
Environmental indemnification asset | (61 | ) | — | 3,795 | 2,302 | |||||||||||||
Other current assets | (1,452 | ) | (503 | ) | (1,038 | ) | (1,470 | ) | ||||||||||
Other assets | (396 | ) | (542 | ) | (246 | ) | 98 | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | 4,288 | (3,207 | ) | 6,355 | 1,001 | |||||||||||||
Motor fuel taxes payable | (2,269 | ) | (519 | ) | 2,197 | (881 | ) | |||||||||||
Income taxes payable | (333 | ) | 342 | — | — | |||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 1,313 | (671 | ) | 2,490 | 900 | |||||||||||||
Environmental liability | 61 | — | (3,929 | ) | (6,485 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | (1,342 | ) | 1,111 | 1,417 | (873 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net cash provided by operating activities | 29,622 | 3,249 | 4,158 | 11,560 | ||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 2,210 | 3,704 | 4,012 | 16,071 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (6,959 | ) | (260 | ) | (1,729 | ) | (2,772 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of notes receivable | — | — | — | (2,700 | ) | |||||||||||||
Principal payments received on notes receivable | 64 | 10 | 690 | 4,275 | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid in connection with acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (42,334 | ) | (75,523 | ) | (500 | ) | (33,749 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (47,019 | ) | (72,069 | ) | 2,473 | (18,875 | ) |
Cash Flows From Financing Activities Proceeds (repayments) under the revolving credit facility, net Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Repayment of long term debt Repayment of lease financing obligations Payment of deferred financing fees Payment to affiliate for Commission Sites (Note 1) Proceeds from issuance of common units, net Distributions paid on common and subordinated units Advances to affiliates Advances repaid by affiliates Contributions from owners Distributions to owners Redemption of mandatorily redeemable preferred equity Proceeds from financing obligations Payments on notes payable Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning of period End of period Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid for interest Cash paid for income taxes SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Lessor indirect costs incurred and deferred rent income recorded related to new lease transaction between affiliate and unrelated third-party Issuance of note payable in connection with purchase of sites Removal of property and equipment and capital lease obligation for sites terminated from Getty lease Change in estimate of asset retirement obligations Issuance of financing in connection with Rocky Top acquisition Adjustments to preliminary purchase accounting Issuance of capital lease obligations and recognition of asset retirement obligation related to Getty lease Issuance of capital lease obligation Expiration of call option related to lease financing Transfer of assets from Predecessor Entity to affiliate Consolidated
Lehigh Gas
Partners LP
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013 Consolidated
Lehigh Gas
Partners LP
Period from
October 31 to
December 31,
2012 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
Period from
January 1 to
October 30,
2012 Combined
Lehigh Gas
Entities
(Predecessor)
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2011 (37,442 ) 183,751 — — — — 15,568 31,038 — (182,911 ) (20,673 ) (17,493 ) (7,270 ) (151 ) (623 ) (11,669 ) (408 ) (4,076 ) (117 ) (1,441 ) (3,508 ) — — — 91,370 125,715 — — (25,998 ) (36,740 ) — — (1,720 ) — — — 1,720 — 2,532 — — — 3,746 4,374 — — (7,670 ) (18,793 ) — (12,000 ) — — — — — 21,716 — — — (1,323 ) 16,744 73,588 (7,237 ) 6,409 (653 ) 4,768 (606 ) (906 ) 4,768 — 2,082 2,988 $ 4,115 $ 4,768 $ 1,476 $ 2,082 11,375 2,355 11,134 12,150 1,729 — — — Increase (Decrease) in Assets and Liabilities 1,700 — — — 1,000 — — — (2,138 ) — — — 1,087 — — — 26,250 — — — 7,762 — — — 360 4,823 33,930 — — — 1,313 — — — 3,375 — — — 588 —
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash and Cash Equivalents | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | — | 2,082 | 2,988 | 321 | |||||||||||
End of period | $ | 4,768 | $ | 1,476 | $ | 2,082 | $ | 2,988 | |||||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | |||||||||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 2,355 | $ | 11,134 | $ | 12,150 | $ | 13,271 | |||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND | |||||||||||||||
Noncash contributions from owners | — | — | — | 10,984 | |||||||||||
Noncash distributions to owners | — | — | — | (2,591 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-cash assets and liabilities from Getty Capital Lease Obligations and Asset Retirement Obligations | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | 4,823 | 33,930 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | (4,823 | ) | (33,930 | ) | — | — | |||||||||
Non-cash assets and liabilities from Capital Lease Obligations | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | — | 1,313 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | — | (1,313 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Non-cash expiry of Lease Finance Obligations—Call | — | 3,375 | — | — | |||||||||||
Non-cash transfer of assets and liabilities from Kwik Pik Ohio LLC to Lehigh Gas Ohio LLC | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | — | 588 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | — | (588 | ) | — | — |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of theseNotes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements are comprised of Lehigh Gas Partners LP ("(“the Partnership"Partnership”) which is a Delaware limited partnership, and its consolidated subsidiaries,wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Partnership was formed in December 2011 by Lehigh Gas GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation, also formed in December 2011, to act aswhich is the general partnerGeneral Partner to the Partnership (the "General Partner"“General Partner”). The Partnership engages in the wholesale distribution of motor fuels, consisting primarily of gasoline and diesel fuel, and owns and leases real estate used in the retail distribution of motor fuels.
On May 11, 2012, the Partnership filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, ("SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-1, which was declared effective on October 24, 2012, and on October 25, 2012, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LGP"“LGP” (NYSE:LGP). On October 30, 2012, (the "Closing Date"), the Partnership completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of a total of 6,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests ("Common Units"), and on November 9, 2012, issued an additional 900,000 Common Units pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters of their over-allotment option (the "Offering"“IPO”).
References in these combined financial statements to "the Predecessor",“the Predecessor” or "Predecessor Entity",“Predecessor Entity” refer to the portion of the business of the Lehigh Gas Entities, or "LGC,"“LGC,” and its subsidiaries and affiliates under common control (Energy Realty OP LP, EROP-Ohio Holdings, LLC,Lehigh-Kimber Petroleum Corporation,Lehigh-Kimber Realty, LLC, Kwik Pik-Ohio LLC and Kwik Pik Realty-Ohio LLC) that were contributed to the Partnership in connection with the OfferingIPO (the "Contributed Assets"“Contributed Assets”). All of the Contributed Assets were recorded at historical costscost as this transaction was considered to be a reorganization of entities under common control. The Partnership issued Common Unitscommon units and Subordinated Unitssubordinated units to the shareholders, or their assigns, of the Predecessor Entity in consideration of their transfer of the Contributed Assets to the Partnership.
Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements are presented in accordance with SEC requirements for predecessor financial statements, which include the financial results of both the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity. The results of operations contained in the consolidated financial statements for the Partnership include the year ended December 31, 2013 and the period from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and2012. The results of operations contained in the combined financial statements for the Predecessor Entity include the period from January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012 and for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 for the combined financial statements for the Predecessor Entity.2011. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, presents the financial position of the Partnership only.only as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Prior to September 1, 2013, the Partnership leased certain sites to Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC, an affiliate (“LGO”), which, in turn, subleased certain of these sites (the “Subleases”) to third party commission agents (the “Commission Sites”) and entered into commission agreements with the agents to sell motor fuel on behalf of LGO to retail customers (the “Commission Agreements”). In connection with the Commission Agreements, LGO also purchased motor fuel from a subsidiary of the Partnership at wholesale prices. Effective September 1, 2013, the Partnership assumed the Commission Agreements and Subleases from LGO and terminated its leases with LGO for the Commission Sites. As a result, the Partnership now records the retail sale of motor fuels to the end customer and accrues a commission payable to the commission agent at the Commission Sites. Further, the Partnership now records inventory from the time of the purchase of motor fuels from third party suppliers until the retail sale to the end customer at these sites. The Commission Sites generate non-qualifying income for federal income tax purposes that is recorded in Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc., the taxable subsidiary of the Partnership as further described below. The Partnership paid LGO $3.5 million (the “Purchase Price”) for the Subleases and Commission Agreements and $2.1 million for the motor fuel inventory. Because the transaction was between entities under common control, the assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at LGO’s book value. The Purchase Price is presented as a distribution from partners’ capital.
With the addition of the retail business described above, the Partnership engages in:
The audited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and all of its subsidiaries. The Partnership'sPartnership’s primary operations are conducted by the following consolidated wholly owned subsidiaries:
TableLGO is an operator of Contents
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
1. Organization and Basismotor fuel stations that purchases all of Presentation (Continued)
As a result of the contribution of the Contributed Assets in connection with the Offering,its motor fuel requirements from the Partnership is engaged in substantially the same business and revenue generating activities as the Predecessor Entity, principally: (i) distributing motor fuels (using unrelated third-party transportation services providers)—on a wholesale basis to sub-wholesalers, independent dealers, third parties that operate sites owned or leased byin accordance with the Partnership that are, in turn, leased to the third party ("Lessee Dealers"), related entities,PMPA Franchise Agreement between LGO and others,LGW, and (ii) ownership or lease of locations and, in turn, generating rental incomethen re-sells motor fuel on a retail basis. LGO also leases motor fuel stations from the lease or subleasesPartnership. The financial results of LGO are not consolidated with those of the locations to third-party or related party operators.Partnership. For more information regarding the Partnership’s relationship with LGO, see Note 20.
2. Initial Public Offering
On October 24,30, 2012, the Partnership's Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC, and on October 25, 2012, the Partnership's Common Units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LGP).
On the Closing Date, the Partnership completed its OfferingIPO of 6,000,000 Common Unitscommon units at a price of $20.00 per unit, and on November 9, 2012, issued an additional 900,000 Common Unitscommon units at a price of $20.00 per unit pursuant to the full exercise by the Underwritersunderwriters of their over-allotment option. The Partnership received net proceeds of $125.7 million from the sale, net of underwriting discounts and structuring fees and $2.6 million of OfferingIPO expenses. Of this amount, the proceeds from the over-allotment option of approximately $16.7 million were distributed to Joseph V. Topper Jr., the Chairman of the boardBoard of directorsDirectors and Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner of the Partnership, and to certain of Mr. Topper'sTopper’s affiliates and family trusts, and to John B. Reilly, III, a member of the board of directors of the General Partner of the Partnership. The net proceeds retained by the Partnership were applied to (a) the repayment of approximately $57.8 million of indebtedness outstanding under the New Credit Facility (as defined herein)(see Note 10), which was drawn on the Closing Date and applied on that date to the repayment in full of the indebtedness then outstanding under the Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s prior credit facility; (b) the repayment in full of $14.3 million aggregate principal amount in outstanding mortgage notes; (c) the payment of $13.0 million (inclusive of a $1.0 million termination fee) to entities owned by adult children of Warren S. Kimber, Jr., a director of the General Partner, as consideration for the cancellation of mandatorily redeemable preferred equity of the Predecessor owned by these entities and to pay these entities for accrued but unpaid dividends on the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity of $0.5 million; (d) the distribution of an aggregate of $20.0 million cash to certain of the Topper Group Parties (as defined herein) as reimbursement for certain capital expenditures made by the Topper Group Parties with respect to the assets they contributed, and/or consideration for the purchase of all of the assets of one or more of the entities contributed to the Partnership in connection with the Offering.IPO.
Contribution Agreement
In connection with the closing ofIPO, the Offering, pursuant to an agreement with the Selected Lehigh Gas Entities, the Selected Lehigh Gas Entities contributed certain assets, liabilities, operations and/or equity interests (the "Contributed Assets") to the Partnership. In consideration of the Contributed Assets, the Partnership issued and/or distributed to the Selected Lehigh Gas Entities an aggregate: 625,000 Common Units, representing 8.3% of the Common Units outstanding, and 7,525,000
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
2. Initial Public Offering (Continued)
Subordinated Units, representing 100.0% of the Subordinated Units outstanding, which comprise in the aggregate 54.2% of the total Common Units and Subordinated Units outstanding.
The following is a summary of the Contributed Assets (in thousands):
Accounts receivable | $ | 16,550 | ||
Property, plant & equipment, net | 194,194 | |||
Other intangibles, net | 10,180 | |||
Goodwill | 4,043 | |||
Prepaid and other assets | 7,044 | |||
Total assets contributed | 232,011 | |||
Accounts payable | 17,445 | |||
Fuel taxes payable and other accrued expenses | 11,152 | |||
Debt(1) | 182,911 | |||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock(1) | 13,000 | |||
Lease financing obligations | 71,401 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | 9,177 | |||
Total liabilities contributed | 305,086 | |||
Net total liabilities contributed | $ | 73,075 | ||
Omnibus Agreement
On October 30, 2012, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership entered into an Omnibus Agreement (the "Omnibus Agreement") by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, LGC, Lehigh Gas-Ohio Holdings LLC ("LGO") and, for limited purposes, Joseph V. Topper, Jr. ("Topper"). Topper is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Partner.
Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, among other things, LGC provides the Partnership and the General Partner with management, administrative and operating services. These services include accounting, tax, corporate record keeping and communication, legal, financial reporting, internal audit support, compliance, maintenance of internal controls, environmental compliance and remediation management oversight, treasury, tax reporting, information technology and other administrative staff functions, and arrange for administration of insurance programs. As the Partnership does not have any employees, LGC provides the Partnership with personnel necessary to carry out the services provided under the Omnibus Agreement and any other services necessary to operate the Partnership's business. The Partnership does not have any obligation to compensate the officers of the General Partner or employees of LGC. The initial term of the Omnibus Agreement is four years and will automatically renew for additional one-year terms unless any party provides written notice to the other parties 180 days prior to the end of the term of the Omnibus Agreement. The Partnership has the right to
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
2. Initial Public Offering (Continued)
terminate the Omnibus Agreement at any time during the initial term upon 180 days' prior written notice.
The Partnership is required to pay LGC a management fee, which is initially an amount equal to (1) $420,000 per month plus (2) $0.0025 for each gallon of motor fuel the Partnership distributes per month. In addition, and subject to certain restrictions on LGC's ability to incur third-party fees, costs, taxes and expenses, the Partnership is required to reimburse LGC and the General Partner for all reasonable out-of-pocket third-party fees, costs, taxes and expenses incurred by LGC or the General Partner on the Partnership's behalf in connection with providing the services required to be provided by LGC under the Omnibus Agreement. For the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the Partnership paid $1.1 million in management fees.
The Partnership also received a right of first refusal on any acquisition opportunities identified by Topper, LGC, LGO or their controlled affiliates in any business primarily engaged in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses for so long as Topper, LGC and LGO or their controlled affiliates, individually or as part of a group, control the General Partner.
The Partnership also received a right of first offer on any assets or businesses primarily engaged in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses that Topper, LGC, LGO or their controlled affiliates decides to attempt to sell for so long as Topper, LGC and LGO or their controlled affiliates, individually or as part of a group, control the General Partner, with the exception of any non-contributed assets that existed as of the Closing Date.
The Omnibus Agreement also provides for certain indemnification obligations between LGC and the Partnership, which is inclusive of the environmental liabilities.
PMPA Franchise Agreement
On October 30, 2012, in connection with the closing of the Offering, the Partnership, and LGO entered into a PMPA Franchise Agreement (the "Wholesale Supply Agreement"). Pursuant to the Wholesale Supply Agreement, the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuel to all sites operated by LGO for a period of 15 years. The Partnership has the right to impose the brand of fuel that is distributed to LGO under the Wholesale Supply Agreement. There are no minimum volume requirements that LGO is required to satisfy. The Partnership charges LGO the "dealer tank wagon" prices for each grade of product in effect at the time title to the product passes to LGO.
Long-term Incentive Plan
In connection with the Offering, the General Partner has adopted the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan (the "Plan"), a long-term incentive plan for employees, officers, consultants and directors of the General Partner and any of its affiliates, including LGC, who perform services for the Partnership which consists of restricted units, unit options, performance awards, phantom units, unit awards, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights and other unit-based awards. Various limits and restrictions are attached to these awards. The Plan will be administered by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof, which we refer to as the Plan Administrator. The Board of Directors
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
2. Initial Public Offering (Continued)
of our General Partner has determined to grant up to 500,000 phantom units under the Plan to employees of LGC, other than the Chief Executive Officer of our General Partner, within 180 days after the closing of the Offering. The maximum number of Common Units that may be delivered with respect to awards under the Plan is 1,505,000.
The Plan Administrator may terminate or amend the Plan at any time with respect to any of our Common Units for which a grant has not yet been made. The Plan Administrator also has the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part of the Plan from time to time, including increasing the number of Common Units that may be granted, subject to unit holder approval as required by the exchange upon which our Common Units are listed at that time.
However, no change in any outstanding grant may be made that would adversely affect the rights of a participant with respect to awards granted to a participant prior to the effective date of such amendment or termination, except that the Board of Directors of our General Partner may amend any award to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Plan will expire on the tenth anniversary of its approval, when Common Units are no longer available under the Plan for grants or upon its termination by the Plan Administrator, whichever occurs first.
As of December 31, 2012, no units have been issued under the Plan.
Offering Costs
In connection with the Offering, the Partnership has incurred costs of approximately $6.3 million primarily related to legal, accounting, tax and other related costs and fees, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the period from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
Contribution Agreement
In connection with the IPO, pursuant to an agreement with the Lehigh Gas Entities, the Lehigh Gas Entities contributed certain assets, liabilities, operations and/or equity interests (the “Contributed Assets”) to the Partnership. In consideration of the Contributed Assets, the Partnership issued and/or distributed to the Lehigh Gas Entities an aggregate: 625,000 common units and 7,525,000 subordinated units.
The following is a summary of the Contributed Assets (in thousands):
Accounts receivable | $ | 16,550 | ||
Other current assets | 7,044 | |||
Property and equipment, net | 194,194 | |||
Deferred financing costs, net and other assets | 10,180 | |||
Goodwill | 4,043 | |||
|
| |||
Total assets contributed | 232,011 | |||
Accounts payable | 17,445 | |||
Motor fuel taxes payable and other accrued expenses | 11,152 | |||
Debt (a) | 182,911 | |||
Mandatorily redeemable preferred equity (a) | 13,000 | |||
Lease financing obligations | 71,401 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | 9,177 | |||
|
| |||
Total liabilities contributed | 305,086 | |||
|
| |||
Net total liabilities contributed | $ | 73,075 | ||
|
|
(a) | Subsequently paid off with proceeds from the IPO |
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"(“GAAP”) requires usmanagement to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues, expensesin the financial statements and costs.accompanying notes. These estimates are based on our knowledge of current events, historical experience and various other assumptions that we believeare believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Critical estimates made in the preparation of the consolidated and combined financial statements include, among others, determining the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities; assessing the collectability of accounts receivable; the recoverability of inventories;determining the useful lives and recoverability of property and equipment and amortized intangible assets; assessing the impairment of goodwill; measuring stock-based compensation expense; estimating asset retirement obligations; estimating environmental indemnification assets and liabilities, andestimating accruals for various commitments and contingencies. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Tablecontingencies; and determining the recoverability of Contentsdeferred tax assets.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Fair Value Measurements
The Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820")guidance on fair value measurements defines and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands related disclosures.value. Management uses fair value measurements to measure, among other items, acquired assets and liabilities in business combinations, leases and derivative contracts. Management also uses them to assess impairment of locations,sites, intangible assets and goodwill.
Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or is derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, use of unobservable prices or inputs are used to estimate the current fair value, often using an internal valuation model. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the item being valued.
Consolidation
The financial statements include the Partnership’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. In addition, the Partnership considers entities in which a controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests for consolidation. Such entities, known as variable interest entities, are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. Although the Partnership does not possess any ownership interests in its affiliate, LGO, nor is it the primary beneficiary, the Partnership may provide certain financial support outside of its existing contractual arrangements as a result of its vendor-customer relationship with LGO. Because the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, the results of operations of LGO have not been consolidated with those of the Partnership.
Business Combinations
The Partnership accounts for business combinations in accordance with the guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” Acquisitions of assets or entities that include inputs and processes and have the ability to create outputs are accounted for as business combinations. The purchase price is recorded for tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair value. The excess of the fair value of the Partnership andconsideration conveyed over the Predecessor Entity's financial instruments consistingfair value of accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt approximatedthe net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The income statement includes the results of operations for each acquisition from their carrying value asrespective date of December 31, 2012 and 2011.acquisition.
Segment Reporting
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity providespresents its segment reporting in accordance with ASC 280, "Segment Reporting" ("ASC 280") which establishes annual“Segment Reporting.” Effective September 1, 2013, the Partnership engages in both the wholesale and interim reporting standardsretail distribution of motor fuels, primarily gasoline and diesel fuel. The class of customer and gross margins are sufficiently different between these two businesses to warrant two reportable segments: 1) the wholesale segment and 2) the retail segment. See Note 21 for an enterprise's business segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. Theadditional information.
Prior to September 1, 2013, the Partnership and Predecessor Entity operateoperated in one operating segment – the distribution of motor fuels, consisting of gasoline and diesel fuel, and to own and lease real estate used in the distribution of motor fuels, with a single management team that reports to the Chief Executive Officer, who is the Chief Operating Decision maker, as that term is defined in ASC 280.chief operating decision maker. Accordingly, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity dodid not prepare discrete financial information with respect to separate product lines or by locationsite and dodid not have separately reportable segments. All of the operations are located in the United States, primarily in the northeast region, and Florida with the recent Express Lane Acquisition as further described in Note 4.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from wholesale fuel sales are recognized when fuel is delivered to the customer. The purchase and delivery of motor fuels generally occurs on the same day.
Revenues from retail fuel sales are recognized when fuel is sold to the customer. The Partnership records inventory from the time of the purchase of motor fuels from third party suppliers until the retail sale to the end customer.
Revenue from leasing arrangements in which the Partnership or Predecessor Entity is the Lessorlessor is recognized ratably over the term of the underlying lease.
For the Predecessor Entity, retail merchandise sales are recognized net of applicable provisions for discounts and allowances upon delivery, generally at the point of sale.
Substantially all revenues from fuel sales are from sales of gasoline, with the remainder comprised of diesel and other products.
Motor Fuel Taxes
LGW and the Predecessor Entity collect motor fuel taxes, which consist of various pass through taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities, and remit such taxes directly to those taxing authorities. LGW and the Predecessor Entity’s accounting policy is to exclude the tax collected and remitted from wholesale revenues and cost of sales and account for them as liabilities. LGWS’s retail sales and cost of sales include motor fuel taxes as the taxes are included in the cost paid for motor fuel to LGW and LGWS has no responsibility to collect or remit such taxes to the taxing authorities.
Cost of Sales
The amountsPartnership and the Predecessor Entity include in cost of revenues from fuel sales all costs incurred to acquire wholesale fuel, including the costs of purchasing and transporting inventory prior to delivery to the wholesale customers. Cost of revenues from fuel sales does not include any depreciation of property and equipment. Depreciation is separately classified in the income statement. Total cost of revenues from fuel sales of suppliers who accounted for 10% or more of total cost of revenues from fuel sales for the periods presented are as follows:
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||
ExxonMobil | 43 | % | 44 | % | 41 | % | 49 | % | ||||||||||
BP Products | 25 | % | 27 | % | 27 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||
Motiva Enterprises | 15 | % | 14 | % | 19 | % | 25 | % | ||||||||||
Valero | (a | ) | (a | ) | (a | ) | 12 | % |
(a) | less than 10% |
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Partnership considers all short-term investments with maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which, for cash equivalents, approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity. The Partnership is potentially subject to financial instrument concentration of credit risk through its cash and cash equivalents. The Partnership maintains cash and cash equivalents with several major financial institutions. The Partnership has not experienced any losses on their cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable primarily result from the sales of wholesale motor fuels and rental fees for sites to customers. The majority of the Partnership’s accounts receivable relate to its wholesale motor fuel sales that can generally be described as high volume and low margin activities. Credit is extended to a customer based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. In certain circumstances collateral may be required from the customer. Receivables are recorded at face value, without interest or discount.
The provision for bad debts areis generally based upon a specific analysis of aged accounts while also factoring in any new business conditions that might impact the historical analysis, such as market conditions and bankruptcies of particular customers. Bad debt provisions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The following table presents the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity's products as a percentage of total sales for the following periods:
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gasoline | 93.7 | % | 94.1 | % | 92.0 | % | 92.0 | % | |||||||
Diesel fuel | 6.2 | % | 5.8 | % | 7.9 | % | 7.9 | % | |||||||
Other | 0.1 | % | 0.1 | % | 0.1 | % | 0.1 | % | |||||||
Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Motor Fuel Taxes
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity collect motor fuel taxes, which consist of various pass through taxes collected from customers on behalf of taxing authorities, and remits such taxes directly to those taxing authorities. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity's accounting policy is to exclude the tax collected and remitted from revenues and cost of sales and account for them as liabilities.
Cost of Sales
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity include in "Cost of Sales" all costs incurred to acquire wholesale fuel, including the costs of purchasing, storing and transporting inventory prior to delivery to the wholesale customers. Cost of sales does not include any depreciation of property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is separately classified in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations. Total cost of sales of suppliers who accounted for 10% or more of total cost of sales for the periods presented are as follows:
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExxonMobil | 44.3 | % | 40.5 | % | 48.9 | % | 57.1 | % | |||||||
Motiva Enterprises | 14.4 | % | 18.8 | % | 24.6 | % | 14.2 | % | |||||||
BP Products | 27.3 | % | 26.7 | % | 5.1 | % | 5.6 | % | |||||||
Valero | 4.7 | % | 4.2 | % | 12.1 | % | 13.2 | % |
The table does not include amounts related to the Chevron agreement acquired with the Express Lane acquisition. The Partnership anticipates this supplier will be significant in the future.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity consider all short-term investments with maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which, for cash equivalents, approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity are potentially subject to financial instrument concentration of credit risk through its cash and cash equivalents. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity maintain cash and cash equivalents with several major financial institutions. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity have not experienced any losses on their cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable result from the sales of wholesale motor fuels and rental fees for locations to customers. The majority of the Partnership's and the Predecessor Entity's accounts receivable relates to its wholesale motor fuel sales that can generally be described as high volume and low margin activities. Credit is extended to a customer based on evaluation of the customer's financial condition. In certain circumstances collateral may be required from the customer. Receivables are recorded at face value, without interest or discount.
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity reviewreviews all accounts receivable balances on at least a quarterly basis and provideprovides an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and on a specific identification basis.
InventoriesMotor Fuel Inventory
Inventories for the Predecessor Entity were valuedMotor fuel inventories consist of gasoline and diesel fuel and are stated at the lower of average cost or market. Cost was determinedmarket using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. Inventories of store merchandise and supplies were valued using the retail method. The Partnership does not carry inventory.No provisions for potentially obsolete or slow-moving inventory have been made.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment areis recorded at cost. Property and equipment acquired through a business combination is recorded at fair value. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, including: 810 to 20 years for buildings and improvements and 5 to 15 years for equipment, and 3 to 7 for vehicles and office furniture and equipment. Amortization of leasehold improvements is based upon the shorter of the remaining terms of the leases including renewal periods that are reasonably assured, or the estimated useful lives, which generally range from 7 to 10 years.
Expenditures for major renewals and betterments that extend the useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Gains or losses on the disposition of property and equipment are recorded in the period the sale is recognized.meets the criteria for recognition.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs that are incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized to interest expense using the straight line method (which approximates the effective interest method) over the contractual term of the underlying indebtedness.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets
Intangibles are recorded at fair value upon acquisition. Intangible assets associated with wholesale fuel supply contracts, wholesale fuel distribution rights and trademarks are amortized over 10 years. Covenants not to compete are amortized over the shorter of the contract term or 5 years. Intangible assets associated with above and below market leases are amortized over the lease term, which approximates 5 years.
Asset Impairment
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity reviewreviews long-lived assets, including definite lived intangiblesproperty and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the long-lived asset (group) might not be recoverable. Accordingly,recoverable in accordance with ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Such events and circumstances include, among other factors: operating losses; market value declines; changes in the Partnershipexpected physical life of an asset; changes in business plans or those of major customers, suppliers or other business partners; changes in competition and competitive practices; uncertainties associated with the Predecessor Entity evaluate for impairment whenever indicatorsU.S. and world economies; changes in the expected level of impairment are identified. With respect to other long-lived assets, thecapital, operating or environmental remediation expenditures; and changes in governmental regulations or actions. The impairment evaluation is initially based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the respective intangible asset.asset (group), including residual value upon eventual disposition. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of the asset (group) are less than its carrying value, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the present value of the future cash flows associated with the asset (group) to its carrying value and is recorded at that time.
Goodwill
The Partnership accounts for purchased goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets acquired in a business combination areis recorded at fair value as of the date acquired. Acquired intangibles determined to have an indefinite useful life areGoodwill is not amortized, but areis instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASU") 350"Intangibles—Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350") and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The annual impairment test
A qualitative assessment is permitted, whereby companies may assess all relevant events and circumstances to determine if it is “more likely than not” (meaning a likelihood of goodwill was performed at December 31, 2012, formore than 50%) that the Partnership, and at October 30, 2012, forfair value of the Predecessor Entity.
The annual impairment assessment ofreporting unit goodwill is less than the carrying amount. If there is a more likely than not assessment, companies would need to perform the two-step process:process described below.
ASC 350 requires companiesCompanies are required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if the carrying value of the reporting unit is zero or negative andor adverse qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount.
In additionThe Partnership has defined its reporting units as its reportable segments. No goodwill has been assigned to the guidance indicated above, a qualitative assessment is permitted under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2012-02,Intangibles—GoodwillRetail segment, and other (Topic): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assetsthus the Partnership tested the Wholesale segment for Impairment (ASU 2012-02). Under this guidance companies may assess all relevant events and circumstances to determine if it is "more likely than not" (meaning a likelihoodimpairment.
The Partnership performed its annual impairment test of more than 50%) that the fair value of the reporting units goodwill is less than the carrying
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, throughat December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
amount. If there is a more likely than not assessment, companies would need to perform the two-step process.
2013. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity utilized ASU 2012-12 for its goodwill impairment analysis. This analysis utilized qualitative factors, such as macroeconomic factors, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity specific events, in their qualitative assessment of the goodwill for their singlereporting units. Based on that analysis, the Partnership concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Wholesale reporting unit at December 31, 2012, for the Partnership, and as of October 30, 2012, for the Predecessor Entity. Both the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity and concluded that there was no need to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test.exceeds its carrying value.
Estimates and assumptions used to perform the impairment testing are inherently uncertain and can significantly affect the outcome of the impairment test. Changes in operating results and other assumptions could materially affect these estimates.
Environmental and Other Liabilities
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity accrues for all direct costs associated with the estimated resolution of contingencies at the earliest date at which it is deemed probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs accrued are estimated based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies and outcomes. Estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Loss accruals are adjusted as further information becomes available or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity maintain insurance of various types with varying levels of coverage that is considered adequate under the circumstances to cover operations and properties. The insurance policies are subject to deductibles that are considered reasonable and not excessive. In addition, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity havehas entered into indemnification and escrow agreements with various sellers in conjunction with certain of their acquisition transactions.
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity areis subject to other contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising out of its businesses that cover a wide range of matters, including, among others, environmental matters and contract and employment claims. Environmental and other legal proceedings may also include matters with respect to businesses previously owned. Further, due to the lack of adequate information and the potential impact of present regulations and any future regulations, there are certain circumstances in which no range of potential exposure may be reasonably estimated.
Leases
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity leaseaccounts for leases in accordance with ASC 840, “Leases.” The Partnership leases certain gas stationssites from third parties under long-term arrangements with various expiration dates. In addition, the Partnership and the Predecessor
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Entity lease office space and computer equipment. Accounting and reporting guidance for leasesU.S. GAAP requires leases be evaluated and classified as either operating or capital leases for financial statement reporting purposes. The lease term used for lease evaluation includes option periods only in instances in which the exercise of the option period can be reasonably assured and failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty. Minimum lease payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease including renewal periods that are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease. In addition to minimum lease payments, certain leases require additional contingent payments based on sales volume or future inflation.
The Partnership andis the Predecessor Entity also enter intolessee in certain sale-leaseback transactions for certain locations,sites, and as the Partnership or the Predecessor Entity has continuing involvement in the underlying locations,sites, or the lease agreement has a repurchase feature, the sale-leaseback arrangements are accounted for as financing transactions.
Acquisition Accounting
Acquisitions
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Partnership accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with ASC 410-20, “Asset Retirement Obligations.” The Partnership is obligated by contractual or regulatory requirements or contingently obligated at the discretion of the lessor to remove certain equipment or perform other remediation upon retirement of certain assets or entities that include inputs and processes and haveat sites at which the ability to create outputs are accounted for as business combinations. The purchase pricePartnership is recorded for tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumedthe lessee. Determination of the amounts recognized is based on fair value. The excessnumerous estimates and assumptions, including expected settlement dates and probability of occurrence, future retirement costs, future inflation rates andcredit-adjusted risk-free rates. See Note 12 for additional information.
Equity-Based Compensation
In connection with the IPO, the Partnership adopted the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan under which various types of awards may be granted to employees, consultants and directors of the General Partner or its affiliates who provide services to the Partnership. The Partnership granted phantom units to employees of LGC that vest in one-third increments starting on March 15, 2014 and each March 15 of the two subsequent years, at which time common units will be granted to these employees. Since the Partnership grants phantom units to employees of LGC, the grants are measured at fair value at each balance sheet reporting date based on the fair market value of the consideration conveyedPartnership’s common units, and the cumulative compensation cost related to that portion of the awards that have vested is recognized ratably over the fair valuevesting term and classified within selling, general and administrative expenses. The liability for the future grant of common units is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the balance sheet.
If there are any modifications of the netequity incentive compensation award after the date of grant, regardless of whether the vesting settlement is in common units or cash, the Partnership may be required to accelerate any remaining unearned equity incentive compensation expense or record additional equity incentive compensation expense.
Income Taxes
The Partnership’s wholly owned taxable subsidiary recognizes deferred income tax assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The consolidated and combined statements of operationsliabilities for the years presented includeexpected future income tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the resultsrelated income tax basis.
Each of operationsthe Predecessor Entity’s respective form of legal ownership was a combination of a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC), or a partnership. Income taxes were generally assessed at the individual level of the respective entities’ stockholder(s) (who have elected to be taxed as a sub-chapter S corporation) or partners. Accordingly, the Predecessor Entity financial statements do not contain a provision for income taxes as no income taxes were assessed at the entity level.
Likewise, income tax attributable to the Partnership’s earnings and losses, excluding the earnings and losses of its wholly owned taxable subsidiary, are assessed at the individual level of the unitholder. Accordingly, the Partnership does not record a provision for income taxes other than for those earnings and losses generated or incurred by its wholly owned taxable subsidiary.
Tax positions not meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the financial statement date may not be recognized or continue to be recognized under the accounting guidance for income taxes. Where required, the Partnership recognizes interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in income taxes.
Valuation allowances are initially recorded and reevaluated each acquisitionreporting period by assessing the likelihood of the ultimate realization of a deferred tax asset. Management considers a number of factors in assessing the realization of a deferred tax asset, including the reversal of temporary differences, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The amount of deferred tax assets ultimately realized may differ materially from their respective datethe estimates utilized in the computation of acquisition.valuation allowances and may materially impact the financial statements in the future.
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
The determination to classify an asset as held for sale requires significant estimates about the locationsite and the expected market for the location,site, which are based on factors including recent sales of comparable locations,sites, recent expressions of interest in the locationssite and the condition of the location.site. Management must also determine if it will be possible under those market conditions to sell the locationsite for an acceptable price within one year. When assets are identified by management as held for sale, depreciation is discontinued and the sales price, net of selling costs, is estimated. Management considers locationssites to be held for sale when they meet criteria such as whether the sale transaction has been approved by the appropriate level of management and there are no known material contingencies relating to the sale such that the sale is probable and is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year. If, in management'smanagement’s opinion, the expected net sales price of the asset that has been identified as held for sale is less than the net book value of the asset, the asset is written down to fair value less the cost to sell. Assets and liabilities related to assets classified as held for sale are presented separately in the consolidated and combined balance sheets.
There is frequently significant continuing involvement as the Partnership or the Predecessor Entity may supply fuel to the site after selling the location.site. Such locationssites would not be considered discontinued operations. Assuming no significant continuing involvement, both a locationsite classified as held for sale and a sold locationsite are considered a discontinued operation. LocationsSites classified as discontinued operations are reclassified as such in the consolidated and combinedincome statement of
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
operations for all periods presented. Cash flows from discontinued operations have not been segregated in the consolidated and combined statements of cash flows.
Income Taxes
Pursuant to ASC 740,Income Taxes, the Partnership's wholly owned taxable subsidiary recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future income tax consequences of temporary difference between financial statement carrying amounts and the related income tax basis. The Partnership has concluded it has no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2012.
Each of the Predecessor Entity's respective form of legal ownership was a combination of a corporation, a limited liability company (LLC), or a partnership. Income taxes were generally assessed at the individual level of the respective entities' stockholder(s) (who have elected under the Code to be taxed as a Sub-Chapter S Corporation) or partners. Accordingly, the Predecessor Entity special purpose historical combined financial statements do not contain a provision for income taxes, as no income taxes were assessed at the entity level.
Likewise, income tax attributable to the Partnership's earnings and losses, excluding the earnings and losses of its wholly owned taxable subsidiary, are assessed at the individual level of the unitholder. Accordingly, the Partnership does not record a provision for income taxes other than for those earnings and losses generated or incurred by its wholly owned taxable subsidiary.
The Partnership and Predecessor Entity performed an evaluation of all material tax positions, if any, for the tax years subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Tax positions not meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the financial statement date may not be recognized or continue to be recognized under the accounting guidance for income taxes. Based on such evaluation, the Partnership and Predecessor Entity concluded there were no uncertain tax positions requiring adjustment in its financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Where required, the Partnership and Predecessor Entity recognize interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in income taxes.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Partnership is obligated by contractual or regulatory requirements to remove certain equipment or perform other remediation upon retirement of certain assets. Determination of the amounts recognized is based on numerous estimates and assumptions, including expected settlement dates and probability of occurrence, future retirement costs, future inflation rates and credit-adjusted risk-free rates. The asset retirement obligations for the Partnership were $0.6 million as of December 31, 2012. The Predecessor Entity's retirement obligations as of December 31, 2011, were not significant.
Derivative Instruments
From time-to-time, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity use derivative instruments, typically interest rate swap agreements to hedge the interest payment on variable rate debt. These interest rate swap agreements generally require the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity to pay a fixed interest rate and receive a variable interest rate based on London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR"). If
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
applicable, all derivative instruments are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. Although the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity do not designate any of their derivative instruments as accounting hedges, such derivative instruments provide an economic hedge of exposure to interest rate risk associated with cash flow requirements on variable rate debt.
An economic hedge by definition introduces the potential for earnings variability caused by the changes in fair value of the derivatives that are recorded in the statement of operations but that are not offset by corresponding changes in the value of the economically hedged assets or liabilities.
Allocation of Net Income
Under the Partnership Agreement, our General Partner'sPartner’s interest in net income from the Partnership consists of the incentive distribution rights ("IDRs"(“IDRs”), which are increasing percentages up to 50% of quarterly distributions out of our operating surplus in excess of $0.6563 per limited partner unit. as noted below:
Total Quarterly Distribution Per Common and Subordinated Unit | Marginal Percentage Interest in Distribution | |||||||
Target Amount | Unitholders | Holders of IDRs | ||||||
above $0.5031 up to $0.5469 | 85 | % | 15 | % | ||||
above $0.5469 up to $0.6563 | 75 | % | 25 | % | ||||
above $0.6563 | 50 | % | 50 | % |
The Partnership'sPartnership’s undistributed net income is generally allocable pro rata to the common and subordinated unitholders, except where common unitholders have received cash distributions in excess of the subordinated unitholders. In that circumstance, net income is allocated to the common unit holdersunitholders first in support of such excess cash distribution paid to them,them; the remainder of the net income is allocable pro rata to the common and subordinated unitholders. Losses are generalgenerally allocable pro rata to the common and subordinated unit holdersunitholders in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.
The Partnership did not pay any distributions and the IDRs and the General Partner were not allocated any income during the period from October 31, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
Earnings Per-Unit
In addition to the Commoncommon and Subordinated Units,subordinated units, the Partnership has identified the IDRs as participating securities and computes income per unit using the two-class method under which any excess of distributions declared over net income shall be allocated to the partners based on their respective sharing of income specified in the partnership agreement. Net income per unit applicable to limited partners (including Commoncommon and Subordinatedsubordinated unitholders) is computed by dividing the limited partners'partners’ interest in net income, after deducting any incentive distributions, by theweighted-average number of outstanding Commoncommon and Subordinated Units.subordinated units.
Comprehensive Income or LossReclassifications
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity account for comprehensive income or loss in accordance with ASC 220,Comprehensive Income, which established standards for the reporting and presentation of comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity have no such transactions which affect comprehensive income/(loss) and, accordingly, comprehensive income or loss equals net income or loss for all periods presented.
Equity-Based Compensation
In connection with the IPO, the Partnership adopted the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan under which various types of awards may be grantedCertain reclassifications were made to employees, consultants and directors of the General Partner, or its affiliates, who provide servicesprior period amounts to conform to the Partnership. The
Lehigh Gas Partners LPcurrent year presentation. Specifically, accounts receivable and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Partnership will amortize the grant-date fair value of these awards over the vesting period using the straight-line method. Expenses related to unit-based compensation will be included in general and administrative expenses. No awards have been issued under this planaccounts payable as of December 31, 2012.2012 were each increased by $2.0 million. This reclassification has no impact on net income or partners’ capital for any periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2011,The Partnership considers the Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2011-12, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferralapplicability and impact of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05" ("ASU 2011-12"). In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income" (ASU 2011-05"). Both ASU's are effective for interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in equity. In addition, items of other comprehensive income that are reclassified to profit or loss are required to be presented separately on the face of the financial statements. This guidance is intended to increase the prominence of other comprehensive income in financial statements by requiring that such amounts be presented either in a single continuous statement of income and comprehensive income or separately in consecutive statements of income and comprehensive income. ASU 2011-12 defers the changes in ASU 2011-05 that pertain to how, when and where reclassification adjustments are presented. Thisall new accounting guidance. No new accounting guidance was adopted as of January 1, 2012, retrospectively for the all periods presented. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated and combined financial statements.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment" ("ASU 2012-02") on impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets. ASU 2012-02 amends FASB Codification Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Otherin 2013 that had, or is expected to allow, but not require, an entity, when performing its annual or more frequent indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test, to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this ASU did not have, a significant impact on the consolidated and combined financial statements.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions
In evaluating potential acquisition candidates, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity considerconsiders a number of factors, including strategic fit, desirability of location, purchase price and the ability to improve the productivity and profitability of a location and/or wholesale supply agreement or distribution rights through the implementation of improved operating strategy.strategies. The ability to create accretive financial results and/or operational efficiencies due to the relative operational scale and /or geographic concentration, among other strategic factors, may result in a purchase price in excess of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in the recognition of goodwill. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity strivestrives to make acquisitions accretive to partners'partners’ capital / owners' equity and provide a reasonable long-term return on investment. Goodwill recorded in connection with thethese acquisitions is primarily attributable to the assembled workforce of the acquired businessesestimated synergies and the synergies expected to arise after the acquisitions of those businesses.enhanced revenue opportunities.
With respect to the Dunmore Asset Acquisition andacquisitions discussed below (other than the Motiva Acquisition, both further described below,Express Lane acquisition), the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity, respectively, concluded that the historical balance sheet and operating information concerning these acquisitions would not be meaningful to investors as the Partnership and the Predecessor Entityfundamentally changed fundamentally the nature of the revenue producing assets acquired from the manner in which they were used by their respectivethe sellers. Thus, other than for the Express Lane acquisition, the Partnership did not present pro forma revenues and net income as it was determined that presenting historicalsuch financial information regarding thesuch acquisitions wouldmay mislead investors. Moreover,
Acquisition costs incurred during the sellers were unwilling to provide complete financial information foryear ended December 31, 2013 and the acquisitions for periods prior to the closing date of the acquisition and, accordingly, the preparation of historical financial information is impracticable.
Dunmore Asset Purchase Agreement Acquisition
On December 21, 2012, the Partnership completed (the "Dunmore Closing") its acquisition of certain assets of Dunmore Oil Company, Inc. and JoJo Oil Company, Inc. (together, the "Dunmore Sellers") as contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement, as amended (the "Dunmore Purchase Agreement"), by and among the Partnership, a subsidiary of the Partnership, the Dunmore Sellers, and, for limited purposes, Joseph Gentile, Jr. Pursuant to the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, the Dunmore Sellers sold to the Partnership all of the assets (collectively, the "Dunmore Assets") held and used by the Dunmore Sellers in connection with their gasoline and diesel retail outlet business and their related convenience store business (the "Dunmore Retail Business"). In connection with this transaction, the Partnership will acquire 24 motor fuel service stations, 23 of which will be fee simple interests and one of which will be a leasehold interest.
LGO leases the sitesperiod from the Partnership and operates the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, as contemplated by the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, certain of the non-qualified income generating Dunmore Assets and certain non-qualifed liabilities of the Dunmore Sellers were assigned by the Partnership to LGO. LGO paid the Partnership $0.5 million for advanced rent payments. The Dunmore Sellers are permitted to continue to operate certain portions of their business relating to sales of heating oil, propane and unbranded motor fuels.
Pursuant to the PMPA Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") by and between LGO and a wholly owned subsidiary, Lehigh Gas Wholesale, LLC ("LGW"), the Partnership is the exclusive
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012 were $1.2 million and
$0.8 million, respectively. Acquisition costs incurred during the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012 and
for the Years Endedyear ended December 31, 2011 were $0.5 million and 2010$0.6 million, respectively. Such costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
4. Acquisitions (Continued)The conflicts committee of the General Partner determined that the apportionment of the consideration payable by each of the Partnership and LGO and the terms and conditions of the agreements with LGO are fair and reasonable to the Partnership for each of the acquisitions discussed below.
distributorRogers Acquisition
On September 19, 2013, the Partnership completed its purchase of certain assets from Rogers Petroleum, Inc. and affiliates (“Rogers”), pursuant to which the Partnership purchased 13 motor fuels to all sites operatedfuel stations, four leasehold motor fuel stations and certain other assets, which were held or used by LGORogers in connection with the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, the Partnership leases these sites to LGO pursuant to property lease agreements. We estimate we will receive from LGO aggregate rental income, net of expenses, of approximately $1.7 million per year from such sites.
As consideration for the Dunmore Assets, the Partnership paid (i) $28.0 million in cash to the Dunmore Sellers; (ii) $0.5 million in cash to Mr. Gentile as consideration for his agreeing, for a period of five years following the Dunmore Closing, to not compete in the Dunmore Retail Business, to not engage in the sale or distribution of brandedtheir motor fuels and to not solicit or hire anyrelated convenience store businesses located in the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee, for $20.0 million. The purchase price was funded by borrowings under the Credit Facility. One of the Partnership affiliates' employees;sites initially leased was purchased on October 23, 2013 for $1.1 million.
Simultaneously, LGO completed its purchase of certain retail assets from Rogers (including fuel and (iii) $0.5 million in cash to be held in escrow and deliveredmerchandise inventory). The income that these assets generate is non-qualifying for federal income tax purposes. Subsequent to the Dunmore Sellers uponclosing, the Partnership's receipt of written evidence concerning the payment of certainPartnership and LGO entered into a sublease agreement for all of the Dunmore Sellers' pre-closing tax liabilities (collectively,sites and a fuel distribution agreement for the "Dunmore Purchase Price").purchase and sale of wholesale fuel.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Dunmore Asset Purchase Agreement Acquisition Dateacquisition date (in thousands):
Land | $ | 6,500 | ||
Buildings | 9,700 | |||
Equipment | 4,200 | |||
Wholesale fuel distribution rights | 8,200 | |||
Total identifiable assets | $ | 28,600 | ||
Lease agreements with above average market value | 200 | |||
Net identifiable assets acquired | 28,400 | |||
Goodwill | 600 | |||
Net assets acquired | $ | 29,000 | ||
Original Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | Cumulative Adjustments | Adjusted Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | ||||||||||
Property and equipment | $ | 18,810 | $ | 120 | $ | 18,930 | ||||||
Intangible assets | 1,145 | 1,225 | 2,370 | |||||||||
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Total identifiable assets | 19,955 | 1,345 | 21,300 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | — | 273 | 273 | |||||||||
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Net identifiable assets acquired | 19,955 | 1,072 | 21,027 | |||||||||
Goodwill | — | 98 | 98 | |||||||||
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Net assets acquired | $ | 19,955 | $ | 1,170 | $ | 21,125 | ||||||
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During the fourth quarter of 2013, based on additional valuation analysis completed, the Partnership increased the value ascribed to intangible assets and recorded other insignificant adjustments as reflected above.
The above estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumedacquired are provisional and are based on the information that was available as of the Dunmore Acquisition Date to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.acquisition date. The Partnership believes the information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values butvalues. The purchase price allocation is preliminary pending a final valuation of the Partnership is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those amounts.assets and liabilities, including a final valuation of property and equipment, intangible assets and the impact of income taxes. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are subject to change, and such change could be significant. The Partnership expects to finalize the valuation and complete the purchase priceaccounting for the transaction as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the Dunmore Acquisition Date.acquisition date.
The fair value of land, buildings, and equipment ("tangible assets") was determined usingbased on a cost approach, with the fair value of an asset estimated by reference to the replacement cost to obtain a substitute asset of comparable features and functionality, and is the amount a willing market participant would pay for such an asset, taking into consideration the asset condition as well as any physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and/or economic obsolescence. The buildings and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis, with estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and 5 to 15 years for equipment. Land is not depreciated.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions (Continued)
The $1.7 million fair value of the wholesale fuel distribution rights was determined usingbased on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the wholesale fuel distribution rights over their estimated remaining useful life, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of transaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The wholesale fuel distribution rights are being amortized on a straightlinestraight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately 10 years.
The amounts$0.4 million fair value of revenuethe covenant not to compete was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the difference between the present value of after-tax cash flows with and net income relatedwithout the covenant not to assets acquiredcompete in place, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the Dunmore Asset Purchase Agreement Acquisitioninherent risks associated with this type of transaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The covenant not to compete intangible asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-year period.
Aggregate incremental revenues for the period December 21, 2012, through December 31, 2012,acquisition since the acquisition date included in the Partnership's Consolidated StatementPartnership’s statements of Operationsoperations were $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Rocky Top Acquisition
Effective September 24, 2013, the Partnership completed its purchase of certain assets from Rocky Top Markets, LLC and Rocky Top Properties, LLC (collectively, “Rocky Top”), pursuant to which the Partnership purchased one motor fuel station, three leasehold motor fuel stations, assumed certain third-party supply contracts and purchased certain other assets, which were held or used by Rocky Top in connection with their motor fuels and related convenience store businesses located in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. Concurrent with the closing, the Partnership entered into a lease for 29 motor fuel stations that the Partnership is obligated to purchase, at the election of Rocky Top, either (a) in whole for $26.2 million on or about August 1, 2015, or (b) in approximately equal parts over a 5 year period for an average of $5.3 million per year beginning in 2016. Due to the obligation to purchase the sites under the lease, the lease is accounted for as a seller financing. In conjunction with the seller financing, the transfer of title of the property and equipment recorded as part of the accounting for the business combination is expected to occur at the time of the final payment. As such, the Partnership recorded $26.2 million of debt, which was not considered material.
preliminarily determined to be its fair value. See Note 10 for additional details. The Partnership recognized $0.4paid $10.7 million in cash to Rocky Top at closing, which was funded by borrowings under the Credit Facility.
Simultaneously, LGO completed its purchase of acquisition-related costscertain retail assets from Rocky Top (including fuel and merchandise inventory). The income that were expensed during 2012. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses inthese assets generate is non-qualifying for federal income tax purposes. Subsequent to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
All of the transactions betweenclosing, the Partnership and LGO entered into a sublease agreement for all of the sites and a fuel distribution agreement for the purchase and sale of wholesale fuel.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
Original Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | Cumulative Adjustments | Adjusted Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | ||||||||||
Property and equipment | $ | 33,670 | $ | (110 | ) | $ | 33,560 | |||||
Intangible assets | 3,180 | 380 | 3,560 | |||||||||
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Total identifiable assets | 36,850 | 270 | 37,120 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | — | 372 | 372 | |||||||||
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Net identifiable assets acquired | 36,850 | (102 | ) | 36,748 | ||||||||
Goodwill | — | 102 | 102 | |||||||||
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Net assets acquired | $ | 36,850 | $ | — | $ | 36,850 | ||||||
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During the fourth quarter of 2013, based on additional valuation analysis completed, the Partnership increased the value ascribed to intangible assets and recorded other insignificant adjustments as reflected above.
The above fair values of assets and liabilities acquired are provisional and based on information that was available as of the acquisition date. The Partnership believes the information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values. The purchase price allocation is preliminary pending a final valuation of the assets and liabilities, including a final valuation of property and equipment, intangible assets and the impact of income taxes. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are describedsubject to change, and such change could be significant. The Partnership expects to finalize the valuation and complete the accounting for the transaction as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.
The fair value of land, buildings, and equipment was based on a cost approach, with the fair value of an asset estimated by reference to the replacement cost to obtain a substitute asset of comparable features and functionality, and is the amount a willing market participant would pay for such an asset, taking into consideration the asset condition as well as any physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and/or economic obsolescence. The buildings and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis, with estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and 5 to 15 years for equipment.
The $2.8 million fair value of the wholesale fuel distribution rights was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the wholesale fuel distribution rights over their estimated remaining useful life, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of transaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The wholesale fuel distribution rights are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately 10 years.
The $0.3 million fair value of the trademark was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the trademark.
Aggregate incremental revenues for the acquisition since the date of acquisition included in the Partnership’s statements of operations were $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Manchester Acquisition
On December 19, 2013, the Partnership completed its purchase of certain assets from Manchester Marketing, Inc. (“Manchester”), pursuant to which the Partnership purchased 44 independent dealer supply contracts, five sub-wholesale supply contracts, two leasehold motor fuel stations and certain other assets and equipment, which were held or used by Manchester in connection with their motor fuels and related convenience store businesses located in the Richmond, Virginia area, for $10.7 million. The purchase price was funded by borrowings under the Credit Facility.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
Accounts receivable | $ | 78 | ||
Inventory | 56 | |||
Property and equipment | 230 | |||
Notes receivable | 437 | |||
Intangible assets | 10,271 | |||
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Total identifiable assets | 11,072 | |||
Other liabilities | 332 | |||
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Net assets acquired | $ | 10,740 | ||
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The above fair values of assets and liabilities acquired are provisional and based on information that was available as of the acquisition date. The Partnership believes the information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values. The purchase price allocation is preliminary pending a final valuation of the assets and liabilities, including a final valuation of property and equipment, intangible assets and the impact of income taxes. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair value reflected are subject to change, and such change could be significant. The Partnership expects to finalize the valuation and complete the accounting for the transaction as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.
The fair value of land, buildings, and equipment was based on a cost approach, with the fair value of an asset estimated by reference to the replacement cost to obtain a substitute asset of comparable features and functionality, and is the amount a willing market participant would pay for such an asset, taking into consideration the asset condition as well as any physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and/or economic obsolescence. The buildings and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis, with estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and 5 to 15 years for equipment.
The $9.1 million fair value of the wholesale fuel supply agreements was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the wholesale fuel supply agreements over their estimated remaining useful life, usingprobability-weighted cash flows, generally assumed to extend through the term of the wholesale fuel supply contracts, and using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of agreement. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The wholesale fuel supply agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately 10 years.
The $1.1 million fair value of the covenant not to compete was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the difference between the present value of after-tax cash flows with and without the covenant not to compete in place, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of transaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The covenant not to compete intangible asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-year period.
Aggregate incremental revenues for the acquisition since the acquisition date included in the Partnership’s statements of operations were $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Dunmore Acquisition
On December 21, 2012 (the “Dunmore Acquisition Date), the Partnership completed (the “Dunmore Closing”) its acquisition of certain assets (the “Dunmore Acquisition”) of Dunmore Oil Company, Inc. and JoJo Oil Company, Inc. (together, the “Dunmore Sellers”) as contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement, as amended (the “Dunmore Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Partnership, a subsidiary of the Partnership, the Dunmore Sellers, and, for limited purposes, Joseph Gentile, Jr. Pursuant to the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, the Dunmore Sellers sold to the Partnership substantially all of the assets (collectively, the “Dunmore Assets”) held and used by the Dunmore Sellers in connection with their gasoline and diesel retail outlet and related convenience store businesses (the “Dunmore Retail Business”). In connection with this transaction, the Partnership acquired the real estate of 24 motor fuel service stations, 23 of which are fee simple interests and one of which is a leasehold interest.
LGO leases the sites from the Partnership and operates the Dunmore Retail Business. In addition, as contemplated by the Dunmore Purchase Agreement, certain of the non-qualifying income generating Dunmore Assets (for federal income tax purposes) and certain non-qualifying liabilities of the Dunmore Sellers were assigned by the Partnership to LGO. LGO paid the Partnership $0.5 million for advanced rent payments. The Dunmore Sellers are permitted to continue to operate certain portions of their business relating to sales of heating oil, propane and unbranded motor fuels.
As consideration for the Dunmore Assets, the Partnership paid (i) $28.0 million in cash to the Dunmore Sellers; (ii) $0.5 million in cash to Mr. Gentile as consideration for his agreeing, for a period of five years following the Dunmore Closing, to not compete in the Dunmore Asset Purchase Agreement have been approved byRetail Business, to not engage in the conflicts committeesale or distribution of branded motor fuels, and to not solicit or hire any of the boardPartnership affiliates’ employees; and (iii) $0.5 million in cash to be held in escrow and delivered to the Dunmore Sellers upon the Partnership’s receipt of directorswritten evidence concerning the payment of certain of the General Partner.Dunmore Sellers’ pre-closing tax liabilities.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
Original Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | Cumulative Adjustments | Final Purchase Price Allocation | ||||||||||
Property and equipment | $ | 20,400 | $ | 2,400 | $ | 22,800 | ||||||
Intangible assets | 8,200 | (1,400 | ) | 6,800 | ||||||||
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Total identifiable assets | 28,600 | 1,000 | 29,600 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | 200 | 767 | 967 | |||||||||
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Net identifiable assets acquired | 28,400 | 233 | 28,633 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 600 | (233 | ) | 367 | ||||||||
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Net assets acquired | $ | 29,000 | $ | — | $ | 29,000 | ||||||
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During 2013, based on finalized valuation analysis, the Partnership increased the value ascribed to property and equipment, decreased the value ascribed to intangible assets and recorded a deferred tax liability as reflected above.
The fair value of land, buildings, and equipment was based on a cost approach, with the fair value of an asset estimated by reference to the replacement cost to obtain a substitute asset of comparable features and functionality, and is the amount a willing market participant would pay for such an asset, taking into consideration the asset condition as well as any physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and/or economic obsolescence. The buildings and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis, with estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and 5 to 15 years for equipment.
The $6.3 million fair value of the wholesale fuel distribution rights was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the wholesale fuel distribution rights over their estimated remaining useful life, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of transaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The wholesale fuel distribution rights are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately 10 years.
The $0.5 million fair value of the covenant not to compete was based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the difference between the present value of after-tax cash flows with and without the covenant not to compete in place, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of transaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The covenant not to compete intangible asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 5-year term of the covenant.
Incremental rent income for the acquisition included in the Partnership’s statements of operations was $2.0 million for 2013.
Express Lane Agreements Acquisition
On December 21, 2012, LGWS entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Express“Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement"Agreement”) with James E. Lewis, Jr., LidaLinda N. Lewis, James E. Lewis, III and Reid D. Lewis (collectively, the "Express“Express Lane Sellers"Sellers”), pursuant to which the Express Lane Sellers agreed to sellsold to LGWS all of the outstanding capital stock (collectively, the "Express“Express Lane Shares"Shares”) of Express Lane, Inc. ("(“Express Lane"Lane”), the owner and operator of various retail convenience stores, which include the retail sale of motor fuels and quick service restaurants, at various locations in Florida.
In connection with the purchase of the Express Lane Shares, Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc. ("LGWS"), a wholly owned subsidiary, agreed to acquire thirty-nineLGWS acquired forty-one motor fuel service stations, one as a fee simple interest and thirty-eightforty as leasehold interests. In connection with the purchase of the Express Lane Shares, on December 21, 2012, LGP Realty Holdings LP ("LGP-R"), the Partnership's wholly-owned subsidiary,LGPR entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Express“Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement"Agreement” and, together with the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement, the "Express“Express Lane Agreements"Agreements”) with Express Lane. Under the Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement, LGP-R agreed to acquire from Express Lane,LGPR acquired, prior to the Express Lane Purchaser'sPurchaser’s acquisition of the Express Lane Shares, an additional fee simple interest in six properties and two fuelingfuel purchase agreements (collectively, the "Express“Express Lane Property"Property”). from Express Lane.
On December 21, 2012, LGP-RLGPR completed the acquisition of the Express Lane Property from the Express Lane Sellers, as contemplated by the Express Lane Purchase and Sale Agreement. In addition, on December 22, 2012, LGWS completed (the "Express“Express Lane Closing"Closing”) the acquisition of the Express Lane Shares from the Express Lane Sellers, as contemplated by the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement.
Table of Contents The transactions contemplated by the Express Lane Agreements are together referred to as the “Express Lane Acquisition.”
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions (Continued)
As a result of the Express Lane acquisition, LGO leases the sites from the Partnership and operates Express Lane'sLane’s gasoline and diesel retail outlet business and its related convenience store business (the "Express“Express Lane Retail Business"Business”). In addition, certain of the non-qualifiednon-qualifying income generating assets (for federal income tax purposes) related to the Express Lane Retail Business and certain non-qualifiednon-qualifying liabilities of the Express Lane Sellers were assigned to LGO. LGO paid the Partnership $1.0 million in up-front rent. Thefor advanced rent payments. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Partnership has accrued $1.8paid $1.7 million of additional purchase price consideration for the net working capital of the Express Lane Retail Business (See(see Note 13), which is subject7). Because the net working capital was transferred to final agreement betweenLGO at the acquisition date, LGO repaid this amount to the Partnership and the Sellers. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Partnership assigned to LGO the assets and liabilities related to the Express Lane Retail Business which primarily consists of the working capital (included in the table below) of which the Partnership has a $1.8 million receivable from LGO at December 31, 2012 in the consolidated balance sheet.October 2013.
Pursuant to the Franchise Agreement, the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuels to all sites operated by LGO in connection with the Express Lane Retail Business. In addition, the Partnership leases these sites to LGO pursuant to property lease agreements. The Partnership estimates it will receive from LGO aggregate rental income, net of expenses, of approximately $4.6 million per year from such sites.
Under the Express Lane Agreements, the aggregate purchase price (the "Express“Express Lane Purchase Price"Price”) for the Express Lane Property and the Express Lane Shares is $45.4was $45.2 million, inclusive of $1.8$1.7 million of certain preliminary post-closing adjustments. Of the Express Lane Purchase Price, LGWS paid an aggregate of $41.9 million to the Express Lane Sellers and placed an aggregate of $1.1 million into escrow, of which $1.0 million has been placed into escrow to fund any indemnification or similar claims made under the Express Lane Agreements by the parties thereto, and $0.1 million has been placed into escrow pending the completion by the Express Lane Sellers of certain environmental remediation measures. In addition to the Express Lane Purchase Price, the Express Lane PurchaserLGPR also placed $0.6$0.5 million (the "Tax Escrow") into escrow to indemnify the Express Lane Sellers for certain tax obligations resulting from the sale of the Express Lane Property.
Under the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement, the Express Lane Sellers have agreed not to compete in the retail motor fuel or convenience store business within the State of Florida for a period of four years following the Express Lane Closing. In addition, pursuant to the Express Lane Stock Purchase Agreement, each of the Express Lane Sellers executed a general release in favor of the Express Lane Purchaser,LGWS, Express Lane and their respective affiliates.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions (Continued)
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Express Lane Agreements acquisition date (in thousands):
Land | $ | 3,900 | ||
Buildings | 8,100 | |||
Equipment | 15,500 | |||
Wholesale fuel distribution rights | 15,000 | |||
Lease agreements with below average market value | 2,600 | |||
Environmental indemnification assets | 1,177 | |||
Net working capital | 1,822 | |||
Total identifiable assets | $ | 48,099 | ||
Lease agreements with above average market value | 2,500 | |||
Environmental liabilities | 1,177 | |||
Total identifiable liabilities | 3,677 | |||
Net identifiable assets acquired | 44,422 | |||
Goodwill | 993 | |||
Net assets acquired | $ | 45,415 | ||
The above estimated fair values of
Original Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation | Cumulative Adjustments | Final Purchase Price Allocation | ||||||||||
Net working capital | $ | 1,822 | $ | (102 | ) | $ | 1,720 | |||||
Property and equipment | 27,500 | 1,145 | 28,645 | |||||||||
Intangible assets | 17,600 | 2,100 | 19,700 | |||||||||
Environmental indemnification asset | 1,177 | — | 1,177 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Total identifiable assets | 48,099 | 3,143 | 51,242 | |||||||||
Environmental liabilities | 1,177 | — | 1,177 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | 2,500 | 7,066 | 9,566 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Total identifiable liabilities | 3,677 | 7,066 | 10,743 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Net identifiable assets acquired | 44,422 | (3,923 | ) | 40,499 | ||||||||
Goodwill | 993 | 3,721 | 4,714 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Net assets acquired | $ | 45,415 | $ | (202 | ) | $ | 45,213 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2013, the Partnership assigned certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and are based on the information that was available as ofacquired in the Express Lane Acquisition Dateacquisition to estimateLGWS, its taxable subsidiary, which resulted in the fair valuerecognition of assets acquireda net deferred tax liability as further discussed in Note 16. As a result, and liabilities assumed. The Partnership believes the information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values butbased on finalized valuation analysis, the Partnership is waiting for additional information necessaryincreased the value ascribed to finalize those amounts. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair valueproperty and equipment and intangible assets as reflected are subject to change, and such change could be significant. The Partnership expects to finalize the valuation and complete the purchase price as soon as practicable.above.
The fair value of land, buildings and equipment ("tangible assets") was determined usingbased on a cost approach, with the fair value of an asset estimated by reference to the replacement cost to obtain a substitute asset of comparable features and functionality, and is the amount a willing market participant would pay for such an asset, taking into consideration the asset condition as well as any physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and /orand/or economic obsolescence. The buildings and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis, with estimated useful lives of 20 years for buildings and 5 to 15 years for equipment. Land is not depreciated.
The $15.4 million fair value of the wholesale fuel distribution rights was determined usingbased on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solely to the wholesale fuel distribution rights over their estimated remaining useful life, using probability-weighted cash flows, using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of transaction. The Partnership believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The wholesale fuel distribution rights are being amortized on a straightlinestraight-line basis over an estimated useful life of approximately 10 years.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions (Continued)
The $3.8 million fair value of the discount related to lease agreements with above/below average market value was determined usingand the $2.6 million fair value of the discount related to lease agreements with above average market value were based on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows ("excess earnings") attributable solely to the lease agreements over their estimated remaining useful life, generally assumed to extend through the term of the lease agreements, and using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of agreement. The Partnership believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The discount related to lease agreements with above/below average market value is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease agreements, with an estimated weighted average useful life of 5 years.
The amounts of revenue and net income related to assets acquired in the Express Lane Agreements Acquisition for the period December 21, 2012, through December 31, 2012, included in the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations was not considered material.
The Partnership recognized $0.5 million of acquisition-related costs that were expensed during 2012. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is unaudited pro forma information related to the Express Lane Acquisition as if the transaction had occurred on January 1, 2011 (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Year Ended December 31, 2011 | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue | $ | 341,339 | $ | 1,772,511 | $ | 1,847,179 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 3,514 | $ | 3,877 | $ | 10,862 |
All of the transactions between the Partnership and LGO related to the Express Lane Agreements have been approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Shell Retail Gas Stations and Wholesale Fuel Supply Agreement Acquisition
The Predecessor Entity acquired, from Motiva Enterprises, LLC ("Motiva"), an unrelated third-party, a total of 26 Shell Oil Company ("Shell") branded gas stations and convenience stores ("Shell Locations") located in the State of New Jersey under the terms of an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Motiva Asset Agreement") and also acquired 56 wholesale fuel supply agreements under the terms of an Agreement to Assign Retailer Instruments with Reversionary Rights (the "Motiva Assignment Agreement"). Taken together, the Motiva Asset Agreement and the Motiva Assignment Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the "Motiva Transaction". The Motiva Transaction was accounted for as a business combination for accounting purposes in accordance with the guidance under ASC 805,Business Combinations.
The Motiva Transaction acquisition closing dates were in May 2011 with respect to the acquisition of 14 Shell Locations and the wholesale fuel sale supply agreements and in August 2011 for the
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions (Continued)
remaining 12 Shell Locations. The Predecessor Entity acquired fee simple interests in 21 of the Shell Locations and leasehold interests in the other 5 of the Shell Locations, with all of the Shell Locations considered company owned and independent dealer operated on the acquisition closing dates. The Motiva Transaction is expected to enhance the Predecessor Entity's presence in the New Jersey marketplace by increasing market share, expanding and enhancing the geographical distribution of operations, and further increasing the wholesale supply business.
The Motiva Transaction aggregate purchase price consideration was $30.4 million of cash consideration, funded with proceeds of $20.3 million of borrowings under a credit agreement and the remaining balance from available cash-on-hand.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Motiva Acquisition Date (in thousands) (in thousands):
Land | $ | 10,850 | ||
Buildings | 7,830 | |||
Equipment | 5,470 | |||
Wholesale fuel supply agreements | 5,734 | |||
Lease agreements with above average market value | 337 | |||
Total identifiable assets | $ | 30,221 | ||
Environmental liabilities | $ | 1,521 | ||
Total liabilities assumed | 1,521 | |||
Net identifiable assets acquired | 28,700 | |||
Goodwill | 1,714 | |||
Net assets acquired | $ | 30,414 | ||
The fair value of land, buildings, and equipment ("tangible assets") was determined using a cost approach, with the fair value of an asset estimated by reference to the replacement cost to obtain a substitute asset of comparable features and functionality, and is the amount a willing market participant would pay for such an asset, taking into consideration the asset condition as well as any physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and/or economic obsolescence. The buildings and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis, with estimated useful life of 20 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for equipment. Land is not depreciated.
The fair value of the wholesale fuel supply agreementscovenant not to compete was determined usingbased on an income approach, with the fair value estimated to be the difference between the present value of incremental after-tax cash flows attributable solelywith and without the covenant not to the wholesale fuel supply agreements over their estimated remaining useful life,compete in place, using probability-weighted cash flows, generally assumed to extend through the term of the wholesale fuel supply contracts, and using discount rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with this type of agreement. The Predecessor Entitytransaction. Management believes the level and timing of cash flows represent relevant market participant assumptions. The wholesale fuel supply agreements arecovenant not to compete intangible asset is being
Table amortized on a straight-line basis over the 4-year term of Contentsthe covenant.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
ForAggregate incremental revenues for the Periods October 31, 2012, throughExpress Lane Acquisition included in the Partnership’s statements of operations were $126.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, and
2013.
The following is unaudited pro forma information related to the Express Lane acquisition as if the transaction had occurred on January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
4. Acquisitions (Continued)
amortized on a proportional basis corresponding to the average attrition rate of the wholesale fuel supply agreements over an estimated weighted average useful life of approximately 10 years.
Under the terms of a separate brand fee agreement with Shell Oil Company, the Predecessor Entity is entitled to operate the Shell Locations' acquired in the Motiva Transaction under the Shell-branded trade name and related trade logos. See Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies for further details of the brand fee agreement with Shell Oil Company.
The Predecessor Entity recognized $1.2 million of acquisition-related costs that were expensed during 2011. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Combined Statements of Operations.
The amounts of revenue and net income related to assets acquired in the Motiva Transaction included in the Predecessor Entity's Combined Statements of Operations from the acquisition closing date to December 31, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
| 2011 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue | $ | 920 | ||
Net Income | $ | 128 |
In connection with the Offering the assets acquired in the Motiva Transaction were subsequently contributed to the Partnership in accordance with the Contribution Agreement.
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 341,339 | $ | 1,772,511 | ||||
Net Income | $ | 3,514 | $ | 3,877 |
Other Acquisition
In December 2012, the Partnership purchased a property from a related party for $2.9 million. The transaction was approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
5. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
Discontinued Operations
TheAs part of certain sale transactions, the Partnership may continue to distribute motor fuels on a wholesale basis to a divested site. In addition, the Partnership and Predecessor Entity classified locationsmay have the right to monitor and, if necessary, impose conditions on the operations of a divested site to ensure that the purchaser is complying with the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement covering such site. Accordingly, the Partnership and Predecessor Entity may have the ability to exert significant influence over the divested site and thus the Partnership and Predecessor Entity may have significant continuing involvement. Such sites are not deemed discontinued operations.
The Partnership and Predecessor Entity classify sites as discontinued when operations and cash flows werewill be eliminated from the ongoing operations and the Partnership and Predecessor Entity will not retain any significant continuing involvement in the operations after the respective sale transactions. For the Predecessor Entity periods January 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, allAll of the operating results for these discontinued operations were removed from continuing operations and were presented separately as discontinued operations in the combined statements of operations. For the period October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, the Partnership had no discontinued operations. The Notesnotes to the combined financial statements were adjusted to exclude discontinued operations unless otherwise noted. The Partnership has no discontinued operations.
The following results are included in discontinued operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
During
Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | |||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 4,132 | $ | 5,670 | ||||
Rent income | 104 | 125 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total revenues | 4,236 | 5,795 | ||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 4,019 | 5,548 | ||||||
Operating expenses | 49 | 55 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 50 | 157 | ||||||
(Gain) loss on sales of assets, net | (237 | ) | 540 | |||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 3,881 | 6,300 | ||||||
|
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| |||||
Operating income (loss) | 355 | (505 | ) | |||||
Interest expense, net | (46 | ) | (274 | ) | ||||
|
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|
| |||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | $ | 309 | $ | (779 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
Assets Held for Sale
The Partnership classified two and five sites as held for sale at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In connection with the classification as held for sale, the Partnership recognized a loss of $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, respectively. The Predecessor Entity recognized a loss of $0.8 million for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Predecessor Entity committed to sell locations for net sales proceeds of $0.8 million, $16.1 million, and $19.0 million, respectively.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
5. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Continued)
The following operating results of the locations are included in discontinued operations for all periods presented (in thousands):
| Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from January 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: | ||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 4,132 | $ | 5,670 | $ | 56,494 | ||||
Rental income | 104 | 125 | 1,520 | |||||||
Total revenues | 4,236 | 5,795 | 58,014 | |||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 4,019 | 5,548 | 55,258 | |||||||
Operating expenses | 49 | 55 | 2,634 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 50 | 157 | 1,542 | |||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (237 | ) | 540 | 2,470 | ||||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 3,881 | 6,300 | 61,904 | |||||||
Operating income (loss) | 355 | (505 | ) | (3,890 | ) | |||||
Interest expense, net | (46 | ) | (274 | ) | (2,709 | ) | ||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | $ | 309 | $ | (779 | ) | $ | (6,599 | ) | ||
Assets of Operations Held for Sale
In addition to the discontinued operations disclosed above, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity had classified five and two locations as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as held-for-sale. In connection with the classification as held-for-sale, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity recognized a loss of $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the periods October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, respectively.2012. The loss represents the impairment recognized to present the held-for-sale locationssites at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell. The fair values, less costs to sell were determined based on negotiated amounts in agreements with unrelated third parties. No impairment was recognized to present the two locations at the lower of cost or fair value at December 31, 2011. The Partnership expects to complete the sale of these five locations within the next twelve months. The losses, including the direct costs to transact a sale, for the held-for-sale locations could differ from the ultimate sales price due to the fluidity of the
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
5. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Continued)
negotiations, price volatility, changing interest rates, and future economic conditions. Assets held for sale arewere as follows (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assets held for sale: | |||||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, at cost: | |||||||||||||||||
Land | $ | 1,351 | $ | 388 | $ | 932 | $ | 1,351 | |||||||||
Buildings and improvements | 435 | 376 | 543 | 435 | |||||||||||||
Equipment and other | 163 | 20 | 299 | 163 | |||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Total property and equipment, at cost | 1,949 | 784 | 1,774 | 1,949 | |||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Less accumulated depreciation | (334 | ) | (41 | ) | (446 | ) | (334 | ) | |||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||
Total assets held for sale | 1,615 | 743 | |||||||||||||||
Liabilities related to assets held for sale: | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | — | 183 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities related to assets held for sale | — | 183 | |||||||||||||||
Net assets held for sale | $ | 1,615 | $ | 560 | $ | 1,328 | $ | 1,615 | |||||||||
|
|
6. Notes ReceivableMotor Fuel Inventory
In December 2009,As noted previously, effective September 1, 2013, the Predecessor Entity loaned, inPartnership records inventory at the aggregate, $3.6 million and received four individual promissory notes in return. PursuantCommission Sites from the time of the purchase of motor fuels from third party suppliers until the retail sale to the terms of the notes, the Predecessor Entity was entitled to receive eleven monthly installments of accrued interest on the unpaid principal balance through December 2012, as interest only payments, with the first payment commencing on January 2010 and each successive payment being due and payable on the first day of each calendar month thereafter, and one final payment of all accrued interest and unpaid principal on or before December 2012. The notes bore interest at a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 250 basis points. The notes were paid in full as of December 31, 2012. The Predecessor Entity received $3.6 million and $0.1 million of principal and interest, respectively, in full satisfaction of these notes.
In January 2011, in connection with the sale of 32 locations, the Predecessor Entity received a promissory note for $2.7 million from the third party purchaser. The promissory note is receivable in four annual installments of $0.7 million, which commences on or before September 30, 2011. The Predecessor Entity received a $0.7 million payment from the third party purchase during the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012. The note was not contributed to the Partnership.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
7. Inventory
end customer. Inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):
| Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Gasoline | $ | 943 | ||
Diesel fuel | 174 | |||
Kerosene | 44 | |||
Store merchandise | 86 | |||
Total inventory | $ | 1,247 | ||
Inventory amounts in the table above are shown net of obsolescence. The reserve for obsolescence is not material to the combined balance sheet for the period presented. Effective July 1, 2012, all inventory was transferred to LGO, an affiliated entity that was not contributed to the Partnership.
December 31, 2013 | ||||
Gasoline | $ | 1,901 | ||
Diesel fuel | 240 | |||
|
| |||
Total inventory | $ | 2,141 | ||
|
|
8.7. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following at (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land | $ | 98,117 | $ | 110,614 | |||||
Buildings and improvements | 108,508 | 77,497 | |||||||
Leasehold improvements | 4,260 | 4,778 | |||||||
Equipment and other | 60,972 | 38,118 | |||||||
Property and equipment—total | 271,857 | 231,007 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (28,835 | ) | (28,614 | ) | |||||
Property and equipment | $ | 243,022 | $ | 202,393 | |||||
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Land | $ | 122,126 | $ | 98,117 | ||||
Buildings and improvements | 124,479 | 108,508 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements | 7,437 | 4,260 | ||||||
Equipment and other | 76,236 | 59,168 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Property and equipment in service, at cost | 330,278 | 270,053 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (43,808 | ) | (28,835 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Property and equipment in service, net | 286,470 | 241,218 | ||||||
Construction in progress | 2,259 | 1,804 | ||||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | 288,729 | $ | 243,022 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Substantially all property and equipment is used for leasing purposes.
The Partnership andis the Predecessor Entity entered intolessee in certain sale-leaseback transactions for certain locations. Since there issites, and as the Partnership has continuing involvement in the underlying locations,sites, or the sale was not recognized andlease agreement has a repurchase feature, the transactions weresale-leaseback arrangements are accounted for as lease financing obligations. The table above amounts as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 includeincludes these locations,sites, as well as certain leases accounted for as capital leases. These total cost and accumulated depreciationamortization of property plant and equipment recorded under
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
8. Property and Equipment (Continued)
sale-leaseback transactions orand capital leases was $52.6 million and $8.4 million at December 31, 2012 was2013, and $57.5 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2012, respectively. See Note 11 Financing Obligations and Operating Leases, for further information.
Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets recorded under sale-leasebacks and depreciation of assets under capital leaseslease obligations, was approximately $16.5 million, $2.2 million, $11.9 million and $9.7 million and $11.4 million for 2013, the periodsperiod from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, andthe period from January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
In addition to the business combinations discussed in Note 4, the following asset purchases and divestitures occurred in 2013:
9.8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill consisted of the following at (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at December 31, 2011 | — | $ | 4,487 | ||||||
Goodwill contributed to the Partnership | $ | 4,043 | (4,043 | ) | |||||
Goodwill from acquisitions | 1,593 | — | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ | 5,636 | $ | 444 | |||||
In December 2012, the Partnership acquired certain assets in connection with the Dunmore Acquisition which were held or used in connection with their gasoline and diesel retail outlet business. As a result of this acquisition, the Partnership recognized a preliminary allocation of
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ | 5,636 | ||
Goodwill from acquisitions | 3,688 | |||
|
| |||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 9,324 | ||
|
|
No impairment losses have been recorded to goodwill. All goodwill in connection with its purchase accounting of approximately $0.6 million.
In December 2012, the Partnership acquired all of the stock of Express Lanes, Inc., in the Express Lane Acquisition. As a result of this acquisition, the Partnership recognized a preliminary allocation of goodwill in connection with its purchase accounting of approximately $1.0 million.
In May 2011, the Predecessor Entity acquired Motiva Enterprises, LLC. As a result of this acquisition, the Predecessor Entity recognized goodwill of approximately $1.7 million. A portion of this goodwill was subsequently contributedhas been allocated to the Partnership in accordance with the Contribution Agreement.
Wholesale segment. See Note 4 Acquisitions, for additional information.
Thereinformation on the acquisitions. The amount of goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes was no impairment losses recorded for periods October 31, 2012 through$6.8 million at December 31, 2012, and January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. For all periods and years ended presented, management tested one reporting unit for impairment.
Table of Contents2013.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
9. Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Continued)
Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Amount | | Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||
Wholesale fuel supply agreements | $ | 16,451 | $ | (7,151 | ) | $ | 9,300 | $ | 20,428 | $ | (8,879 | ) | $ | 11,549 | |||||||
Wholesale fuel distribution rights | 23,200 | — | 23,200 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Customer lists | — | — | — | 150 | — | 150 | |||||||||||||||
Trademarks | 134 | (40 | ) | 94 | 134 | (27 | ) | 107 | |||||||||||||
Below market leases | 3,422 | (414 | ) | 3,008 | 822 | (249 | ) | 573 | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 43,207 | $ | (7,605 | ) | $ | 35,602 | $ | 21,534 | $ | (9,155 | ) | $ | 12,379 | |||||||
As noted above,
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale fuel supply agreements | $ | 25,736 | $ | (9,059 | ) | $ | 16,677 | $ | 16,451 | $ | (7,151 | ) | $ | 9,300 | ||||||||||
Wholesale fuel distribution rights | 26,180 | (2,282 | ) | 23,898 | 23,200 | — | 23,200 | |||||||||||||||||
Trademarks | 634 | (78 | ) | 556 | 134 | (40 | ) | 94 | ||||||||||||||||
Covenant not to compete | 2,676 | (253 | ) | 2,423 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Below market leases | 4,761 | (1,310 | ) | 3,451 | 3,422 | (414 | ) | 3,008 | ||||||||||||||||
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Total | $ | 59,987 | $ | (12,982 | ) | $ | 47,005 | $ | 43,207 | $ | (7,605 | ) | $ | 35,602 | ||||||||||
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See Note 4 for additional information on the Partnership acquired various businessesacquisitions, which resulted in December 2012. As a result, the Partnership recorded additional intangible assets as further detailedbeing recorded in Note 4, Acquisitions.2013.
As noted previously, the Partnership purchased two sites in Florida in June 2013. Prior to the acquisition, there was a below market lease intangible asset associated with these sites since they were previously leased through the Express Lane acquisition. This intangible asset was written off, resulting in a charge of $0.1 million in 2013.
The aggregate amortization expense, including amortization of above and below market lease intangible assets which is classified as rent expense, was approximately $4.6 million, $0.3 million, $1.9 million and $2.4 million and $2.0 million for 2013, the periodsperiod October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, andthe period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
The following represents the Partnership's expected amortization expense for the next five years, including amortization of above and below market lease intangible assets (in thousands):
2013 | $ | 4,044 | ||
2014 | 3,871 | |||
2015 | 3,854 | |||
2016 | 3,593 | |||
2017 | 3,354 |
2014 | $ | 5,918 | ||
2015 | 5,900 | |||
2016 | 5,639 | |||
2017 | 5,276 | |||
2018 | 4,738 |
9. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of TableContents
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Interest expense | $ | 444 | $ | 124 | ||||
Professional fees | 1,365 | 436 | ||||||
Express Lane working capital payable (Note 4) | — | 1,791 | ||||||
Equity-based incentive compensation (Note 17) | 3,141 | — | ||||||
Taxes other than income | 1,169 | 40 | ||||||
Management fees payable to affiliate | 139 | — | ||||||
Other | 1,792 | 908 | ||||||
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Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $ | 8,050 | $ | 3,299 | ||||
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|
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
10. Debt
(in thousands) | Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revolving term loan, net of discount of $2,547 at December 31, 2011 | $ | — | $ | 164,264 | |||||
Revolving credit facility | 183,751 | — | |||||||
Term loan, net of discount | — | 6,077 | |||||||
Mortgage notes | — | 15,128 | |||||||
183,751 | 185,469 | ||||||||
Less liabilities of operations held for sale | — | 183 | |||||||
Less current portion of debt | — | 7,757 | |||||||
Long-term portion of debt, net of discount | $ | 183,751 | $ | 177,529 | |||||
Partnership New Credit AgreementDebt outstanding was as follows:
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | 146,330 | $ | 183,751 | ||||
Financing associated with Rocky Top acquisition | 26,250 | — | ||||||
Note payable | 980 | — | ||||||
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| |||||
Total | 173,560 | 183,751 | ||||||
Current portion—included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 51 | — | ||||||
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| |||||
Total | $ | 173,509 | $ | 183,751 | ||||
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The following represents principal payments due for the next five years (in thousands). The financing issued in connection with the Rocky Top acquisition was assumed to be payable in 2015 in its entirety (see further discussion below).
2014 | $ | 51 | ||
2015 | 172,632 | |||
2016 | 55 | |||
2017 | 57 | |||
2018 | 765 | |||
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Total | $ | 173,560 | ||
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Credit Facility
On October 30, 2012, in connection with the Offering,IPO, the Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Partnership, as borrower, andcredit agreement with a syndicate of banks including KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, as Collateral Agent, as L/C Issuer, as Joint Lead Arranger and as Joint Book Runner (the "New Credit Agreement"“Credit Facility”).
The New Credit Agreement, maturingFacility matures on October 30, 2015 consistsand consisted of a $249$249.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which includes a swingline line-of-credit loan up to $7.5 million and standby letters of credit up to an aggregate of $35$35.0 million. The revolving credit facility canCredit Facility had the ability to be increased, from time to time, upon the Partnership'sPartnership’s written request, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $75$75.0 million. All obligations under the New Credit AgreementFacility are secured by substantially all of the Partnership's assets and substantially all of the assets of the Partnership'sPartnership and its subsidiaries.
On May 13, 2013, the Partnership entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility (the “Amendment”) to increase its credit line by $75.0 million to $324.0 million. Subject to the consent of the lenders, the Partnership has the ability under certain circumstances to further increase the amount that it may borrow by $100.0 million to $424.0 million. The Amendment was treated as a modification in accordance with accounting guidance on debt modifications, and as a result, the Partnership recorded $0.4 million in deferred financing fees, which are included in deferred financing costs, net and other assets on the balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and are being amortized on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the Credit Facility.
The Partnership is required to comply with certain financial covenants under the Credit Facility. The Partnership is required to maintain a combined leverage ratio (as defined) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters of not greater than 4.75 to 1.00 through December 31, 2014, and 4.60 to 1.00 thereafter. The Partnership is also required to maintain a combined interest charge coverage ratio (as defined) of at least 3.00 to 1.00. The Partnership was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility willCredit Facility, as amended, bear interest, at the Partnership'sPartnership’s option, at (1) a rate equal to the London Interbank OfferringOffering Rate ("LIBOR"(“LIBOR”), for interest periods of one, two, three or six months, plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.50% per annum, depending on the Partnership's Combined Leverage RatioPartnership’s combined leverage ratio (as defined in the New Credit Agreement)defined) or (2) (a) a base rate equal to the greatest of,of: (i) the federal funds rate, plus 0.5%, (ii) LIBOR for one month interest periods, plus 1.00% per annum or (iii) the rate of interest established by Agent,the agent, from time to time, as its prime rate, plus (b) a margin of 1.25% to 2.50% per annum depending on the Partnership's Combined Leverage Ratio.Partnership’s combined leverage ratio. In addition, the Partnership will incurincurs a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate of 0.375% to 0.50% per annum depending on the Partnership's Combined Leverage Ratio. Interest incurredPartnership’s combined leverage ratio. The weighted average interest rate for the Credit Facility was 3.3% and 3.0% for 2013 and for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, was $0.8 million.respectively.
A total of $7.6 million of deferred financing costs are being recognized as interest expense ratably over the term of the Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate for$7.6 million of deferred financing costs resulted from the revolving credit facility was 3.0% for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
10. Debt (Continued)
In connection with obtaining the New Credit Agreement, the Partnership paid $4.1 million in lender fees which were recorded asin connection with obtaining the Credit Facility, $3.1 million of the remaining unamortized balance of deferred financing fees, as well as financing costs of $3.1 million associated with the Predecessor Credit Facility, were deferred,credit facility and are being amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related debt. Amortization of deferred financing fees was $0.4 million for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Approximately $0.6 million of deferred financingin lender fees associatedin connection with the PredecessorAmendment.
The Credit Facility were written off in accordance with the guidance under ASC 470-50-40,Modifications and Extinguishments.
The New Credit Agreement contains two financial covenants. One requires the Partnership to maintain a Combined Leverage Ratio no greater than 4.40 to 1.00 (or 4.25 to 1.00 after December 31, 2013) measured quarterly on a trailing four quarters' basis. The second requires the Partnership to maintain a Combined Interest Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) of at least 3.00 to 1.00. The Partnership was in compliance with all financial debt covenant compliance requirements as of December 31, 2012.
The New Credit Agreement prohibits the Partnership from making distributions to unitholders if any potential default or event of default occurs or would result from the distribution, the Partnership is not in compliance with its financial covenants or the Partnership has lost its status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the New Credit AgreementFacility contains various covenants thatwhich may limit, among other things, the Partnership'sPartnership’s ability to grant liens; create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist other indebtedness; or make any material change to the nature of the Partnership'sPartnership’s business, including mergers, liquidations, and dissolutions; and make certain investments, acquisitions or dispositions.
There was $183.8$12.3 million outstanding on the New Credit Agreement at December 31, 2012, all of which is long-term. There wasand $13.9 million outstanding under the standby letters of credit as at December 31, 2012.2013 and 2012, respectively.
PredecessorThe Credit Facility was amended and restated on March 4, 2014 and all borrowings thereunder were repaid. See Note 23 for additional information.
On December 30, 2010,Note Payable
In connection with the Predecessor Entityacquisition of two sites in Florida noted previously, the Partnership issued a $1.0 million note payable with interest at 4.0%. Monthly payments are made based on a 15-year amortization schedule for the first 5 years commencing August 1, 2013. The 60th payment is a balloon payment for all outstanding principal and any unpaid interest. The loan is secured by all the real and personal property at the two sites.
Financing Issued in Rocky Top Acquisition
In connection with the Rocky Top acquisition as described in Note 4, the Partnership entered into a $175.0 million revolving term loan credit facility with a syndicate of lenders. The term loan portion of $135.0 million was payable in quarterly principal amounts of $1.6 million,lease for certain sites for which payments commenced on September 30, 2011. The revolving portionthe Partnership is obligated to purchase these sites, at the election of the facility hadseller, either (a) in whole on or about August 1, 2015, or (b) in approximately equal parts over a borrowing capacity5 year period for an average of $40.0$5.3 million per year beginning in 2016. Due to the obligation to purchase the sites under the lease, the lease is accounted for as a financing. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7.5% with monthly payments of $0.2 million due until the balance is paid. The Partnership recorded $26.2 million of debt, which $15.0 million could have been drawn upon for operating purposes, $5.0 million could have been used for short term advanceswas preliminarily determined to be its fair value, and $20.0 million could have been used to issue letters of credit. The the payments made until the purchase will be classified as interest expense.
Predecessor Entity was subject to an initial fee of 25 basis points of the stated amount for any letters of credit issued. Debt
The Predecessor Entity had approximately $11.2 million in outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2011. Both the term and revolving portions of thea credit facility would have matured on December 30, 2015. During 2011, the Predecessor Entity increased the borrowing capacity under its term loan by $20.0 million in connection with the Shell acquisition as discussed in Note 4. "Acquisitions". In February 2012, the Predecessor Entity increased the borrowing capacity of the revolving facility by $8.0 million in order to pay off the term loan discussed below. After these amendments, the term loan
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
10. Debt (Continued)
portion of the facility was $155.0 million and the borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility was $48.0 million.
Borrowings under the revolving term loan credit facility bore interest at a floating rate which, at the Predecessor Entity's option, could have been determined by reference to a LIBOR rate or a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 125 to 300 basis points. Short term advances bore interest at a base rate plus an applicable margin. The Predecessor Entity's applicable margin was determined by certain combined leverage ratios at the time of borrowing as set forth in the credit agreement. The Predecessor Entity was subject to a commitment fee of 50 basis points for any excess borrowing capacity over the outstanding principalvarious other debt obligations. All borrowings under the revolver portion of the credit facility. As of December 31, 2011, the credit facility had an interest rate of 3.4%. Interest incurred for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $5.0 million, $5.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the facility was 3.3%, 3.5% and 5.25% for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
In connection with obtaining the revolving term loan credit facility, the Predecessor Entity paid $4.2 million in lender fees of which $2.6 million were allocated to the term portion of the facility and recorded as a discount to the carrying value of the debt. The discount was being amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related debt. Amortization of the discount for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $0.5 million. The remaining $1.6 million in fees paid in connection with obtaining the facility were recorded as deferred financing fees and were being amortized into interest expense over the remaining terms of the related debt. Amortization of deferred financing fees for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the year ended December 31, 2011 was $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
The revolving term loan credit facility was secured by liens and security interests with first priority security interest in the Predecessor Entity's assets, including its properties. All borrowers were jointly and severally liable for obligations under the facility. The revolving term loan facility contained covenants that, subject to specified exceptions, restricted the Predecessor Entity's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, liquidate or dissolve, sell, transfer, lease or dispose of assets, or make loans, investments or guarantees. The revolving term loan facility included a number of affirmative and negative covenants, which could restrict the Predecessor Entity's operations. If the Predecessor Entity were to be in default the lenders could have accelerated the Predecessor Entity's obligation to pay all outstanding amounts. The Predecessor Entity was subject to various financial covenant restrictions under the revolving term loan facility. In May 2012, the Predecessor Entity entered into an amendment to change certain financial covenants as of December 31, 2011, resulting in compliance with the financial covenants as of December 31, 2011.
In connection with the Offering all amounts under the Predecessor Entity's credit facility were paid in full with proceeds from the IPO.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
10. Debt (Continued)
Term Loan
On December 30, 2009, the Predecessor Entity issued a promissory note. The Predecessor Entity made installment payments of $0.1 million, which included components of principal and interest up to the December 30, 2014 maturity date of the term loan. Borrowings under the term loan facility bore interest at a floating rate, which were determined by reference to a base rate plus an applicable margin of 2.0%. As of December 31, 2011, the credit facility had an interest rate of 5.25%. Interest incurred for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.04 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the facility was 5.25% for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The term loan contained a number of affirmative and negative covenants, which could restrict the Predecessor Entity's operations. If the Predecessor Entity were to be in default the lenders could accelerate the Predecessor Entity's obligation to pay all outstanding amounts. The Predecessor Entity was subject to various financial covenant restrictions under the term loan including tangible net worth and debt servicing ratio covenants. In February 2012, this term loan was paid in full.
Mortgage Notes
In June and December of 2008, the Predecessor Entity entered into several mortgage notes with two lenders for an aggregate initial borrowing amount of $23.6 million. Pursuant to the terms of the mortgage notes, the Predecessor Entity made monthly installment payments that are comprised of principal and interest through maturity dates of June 23, 2023 and December 23, 2023. Since the initial borrowing the Predecessor Entity had made additional principal payments. As such, the balance outstanding at December 31, 2011 was $15.1 million. The mortgage notes bore an interest at a floating rate which may be determined by reference to an index rate plus an applicable margin not to exceed 5.0%. For the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the weighted average interest rate was 4.0%, 4.0% and 3.9% respectively. Interest expense for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The mortgage notes were secured by a first priority security interest in certain properties of the Predecessor Entity. The mortgage notes contained a number of affirmative and negative covenants. The Predecessor was also required to comply with certain financial covenants. In May 2012, the Predecessor Entity obtained a waiver to cure its violation of certain financial covenants as of December 31, 2011.
In connection with obtaining the mortgage notes, the Predecessor Entity incurred $0.2 million in related expenses that were recorded as deferred financing fees. The deferred financing fees were being amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related debt. Amortization of deferred financing fees for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $0.01 million, $0.04 million and $0.03 million, respectively.
In connection with the Offering all amounts under the Predecessor Entity's mortgage notes were paid in full with proceeds from the IPO.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
10. Debt (Continued)
Promissory Notes
In September and November of 2009, in connection with BP acquisition, the Predecessor Entity issued promissory notes of $5.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively. The principal was due, in its entirety, on September 17, 2014. In December 2010, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the promissory notes was $11.8 million. For consideration of early repayment, the lenders agreed to accept a lump sum payment of $10.6 million. Proceeds from the Revolving Term Loan were used to extinguish the promissory notes. Upon repayment, the Predecessor Entity recorded a $1.2 million gain on extinguishment of debt and was included in the Combined Statements of Operations as a gain on debt extinguishment. The Predecessor Entity had no further obligation to the lender related to these promissory notes. All remaining deferred financing costs associated with these notes were written off. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Predecessor Entity recorded interest expense of $0.9 million.
2009 Term Note
In September and November of 2009, the Predecessor Entity had a $40.6 million term note with a syndicate of lenders that was due September 17, 2012. The remaining balance outstanding of $32.9 million was paid in full in December 2010 with proceeds from the Revolving Term Loan. The Predecessor Entity had no further obligation to the bank related to this term note. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Predecessor Entity recorded interest expense of $2.9 million.
In connection with obtaining the term note, the Predecessor Entity paid $0.9 million in lender fees and recorded a discount to the carrying value of the debt. The Predecessor Entity also incurred $0.1 million in third party fees paid in connection with obtaining the debt. The fees were recorded as a deferred financing asset. Both the discount and the deferred financing fees were being amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related debt. Amortization of the discount and deferred financing fees for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
2008 Term Note
In December 2008 the Predecessor Entity had a $32.0 million term note with a syndicate of lenders that was due December 31, 2011. The remaining balance outstanding of $28.6 million was paid in full in December 2010 with proceeds from the Revolving Term Loan. The Predecessor Entity had no further obligation to the bank related to this term note. During the years ended December 31, 2010, the Predecessor Entity recorded interest expense of $1.3 million.
In connection with obtaining the term note, the Predecessor Entity paid $0.7 million in lender fees and recorded a discount to the carrying value of the debt. The Predecessor Entity also incurred $0.8 million in third party fees paid in connection with obtaining the debt. The fees were recorded as a deferred financing asset. Both the discount and the deferred financing fees were being amortized into interest expense over the terms of the related debt. As of December 31, 2010, the unamortized portion of the debt discount was written off. As of December 31, 2010, $0.2 million of unamortized deferred
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
10. Debt (Continued)
financing fees continued to be amortized over the term of Revolving Term Loan. Amortization of the discount and deferred financing fees for the years ended December 31, 2011and 2010, was $0.04 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
11. Lease Financing Obligations and Operating Leases
Lease Financing Obligations
The Predecessor Entity entered intoPartnership is the lessee in certain sale-leaseback transactions for certain locations,sites, and sinceas the Predecessor Entity hadPartnership has continuing involvement in the underlying locations,sites, or the sale was not recognized andlease agreement has a repurchase feature, the leaseback or othersale-leaseback arrangements wereare accounted for as lease financing obligations as notedand are included in the table below. The Predecessor EntityPartnership also leasedleases certain fuel stations and equipment under lease agreements accounted for as a capital lease obligation. Those leases were subsequently contributed to the Partnership in accordance with the Contribution Agreement. obligations.
The future minimum lease payments under theselease financing obligations as of December 31, 20122013 are as follows (in thousands):
| Financing Obligations | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | $ | 6,453 | ||||||
2014 | 6,876 | $ | 6,263 | |||||
2015 | 6,992 | 6,364 | ||||||
2016 | 7,007 | 6,364 | ||||||
2017 | 6,979 | 6,320 | ||||||
2018 | 6,379 | |||||||
Thereafter | 89,113 | 72,962 | ||||||
| ||||||||
Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 123,420 | $ | 104,652 | ||||
| ||||||||
Less Interest component | 47,440 | |||||||
Less interest component | (37,720 | ) | ||||||
| ||||||||
Present value of minimum lease payments | 75,980 | 66,932 | ||||||
| ||||||||
Current portion | 2,187 | 2,568 | ||||||
| ||||||||
Long-term portion | $ | 73,793 | $ | 64,364 | ||||
|
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
11. Financing Obligations and Operating Leases (Continued)
Operating Leases of Gas Stations As LessorSites as Lessee
Gas stations are leased to tenants under operatingThe Partnership leases with various expiration dates ranging through 2027. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, including leases with unrelatedsites from third parties and LGO, with terms greater than one year as of December 31, 2012, are as follows (in thousands):
2013 | $ | 33,959 | ||
2014 | 31,706 | |||
2015 | 29,394 | |||
2016 | 28,230 | |||
2017 | 28,347 | |||
Thereafter | 291,706 | |||
Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 443,342 | ||
The total future minimum rent as presented above does not include contingent rent based on future inflation, future revenues or volume of the lessee, or amounts that may be received as tenant reimbursements for certain operating costs. Most lease agreements include provisions for renewals.
Operating Leases of Gasoline Stations as Lessee
The Predecessor Entity leases gasoline stations from third-parties under certain non-cancelable operating leases that expire from time to time through 2028. Those leases were subsequently contributed to the Partnership in accordance with the Contribution Agreement. At December 31, 2012, the
The future minimum lease payments under gasoline station operating leases as of December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
2013 | $ | 13,728 | ||
2014 | 12,873 | |||
2015 | 11,851 | |||
2016 | 11,210 | |||
2017 | 10,572 | |||
Thereafter | 74,328 | |||
Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 134,562 | ||
2014 | $ | 13,682 | ||
2015 | 12,699 | |||
2016 | 12,026 | |||
2017 | 11,116 | |||
2018 | 9,807 | |||
Thereafter | 63,718 | |||
|
| |||
Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 123,048 | ||
|
|
The total future minimum lease payments presented above do not include contingent rent based on future inflation, future revenues or volumes, or amounts that may be paid as reimbursements for certain operating costs incurred by the lessor. Most lease agreements include provisions for renewals.
Total expenses incurred under the gasoline station operating lease arrangementsContingent rent expense, based on gallons sold, was approximately $2.0$1.0 million, $9.4$0.2 million, $9.2$1.7 million and $6.3$1.3 million for 2013, the periodsperiod from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, andthe period from January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively of which total contingent rental expense, based on gallons
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
11. Financing Obligations and Operating Leases (Continued)
sold, incurred was approximately $0.2 million, $1.7 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the periods October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and January 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Getty Lease
In May 2012, the Predecessor Entity entered into a 15-year master lease agreement with renewal options of up to an additional 20 years.years with Getty. Pursuant to the lease, the Predecessor Entity leased 105 gas station sites in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. The lease was assigned to the Partnership. In December 2012, the agreement was amended to add an additional 25 sites in New Jersey. In December 2013, the agreement was amended to add one site in Delaware and one site in Maryland. The Partnership pays fixed rent, which increases 1.5% per year. In addition, the lease requires contingent rent payments based on gallons of fuel sold. During the initial 3 years of the lease, the Partnership is required to make capital expenditures of at least $4.3 million plus $0.01 per gallon of fuel sold at the New England sites. However, the Partnership is entitled to a rent credit equal to 50% of the capital expenditures up to a maximum of $2.1 million. During the initial 3.5 years of the lease, the Partnership is required to make capital expenditures of at least $1.0 million at the New Jersey sites.
Because the fair value of the land at lease inception was estimated to represent more than 25% of the total fair value of the real property subject to the lease, the land element of the lease was analyzed for operating or capital treatment separately from the rest of the property subject to the lease. The land element of the lease was classified as an operating lease and all of the other property was classified as a capital lease. As such, future minimum lease payments are included in both the lease financing obligations and operating lease tables above.
12. Derivative Instruments—Interest Rate Swap Contracts
From time-to-timeDuring 2013, two sites were terminated from the lease. Additionally, the Partnership notified Getty of its intent to terminate eight additional sites from the lease. Any property and equipment or lease financing obligations associated with these sites were removed from the Predecessor Entity utilizes derivative instruments for risk management purposes and does not utilize derivative instruments for trading or speculation purposes. The Partnership andbalance sheet in 2013, which resulted in a gain of $0.2 million, classified as a credit to rent expense on the Predecessor Entitystatements of operations. Any lease payments made until the sites are exposed to interest rate risk primarily through their variable rate borrowings. The interest rate risk management strategy is to stabilize cash flow requirements by maintaining interest rate swaps contracts, as applicable, to convert any variable rate debt to a fixed rate debt. The notional amount offormally terminated from the interest rate swaps do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements. Any interest rate swaps wouldlease will be carried as freestanding derivatives, which are considered an economic hedge.
At December 31, 2011, the Predecessor Entity had interest rate swap contracts outstanding which hedge the Predecessor Entity's exposure to changes in interest rates and are accounted for using markas rent expense.
Operating Leases of Sites as Lessor
Motor fuel stations are leased to market accounting. These derivative instruments were not contributed to the Partnership. tenants under operating leases with various expiration dates ranging through 2028.
The Partnership had no derivative instruments outstandingfuture minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with third parties and cancelable operating leases with LGO as of December 31, 2012.2013 were as follows (in thousands):
Third Parties | LGO | Total | ||||||||||
2014 | $ | 15,268 | $ | 15,939 | $ | 31,207 | ||||||
2015 | 10,704 | 16,178 | 26,882 | |||||||||
2016 | 7,919 | 16,421 | 24,340 | |||||||||
2017 | 5,685 | 16,657 | 22,342 | |||||||||
2018 | 5,111 | 16,902 | 22,013 | |||||||||
Thereafter | 19,298 | 166,343 | 185,641 | |||||||||
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Total future minimum lease payments | $ | 63,985 | $ | 248,440 | $ | 312,425 | ||||||
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The Predecessor Entity accounts for changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps as incomefuture minimum lease payments presented above do not include contingent rent based on future inflation, future revenues or expense in the current period as incurred, with such amounts included in the interest expense linevolumes of the accompanying consolidated and combined statement of operations. The Predecessor Entity's
Table of Contentslessee, or amounts that may be received as tenant reimbursements for certain operating costs. Most lease agreements include provisions for renewals.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)12. Asset Retirement Obligations
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
ForCertain lease agreements in which the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
12. Derivative Instruments—Interest Rate Swap Contracts (Continued)
combined statement of operations included approximately $0.4 million loss, $1.3 million loss and $0.6 million gain for the period January 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Partnership had no derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012.
The Predecessor Entity was subject to counterparty risk as of December 31, 2012. Counterparty risk is the risk thatlessee require or contingently require the counterparty would not have honored its contractual obligations. The ability of the Predecessor EntityPartnership to realize the benefit of the derivative contracts was dependent on the creditworthiness of the counterparty, of which was expected to perform in accordance with the terms of the contracts.
13. Motor Fuels Taxes Payable and Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Motor Fuels Taxes Payable
The motor fuels taxes collected on-behalf-of state, local and federal authorities excludes such amounts from sales revenue and cost of goods sold. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fuel tax payable represent amounts due to various state taxing authorities.
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following at (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP as of December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | ||||||
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Interest expense | $ | 124 | $ | 2,117 | |||||
Payroll expenses | — | 169 | |||||||
Professional fees | 436 | 290 | |||||||
Express Lane working capital payable | 1,791 | — | |||||||
Other items, net | 948 | 1,344 | |||||||
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $ | 3,299 | $ | 3,920 | |||||
14. Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plan
The Predecessor Entity sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering all employees. Participants are permitted to make pre-tax compensation deferral contributions up to established federal limits on aggregate participant contributions. The Predecessor Entity matches 100% of the first 3% of employee contributions and 50% of the next 2% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 4% of employee compensation. Discretionary profit-sharing contributions, if any, are determined annually by the Predecessor Entity's Board of Directors. Participants are 100% vested in the Predecessor Entity's employer matching contributions and discretionary profit-sharing contributions
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
14. Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plan (Continued)
after 6 years of service, and are 0% and 20% vested after one and two years of service, respectively. Beginning January 1, 2012, the plan moved to a safe harbor match. Included in the selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Combined Statements of Operations are approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, in employer matching contributions for the period January 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were no discretionary profit-sharing contributions made under the 401(k) plan for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
The Predecessor Entity is the employer of substantially all of the personnel who perform services on-behalf-of the Partnership. Accordingly, there is no compensation related expenses for the Partnership.
15. Fair Value Measurements
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity measures and reports certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is 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 (exit price). GAAP specifies a three-level hierarchy that is used when measuring and disclosing fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). An instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. The following is a description of the three hierarchy levels.
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Transfers into or out of any hierarchy level are recognizedremove underground storage tanks at the end of the reporting period in which the transfers occurred. There were no transfers between any levels during the years ended December 31, 2012 or 2011.lease. The Partnership’s asset retirement obligation is as follows:
Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used to measure material assets and liabilities at fair value and details of the valuation models, key inputs to those models and significant assumptions utilized.
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ | 588 | ||
Recognition of new asset retirement obligations | 187 | |||
Changes in estimated cash flows or settlement dates | 1,398 | |||
Accretion | 50 | |||
Obligations settled | (72 | ) | ||
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Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 2,151 | ||
Current portion, classified within accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 280 | |||
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Long-term portion, classified within noncurrent other liabilities | $ | 1,871 | ||
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Table of Contents13. Environmental Matters
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
15. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)
Derivative instruments—The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity execute, from time to time, derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps, as part of their overall risk management strategies. Any derivatives outstanding are reported at fair value based upon market quotes that are deemed to be observable inputs in an active market for similar assets and liabilities and are considered Level 2 inputs for purposes of fair value disclosures. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity have not changed their valuation techniques or inputs during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. For the Predecessor Entity, at December 31, 2011, the fair value of these derivative instruments was approximately $0.5 million, which was included in other liabilities in the combined balance sheet. The Partnership did not have any derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012.
For assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the year, accounting guidance requires quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements separately for each major category. See Note 5, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, for a discussion of impairment charges to reduce the net book value of assets held for sale to fair value less cost to sell. Such fair value measurements were based on negotiated sales prices, or sales of comparable properties, and represent level 2 measurements.
Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity's financial instruments consisting of accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt approximated their carrying value as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
16. Environmental Liabilities
The Partnership currently owns or leases propertiessites where refined petroleum products are being or have been handled. These propertiessites and the refined petroleum products handled thereon may be subject to federal and state environmental laws and regulations. Under such laws and regulations, the Partnership could be required to remove or remediate containerized hazardous liquids or associated generated wastes (including wastes disposed of or abandoned by prior owners or operators), to clean upremediate contaminated property arising from the release of liquids or wastes into the environment, including contaminated groundwater, or to implement best management practices to prevent future contamination.
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entities maintainmaintains insurance of various types with varying levels of coverage that is considered adequate under the circumstances to cover operations and properties. The insurance policies are subject to deductibles that are considered reasonable and not excessive. In addition, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity havehas entered into indemnification and escrow agreements with various sellers in conjunction with several of their respective acquisitions, as further described below. Allocation ofFinancial responsibility for environmental liabilityremediation is an issue negotiated in connection with each acquisition transactions.transaction. In each case, an assessment is made of potential environmental liability exposure based on available information. Based on that assessment and relevant economic and risk factors, a determination is made whether to, and the extent to which itthe Partnership will, assume liability for existing environmental conditions.
TableThe table below presents a rollforward of Contents
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
16. Environmental Liabilities (Continued)Partnership’s environmental liability (in thousands).
2013 | For the Period October 31, 2012 to December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 1,177 | $ | — | ||||
Provision for new environmental losses | 650 | — | ||||||
Changes in estimates for previously incurred losses | (144 | ) | — | |||||
Recoveries from environmental indemnification assets | (445 | ) | — | |||||
Environmental liabilities acquired in business combinations | — | 1,177 | ||||||
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Ending balance | 1,238 | 1,177 | ||||||
Current portion | 477 | 591 | ||||||
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Long-term portion | $ | 761 | $ | 586 | ||||
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The Partnership is indemnified by third-party escrow funds of $0.2 million and state funds or insurance totaling $1.0 million, which are recorded as indemnification assets. State funds represent probable state reimbursement amounts. Reimbursement will depend upon the continued maintenance and solvency of the state. Insurance coverage represents amounts deemed probable of reimbursement under insurance policies.
The estimates used in these reserves are based on all known facts at the time and an assessment of the ultimate remedial action outcomes. The Partnership will adjust loss accruals as further information becomes available or circumstances change. Among the many uncertainties that impact the estimates are the necessary regulatory approvals for, and potential modifications of 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 and the possibility of existing legal claims giving rise to additional claims.
Environmental liabilities related to the contributed sites have not been assigned to the Partnership, and are still the responsibility of certain of the Predecessor Entities. As previouslyThe Omnibus Agreement (further described the Omnibus Agreementin Note 20) provides that certain of the Predecessor Entities must indemnify the Partnership for any costs or expenses that the Partnership incurs for environmental liabilities and third-party claims, regardless of when a claim is made, that are based on environmental conditions in existence prior to the closing of the OfferingIPO for contributed sites. Certain of the Predecessor Entities are the beneficiary of escrow accounts created to cover the cost to remediate certain environmental liabilities. In addition, certain of the Predecessor entitiesEntities maintain insurance policies to cover environmental liabilities and/or, where available, participate in state programs that may also assist in funding the costs of environmental liabilities. Certain sites that were contributed to the Partnership, in accordance with the Contribution Agreement, havewere identified as having existing environmental liabilities that are not covered by escrow accounts, or insurance policies.
In connection with the Express Lane Acquisition (see Note 4. Acquisitions) 20 of the acquired sites have been identified by the state of Florida as having potential environmental matters. Of those sites, five have known matters and the remaining 15 are subject to further assessments, of which could be significant. The Partnership recorded an initial environmental liability of $1.2 million, of which $0.6 million is current and $0.6 million is long-term. Of that amount the Partnership is indemnified by third-party escrow funds of $0.3 million and state funds or insurance of $0.9 million.policies.
The following table presents a summary roll forward of the Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s environmental liabilities, on an undiscounted basis at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
Environmental Liability Related to: | Balance at December 31, 2011 | Additions 2012 | Payments in 2012 | Balance at December 31, 2012 | |||||||||
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Total Environmental Liabilities | $ | 25,819 | $ | 834 | $ | 4,763 | $ | 21,890 | |||||
The Predecessor Entity estimates used in these reserves are based on all known facts at the time and its assessment of the ultimate remedial action outcomes. The Predecessor Entity will adjust loss accruals as further information becomes available or circumstances change. Among the many uncertainties that impact the 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 and the possibility of existing legal claims giving rise to additional claims.
Balance at December 31, 2012 Changes in estimates for previously incurred losses Recoveries from environmental indemnification assets Balance at December 31, 2013 Table of Contents $ 21,208 373 (3,322 ) $ 18,259
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
16. Environmental Liabilities (Continued)
A significant portion of the Predecessor Entities’ environmental reserves above has ahave corresponding indemnification asset. These indemnification assets consist primarily of third-party escrowed funds, state funds and insurance coverage.assets. The breakdown of the indemnification assets is as follows (in thousands):
| Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) as of December 31, 2011 | |||||
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Third-party escrows | $ | 7,988 | $ | 10,041 | |||
State funds | 4,051 | 5,619 | |||||
Insurance coverage | 6,037 | 6,821 | |||||
Total indemnification assets | $ | 18,076 | $ | 22,481 | |||
State funds represent probable state reimbursement amounts that would be payable to certain of the Predecessor Entities under state funds. Reimbursement will depend upon the continued maintenance and solvency of the state. Insurance coverage represents amounts deemed probable of reimbursement under insurance policies.
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Third-party escrows | $ | 6,707 | $ | 7,988 | ||||
State funds | 3,210 | 4,051 | ||||||
Insurance coverage | 5,460 | 6,037 | ||||||
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Total indemnification assets | $ | 15,377 | $ | 18,076 | ||||
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17. Partners' Capital
In connection with the closing of the Offering, pursuant to an agreement with the Selected Lehigh Gas Entities, the Selected Lehigh Gas Entities contributed certain assets, liabilities, operations and/or equity interests (the "Contributed Assets") to the Partnership. In consideration of the Contributed Assets, the Partnership issued and/or distributed to the Selected Lehigh Gas Entities an aggregate: 625,000 Common Units, representing 8.3% of the Common Units outstanding, and 7,525,000 Subordinated Units, representing 100.0% of the Subordinated Units outstanding, which comprise in the aggregate 54.2% of the total Common Units and Subordinated Units outstanding. The Partnership issued 6,900,000 Common Units, inclusive of the underwriter's over-allotment option, in connection with the IPO.
18. Income Taxes
Lehigh Gas Partners LP is a limited partnership under the Internal Revenue Service Code and, accordingly, earnings or losses, to the extent not included in LGWS, its taxable subsidiary, are included in the tax returns of the individual partners for federal and state income tax purposes. Net earnings for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to unitholders as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities, in addition to the allocation requirements related to taxable income under the Partnership Agreement.
As a limited partnership, Lehigh Gas Partners LP is generally not subject to income tax. However, the Partnership is subject to a statutory requirement that non-qualifying income (including income such as derivative gains from trading activities, service income, tank rentals and others) cannot exceed 10% of total gross income, determined on a calendar year basis under the applicable income tax provisions.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
18. Income Taxes (Continued)
If the amount of its non-qualifying income exceeds this statutory limit, it would be taxed as a corporation. Accordingly, certain activities that generate non-qualifying income are conducted through LGWS, the taxable corporate subsidiary. LGWS is subject to federal and state income tax and pays the income taxes related to the results of its operations. For the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the Partnership's non-qualifying income did not exceed the statutory limit.
LGWS follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred income taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the underlying assets are received and liabilities settled.
The components of the federal and state income tax expense (benefit) of LGWS are summarized as follows (in thousands):
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | |||
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Current expense | ||||
Federal | $ | 269 | ||
State | 73 | |||
Total income tax expense | $ | 342 | ||
As of December 31, 2012, the Partnership had deferred income tax assets of $1.4 million, comprised of $0.8 million related to rent and $0.6 million related to property, plant and equipment. The deferred tax assets were fully reserved against with a valuation allowance. Since $1.1 million of deferred tax assets existed at the date of the contribution from the Predecessor Entity, $1.1 million of the valuation allowance was recorded as a charge against Partners' Capital—affiliates. Any reduction in that portion of the valuation allowance will be recorded as a credit to Partners' Capital—affiliates.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
18. Income Taxes (Continued)
The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate due primarily to Partnership earnings that are generally not subject to federal and state income taxes at the Partnership level. The rate reconciliation is below:
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | |||
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Consolidated loss from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | (1,014 | ) | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes of the Partnership excluding LGWS | (1,037 | ) | ||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes of LGWS | 23 | |||
Federal income taxes at statutory rate | 8 | |||
Increase due to: | ||||
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit | 2 | |||
Valuation allowance adjustments | 332 | |||
Total income tax expense | $ | 342 | ||
19.14. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitments
The future minimum volume purchase requirements forthcoming in year 20132014 under the existing supply agreements are approximate gallons, with a purchase price at prevailing market rates for wholesale distributions. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity purchased approximately 586.3 million, 90.0 million, 431.2 million 417.8 million and 415.9417.8 million gallons of product under the existing supply agreements for 2013, the periodsperiod from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, andthe period from January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively, which included fulfillment of the minimum purchase obligation under these commitments. The following provides total future minimum volume purchase requirements (in thousands of gallons) for the following years (in thousands):
2013 | 247,143 | |||
2014 | 247,143 | |||
2015 | 244,810 | |||
2016 | 237,893 | |||
2017 | 218,809 | |||
Thereafter | 2,521,894 | |||
Total | 3,717,692 | |||
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
19. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)years:
2014 | 314,456 | |||
2015 | 284,278 | |||
2016 | 276,828 | |||
2017 | 248,322 | |||
2018 | 234,489 | |||
Thereafter | 2,541,437 | |||
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Total | 3,899,810 | |||
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In the event for a given contract year the Partnership or the Predecessor Entity fails to purchase the required minimum volume, the underlying third party'sparty’s exclusive remedies (depending on the magnitude of the failure) are either termination of the supply agreement and/or a financial penalty per gallon based on the volume shortfall for the given year. Neither the Partnership nor the Predecessor Entity incurred any penalties for the periods presented.
Grocery Guarantee
In December 2009, the Predecessor Entity entered into an agreement to guarantee amounts owed to a grocery supplier by an affiliated entity. The amount guaranteed as of December 31, 2011 was $1.9 million. No payments have been made under this guarantee. The Partnership was not party to the guarantee.
Legal Actions
In 2006 and 2007, a Lessee Dealer asserted claims against the Predecessor Entity regarding the improper termination of their franchise relationship. In December 2012, the plaintiff was awarded a settlement of $0.5 million of which the Predecessor Entity recorded as selling, general and administrative expense for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012.
In the normal course of business, the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity have and may become involved in legal actions relating to the ownership and operation of their properties and business. No provision has been made in the financials as management concluded that losses from outstanding legal actions are not reasonably possible. In management'smanagement’s opinion, the resolutions of any such pending legal actions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity maintain liability insurance on certain aspects of its businesses in amounts deemed adequate by management. However, there is no assurance that this insurance will be adequate to protect them from all material expenses related to potential future claims or these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economically acceptable prices.
Environmental Liabilities
See Note 16 Environmental Liabilities13 for a discussion of the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity'sEntity’s environmental liabilities.
15. Fair Value Measurements
The Partnership measures and reports certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is 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 (exit price). GAAP specifies athree-level hierarchy that is used when measuring and disclosing fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. The following is a description of the three hierarchy levels.
Level 1 | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Active markets are considered to be those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. | |||
Level 2 | Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category includes quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets. | |||
Level 3 | Unobservable inputs are not corroborated by market data. This category is comprised of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies using significant inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources. |
Transfers into or out of any hierarchy level are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which the transfers occurred. There were no transfers between any levels in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
As further discussed in Note 17, the Partnership has accrued for phantom units granted in 2013 as a liability and adjusts that liability on a recurring basis based on the market price of the Partnership’s common units each balance sheet date. Such fair value measurements are deemed Level 1 measurements.
For assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the year, accounting guidance requires quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements separately for each major category. See Note 5 for a discussion of impairment charges to reduce the net book value of assets held for sale to fair value less cost to sell. Such fair value measurements were based on negotiated sales prices, or sales of comparable sites, and represent level 2 measurements.
Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Partnership’s accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their carrying values as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt approximated its carrying value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to the frequency with which interest rates are reset based on changes in prevailing interest rates. The fair value of debt, classified as a Level 2 measurement, was estimated using an income approach by discounting future cash flows at estimated current cost of funding rates, which incorporate the credit risk of the Partnership.
16. Partners’ Capital
In connection with the IPO, the Predecessor Entities contributed the Contributed Assets to the Partnership. In consideration of the Contributed Assets, the Partnership issued and/or distributed to the Predecessor an aggregate of 625,000 common units and 7,525,000 subordinated units. The Partnership issued 6,900,000 common units, inclusive of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, in connection with the IPO.
In January 2013, the Partnership issued an aggregate of 1,044 units to members of the board of directors of the Partnership’s General Partner related to director compensation.
In December 2013, the Partnership issued 3,565,000 common units, inclusive of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, for $26.90 per unit, resulting in proceeds of $91.4 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. The Partnership used the proceeds to reduce indebtedness outstanding under its Credit Facility and for general purposes.
In December 2013, LGC purchased 6,304 common units from the Partnership and granted them to Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner. The grant was made to Mr. Topper, at his election, in lieu of cash compensation due to Mr. Topper as consideration for his services to the Partnership as Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner. LGC paid the Partnership the grant-date fair value of the units, which was $0.2 million.
17. Equity-Based Incentive Compensation
In connection with the IPO, the General Partner adopted the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”), a long-term incentive plan for employees, officers, consultants and directors of the General Partner and any of its affiliates, including LGC, who perform services for the Partnership. The maximum number of common units that may be delivered with respect to awards under the Plan is 1,505,000. Generally, the Plan provides for grants of restricted units, unit options, performance awards, phantom units, unit awards, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights, and other unit-based awards, with various limits and restrictions attached to these awards on a grant-by-grant basis. The Plan is administered by the board of directors of the Partnership’s General Partner or a committee thereof, which is referred to as the Plan Administrator.
The Plan Administrator may terminate or amend the Plan at any time with respect to any common units for which a grant has not yet been made. The Plan Administrator also has the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part of the Plan from time to time, including increasing the number of common units that may be granted, subject to unitholder approval as required by the exchange upon which common units are listed at that time.
However, no change in any outstanding grant may be made that would adversely affect the rights of a participant with respect to awards granted to a participant prior to the effective date of such amendment or termination, except that the board of directors of our General Partner may amend any award to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan will expire on the tenth anniversary of its approval, when common units are no longer available under the Plan for grants or upon its termination by the Plan Administrator, whichever occurs first.
The following is a summary of the phantom unit award activity for 2013:
Non-vested at December 31, 2012 | — | |||
Granted | 449,662 | |||
Forfeited | (16,289 | ) | ||
Non-vested at December 31, 2013 | 433,373 | |||
The fair value of the non-vested phantom units outstanding at December 31, 2013 was $12.4 million. Compensation expense for 2013 was $3.1 million. Unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested phantom units is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
It is the intent of the Partnership to settle these phantom units upon vesting by issuing common units, as allowed under the Plan. However, the awards may be settled in cash at the discretion of the compensation committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
Since the Partnership grants phantom units to employees of LGC, and since the grants may be settled in cash, the grants are measured at fair value at each balance sheet reporting date and the cumulative compensation cost recognized is classified as a liability, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the balance sheet.
18. Income Taxes
Certain legal entities of the Partnership do not pay income taxes because their income is taxed to the owners. For those entities, the reported amount of their assets, net of the reported amount of their liabilities, was less than the related tax basis of their assets and liabilities by $4.5 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Net earnings for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to the owners as a result of this basis difference and the allocation of taxable income under the Partnership Agreement.
The non-taxed entities of the Partnership are subject to a statutory requirement that non-qualifying income cannot exceed 10% of total gross income for the calendar year. If the amount of its non-qualifying income exceeds the statutory limit, these entities would be subject to income tax on their earnings as if they were taxable corporations. The non-qualifying income did not exceed the statutory limit in any period for the non-taxed entities.
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Current expense | ||||||||
Federal | $ | 1,111 | $ | 269 | ||||
State | 121 | 73 | ||||||
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Total current income tax expense | 1,232 | 342 | ||||||
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Deferred expense (benefit) | ||||||||
Federal | (2,329 | ) | — | |||||
State | (619 | ) | — | |||||
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Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | (2,948 | ) | — | |||||
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Total income tax expense (benefit) | $ | (1,716 | ) | $ | 342 | |||
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The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands).
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets | ||||||||
Deferred rent income | $ | 319 | $ | 890 | ||||
Deferred rent expense | 365 | 328 | ||||||
Lease financing obligations | 23,936 | 27,422 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations | 787 | 194 | ||||||
Above market lease liability | 1,024 | — | ||||||
Other | 61 | — | ||||||
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Total deferred income tax assets | 26,492 | 28,834 | ||||||
Valuation allowance | (7,093 | ) | (9,893 | ) | ||||
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Net deferred income tax assets | 19,399 | 18,941 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities | ||||||||
Property and equipment | 22,964 | 18,941 | ||||||
Below market lease intangible asset | 1,274 | — | ||||||
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Total deferred income tax liabilities | 24,238 | 18,941 | ||||||
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Net deferred income tax liabilities | $ | 4,839 | $ | — | ||||
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Non-current deferred tax assets of $0.1 million are included in deferred financing fees, net and other assets and non-current deferred tax liabilities of $5.0 million are included in other noncurrent liabilities at December 31, 2013.
During 2013, in connection with the updates to purchase accounting and subsequent assignment of assets and liabilities by the Partnership to LGWS, the Partnership reviewed its cumulative permanent and temporary differences. As a result of that review, the Partnership increased its net deferred tax assets that existed on the date of the contribution of net assets by the Predecessor to the Partnership by $8.5 million and increased its valuation allowance to fully offset these additional net deferred tax assets.
During 2013, based on the updates to the purchase price allocations for the 2012 and 2013 acquisitions and subsequent assignment of assets and liabilities by the Partnership to LGWS, the Partnership recorded a deferred tax liability of $7.8 million.
At December 31, 2012, net deferred tax assets totaling $9.9 million were fully reserved against with a valuation allowance. Concurrent with the recognition of the $7.8 million net deferred tax liability noted above, and based on the expected reversal of the cumulative temporary differences and anticipated future earnings as of December 31, 2013, the Partnership released $2.8 million of the valuation allowance during 2013. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2013 relates primarily to the uncertainty of the availability of future profits to realize the tax benefit of the existing deductible temporary differences. The Partnership believes that it will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the benefits related to the remaining deferred tax asset. The valuation allowance decrease primarily relates to the change in the net deferred tax position.
In conjunction with the Partnership’s ongoing review of its actual results and anticipated future earnings, the Partnership continuously reassesses the possibility of releasing the valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. It is reasonably possible that a significant portion of the valuation allowance will be released within the next twelve months.
The difference between the actual income tax provision and income taxes computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to earnings (losses) before income taxes is attributable to the following (in thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | |||||||
Consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes – all domestic | $ | 16,354 | $ | (1,014 | ) | |||
(Income) loss from continuing operations before income taxes of non-taxable entities | (15,638 | ) | 1,037 | |||||
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Income from continuing operations before income taxes of LGWS | 716 | 23 | ||||||
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Federal income taxes at statutory rate | 244 | 8 | ||||||
Increase (decrease) due to: | ||||||||
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit and other | (417 | ) | 2 | |||||
Change in valuation allowance | (1,543 | ) | 332 | |||||
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Total income tax expense | $ | (1,716 | ) | $ | 342 | |||
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The Partnership files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government as well as the many state jurisdictions in which it operates. The statute remains open for tax years 2013 and 2012; therefore, these years remain subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdiction authorities.
19. Net Income per Limited Partnership Unit
Under the Partnership Agreement, our General Partner’s interest in net income from the Partnership consists of incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”), which are increasing percentages, starting at 15% of quarterly distributions out of the operating surplus (as defined) in excess of $0.5031 per limited partner unit. The Partnership’s undistributed net income is generally allocable pro rata to the common and subordinated unitholders, except where common unitholders have received cash distributions in excess of the subordinated unitholders. In that circumstance, net income is allocated to the common unitholders first in support of such excess cash distribution paid to them and the remainder of the net income is allocable pro rata to the common and subordinated unitholders. Losses are general allocable pro rata to the common and subordinated unitholders in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.
In addition to the common and subordinated units, the Partnership has identified the IDRs as participating securities and computes income per unit using the two-class method under which any excess of distributions declared over net income shall be allocated to the partners based on their respective sharing of income specified in the Partnership Agreement. Net income per unit applicable to limited partners (including common and subordinated unitholders) is computed by dividing the limited partners’ interest in net income, after deducting any incentive distributions, by the weighted-average number of outstanding common and subordinated units. There were no participating IDRs for 2013 or 2012. However, the distribution declared in March 2014 exceeded the threshold and IDRs will participate in this distribution.
The following provides a reconciliation of net income and the allocation of net income to the limited partners’ interest for purposes of computing net income per limited partner unit for the following periods (in thousands, except unit, and per unit amounts):
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Period from October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||
Common Units | Subordinated Units | Common Units | Subordinated Units | |||||||||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 9,157 | $ | 8,913 | $ | (678 | ) | $ | (678 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid (a) | 12,999 | 12,999 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Allocation of distributions in excess of net income (b) | (3,842 | ) | (4,086 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
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Limited partners’ interest in net income-basic | 9,157 | 8,913 | (678 | ) | (678 | ) | ||||||||||
Adjustment for phantom units | 29 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
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Limited partners’ interest in net income-diluted | 9,186 | 8,913 | (678 | ) | (678 | ) | ||||||||||
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Denominator: | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding-basic | 7,731,471 | 7,525,000 | 7,525,000 | 7,525,000 | ||||||||||||
Adjustment for phantom units | 48,886 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
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Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding-diluted | 7,780,357 | 7,525,000 | 7,525,000 | 7,525,000 | ||||||||||||
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Net income per limited partnership unit-basic | $ | 1.18 | $ | 1.18 | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||
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Net income per limited partnership unit-diluted | $ | 1.18 | $ | 1.18 | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | ||||||
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(a) | Distributions paid per unit were $1.7273 for 2013. |
(b) | Allocation of distributions in excess of net income is based on a pro rata proportion to the common and subordinated units as outlined in the Partnership Agreement. |
The Partnership Agreement sets forth the calculation used for determining the cash distributions the common and subordinated unitholders are entitled to receive. In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, on March 6, 2014, the Partnership declared a quarterly dividend, to be paid from the operating surplus, totaling $9.5 million or $0.5125 per unit.
20. Related-Party Transactions
The related party transactions with the Partnership and the Predecessor Entity and other affiliated entities under common control not part of the Predecessor Entity ("Affiliates") are as follows:
Advances to Affiliates
The Predecessor Entity served as a lender and borrower of funds and a clearinghouse for the settlement of receivables and payables for its Affiliates. Amounts due from Affiliates for these types of transactional activities amounted to $5.9 million at December 31, 2011.
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
20. Related-Party Transactions (Continued)
Revenues from Fuel Sales to Affiliates
In connection with the IPO, the Partnership and LGO entered into a PMPA Franchise Agreement pursuant to which the Partnership is the exclusive distributor of motor fuel to all sites operated by LGO for a period of 15 years. The Partnership andhas the Predecessor Entity sell refined petroleum productsright to their Affiliates at prevailing marketimpose the brand of fuel that is distributed to LGO. There are no minimum volume requirements that LGO is required to satisfy. The Partnership charges LGO the “dealer tank wagon” prices for each grade of product in effect at the time of delivery.title to the product passes to LGO. Revenues and cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates are disclosedseparately classified in the accompanying Consolidatedstatements of operations.
Revenues from Fuel Sales to Related Parties
In addition, the Partnership sells motor fuel and Combined Statementsleases property to a related party owned by a relative of Operations.the Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner. Total revenues amounted to $103.2 million, $17.7 million, $88.8 million and $109.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, the period from October 31 to December 31, 2012, the period from January 1 to October 30, 2012, and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. Accounts receivable amounted to $1.1 million and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred EquityOperating Leases of Gasoline Stations as Lessor
In December 2008,The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity issued non-voting preferred member interestslease certain motor fuel stations to their affiliates under cancelable operating leases. Rent income under these agreements is separately classified in the statements of $12.0 million to certain related individuals. operations.
Operating Leases of Gasoline Stations as Lessee
The holders of the preferred interests received semi-annual dividend payments at an increasing coupon rate, not to exceed 18.0%. The initial coupon rate of 9.0% would have increased 3.0% every six monthsPartnership and was capped at 18.0%. In the event of a default, as defined by the preferred interest agreement, the interest rate may have increased to 24.0%.
At any time following the initial issuance, the Predecessor Entity had the right to repurchase the preferred member interests at a price equal to the initial issuance plus any accruedlease certain motor fuel stations from their affiliates under cancelable operating leases. Rent expense under these agreements was $1.0 million, $0.2 million, $0.6 million and unpaid dividends.
In February 2011, the Predecessor Entity amended the terms under the preferred membership interest agreement. Pursuant to the amendment, the holders of preferred member interest received semi-annual dividend payments at a rate of 12.0% with a default rate of 18.0%. In addition, the holder had the option to request payment of all accrued but unpaid dividends and principal due any time after October 1, 2013. Pursuant to an amendment in May 2012, the interest rate increased to 15.0%$0.6 million for 2013, the period from September 1,October 31, 2012 through AugustDecember 31, 2013.
Dividend payments, including accrued dividends, are recorded as interest expense. For2012, the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, the Predecessor Entity recorded preferred interest expense of $1.3 million, $1.4 million, and $1.7 million, respectively.
Omnibus Agreement and Management Fees
In September 2012,connection with the Predecessor Entity andIPO, the holdersPartnership entered into an agreementOmnibus Agreement (the “Omnibus Agreement”) by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, LGC, LGO and, for an aggregate $13.0 million paymentlimited purposes, Joseph V. Topper, Jr. Pursuant to cancel the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity (the cancellation payment), alongOmnibus Agreement, among other things, LGC provides the Partnership and the General Partner with payments accruedmanagement, administrative and unpaid atoperating services. These services include accounting, tax, corporate record keeping and communication, legal, financial reporting, internal audit support, compliance, maintenance of internal controls, environmental compliance and remediation management oversight, treasury, tax reporting, information technology and other administrative staff functions, and arrange for administration of insurance programs. As the applicable rate discussed above.Partnership does not have any employees, LGC provides the Partnership with personnel necessary to carry out the services provided under the Omnibus Agreement and any other services necessary to operate the Partnership’s business. The aggregate cancellation payment includes $12.0 million for the face valueinitial term of the mandatorily redeemable equityOmnibus Agreement is four years and anwill automatically renew for additional $1.0 millionone-year terms unless any party provides written notice to the other parties as required. The Partnership has the right to terminate the Omnibus Agreement at any time during the initial term upon prior written notice as required.
The Partnership also received a right of first refusal on any acquisition opportunities identified by Topper, LGC, LGO or their controlled affiliates in considerationany business primarily engaged in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses for so long as Topper, LGC and LGO or their controlled affiliates, individually or as part of a contractual modificationgroup, control the General Partner.
The Partnership also received a right of first offer on any assets or businesses primarily engaged in the wholesale motor fuel distribution or retail gas station operation businesses that Topper, LGC, LGO or their controlled affiliates decides to provideattempt to sell for so long as Topper, LGC and LGO or their controlled affiliates, individually or as part of a group, control the early cancellation and redemption of the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity. As the cancellation payment was simultaneousGeneral Partner, with the Offering, the additional $1.0 million in consideration for early cancellation was accounted for on the Predecessor Entity's combined financial statements in the accounting period corresponding withexception of any non-contributed assets that existed as of the closing of the Offering.IPO.
In connection withThe Omnibus Agreement also provides for certain indemnification obligations between LGC and the Offering,Partnership, which is inclusive of the preferred member interests were paid in full with proceeds from the Offering.environmental liabilities.
Management Fees
In accordance with the Omnibus Agreement, the Partnership is required to pay LGC (as previously defined) a management fee, which is initially an amount equal to (1) $420,000 per month plus
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
20. Related-Party Transactions (Continued)
(2) $0.0025 for each gallon of motor fuel the Partnership distributes per month. In addition, and subject to certain restrictions on LGC'sLGC’s ability to incur third-party fees, costs, taxes and expenses, the Partnership is required to reimburse LGC and the General Partner for all reasonable out-of-pocket third-party fees, costs, taxes and expenses incurred by LGC or the General Partner on the Partnership'sPartnership’s behalf in connection with providing the services required to be provided by LGC under the Omnibus Agreement. ForThe Partnership incurred $6.6 million and $1.1 million in management fees under the Omnibus Agreement in 2013 and for the period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the Partnership paid $1.1 million in management fees under the Omnibus Agreement, and are includedrespectively, classified as contra-expense amounts in the Predecessor Entity selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statementstatements of Income.operations.
The Predecessor Entity charged management fees to its Affiliatesaffiliates and these amounts are included as contra-expense amounts in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Combined Statementsstatements of Income.operations. The amounts recorded for these management fees were approximately $3.7 million $2.3 million, and $0$2.3 million for the period January 1, 2012 through October 30,31, 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These management fees reflectedreflect the allocation of certain overhead expenses of the Predecessor Entity and includedinclude costs of centralized corporate functions, such as legal, accounting, information technology, insurance and other corporate services. The allocation methods for these costs included: estimates of the costs and level of support attributable to its Affiliatesaffiliates for legal, accounting, and usage and headcount for information technology.
Note ReceivableEnvironmental Costs
In May 2009, the Predecessor Entity received a secured promissory note for $0.2 million from a related party. Pursuant to the termsCertain environmental monitoring and remediation activities are undertaken by an affiliate of the note,Partnership as approved by the Predecessor Entity is entitledconflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner. The Partnership incurred $0.3 million with this affiliate in 2013.
Aircraft Usage Costs
The Partnership uses aircraft owned by a group of individuals that includes the CEO and certain other members of the board of directors of the General Partner as approved by the disinterested members of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner. The Partnership incurred $0.1 million for the use of these aircraft in 2013.
Sites Previously Leased by LGO
Through February 2013, the Partnership leased certain sites in the Cleveland, Ohio market to receive monthly installment paymentsLGO, who operated or contracted to third parties the operation of principalthe motor fuel and interest payments through May 2029convenience store activities conducted at those sites. In March 2013, the Partnership entered into an agreement with an unrelated third-party to lease and this note shall bear interestconduct the convenience store activities at a fixed rate19 of 7% per annum. Atthese sites in the Cleveland, Ohio market. Concurrently, the lease agreements between the Partnership and LGO were amended to reflect the lease of just the motor fuel-related property and terminate the lease of the convenience store. Through December 31, 2011,2013, the unpaid principal balance ofunrelated third-party paid $1.7 million directly to LGO for its agreement to vacate the noteconvenience store space. Although the Partnership did not participate directly in the transaction between LGO and the unrelated third-party, it was approximately $0.2deemed for accounting purposes to have an intermediary role in the transaction in its capacity as the entity controlling these sites (either through fee ownership or leasehold interest). Accordingly, the Partnership recorded $1.7 million and wasin deferred initial direct costs, which is included in deferred financing feescosts, net and other assets, and a corresponding deferred rent income liability, which is included in other liabilities, both of which are recognized ratably over the term of the leases with the unrelated third-party lessee.
The retail motor fuel business at these sites was operated by LGO through August 31, 2013. These sites were included in the Combined Balance Sheet.Commission Sites operated by the Partnership commencing September 1, 2013 (see Note 1 for additional information). As such, the leases with LGO were terminated on September 1, 2013. The note receivabletransaction was not contributedapproved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner.
As discussed in Note 11, the Partnership terminated leases with LGO at the Commission Sites and closed sites, which resulted in a write-off of deferred rent income of $0.4 million, classified as a charge against rent income from affiliates.
Advance to Affiliate
As disclosed in Note 4, during 2013, the Partnership paid $1.7 million of additional purchase price consideration for the net working capital of the Express Lane Retail Business. Because the net working capital was transferred to LGO at the acquisition date, LGO repaid this amount to the Partnership.Partnership in October 2013. The payment to the Express Lane sellers was classified as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows and is included within the line item “Advances (to) from affiliates.”
Operating Leases of Gasoline Stations as LessorMandatorily Redeemable Preferred Equity
The Partnership andIn December 2008, the Predecessor Entity leaseissued non-voting preferred member interests of $12.0 million to certain gas stationsrelated individuals. From February 2011 through August 31, 2012, the holders of preferred member interests received semi-annual dividend payments at a rate of 12.0%. Pursuant to their Affiliates under cancelable operating leases. The rental income under these agreements totaled $3.2 million, $5.7 million, $7.8 million and $7.2 millionan amendment in May 2012, the dividend rate increased to 15.0% for the period October 31,from September 1, 2012 through DecemberAugust 31, 2012, and2013. Dividend payments, including accrued dividends, are recorded as interest expense. For the period from January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Operating Leases of Gasoline Stations as Lessee
The Partnership and the Predecessor Entity lease certain gas stations from their Affiliates under cancelable operating leases. Total expenses incurred under these agreements totaled $0.2 million, $0.6 million, $0.6recorded interest expense of $1.3 million and $0.6$1.4 million, respectively.
In September 2012, the Predecessor Entity and the holders entered into an agreement for an aggregate $13.0 million payment, including $12.0 million for the periods October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012,face value of the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity and $1.0 million in consideration for a contractual modification to provide for the early cancellation and redemption of the mandatorily redeemable preferred equity (the cancellation payment), along with dividend payments accrued and unpaid at the applicable rate discussed above. As the cancellation payment was simultaneous with the IPO, the $1.0 million cancellation payment was accounted for on the Predecessor’s financial statements in the accounting period corresponding with the closing of the IPO. The mandatorily redeemable preferred equity was redeemed in full, at par, with proceeds from the IPO.
21. Segment Reporting
As discussed in Note 1, effective September 1, 2013, the Partnership engages in both the wholesale and retail distribution of motor fuels, primarily gasoline and diesel fuel. Given this change, the Partnership conducts its business in two segments: 1) the wholesale segment and 2) the retail segment. The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described in Note 3. The Partnership’s measure of segment profit or loss is net income. Unallocated costs consist primarily of interest expense associated with the Credit Facility, selling, general and administrative expenses, income taxes and the period January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, andelimination of the retail segment’s intersegment cost of revenues from fuel sales against the wholesale segment’s intersegment revenues from fuel sales. The profit in ending inventory generated by the intersegment fuel sale is also eliminated. Total assets by segment are not presented as the chief operating decision maker does not currently assess performance or allocate resources based on that data. Financial data for each segment is as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Wholesale | Retail | Unallocated | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to external customers | $ | 1,824,568 | $ | 68,238 | $ | — | $ | 1,892,806 | ||||||||
Intersegment revenues from fuel sales | 57,988 | — | (57,988 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Rent income | 40,210 | 1,367 | — | 41,577 | ||||||||||||
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Total revenues | 1,922,766 | 69,605 | (57,988 | ) | 1,934,383 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,288 | 675 | — | 20,963 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (4,479 | ) | (169 | ) | (9,534 | ) | (14,182 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | — | — | (1,716 | ) | (1,716 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 41,841 | 623 | (24,394 | ) | 18,070 | |||||||||||
Expenditures for long-lived assets | 49,144 | 149 | — | 49,293 |
22. Interim Financial Results (unaudited)
Interim financial results for the years ended December 31, 2011Partnership for 2013 were as follows (in thousands, except per unit data):
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Fourth Quarter 2013 | Third Quarter 2013 | Second Quarter 2013 | First Quarter 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,934,383 | 485,145 | 490,112 | 487,688 | 471,438 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income | 28,501 | 5,830 | 6,995 | 8,601 | 7,075 | |||||||||||||||
Net income and comprehensive income | $ | 18,070 | $ | 3,920 | $ | 4,924 | $ | 5,469 | $ | 3,757 | ||||||||||
Limited partners’ interest in net income | $ | 18,070 | $ | 3,920 | $ | 4,924 | $ | 5,469 | $ | 3,757 | ||||||||||
Net income per common and subordinated unit—basic (a) | $ | 1.18 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.25 | ||||||||||
Net income per common and subordinated unit—diluted (a) | $ | 1.18 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.25 |
(a) | The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal annual earnings per unit due to changes in the number of units outstanding during the year or rounding. |
Interim financial results for 2012 are as follows (in thousands, except per unit data):
Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from October 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Third Quarter 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Second Quarter 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) First Quarter 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 311,665 | 159,312 | 506,629 | 490,431 | 416,066 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 772 | 7,778 | 2,575 | 4,231 | (500 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations after income taxes | (1,356 | ) | 5,343 | (441 | ) | 1,077 | (3,174 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 9 | (9 | ) | 169 | 140 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 5,352 | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 1,246 | $ | (3,034 | ) | |||||||
Limited partners’ interest in net loss | $ | (1,356 | ) | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Net loss per common and subordinated unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) |
23. Subsequent Events
In March 2014, we entered into an amended and 2010, respectively.restated credit agreement (the “New Credit Facility”). The New Credit Facility is a senior secured revolving credit facility maturing March 4, 2019 with a total borrowing capacity of $450 million, under which swingline loans may be drawn up to $10.0 million and standby letters of credit may be issued up to an aggregate of $45.0 million. The New Credit Facility may be increased, from time to time, upon the Partnership’s written request, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $100.0 million. All obligations under the New Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries.
The Partnership is required to comply with certain financial covenants under the New Credit Facility. The Partnership is required to maintain a total leverage ratio (as defined) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters of not greater than 4.50 to 1.00. Such threshold is increased to 5.00 to 1.00 for the two quarters preceding the closing of a material acquisition (as defined) or upon the issuance of senior notes (as defined). Upon the issuance of senior notes, the Partnership is also required to maintain a senior leverage ratio (as defined) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters on a pro forma basis of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00. The Partnership is also required to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio (as defined) on a pro forma basis of at least 2.75 to 1.00.
Borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear interest, at the Partnership’s option, at (1) a rate equal to the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”), for interest periods of one week or one, two, three or six months, plus a margin of 2.00% to 3.25% per annum, depending on the Partnership’s total leverage ratio (as defined) or (2) (a) a base rate equal to the greatest of: (i) the federal funds rate, plus 0.5%, (ii) LIBOR for one month interest periods, plus 1.00% per annum or (iii) the rate of interest established by the agent, from time to time, as its prime rate, plus (b) a margin of 1.00% to 2.25% per annum depending on the Partnership’s total leverage ratio. In addition, the Partnership incurs a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate of 0.35% to 0.50% per annum depending on the Partnership’s total leverage ratio.
The New Credit Facility prohibits the Partnership from making distributions to its unitholders if any potential default or event of default occurs or would result from the distribution, or the Partnership is not in compliance with its financial covenants. In addition, the New Credit Facility contains various covenants which may limit, among other things, the Partnership’s ability to grant liens; create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist other indebtedness; or make any material change to the nature of the Partnership’s business, including mergers, liquidations, and dissolutions; and make certain investments, acquisitions or dispositions.
Table of ContentsSCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe YearsYear Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
21. Interim Financial Results (unaudited, in thousands, except per unit data)
| Consolidated Lehigh Gas Partners LP Period from October 31 to December 31, 2012 | | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Period from October 1 to October 30, 2012 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Third Quarter 2012(2)(3) | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Second Quarter 2012(2)(4) | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) First Quarter 2012(2) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 161,319 | $ | 88,664 | $ | 270,598 | $ | 299,647 | $ | 276,332 | ||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 145,168 | 68,856 | 230,754 | 186,762 | 134,767 | |||||||||||||
Rental income | 1,950 | 1,068 | 3,184 | 2,971 | 3,113 | |||||||||||||
Rental income from affiliates | 3,228 | 720 | 2,090 | 1,047 | 1,851 | |||||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | — | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | 311,665 | 159,312 | 506,629 | 490,431 | 416,066 | |||||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 156,815 | 85,550 | 265,380 | 291,630 | 271,661 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 139,736 | 67,722 | 226,274 | 183,208 | 132,167 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues for retail merchandise and other | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Rent expense | 2,045 | 1,237 | 3,464 | 2,795 | 2,067 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 541 | (288 | ) | 1,824 | 1,466 | 1,732 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 2,551 | 1,782 | 3,536 | 3,726 | 4,729 | |||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1) | 9,676 | (4,469 | ) | 3,722 | 5,267 | 5,291 | ||||||||||||
Gain on sale of assets | (471 | ) | — | (146 | ) | (1,892 | ) | (1,081 | ) | |||||||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 310,893 | 151,534 | 504,054 | 486,200 | 416,566 | |||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 772 | 7,778 | 2,575 | 4,231 | (500 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (1,926 | ) | (1,088 | ) | (3,388 | ) | (3,501 | ) | (3,392 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | (571 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 140 | (776 | ) | 372 | 347 | 718 | ||||||||||||
(Loss) Income from continuing operations | (1,014 | ) | 5,343 | (441 | ) | 1,077 | (3,174 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax expense from continuing operations | 342 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | — | 9 | (9 | ) | 169 | 140 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income | $ | (1,356 | ) | $ | 5,352 | $ | (450 | ) | $ | 1,246 | $ | (3,034 | ) | |||||
Limited partners' interest in net loss from continuing operations | $ | (1,356 | ) | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||
Net loss allocated to common units | $ | (678 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net loss allocated to subordinated units | $ | (678 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net loss per common unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net loss per subordinated unit—basic and diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) |
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
21. Interim Financial Results (unaudited, in thousands, except per unit data) (Continued)
Lehigh Gas Partners LP and Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the Periods October 31, 2012, through December 31, 2012, andJanuary 1, 2012, through October 30, 2012, andthe Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
21. Interim Financial Results (unaudited, in thousands, except for per unit data) (Continued)
| Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Total 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Fourth Quarter 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Third Quarter 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) Second Quarter 2011 | Combined Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) First Quarter 2011 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues from fuel sales | $ | 1,236,644 | $ | 277,705 | $ | 330,411 | $ | 346,887 | $ | 281,641 | ||||||
Revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 365,106 | 166,029 | 58,168 | 85,078 | 55,831 | |||||||||||
Rental income | 12,633 | 3,303 | 3,288 | 3,053 | 2,989 | |||||||||||
Rental income from affiliates | 7,792 | 2,323 | 1,959 | 1,758 | 1,752 | |||||||||||
Revenues from retail merchandise and other | 1,389 | 339 | 400 | 358 | 292 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | 1,623,564 | 449,699 | 394,226 | 437,134 | 342,505 | |||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales | 1,204,440 | 263,503 | 327,403 | 337,715 | 275,819 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues from fuel sales to affiliates | 359,005 | 170,282 | 50,473 | 83,277 | 54,973 | |||||||||||
Cost of revenues for retail merchandise and other | 1,066 | 263 | 311 | 264 | 228 | |||||||||||
Rent expense | 9,402 | 2,416 | 2,458 | 2,385 | 2,143 | |||||||||||
Operating expenses | 6,608 | 1,859 | 1,468 | 1,871 | 1,410 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 11,996 | 3,503 | 3,086 | 2,855 | 2,552 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 12,709 | 2,848 | 3,037 | 3,742 | 3,082 | |||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets | (3,188 | ) | (1,573 | ) | 17 | (928 | ) | (704 | ) | |||||||
Total costs and operating expenses | 1,602,038 | 443,101 | 388,253 | 431,181 | 339,503 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 21,526 | 6,598 | 5,973 | 5,953 | 3,002 | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (12,082 | ) | (2,439 | ) | (3,109 | ) | (4,772 | ) | (1,762 | ) | ||||||
Other income, net | 1,245 | 518 | 290 | 123 | 314 | |||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | 10,689 | 4,677 | 3,154 | 1,304 | 1,554 | |||||||||||
(Loss) income from discontinued operations | (779 | ) | 36 | 19 | 14 | (848 | ) | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 9,910 | $ | 4,713 | $ | 3,173 | $ | 1,318 | $ | 706 | ||||||
22. Subsequent Events
On January 17, 2013, the Partnership declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.2948 per Common and Subordinated Unit. This cash distribution represents a prorated amount that, on an equivalent, full-quarter basis, would be equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4375 per unit per quarter ($1.75 per unit on an annualized basis). This prorated amount corresponds to the periods from the Offering closing date through December 31, 2012. The cash distribution was subsequently paid February 15, 2013.
On March 15, 2013, the Partnership issued 446,420 phantom units under the Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan. Each phantom unit is the equivalent common unit representing a limited partner interest in the Partnership. These phantom units will vest in equal, one-third installments on each of March 15, 2014, March 15, 2015 and March 15, 2016.
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Lehigh Gas Partners LPFor the Period October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012,
the periodPeriod January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012, and the for the Years endedYear Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands)
Description | Balance at Beginning of Period | Charged to Costs and Expenses | Charged to Other Accounts(1) | Recoveries | Write Offs | Balance at End of Period | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012(Partnership) | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Valuation allowance—deferred tax assets(1) | $ | — | $ | 332 | $ | 1,074 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1406 | |||||||
January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012(Predecessor) | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | 37 | $ | 87 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 124 | |||||||
Year ended December 31, 2011(Predecessor) | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | 90 | $ | 99 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 152 | $ | 37 | |||||||
Year ended December 31, 2010(Predecessor) | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | 320 | $ | 76 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 306 | $ | 90 |
Description | Balance at Beginning of Period | Charged to Costs and Expenses | Charged to Other Accounts | Recoveries | Write Offs | Balance at End of Period | ||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2013 (Partnership) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | — | $ | 161 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 25 | $ | 136 | ||||||||||||
Valuation allowance—deferred tax assets | $ | 9,893 | $ | (1,543 | ) | $ | (1,257 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7,093 | ||||||||||
October 31, 2012 through December 31, 2012 (Partnership) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
Valuation allowance—deferred tax assets (a) | $ | — | $ | 332 | $ | 9,561 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 9,893 | ||||||||||||
Lehigh Gas Entities (Predecessor) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
January 1, 2012 through October 30, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | 37 | $ | 87 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 124 | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable | $ | 90 | $ | 99 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 152 | $ | 37 |
(a) | Upon the contribution from the Predecessor Entity, which was a non-taxable entity, to the Partnership, which has a wholly owned taxable subsidiary, a valuation allowance was recorded to fully reserve against the deferred tax assets recorded for the temporary differences between book and tax bases in the net liabilities contributed. As such, the valuation allowance recorded at the time of the contribution was charged against the Partners’ Capital—affiliates account of the Partnership. During 2013, in connection with updates to purchase accounting and subsequent assignment of assets and liabilities by the Partnership to LGWS, the Partnership reviewed its cumulative permanent and temporary differences. As a result of that review, the Partnership increased its net deferred tax assets that existed on the date of the contribution of net assets by the Predecessor to the Partnership by $8.5 million and increased its valuation allowance to fully offset these additional net deferred tax assets. The amount charged to other accounts has been revised to reflect this increase. |
1.1 | ||||
2.1 | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 1, 2013, by and between Rocky Top Markets, LLC and Rocky Top Properties, LLC, on the one part, and Lehigh Gas Partners LP, Lehigh Gas Wholesale LLC, LGP Realty Holdings LP, and Lehigh Gas Wholesale Services, Inc. on the other part (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on | |||
2.2 | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated | |||
3.1 | Certificate of Limited Partnership of Lehigh Gas Partners LP (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on May 11, | |||
3.2 | First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Lehigh Gas Partners LP, dated October 30, 2012, by and among Lehigh Gas Partners LP, Lehigh Gas GP LLC and Lehigh Gas Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed October 30, | |||
10.1 | ||||
Omnibus Agreement, dated October 30, 2012, by and among Lehigh Gas Partners LP, Lehigh Gas GP LLC, Lehigh Gas Corporation, Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC and Joseph V. Topper, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on October 30, | ||||
10.2 | Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among the Partnership, as borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Partnership from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank National Association, as syndication agent and KeyBank National Association, as syndication agent, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as documentation agent, Royal Bank of Canada, as documentation agent and Santander Bank, N.A., as documentation agent and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as administrative agent for the Lenders thereunder (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on March 6, 2014) | |||
10.3 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 30, 2012, by and among Lehigh Gas Partners LP, Joseph V. Topper, Jr., John B. Reilly, III, Lehigh Gas Corporation and certain of their affiliates (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on October 30, | |||
10.4 | PMPA Franchise Agreement, dated October 30, 2012, by and between Lehigh Gas Wholesale LLC and Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC (Supply Agreement with Lehigh Gas—Ohio, LLC) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on October 30, | |||
10.5 | Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 for Lehigh Gas Partners LP, filed on August 10, | |||
10.6(a) | ||||
Form of Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan Award Agreement for Phantom Units granted to executive officers | ||||
10.6(b)* | Form of Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan Award Agreement for Profits Interests with immediate vesting, granted to directors from March 14, 2014 | |||
10.6(c)* | Form of Lehigh Gas Partners LP 2012 Incentive Award Plan Award Agreement for Profits Interests, with one year vesting, granted to directors from March 14, 2014 |
10.6(d)* | ||||
21.1* | List of Subsidiaries of Lehigh Gas Partners LP | |||
23.1* | Consent of Grant Thornton LLP | |||
31.1* | Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Lehigh Gas GP LLC as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||
31.2* | Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Lehigh Gas GP LLC as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||
32.1† | Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Lehigh Gas GP LLC pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 | |||
32.2† | Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Lehigh Gas GP LLC pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 | |||
101.INS†† | XBRL Instance Document | |||
101.SCH†† | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||
101.CAL†† | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||
101.LAB†† | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||
101.PRE†† | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||
101.DEF†† | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
* | Filed herewith |
† | Not considered to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. |
†† | Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) and attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are deemed not filed as part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, are deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections. |