| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fair Value Measurements We use fair value measurements to measure, among other items, purchased assets, investments, leases and derivative contracts. We also use them to assess impairment of properties, equipment, intangible assets and goodwill. An asset’s fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. 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, 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. ASC 820 “ Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ” prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into the following hierarchy: Level 1 Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; Level 3 Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing. Cash, accounts receivable, certain other current assets, marketable securities, accounts payable, accrued expenses and certain other current liabilities are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at carrying amounts, which approximate the fair value due to their short term nature. Segment Reporting We operate our business in three reportable segments: Fuel Distribution, Pipeline Systems and Terminals. Our Fuel Distribution segment supplies motor fuel to independently-operated dealer stations, distributors, commission agents and other consumers. Also included in our Fuel Distribution segment is lease income from properties that we lease or sublease, as well as the Partnership’s credit card services, franchise royalties and retail operations in Hawaii and New Jersey. Our Pipeline Systems segment includes our investments in the J.C. Nolan Terminal and the J.C. Nolan Pipeline. Our Terminals segment is composed of four transmix processing facilities and 42 refined product terminals. Acquisition Accounting Acquisitions of assets or entities that include inputs and processes and have the ability to create outputs are accounted for as business combinations. A purchase price allocation is recorded for tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair value. The excess of fair value of consideration conveyed over fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the periods presented include the results of operations for each acquisition from their respective dates of acquisition. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Sunoco LLC and Sunoco Retail have treasury services agreements with Energy Transfer (R&M), LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer, for certain cash management activities. The net balance of Sunoco LLC and Sunoco Retail activity is reflected in either “Advances to affiliates” or “Advances from affiliates” on the consolidated balance sheets. Accounts Receivable The majority of trade receivables are from wholesale fuel customers or from credit card companies related to retail credit card transactions. Wholesale customer credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. We maintain allowances for expected credit losses based on the best estimate of the amount of expected credit losses in existing accounts receivable. Credit losses are recorded against the allowance when accounts are deemed uncollectible. Receivables from affiliates arise from fuel sales and other miscellaneous transactions with non-consolidated affiliates. These receivables are recorded at face value, without interest or discount. Inventories Fuel inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method. Under this methodology, the cost of fuel sold consists of actual acquisition costs, which includes transportation and storage costs. Such costs are adjusted to reflect increases or decreases in inventory quantities which are valued based on changes in LIFO inventory layers. Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of average cost, as determined by the retail inventory method, or market. We record an allowance for shortages and obsolescence relating to merchandise inventory based on historical trends and any known changes. Shipping and handling costs are included in the cost of merchandise inventories. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $26 million, $25 million and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of assets, estimated to be forty years for buildings, three 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 twenty 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 incurred. Long-Lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale Long-lived assets are tested for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If such indicators exist, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are compared to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for amounts necessary to reduce the corresponding carrying value of the asset to fair value. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows. Properties that have been closed and other excess real property are recorded as assets held for sale, and are written down to the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value at the time we close such stores or determine that these properties are in excess and intend to offer them for sale. We estimate the net realizable value based on our experience in utilizing or disposing of similar assets and on estimates provided by our own and third-party real estate experts. Although we have not experienced significant changes in our estimate of net realizable value, changes in real estate markets could significantly impact the net values realized from the sale of assets. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination are recorded at fair value as of the date acquired. Acquired intangible assets determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but are instead tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets is performed as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Partnership uses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, including goodwill. Some of the qualitative factors considered in applying this test include consideration of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors affecting the business, overall financial performance of the business and performance of the unit price of the Partnership. If qualitative factors are not deemed sufficient to conclude that the fair value of the reporting unit more likely than not exceeds its carrying value, then a quantitative approach is applied in making an evaluation. The quantitative evaluation utilizes multiple valuation methodologies, including a market approach (market price multiples of comparable companies), an income approach (discounted cash flow analysis), or a weighted combination of these methods. The computations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, including, among other things, selection of comparable publicly traded companies, the discount rate applied to future earnings reflecting a weighted average cost of capital and earnings growth assumptions. The Partnership believes the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment assessments are reasonable and based on available market information, but variations in any of the assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value and determinations of whether or not an impairment is indicated. A discounted cash flow analysis requires management to make various assumptions about future sales, operating margins, capital expenditures, working capital and growth rates. Cash flow projections are derived from one-year budgeted amounts plus an estimate of later period cash flows, all of which are determined by management. Subsequent period cash flows are developed for each reporting unit using growth rates that management believes are reasonably likely to occur. Under the guideline company method, the Partnership determined the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units by applying valuation multiples of comparable publicly-traded companies to each reporting unit’s projected EBITDA and then averaging that estimate with similar historical calculations using a three-year average. In addition, the Partnership estimated a reasonable control premium representing the incremental value that accrues to the majority owner from the opportunity to dictate the strategic and operational actions of the business. If the evaluation results in the fair value of the reporting unit being lower than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are composed of certain tradenames and liquor licenses which are not amortized but are evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes occur that suggest an impairment in carrying value, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing each asset’s fair value to its book value. Management first determines qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite‑lived asset is impaired. If management concludes that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived asset is impaired, then its fair value is determined by using the discounted cash flow model based on future revenues estimated to be derived in the use of the asset. Other Intangible Assets Other finite-lived intangible assets consist of supply agreements, customer relations, non-compete agreements and loan origination costs. Separable intangible assets that are not determined to have an indefinite life are amortized over their useful lives and assessed for impairment only if and when circumstances warrant. Determination of an intangible asset’s fair value and estimated useful life are based on an analysis of pertinent factors including: (1) the use of widely-accepted valuation approaches, such as the income approach or the cost approach, (2) the expected use of the asset by the Partnership, (3) the expected useful life of related assets, (4) any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions, including renewal or extension periods that would cause substantial costs or modifications to existing agreements and (5) the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. Should any of the underlying assumptions indicate that the value of the intangible assets might be impaired, we may be required to reduce the carrying value and remaining useful life of the asset. If the underlying assumptions governing the amortization of an intangible asset were later determined to have significantly changed, we may be required to adjust its amortization period to reflect a new estimate of its useful life. Any write-down of the value or unfavorable change in the useful life of an intangible asset would increase expense at that time. Customer relations and supply agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the agreements, which generally range from five Asset Retirement Obligations The estimated future cost to remove an underground storage tank is recognized over the estimated useful life of the storage tank. We record a discounted liability for the future fair value of an asset retirement obligation along with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset at the time an underground storage tank is installed. We then depreciate the amount added to property and equipment and recognize accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the remaining life of the tank. We base our estimates of the anticipated future costs for tank removal on our prior experience with removals. We review assumptions for computing the estimated liability for tank removal on an annual basis. Any change in estimated cash flows are reflected as an adjustment to both the liability and the associated asset. Long-lived assets related to asset retirement obligations aggregated $13 million and $14 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and were reflected as property and equipment, net, on our consolidated balance sheets. Environmental Liabilities Environmental expenditures related to existing conditions, resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible, are expensed. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. We determine and establish a liability on a site-by-site basis when future environmental expenditures are probable and can be reasonably estimated. A related receivable is recorded for estimable and probable reimbursements. Revenue Recognition Revenues from our Fuel Distribution segment are derived from the sale of fuel, non-fuel and lease income. Fuel sales consist primarily of the sale of motor fuel under supply agreements with third-party customers and affiliates. Fuel supply contracts with our customers generally provide that we distribute motor fuel at a price based on a formula which includes published rates, volume-based profit margin and other terms specific to the agreement. The customer is invoiced the agreed-upon price with most payment terms ranging less than 30 days. If the consideration promised in a contract includes a variable amount, the Partnership estimates the variable consideration amount and factors in such estimate to determine the transaction price under the expected value method. Revenue is recognized under the motor fuel contracts at the point in time the customer takes control of the fuel. At the time control is transferred to the customer the sale is considered final, because the agreements do not grant customers the right to return motor fuel. To determine when control transfers to the customer, the shipping terms of the contract are assessed as a primary indicator of the transfer of control. For FOB shipping point terms, revenue is recognized at the time of shipment. The performance obligation with respect to the sale of goods is satisfied at the time of shipment since the customer gains control at this time under the terms. Shipping and/or handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed to be fulfillment activities and are accounted for as fulfillment costs. Once the goods are shipped, the Partnership is precluded from redirecting the shipment to another customer and revenue is recognized. Non-fuel revenue includes merchandise revenue that comprises the in-store merchandise and food service sales at company-operated retail stores and other revenue such as credit card processing, car washes, lottery and other services. Lease revenue is derived from leasing arrangements for which we are the lessor and recognized ratably over the term of the underlying lease. Revenues from our Terminals segment include fees for tank storage agreements, under which a customer agrees to pay for a certain amount of storage in a tank over a period of time and throughput agreements, under which a customer pays a fee per barrel for volumes moving through our terminals. Our terminals also provide blending, additive injections, handling and filtering services for which we charge additional fees. Lease Income Lease income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Cost of Sales We include in cost of sales all costs incurred to acquire fuel and merchandise, including the costs of purchasing, storing and transporting inventory prior to delivery to our customers. Items are removed from inventory and are included in cost of sales based on the retail inventory method for merchandise and the LIFO method for motor fuel. Cost of sales does not include depreciation of property and equipment as amounts attributed to cost of sales would not be significant. Depreciation is classified within operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Motor Fuel and Sales Taxes Certain motor fuel and sales taxes are collected from customers and remitted to governmental agencies either directly by the Partnership or through suppliers. The Partnership’s accounting policy for wholesale direct sales to dealers, distributors and commercial customers is to exclude the collected motor fuel tax from sales and cost of sales. For retail locations where the Partnership holds inventory, including commission agent locations, motor fuel sales and motor fuel cost of sales include motor fuel taxes. Such amounts were $274 million, $285 million and $332 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Merchandise sales and cost of merchandise sales are reported net of sales tax in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Deferred Branding Incentives We receive payments for branding incentives related to fuel supply contracts. Unearned branding incentives are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement as a credit to cost of sales. Lease Accounting At the inception of each lease arrangement, we determine if the arrangement is a lease or contains an embedded lease and review the facts and circumstances of the arrangement to classify lease assets as operating or finance leases under Topic 842. The Partnership has elected not to record any leases with terms of 12 months or less on our consolidated balance sheets. Balances related to operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, net, operating lease current liabilities and non-current operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases represent a small portion of the active lease agreements and are included in other non-current assets and long-term debt, net on our consolidated balance sheets. The right-of-use assets represent the Partnership’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation of the Partnership to make minimum lease payments arising from the lease for the duration of the lease term. The Partnership leases a portion of its properties under non-cancelable operating leases, whose initial terms are typically five one To determine the present value of future minimum lease payments, we use the implicit rate when readily determinable. Presently, because many of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Partnership applies its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of minimum lease payments. The operating and finance lease right-of-use assets include any lease payments made and exclude lease incentives. Minimum rent is 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. The Partnership is typically responsible for payment of real estate taxes, maintenance expenses and insurance. The Partnership also leases certain vehicles, and such leases are typically less than five years. For short-term leases (leases that have term of twelve months or less upon commencement), lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis and no right-of-use assets are recorded. Earnings Per Unit In addition to limited partner units, we have IDRs as participating securities and compute net income per common 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 First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as amended (the “Partnership Agreement”). Net income per unit applicable to limited partners is computed by dividing limited partners’ interest in net income, after deducting any incentive distributions and distributions on unvested phantom unit awards, by the weighted average number of outstanding common units. Unit-Based Compensation Under the Partnership's long-term incentive plans, various types of awards may be granted to employees, consultants and directors of our General Partner who provide services for us. Compensation expense related to outstanding awards is recognized over the vesting period based on the grant-date fair value. The grant-date fair value is determined based on the market price of our common units on the grant date. We amortize the grant-date fair value of these awards over their vesting period using the straight-line method. Expenses related to unit-based compensation are included in general and administrative expenses. Income Taxes The Partnership is a publicly traded limited partnership and is not taxable for federal and most state income tax purposes. As a result, our earnings or losses, to the extent not included in a taxable subsidiary, for federal and most state purposes are included in the tax returns of the individual partners. 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 basis of assets and liabilities, differences between the tax accounting and financial accounting treatment of certain items, and due to allocation requirements related to taxable income under our Partnership Agreement. We do not have access to information regarding each partner's individual tax basis in our limited partner interests. As a publicly traded limited partnership, we are subject to a statutory requirement that our “qualifying income” (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, related Treasury Regulations and IRS pronouncements) exceed 90% of our total gross income, determined on a calendar year basis. If our qualifying income were not to meet this statutory requirement, the Partnership would be taxed as a corporation for federal and state income tax purposes. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, our qualifying income met the statutory requirement. The Partnership conducts certain activities through corporate subsidiaries which are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. These corporate subsidiaries include Sunoco Retail, Aloha and Peerless. The Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. The determination of the provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. The benefits of uncertain tax positions are recorded in our consolidated financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax positions will withstand challenge, if any, from taxing authorities. When facts and circumstances change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes through the provision for income taxes. |
